🏆 Best of Nashville winners & surprises

🏆 And the “Best Of” Trophy Goes To …

In today’s Friday News Roundup, Nashville Scene editor in chief D. Patrick Rodgers joins the City Cast Nashville podcast team to discuss the annual Best of Nashville issue! What’s the surprise pick for Best Restaurant? And which Titans player probably isn’t “Best” anymore? [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

🏫 USN Students Protest Sexual Harassment Response

About 150 University School of Nashville students walked out on Wednesday, protesting the administration’s response to a student’s sexual harassment claim against former teacher Dean Masullo. The students are demanding Director Amani Reed and Assistant Head of School Quinton Walker resign. [The Tennessean]

🛌 Salvation Army and Metro Clash Over Transitional Housing

A contract between the Salvation Army and Metro for managing the Rodeway Inn transitional housing facility expires at the end of October. The Office of Homeless Services believes the Salvation Army failed to use grant money meant for the inn, while the Salvation Army says the grant was for its LIFNAV program instead. [Nashville Banner]

🏘️ Community Petitions for Confederate Street Name Changes

After a chancellor overruled the Tennessee Historical Commission’s decision that street names are protected under state law, the Forest Hills community can file a petition to change six street names inspired by the Civil War. The community has been fighting for the name changes since 2022. [Tennessee Lookout]

We took a trip around our state, and there was one Tennessee state park that we knew we had to see. Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park is an interesting place that we had to add to our adventures once we learned about the abandoned ruins found in the forest, and we were also pleasantly surprised to find a plethora of waterfalls and a very interesting museum. If you want to dig into the history of this archeological park, the best place to start is the museum, which will give you great context before you head off on the trails.

I had done a little research before we arrived and knew this was a must-see stop on our trip. I was mostly excited to see the abandoned fort and ruins found inside the park, but I knew I had to see the museum.

This is one of the first stops you should make when you go to this park because it holds some really good information that will put your hike into context. The building can easily be passed if you don’t know what you are looking for because it is completely built into the hillside and looks very natural. This was part of the appeal to me and drew me in based on aesthetics alone. Curb appeal aside, this small museum held some very valuable information and the staff member working inside was very helpful in highlighting some of the must-see spots on the map for me to use.

Inside we learned more about the park and the Native Americans that called this place home from 1500 to 2000 years ago. They had left the area abandoned, and the reasoning is mysterious; it is unclear whether them leaving was due to the settlers making their way West or an unknown reason. The large plot of land has a built-up wall surrounding the grasslands and was mistaken as an old fort, thus the name of the park.

There are many theories as to what life was like in this area, and displays showcase the artifacts found onsite. There were even interactive elements, like the replica of the hut and animal pelts you could feel, hanging inside. It was a fascinating trip through history, and part of the allure for me is the unknown.