We love a good mom team, and were thrilled to do a joint interview with Katie Jones and Rachael Kimbler, the duo behind Nashville Moms Network. Their backgrounds are diverse, covering film, healthcare and real estate. They have kids of different age ranges (Katie has two daughters, a 2-year-old and a newborn, and Rachael has three kids, daughters 15 and 10, and a 6-year-old son. But they’ve come together to launch their beautiful site as part of the Local Mom Network team. Here is more about their story, including their best recs for visitors to Nashville.
Please tell us a little about yourselves.
Katie: I come from the world of film and worked as an actor in both LA and Chicago in my twenties and have worked for CorradoMooncoin Films for the past 6 years as a producer. My two dreams as a child: make movies and be a mom:)
Rachael: I graduated UT Knoxville (go VOLS!!!) in 2005 and went to work for a home builder right out of college. Except for a short stent in healthcare marketing (I hate sitting at desks 8 hours a day…) and 2 years as a Stay-at-Home Mom, I have been a Realtor here in Nashville! This area has done a complete 180 since I began my career and it’s been so exciting to be a part of this town’s drastic growth!
Why did you decide to bring The Local Moms Network to your town?
Both: Watching Nashville grow has been exciting and honestly a bit overwhelming at times! It’s hard to stay on top of all the great things the city continues to add for kids and families and we wanted an easy way to plug in and take advantage of them all!
What are your must-try restaurants you always recommend?
Katie: With or without kids, Lockeland Table has long been our family’s favorite spot. For date night, my husband and I can always count on a delicious meal in a place that feels like your upscale neighborhood restaurant. Since having kids, we love the early Community Hour and it’s a great deal!
Rachael: Without the kids, I would recommend House of Cards! It’s such a fun date night for something different and the food is great! With the kids, I love Arnolds Country Kitchen! It’s quick and easy and so good! It’s good southern cuisine that just cannot be beat.
Do you have a hotel you love?
Katie: The Hermitage Hotel is my favorite for a historic experience and conveniently located downtown. My husband and I have even stayed there for a parent’s night away! When travelling with kids, Gaylord Opryland Resort is an easy go to because it’s like an indoor theme park.
Rachael: My favorite is the Thompson Hotel. Their rooftop bar is so picturesque with the view of downtown, it’s within walking distance to all of the restaurants and shopping there in the Gulch and the rooftop bartenders make a really great froze!
Where do you tell people to go for drinks?
Katie: Pearl Diver in East Nashville. Unique, fun experience with awesome, creative cocktails.
Rachael: Rooftop Lounge! I clearly have a thing for rooftops, but the igloos are just fun! It’s a fun place to take visitors for something unique.
And your favorite coffee shop?
Katie: Dose for my favorite coffee and bagel sandwich, but honorable mention to Sip Cafe purely because it has a drive thru!
Rachael: I love the coffee, food, and the fact that there is usually seating and strong wifi at Pinewood Social. When it’s nice outside, their patio is really great. It’s a fun place to take the kids as well because of the bowling lanes.
Where do you shop for yourself and the kids?
Katie: For gifts or myself, I can always find something at Welcome Home.
Rachael: I’m nearing the end of my sweet little kid clothing opportunity, but I personally love the preppy Plaid Rabbit selections for my kiddos. It’s the first place I stop for baby shower gifts as well. For me, I can always find something at Lizard Thicket and Draper James is always fun!
If you have a day with the kids, where do you go for an adventure?
Katie: We go to the YMCA several times a week where we can play indoors or outdoors. The parks here are also awesome, especially Shelby Bottoms. We love going for walks on the greenways or visiting their Wednesday farmers market.
Rachael: My kids love Above All in Brentwood. It’s an indoor trampoline park with foam pits, a ninja obstacle course, slack line and aerial silks. The kids can spend hours there and they have massage chairs for the parents so I don’t hate it either. For outdoor fun, we love hiking in Radnor Lake park and Cheekwood is my favorite in the spring especially!
What are the don’t miss events in your area?
Rachael: Check out our monthly festival guide! We have something different to go to every month and the festivals here are wonderful for families. My kids love the pony rides and ice cream trucks.
Our mission is to give moms the gift of time. What are your best time-saving tips/resources as a mom?
Rachael: At home: giving my kids chores is the only way I can stay on top of this house! I also have a wonderful family friend who has a house keeping business and she comes to fold my laundry. All we have to do is have it washed, and she folds and will even put away the clothes. It’s amazing!
Katie: Getting my daughter into a PDO [Ed note: Parents Day Out] program was life changing for me. It gives me two days a week I can count on getting work done without being distracted and my daughter LOVES having her social time.
