Hello Thursday.
April 24 2025
Yesterday, we shared the news about Storyville Gardens — a 100-acre theme park that plans to bring children's stories to life in the form of rides, attractions, and experiences.
The park, a concept by local Guerrier Development, would be Nashville's first large-scale amusement park since Opryland USA shuttered in 1997, so today we’re diving into what to expect as the project takes shape over the next few years.
The park will feature 4 areas – Africa, Asia, Europe and America. | Designs by Storyland Studios
- The location. While we don’t yet know the specific location — the developers plan to finalize a site in the Nashville area by year’s end — we do know it will need to accommodate at least 100+ acres, which is the planned size of the theme park.
- The timeline. If all goes according to plan, construction would begin in mid-2022 on the first of 3 phases with a projected opening date in spring 2025. These dates could fluctuate due to the size and nature of the project.
- The design. Storyville will be designed by Storyland Studios, who has worked on projects for Disney and Universal Studios. Executives give an in-depth look at the park’s design in this video — including a lagoon, Rapunzel’s tower, mazes + more.
- The experience. The project will be “experience-driven” through various storytelling attractions in each of the 4 internationally-themed parks focusing on Africa, America, Asia + Europe. Developers are planning for more than 220,000 sqft of retail, dining, and 3 themed-hotels in addition to roller coasters and other amusement park rides.
- The impact on local employment. A project analysis estimates construction would spur 2,260 jobs + more than 1,700 jobs would be created once the park is finished.
- What the developers are saying. DeLisa Guerrier, founder and CEO says, “I'm building a theme park based on stories and books from all over the world with the intent to ignite a desire to read beyond what's required in the classroom ... it'll be a place where we can bring in all of the literacy initiatives and provide a hub where children who are underserved can have access to them.”
While we wait for more details, watch this “fly-through” video of the park’s concept + share with a friend you think would be there on opening day.
Use the buttons below to share this story with your BFFs, your neighbors, and anyone else who loves learning about our city.
If you could name a theme park ride based on your favorite children's story or book, what would it be called?
Bonus points if you tell us the name + the type of ride.
Show
- Rainsticks, Brody Price, Ellie Turner, and Jack Schneider | Thurs., July 1 | 9 p.m. | The Basement, 1604 8th Ave. S. | $10+ | Nashville-based band comprised of members from Sun Seeker, Teddy & The Rough Riders, and others
- Ricky Skaggs + Kentucky Thunder | Thurs., July 1 | 7:30-10 p.m. | Ryman Auditorium, 116 5th Ave. N | $67+ | Head to the Ryman for Bluegrass Nights.
- Thelma and the Sleaze | Thurs., July 1 | 7:30-10 p.m. | Exit/In, 2208 Elliston Place | $15 | An independent all-female, queer southern rock band from Nashville.
- Panfest | Thurs., July 1 | 6 p.m. | 3rd and Lindsley 818 3rd Ave. S. | $10+ | Panfest feat. Sam Banks, Gabe Lee, John Goolsby, Dan Alley, Harper O’Neill, and more.
WaterCooler
Active
- Capitol Steps Workout | Thurs., July 1 | 6-7 p.m. | 600 Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd. | Free | You can find parking around the other side of the Capitol along the street.
PlanAhead
- The Avett Brothers | Fri., July 2-Sun., July 4 | 8 p.m. | Bonnaroo Farm, 1560 New Bushy Branch, Manchester | $49+ | 3 Nights of the Avett Brothers at Bonnaroo Farm.
- Alabama at Bridgestone Arena | Fri., July 2 | 7-10 p.m. | Bridgestone Arena, 501 Broadway | $40+ | Featuring special guest Martina McBride.
Click the button below to see more local calendar events.
Photo provided by Wise Bread
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Weather
- 82º | Thunderstorms | 80% chance of rain
Announced
- Allegiant Air is adding 3 nonstop flights from BNA to Palm Springs, California + Jacksonville and Melbourne, Florida in mid-November. The new Palm Springs and Melbourne routes will be the first nonstop flights to the cities from Nashville. ✈️ (The Tennessean)
Civic
- Trash collection now falls under Metro Water Services — allowing Public Works to focus on its newly created transportation division. The changes were approved by Metro Council in April and will remain in effect for at least 3 years. (WKRN)
Dish
Number
- $15 million. That's the sold price of Tim McGraw and Faith Hill's 620-acre Franklin farm to investment group BKDM Partners. The land is home to Beechwood Hall, one of the county's oldest residential properties, and a house previously owned by Hank Williams, Sr. (Williamson Home Page)
Gallery
- In other celeb home sales, Kelly Clarkson just sold her Hendersonville mansion for $6.3 million after first listing the property in 2017. See photos of the 7-bedroom, 9-and-a-half bath home. 🏠 (The Tennessean)
Drink
- TailGate Brewery owner Wesley Keegan has added another type of brewing to his business portfolio — sweet tea. Miss Lacey’s Southern Tea, developed from a collection of family sweet tea recipes, is available in cans at all 3 taprooms + soon at grocery and convenience stores across Nashville. (Nashville Scene)
WaterCooler
- After a hard-fought 2021 season, Vanderbilt lost to Mississippi State 9-0 during the final game of the College World Series on Wednesday night. Great season, Vandy Boys. ⚾
Ranking
- Hot chicken is ranked No. 9 on Grubhub's list of Top Foods of 2021. The list is a part of Grubhub's 3rd annual State of the Plate — a mid-year report that looks at top food trends + popular restaurants.
TodayIs
- The first day of Park and Recreation Month. Tennessee State Parks is celebrating by inviting visitors to share their park experiences or what the parks mean to them online. Some of the stories will be shared on the site and on the parks’ social media pages throughout the month. 🌲
Job
- 84 Lumber is hosting a hiring event today (Thurs., July 1) from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. at its retail store in La Vergne (136 Wheeler St.). The company is seeking to fill more than 20 positions — truck drivers, door manufacturers + production associates — in La Vergne, Murfreesboro, and Hendersonville. 🪵
Deal
- Kroger Plus Card holders can score buy one, get one free admission to the Nashville Zoo as part of its annual Kroger Safari Fridays deal. Present your card (sign-up for free in-store or on Kroger’s website) at the zoo's ticket booth on Fridays in July and August to receive the promotion. 🦓
- This is a sign to treat yourself today. Trove is offering 10% off on any purchases or styling services with code Treasure10 at checkout. Trove makes fashion easy + fun by connecting clients to personal wardrobe stylists, unique clothing brands + more. 👡 Ⓟ
The Store — a free, referral-based grocery store founded by Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley — reopens today at 2009 12th Ave. S on Belmont University's campus.
Despite being closed due to the pandemic, volunteers have delivered enough groceries for 1.3 million meals since starting operations in March 2020. 🛒
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