When I heard about the brand new Hey Rooster General Store that just opened in East Nashville, I put it on my mental to-do list of places I needed to check out. By coincidence, I was driving along Gallatin yesterday and a gorgeous mint green narrow building with a “General Store” sign hanging above a bright yellow door surrounded by flowers caught my eye. It was Hey Rooster and I happened to have my camera with me, so I pulled a quick left turn and parked my car so I could check out their new digs.

Courtney was perched behind the counter and greeted me with a warm hello upon entering and information on all the handmade products sold in her store. She’s originally from Nashville, but has spent time in Louisiana and New York working in architecture and with Etsy, so it’s no wonder why the store is decked out with stunning treasures made by her friends (my favorite are the Brooklyn Grooming mustache waxes + peanut almond butter!) and family memorabilia like her lake house refrigerator and mother’s sewing machine, among carefully selected flea market finds. She has phenomenal taste.

She’s open until 5PM today, so take a little Sunday trip to her store and say hello! I promise you’ll find a one-of-a-kind treasure to gift a friend or yourself.

I woke up at precisely 6AM yesterday and instantly knew I wanted to hit the road and occupy my restless mind with a new challenge and place. I did a mental scan of places by Nashville, and decided that Louisville was the city to set sights on for the day.

After a quick shower and coffee, I was out the door and on 65-N for the next three hours until I drove into the Highlands area, which is centered along a three mile stretch of Bardstown Road that’s filled with eclectic shops, restaurants and galleries. Leatherhead was the first place I visited, and boy was it a feast for the eyes with gorgeous hides and leather accessories draped and positioned in clever ways tempting you to drop some major cash. After forcing myself out the door, I wandered into unassuming book stores and record shops tucked away on quiet side streets lined with the most funky houses.

Later on in the afternoon, I sat down for a quick bite to eat at Uptown Cafe and then set off to the 21c Museum Hotel that’s located in downtown Louisville. Immediately upon entering, it was a sensory overload with the sweetest scent of spring and assortment of soft indie rock tunes lulling in the background, which seemed to perfectly match their cool interior and gorgeous artwork speckled all around. You see, this hotel is extra special because it doubles as a contemporary art museum that showcases work from emerging to renowned artists.

After I was done perusing and mulling over all the art, I returned to my car as the meter was clocking down from it’s last minute, and knew it was time to head back home after a very satisfying trip to Louisville.

A few weeks ago, I swung by Fort Houston for a studio visit with Jon Dalman of Dalman Supply Co. who creates custom bike locks. As of late, he’s been gaining momentum in the community (and beyond) with his one-of-a-kind pieces. I love how his company evolved out of a simple need, and has now turned into a full-time business with other opportunities in the works (stay tuned on that). Feel free to browse or purchase your very own bike lock here.

Hello dear readers. As promised, here is my New England photo diary. I booked off a bit more time for this trip to New Hampshire (where I’m from) for Easter, so I could document this area that’s close to my heart and bring you all a little taste of what the northeast has to offer through places in New Hampshire, Maine and Massachusetts.

On Monday, I spent time photographing the historical houses of Strawbery Banke in Portsmouth, NH and driving along the seacoast around the Fuller Gardens area in Rye, looking at all the picturesque oceanfront mansions. This area also intertwines with peaceful side roads that lead to places like Union Chapel, which holds non-denominational Sunday services in the summer.

Portland, ME was full of quaint neighborhoods and artistic undertones flowing throughout the city thanks to hip local clothing lines like Seawall, and independent restaurants such as Eventide Oyster Co. in the Old Port. Bakeries selling fresh baked goods and coffee seemed to be on every corner, along with unique thrift stores and bars like LFK (decked out with old typewriters and books) in Portland’s Arts District where you can grab a craft beer and burger before heading off to class at Maine College of Art down the street.

While in Boston, I first visited the historic Beacon Hill area that’s filled with unique houses and architecture that will simply lace you with intrigue. I then took the Green Line to the Allston-Brighton area, which was a whirlwind of hurried college students dressed in lively colors blended with a hint of hip hop meets punk. I ended my day at The Liberty Hotel (which used to be the Charles Street Jail built in 1851), and sat back in their plush tiered-level seating with a cocktail and dessert as I let my mind wander on a tangent about what all these New England areas have to offer.

Hello everyone! I just got back to Nashville from a whirlwind trip to Austin, TX for SXSW. I’m a big fan of Austin, and even though I’ve already visited the city a few times, each returning trip I find something new that piques my interest and ultimately makes me fall that much more in love with it.

There’s just something about Texas that fascinates me. I would love to explore the state in more depth as there’s so much rich content that has me twiddling my thumbs in anticipation of an exploration. Next week I’m flying north and plan to photograph some cool spots and cities in New England.

Be on the lookout for more city photo diaries coming your way soon!

Arnold’s Country Kitchen is arguably one of the best meat and threes in Nashville. Tucked on the end of a row of shops on 8th Avenue South is where this small local gem resides. It’s hard to miss them considering their storefront is painted bright red + yellow, and there’s usually a line out the door.

Whether you’re a local or visiting, this is the place to go for proper southern comfort food!