Travel Talk with Ed Finn

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Saturday, 16 August 2025 - 13 minutes

“On this week’s Travel Talk, I’m joined by Jill Kilgore to dive into the magic of Tennessee. Fresh from my own trip, I share my top ten highlights:  I also discovered Leiper’s Fork, with its charm, the Fox & Locke music venue, and a sip or two at the Leiper’s Fork Distillery. Food lovers won’t be disappointed either—Locust, Nashville - C&M Restaurant in Memphis, Itta Bena, and even the best Old Fashioned I’ve ever had at Banker’s Alley with bar manager David Powell. Jill tells us why Tennessee is the ultimate destination for music, culture, food, and whiskey—and with a new direct flight, it’s never been easier to get there.”  Pictured below - David Powell at Banker's Alley,  Whiskey tasting with Lee Kennedy at Leiper's Fork Distillery, Meeting Aubrey Preston at Leiper's Fork and learning all about the Americana Music Triangle, checking out my Hertz rental at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville.

🎸 Ed’s Top Things to Do in Tennessee

• Graceland – Walk in Elvis’s footsteps at his legendary Memphis home.

• Sun Studio – Where rock ’n’ roll was born, and Elvis, Johnny Cash & Jerry Lee Lewis all recorded.

• Stax Museum & Theatre – Celebrate the soul legends who shaped music history. Record your song in the studio where Elvis and U2 recorded - it's just $200 an hour - Drew does a terrific tour here, don't miss it.

• Grand Ole Opry – Nashville’s crown jewel of country music and live performance.

• Country Music Hall of Fame – A must for music lovers with treasures from every era.

• Dine at Locust Nashville  – helmed by the brilliant Chef Trevor Moran.

• Leiper’s Fork – A charming village packed with galleries, antique shops, and quirky stores like Patina Home & Garden, Serenite Maison, Copper Fox, and David Arms Gallery.  

• Fox & Locke – An iconic live music venue in Leiper’s Fork where the vibe is pure magic.  Meeting Tim O' Brien there was awesome. Tim O'Brien, the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, performs with his wife, Jan Fabricius, in Leiper's Fork, often at Fox & Locke. Thanks to Cindy Dupree and the charasmatic Aubrey Preston for the wonderful hospitality.

• Leiper’s Fork Distillery – Raise a glass to authentic Tennessee whiskey-making.

• C&M Restaurant (Memphis) – Classic Southern cooking with true local flavour.

• B.B. King’s Blues Club & Itta Bena (Memphis) – Legendary blues downstairs and cocktails with fine dining upstairs at Itta Bena for the perfect night out.

• Great places to stay - Nashville Downtown - Banker's Alley Hotel (Say hello to Bar Manager David Powell who makes the best Old Fashioned in the world!) - Relaxed with a great pool & fitness centre - Sonesta Nashville on 600 Marriott drive with a free airport shuttle - in Memphis - Arrive is a fab boutique hotel just a few minutes walk from Beale street.

Shopping - A great store run by the lovely Brooke Giannetti in Leiper's Fork - Patina - Check out the American Music Triangle Map on their wall there -https://www.patinahomeandgarden.com/

         Pictured above - Arrive Memphis - Pictured below Sonesta Nashville near Airport on Marriott Drive

Trevor Moran and his innovative culinary squad at Locust Nashville

Locust Nashville – A Culinary Revelation with Chef Trevor Moran

While in Nashville, I had the chance to experience one of the city’s most exciting and creative dining spots — Locust, helmed by the brilliant Chef Trevor Moran. Originally from Dublin, Trevor has made his mark on the U.S. culinary scene, earning national acclaim for his daring, playful approach to food.

What makes Locust so special is its unexpected menu — a place where every dish feels like a revelation. Whether it’s delicate dumplings, perfectly crafted seasonal plates, or inventive bites that blend fine-dining precision with laid-back fun, Trevor’s cooking is both refined and rebellious. You quickly realise why his restaurant has picked up so many awards and why it’s become one of Nashville’s hardest-to-get tables.

The vibe is just as memorable as the food. The open kitchen hums with energy, the team is warm and welcoming, and there’s a sense of being part of something truly original. Dining at Locust isn’t just about eating — it’s an experience that celebrates creativity, flavour, and good company.

For me, it was one of the absolute highlights of Nashville: sharing laughs with Trevor and his talented crew, sipping innovative cocktails, and tasting dishes that will stay with me long after the trip. Locust is a restaurant that captures the soul of modern Nashville — bold, vibrant, and unforgettable.

https://www.locustnashville.com/

For some great info to plan your trip to Tennessee Visit - https://www.tnvacation.com/

For your free holiday guide - https://www.tnvacation.com/guide

Aer Lingus now flies direct from Dublin to Nashville from €230 each way - Fly to Nashville 

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