🎁 The best Nashville experiences to gift

🌮 It’s Taco Week!

Nashville Scene Taco Week is here! On today’s City Cast Nashville podcast, we’re previewing the field of restaurants competing for this year's title with Scene food writer Chris Chamberlain. Plus, find out how you can win prizes just by eating 38 different tacos in one week! [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

✈️ New Nonstop Flights at BNA

Nashville International Airport is adding 10 new nonstop flights to Orlando, Phoenix, Cancun, Punta Cana, and more. This comes amid growing congestion at the airport, which led to another major traffic jam over Thanksgiving weekend. [🔐 The Tennessean]

• Want to take a trip this winter? Here are the best holiday flight deals. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

🏘️ Council Approves Housing Bills

Metro Council has approved two bills to address Nashville’s growing demand for housing. One creates new zoning districts to allow homes such as townhouses and triplexes, and the other expands options for detached accessory dwelling units. [Nashville Scene]

• We asked Metro’s deputy director of planning and development to explain the bills to us. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]
• Council deferred consideration of the memorandum of understanding that would allow the Nashville Downtown Partnership to use grant funds for surveillance technology until Dec. 16. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

🗳️ Matt Van Epps Sworn In

Congressman Matt Van Epps was speedily sworn in 36 hours after winning the Tennessee 7th Congressional special election. By comparison, House Speaker Mike Johnson refused to swear in recently elected Democratic Representative Adelita Grijalva of Arizona for seven weeks. [Nashville Banner]

• Our conversation with State Representative Aftyn Behn about her campaign, and what’s next. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

It’s giving season! Nashville has many fantastic local businesses to shop from, but if you’re looking for a unique present, check out these experience gifts.

🎟️ Memberships

• I likely don’t need to shout out my love of the Nashville Zoo again. We upgraded our membership this year to include the unlimited ride pass, and it was well worth it!
• Cheekwood memberships start at $70. It’s a great gift for garden and art lovers as well as families.
• In addition to the zoo and Cheekwood, the Adventure Science Center and Nashville Children’s Theatre have memberships that would make wonderful gifts for families.
• A membership to our favorite place to watch movies, Belcourt Theatre, starts at only $50.
• If someone on your list loves music and history, consider a membership to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. The museum has frequent events with songwriters and musicians. The National Museum of African American Music also has membership options.
• The Frist Art Museum’s memberships start at $60, and they have some great exhibits coming next year.
• I might be biased, but a City Cast Nashville membership would make a great gift! Members have access to exclusive events and other perks.

🍽️ For Foodies

• Aloha Fish Co. has multiple maki sushi classes. City Cast Nashville host Marie Cecile Anderson did this with her mom, and they had a blast.
• At The Roll Academy, folks can learn the history and science of rolled ice cream and create a custom flavor. This is my favorite ice cream in Nashville.
• Gift a Nelson's Green Brier Distillery tour.
• Kitchen Social in Brentwood has lots of cooking classes.

✍️ For Creatives

• The Porch has numerous classes for aspiring or established writers. Plus, it’s a wonderful, supportive community.
• For the comedian in your life, give an improv class at Third Coast Comedy Club.
• Book a workshop at Turnip Green Creative Reuse or with Sam Simms Stained Glass Accessories.
• At a Hatch Show Print Block Party, folks can learn about letterpress and relief printing and create a work of art.

🥾 For Outdoorsie Folk

• River Queen Voyages offers kayaking and pontooning experiences along the Cumberland.
• Climb and zipline across Nashville’s forests at The Adventure Park.
• Give a falconry class!