I don’t know about you, but I have an “ideal” daily routine that I fall into when I’m not traveling. Now that I’m writing more, I like to get up early and start working within thirty to forty-five minutes after my feet hit the floor – usually around six-fifteen to six-thirty…a.m. that is. Naturally, I need my first cup of coffee to stimulate the inner creativity that’s longing to move from my brain to my laptop. Fueled by two to three more cups of coffee, I’m usually productive until around noon or one in the afternoon. At that point my “creative” tank is close to empty as is my stomach.
After lunch I typically run errands, pay bills, do stuff around the house and try to fit in a good run or tennis match, weather permitting. A brief thirty-minute nap would complete the perfect afternoon but that is a luxury reserved for weekends. Around three-thirty or four I catch my second wind and like to find a place to regenerate and start working again. Since I live a short distance from downtown Franklin, Tennessee, I’ve discovered a few places there that help me relax and give me a change of scenery.
McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery
Located slightly northeast of the Five-points intersection in downtown Franklin, you’ll find McCreary’s, a small Irish pub wedged between a soap shop and a toy store. It’s housed in a narrow, shotgun storefront with hardwood floors and pictures reminiscent of a pub in the Motherland. Long, wooden tables line the walls on each side with just enough room in the middle to squeeze by a waiter carrying two pints and a tray of Shepherd’s Pie. I’ve only eaten there a couple of times, but the roast beef sandwich and the fish and chips were outstanding and will definitely remain on my “to order again” list. As for the beer, I would recommend the Smithwick’s Irish Ale. It’s full-bodied; yet light enough to drink without feeling too heavy.
But my favorite part of experiencing McCreary’s are the two outdoor tables parked close to the glass window. Most times I can find one empty early in the afternoon, however, by five or so you’re usually out of luck for the remainder of the evening. If you wander downtown later that night you’ll find a much younger crowd milling about, many who appear to be musicians or what I would call the more “creative” side. Regardless of the age and occupation of the clientele, McCreary’s is always crowded and filled with lively conversation- sort of like a neighborhood “Cheers” where everyone could know your name.
I write this not so much to peak your curiosity so you’ll arrive early enough to occupy my afternoon table, but more as an enticement to find your own venues to reengage your creative energy or just simply to sit back and watch people mill up and down a picturesque streetscape.
There are a couple of other spots I’ll write about in future posts, but for now, just enjoy the fabulous weather and find some time to sit down at an outdoor café.
Paul
