Thursday, July 1, 2010

The Pink Elephant in the Room...

Charlotte Avenue was the Pink Elephant in the room for me. But now I'm ready to talk about it.

My husband and I bought our second home a stone’s throw from Charlotte Avenue in 2006. As a Nashville native, I’ve had to overcome some stereotypes about Charlotte. At first, I was embarrassed (now just somewhat annoyed) by the plethora of payday advance and discount tobacco stores. Red-faced, when I gave directions to visitors, I apologetically encouraged them to avoid Charlotte altogether.

But then, I found I simply could not avoid Charlotte in order to carry out every day business. First, out of convenience and necessity I used it. Over time, Charlotte grew on me.

My niece and nephews giggle with glee when they see the Pink Elephant at University Motors because they are almost to my house. Before, I might have felt a tinge of uneasiness. Now I'm proud of Charlotte Avenue's kitschy mascot.


Does Charlotte have warts? Oh, Yes. Can it be improved? Sure.

But Charlotte has genuine character and moxie. It provides businesses and activities that reflect the people and cultures of our neighborhood. Rich, poor, in between. Costco, pawn shop or taqueria. It is our neighborhood’s thoroughfare. And I want more people to know about it, celebrate it and experience it.

So, check back for little gems you might find on the West side’s thoroughfare if you dig a little deeper. Hail the Pink Elephant!

In a few days, look for my first post about a little gem called Spotted Dog Antiques...

11 comments:

  1. Charlotte Avenue Girl, Welcome to blogging. Love the post! I live off Charlotte, too, close to Nashville West, the traffic is what bothers me and the noise from the interstate~I miss the woods that provided habitat for wildlife and a buffer from interstate noise for the neighborhood.
    gail
    clayandlimestone.com

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  2. Oh my friend! What an excellent idea! Yes. Do this blog. In fact....the leather guy on Charlotte just west of White Bridge Road might be an excellent blog post. We are big fans in our house. I am intrigued and delighted to see more! Go!

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  3. oops...I'm not John. Logged in at work and someone else's account came up. That last comment and this one came from RVB.

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  4. yay for CA! I love this less traffic alternative st. for cutting over to west meade, shopping, etc Look forward to reading - Thanks!

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  5. What a great idea!! Do you know about the West Nashville Farmer's Market on the corner of Charlotte and 46th? It is fantastic, definitely a Charlotte Ave. gem :) We get wonderful, fresh produce, goat cheese, and the best eggs we've ever eaten there pretty much every weekend. It's Saturdays from 9am to noon.

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  6. I just moved to Newberry Road and I think this is a great idea!

    I'd love to see a review of Cosmos, the new coffee shop, as well as pictures /info about K&S World Market and Lucky Bamboo. Good luck with the Blog!

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  7. Thanks for all the great suggestions for future gem posts "y'all"...Charlotte has so many gems, it will keep me busy for a while!

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  8. Great blog!! We bought our home in Charlotte Park a few years ago and just love it. The payday loan places and pawn shops on Charlotte bug me a bit but there are a lot of amazing places scattered amongst them. And Tequila's is the BEST mexican food around. What's Lucky Bamboo??

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  9. I love the concept for this blog! I, too, felt the same way about Charlotte Pike having sold my condo in Green Hills for a house in Charlotte Park. I fell in love with the neighborhood and area. Look forward to reading!

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  10. Tracy, Tequilas is really one of THE best Mexican places in Nashville in our opinion as well. I have a friend who is nervous for me to blog it because there will be a line out of the door for their yummy foods, and Sat night kareoke as well. But...honestly, I can't wait to blog this crown jewel! It's worth the risk :)

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  11. Welcome to Angie and all new west-side residents. I hope this blog will be a place to instill a little well-deserved neighborhood pride.

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