Escape the heat this summer with this Nashville, indoor outing.

Rarely is there an idea for an adventure that's fitting for everyone.  

Looking for something to do with friends?

Looking for something to do as a family?

Looking for something to keep the kids busy?

Here's a recommendation that checks all those boxes.

Last month, we attended a class at The Clay Lady Studio.

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It’s hard to believe that a few lumps of clay and a lady called “The Clay Lady” could have  inspired me so profoundly that morning. But it did; she did.

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“Take what you think. Take what you feel. Mix it all up, and make something real.” –The Clay Lady explaining what real artists do 

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 What did we love about learning from The Clay Lady?

  • She reminded us that today, we were artists. Not tomorrow. Not when we sold something. Not after we took some college level fine arts course. Today.
  • She gave us permission to create, to make a mess, to use our imagination.
  • She told us there were no right ways to make our project (which were owls, albeit the unintended abstract kind, as you can see from the pictures) and so no need to compare our work to anyone else.
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Sound basic, right? It was, but...

when you're an adult, there rarely is a space like this in life, a sandbox for your brain and hands, a way to channel everything you're feeling inside into a visible project you can hold in your stressed out, adult-sized hands.

So, when you find a place like this it feels sensationally simplistic and freeing.

The Clay Lady Studio offers a variety of workshops, classes and events, as well as a gift shop where you can purchase unique souvenirs from local artists. You’ll want to stop by or check them out online.

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You won't just find your typical tchotchkes in the gallery store; the inventory there is beautiful and functional...truly pieces of art. Next time I need a gift for a friend, I'm heading there first.

 

After your class or workshop...

I recommend grabbing a bite to eat about 2 miles away at Joey’s House of Pizza.

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Placing an order at this little Nashville gem is a lot like ordering from the Soup Nazi from that episode of Seinfeld. Remember this guy from the show??

The folks at Joey's are friendly, unlike the Soup Nazi (above) in the episode. There's just not a lot of time to decide what you want. No in-depth discussions about the ingredients in the lasagna? No waffling over the sausage or veggie slice. Y…

The folks at Joey's are friendly, unlike the Soup Nazi (above) in the episode. There's just not a lot of time to decide what you want. No in-depth discussions about the ingredients in the lasagna? No waffling over the sausage or veggie slice. You must order. Order quick. Then move along.

People rave about this pizza. It's won awards. But the ordering process...sheesh, lets just say, you've been forewarned. 

The food is so good…authentic NY style pizza, homestyle lasagna seemingly made by the Italian grandmother you wish you had, and lunch prices so good I fed myself and my two kiddos for $10.

Of course when faced with the Italian array of dishes, my kids choose a cheese slice with a side of spaghetti! #ParentingProbs It's ok. Still yum!

Of course when faced with the Italian array of dishes, my kids choose a cheese slice with a side of spaghetti! #ParentingProbs It's ok. Still yum!

Pair it with a visit to The Clay Lady, and you’ve got yourself a day which promises to delight each of your five senses.