image courtesy of CtcbOnline.com

What do you get when you combine country music, authentic Southern food and one famous log cabin together? Nashville’s best kept secret, the Fontanel, of course! Guess what? Southern Living is building their 2013 Idea House at the Fontanel. So, we thought we would tell you a little more about this magical place!

The Fontanel is only 15 minutes from Roberts Western World, Tootsies and our other favorite honky-tonk hangouts in downtown Music City. We love that this retreat is so close to all of the bright lights and big city action of Nashville, yet it’s surrounded by open skies, green pastures and rolling hills.

So what’s the story behind the Fontanel?

It all started with Barbara…

image courtesy of GACTV.com

And we mean none other than the legendary Barbara Mandrell! In addition to selling multiple platinum albums over her amazing country music career, as well as, being a member of the prestigious Country Music Hall of Fame, she also starred in several TV series like the Mandrell Sisters variety show (the ’70′s and ’80′s at its best!) and the country music comedy show, Hee Haw.

In 1987, Barbara and her husband decided to build a “tiny” 27,000 square foot log cabin on 136 acres. They named their new home “The Fontanel.”

In 2002, the Mandrells moved and sold the property. And now, The Fontanel has become a destination for tourists, with a variety of things to see and do. In addition to taking a jaw-dropping tour of the Mandrell’s former home, you can now walk beautiful trails around the spacious property, eat at the yummy Cafe Fontanella (we are partial to their Nonna Salad with chicken on top!).

image courtesy of MidtnToday.com

You can also hear a variety of talented musicians at the very cool Woods amphitheater. We were lucky enough to listen to Steve Martin’s bluegrass band, The Steep Canyon Rangers.  The amphitheater’s acoustics were A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!

image courtesy of WoodsAmpitheatre.com

We think Southern Living picked the ideal spot to build its 2013 Idea House! The home (which will later be converted into a bed and breakfast and events space) is being built on a beautiful field that is adjacent to all these amazing amenities. We can’t wait to dust off our cowboy boots and head to the Fontanel!

We’ll be back with more news soon!

Anna-Kristin and Cameron