On a scale of 1-10, what local spots have your children missed most during quarantine?
My kids (and I) have missed our favorite restaurants around 7, the parks for climbing at about 9, and on any given rainy day we’ve been at 10 to get back inside the Discovery Center.
While we've missed the learning and fun of one of our favorite spots due to Covid-19, it has been so encouraging to me to stay in the Discovery Center loop and help plan the Secret Garden Party at Home event for this Friday, June 5. The special online fundraiser features familiar faces from around our city telling stories, creating cuisine, and, yes, digging in the garden, as we celebrate all that Discovery Center is and seek to sustain its operations for when doors can open safely again.
I hope you'll join us for this very special time to support our children's museum. Here are 7 ways we'll be celebrating on Friday.
1. We'll have a [Lunch]pool party
We've all had a our fair share of two-dimensional Zooming lately, but through the Lunchpool webinar format Secret Garden Party guests will sit at virtual tables and get to chat with those around them while watching the program live. Neat, right?
2. We'll dress up.
People will see you, and you’ll see people; therefore, you can dress up without feeling like you’re a party of one. We’ve all needed a reason to get some new outfits (#quarantine15 not withstanding) and now we've got one! Bonus: We don't have to wear a mask or gloves.
3. We'll learn from the pros
Some of us have spent a little more in the kitchen since quarantine began, but that doesn’t mean all our time has been exactly successful! Here we'll watch as Chef Mitchell Murphree of Five Senses Restaurant and Catering and Steakhouse Five shows a few tips from his trade during the special program.
4. We'll hear stories
Most of us know the importance of investing in children’s education, but what about the idea that we’re actually helping them write a better story? With their spellbinding gifts, master storytellers Kory Wells and Kara Kemp will reflect on the important experiences of learning and play that shape a child.
5. We'll dig deeper
While family farms face plenty of difficulties, many hold a firm stake in the future and health of our community. Nina and Richard Hanson of Lascassas-based Hanson Farms will share their family’s story, some tips on gardening, and the importance of digging into where you live.
6. We'll dine well
Even though we’ll be gathering virtually, that doesn’t mean any of us have to make dinner! Considering upping your Secret Garden Party at Home experience with a special take-away menu from Five Senses. Enjoy a French 75 for $10/drink or $25/pint, a dinner complete with Charcuterie Board, Coq Au Vin, and Strawberry Frangipane Tart with Honey Ginger Whipped Cream – for $55 (serves 2), OR Coq au Vin only for $40 (serves 2). Orders must be placed by this Wednesday at 5pm and orders sent to 5sensesrestaurant@gmail.com
7. We'll support STEAM education in our county and beyond
Every year some 128,000 visitors come to the Discovery Center, which is also ranked as the 10th most popular tourism spot in Nashville according to the Nashville Business Journal. By celebrating the Secret Garden Party at Home we’ll fuel STEAM educational programming and resources in our county and continue its impact in the lives of families in and around our state. That's something worth celebrating.
Join the Secret Garden Party at Home event this Friday, June 5 from 7-8pm by purchasing a ticket or becoming a sponsor. Individual adult tickets are $100. Details are at https://63671.blackbaudhosting.com/63671/Secret-Garden-Party-2020
