I’ve been going to the state fair since I was knee high to a grasshopper. Never did I think I’d see the day when the fair became hip. OK, I should reserve judgment until I’ve been there, done that, but the hype definitely seems to suggest my fair has modernized some.

I look forward to the usual shenanigans: racing pigs, mule pulling, cow milking, sorghum making, all the cooking competitions. But get a load of what you’ve missed if you haven’t been to the fair in a while: a Family Fun Zone, footprints you can follow all over the fairgrounds to all kinds of surprises; Kid’s country for youngsters; and Game Hype Experience with Wii, Xbox360, and Ps3 games. There’s even a Guitar Hero Competition.

And it wouldn’t be 2009 if the event wasn’t in on the environmental movement, so check out the Greenway Energy Expo. Throw in 4-H, Volunteer Village, ALL-YOU-CAN-RIDE wristbands, and you’ve got yourself a better than fair fair.

Dane

I saw some of Chuck Close’s paintings about 20 years ago. They totally blew me away and ever since then I’ve tried to sort of keep track of what he’s up to. Can you believe it; Dora had to point out that there’s actually an exhibit going on right here in Nashville!

Let me say that I’ve not been yet, but I don’t feel weird about recommending you go just because I think you’re likely to have the same reaction I did. The pieces are usually big, which makes them dramatic. But they are also brilliantly done and so meticulous and creative they’ll blow your mind.

Most of his work is portraiture (though he calls them “heads”), but the way he does them is unlike anything you’ve seen. Actually, these days we might recognize a sort of digital inspiration in a lot of the pieces. But you just to have to see them up close and in person.

So if you’re visiting our fair city or if you live here, make some time to get over to the exhibit. It’s called Process and Collaboration and is at the Frist until Sept. 13. See you there.

Dane

Not really a tour sort of person? You think tour and immediately see a bus crammed with retirees in visors and Sansabelt slacks? I’m with you. But Citystage Productions here in Nashville is reinventing the idea.

Imagine a tour combined with interactive theater combined with a spy thriller. This first one is called “The Safehouse” and has tour groups visit six historic locations downtown while solving puzzles, interacting with actors, and following clues as the plot unfolds. Their site even says you will “practice actual techniques used by spies throughout history.” It’s a great idea and I have to admit, they’ve got me intrigued.

It starts downtown at Printers Alley at noon each Saturday, goes every half hour, and lasts about 2.5 hours. And no bus ― the entire thing is on foot and covers less than a square mile, they say, which makes it doable for just about everyone, including kids.

So whether you’re a local or new to Nashville, here’s your chance to polish up your sleuth’s magnifying glass and see the city in a brand-new way.

Dane

OK, so here’s the deal. This month is what we call Awesome April around here. And there are so many music events going on during the month that it’s impossible to write about all of them. So, here are a few teasers to get you started.

First, get your spiritual groove on and hit Gospel Music Week, with more than 100 musical performances, panels, and workshops. It runs April 18-22.

And then on the last Saturday in April, the 25th, head over to Centennial Park for the Country Music Marathon and half Marathon. There will be 50 bands playing on 27 stages.

You better take some days off work. You could be busy this month.

Dane

Dora and I have made a New Year’s resolution to get out a few times a month and be “tourists.” When you live in a place like Nashville for a while, it’s easy to forget that people travel a long way to get a look at our history and attractions.

So last weekend we went and toured the United Record Pressing plant in downtown Nashville. It’s been around since 1949 and is one of only four places in the whole country still making vinyl records. Man, I just love that some place is still doing it. It’s a really amazing process.

While you’re at it, check out their “Motown Suite” and party room, both of which have great stories to tell. But, you’ll have to visit the plant yourself to get the scoop.

Dane

People are going to start thinking that I’m working for the Tennessee State Fairgrounds, but I promised Dora I’d write about one of her favorite things to do: flea-marketing (is that even a real term?).

Even the name, flea market, should give you pause, but I’ll admit that the one at the fairgrounds is pretty great. The market claims to be one of the top ten in the country, and I can believe it. There are vendors from over 30 states and booths hold everything from tools and antiques to rugs and shoes.

The market is held on the fourth weekend of each month (except in December when it’s on the third weekend of the month). I defy you to walk away without something you didn’t know you needed.

Dane

Hey hockey fans. I know it’s not looking too good for our hometown Preds making it to the playoffs. Heck, I haven’t done the math and we may already be out of it. But people counted us out last season and we still made it.

So my point is get over to the Sommet for a game. Playoff bound or not, the guys are great on the ice. Especially J.P. Dumont because he’s great to watch (even though he’s not scoring these days…). Dora isn’t a huge fan but she likes to watch him.

I’d say the upcoming game on Feb. 10 is probably the must see one. Detroit will be in town and they’re at the top of the Central Division. They’re the team to beat and should make for a good show.

A shameless plug as well…we’ve got a Predators package going on right now ($99 + tax, includes breakfast for 2). Just enter in the code B&B when you book your stay. We also offer free parking and complimentary shuttle service from the airport.

Dane

Times are tough out there. The economy is not exactly firing on all cylinders these days. So everybody is tightening their belts. Thankfully, Cheekwood Art and Gardens are doing what it can to help us out by having dollar days until the end of January.  January is almost over, though, so hurry over there!

That means that you only need a buck to get in to see things in the museum and gallery like Innerspace, Permaculture and UFOs, an exhibit on science fiction films and sustainable agriculture; Reverse Angle, which is a bunch of video artists; and a big Faberge collection.

That’s just some of the stuff to see. And then there are the gardens, which are just as beautiful in winter with the evergreens, flowering apricots, and colorful twig dogwoods. Not bad for a buck.  Just 5 days left!

Dane

This might not be as interesting to you younger types out there. But if you’re of a, um, certain age and grew up in these parts you’ll probably be interested in the current art show at The Belcourt.

The Belcourt is worth seeing in its own right. And it’s a perfect spot for painter Peggy Snow to have her show This Old World. It’s a collection of her paintings of a bunch of old Nashville buildings that have either been demolished or soon will be. There’s the Union Station train shed, the old Father Ryan High School and the Community Baptist Church, and others. Sound familiar?

Even if you don’t know them the paintings are really great. Dora described them as “full of movement” and I have to agree. And lots of color. The show runs every day until Jan. 21.

Dane

OK, so this recommendation comes from Dora. She and her sister were out for the after Christmas sales and they said I had to mention this place Marti & Liz over in Cool Springs. You’d have thought they found a box of kittens or something. (How can women find so many ways to use the word cute?)

I don’t know anything about the place, but from the boxes they brought home they seem to have found plenty of stuff they liked over there. They said the prices were too good they couldn’t help it. Couldn’t afford not to buy them. I like that logic.

Anyway, there you have it. If you’re looking to help the shoeless in your family, try Marti & Liz.

Dane