March 3, 2020, is a day many Nashvillians will never forget. The night of the tornado destroyed many homes in North Nashville, East Nashville, Germantown, and surrounding areas. High Garden Tea, located on Woodland St. in East Nashville, unfortunately, did not remain untouched. 

High Garden Tea is a social enterprise, founded by Leah and Joel Larabell. The mission of High Garden is to reconnect us with the plant wisdom we instinctively hold. Many became familiar with High Garden for ten years through the herbal and tea shop. The shop was an experience like no other in Nashville. You could walk in the shop and mix some of your favorite herbs and enjoy a flight of kombucha, among many other offerings. That was until the tragic tornado struck. 

Leah and Joel first received news that the tornado damaged their building from their landlord. At that point, their brains would not allow them to imagine anything more than a few broken windows. However, when they arrived at the location, their eyes met the unimaginable. More than broken windows, the building had merely crumbled to pieces. If you saw the images circulating social media, you can attest that it's a scene you can't forget. Though unforgettable, it's not the thing Leah remembers most about that morning. 

What she remembers most is beauty.

When Leah and Joel arrived at High Garden, at least thirty people had already beat them there. They showed up with care and love to help recover and clean up what survived the storm. That's the beauty Leah remembers! She describes, "at that moment, I think I truly learned how to love people." Leah grew up more connected to her squirrel and plant families, so it was easier for her to relate to nature than people outside of her immediate circle. However, that morning of the tornado revealed the beauty in humanity she had never seen before.  

"That's the main thing I remember about that morning. That piece of my heart getting filled up." - Leah Larbell

When it crumbled, Leah and Joel knew they were not going to be able to rebuild ten years of what they grew for a long time. The tornado forced them to begin a new path. As they stepped back a little from the "business" side of things, the next path for High Garden began to be revealed. 

With lots of patience and humility, Leah and Joel are slowly learning and understanding this new path for High Garden. Their goal is to make plants and herbalism more accessible to everyone. They envision a world where there's a plant person in everyone's home.  They are making it happen. Today you can experience the many offerings of High Garden in many ways. Here's how:

__High Garden Online Store:__ Via the High Garden online store, you can find a wide range of herbal infusions and teas. Their products are more than just items; they are creations that grew out of years of study. They hope that through these offerings, they can shine a light on the power and benefit within the world of plants.  

__High Garden’s School of RootWisdom:__ To dive deeper into herbalism education, you can take a deeper dive by enrolling in High Garden’s School of RootWisdom. The first year of the herbalism program is titled PlantFolk Herbalism. This program is at student capacity, but there are more programs to come, so stay connected. 

__Upcoming Podcast:__ Leah and Joel announced to us that they are working on a podcast. No official premiere date has been released yet, but I'm excited for the fact that we will literally be able to learn about herbs on our commute to work! 

There's purpose in pain, and while hearing the recovery and resiliency story of Leah and Joel, it's hard to argue otherwise. Purpose isn't revealed at once; it's revealed in moments. That morning of the tornado was just the beginning of a greater purpose being revealed. Through the pain of the tornado, they could reimagine this vision and purpose of High Garden in more incredible ways.

Be sure to keep up with all the latest news and High Garden's journey by subscribing to their mail list at highgardentea.com and by following them on Instagram @highgardentea.


Beauty Along A New Path

High Garden Tea

One thing I can always count on Nashville for are its nature parks, trails, and outdoorsy things to do. Nashville's nature scene can get even the most introverted, homebody outdoors! I can attest to this because since moving here,  I do spend more time outdoors! For instance, I now go on nature walks, explore different trails, or "work from home" at one of the local parks. I'm even amping it up a notch, and I am planning my first Nashville hike! I'm excited because hiking comes with many benefits! It offers you a full-body workout, stress relief, and it is also a great way to meet new people. 

The Nashville Hikers are a great testament to how hiking has brought strangers together. Local movers and their love for nature brought them together and created lasting bonds. I met with one of the hikers, Toni Kenion,  to get some tips on preparing for my first hike!

__Top 10 Things to Bring on Hike__

1.	__Bug Spray:__ Nature is home to beautiful scenery, waterfalls, flowers, and bugs! So, it's always a good idea to make sure you're covered with bug spray to avoid pesty creatures. 
2.	__Water (bottle or camel pack):__ Some hikes consist of hours of energy exertion. For that reason, it is essential to pack a water bottle or camel pack to keep you hydrated. 
3.	__Walking Stick:__ Hikes are literally no walk in the park, so that advanced climbs may require the assistance of walking sticks.  
4.	__Biodegradable Wipes:__ There are no portal potties or restrooms in the woods or outdoors, so these wipes come in handy if you have to go if you know what I mean. 
5.	__Extra Pair of Socks:__ No worries, if you step in a muddy puddle, clean up nicely with your biodegradable wipes and fresh pair of socks. 
__6.	Water Shoes:__ At the top of the mountain, there are sometimes waterfalls and rivers. Water shoes are suitable for exploring these scenic parts of nature. 
7.	__Good Attitude and Positive Vibes:__ Positivity is essential especially on group hikes. It makes room for even more incredible bonding experiences during your time in nature. 
8.	__Light Backpack:__ A lightweight backpack that won't put to much strain on your muscles or back is recommended. 
9.	__Paracord Survival Bracelet:__ This is one accessory that will definitely come in handy on your hike. Paracord may look like a rope, but it's not! It is lightweight yet strong and comes in handy for emergencies like starting a fire or creating a rope ladder. 
10.	__Snacks:__ This is probably the only item I was prepared with before my conversation with Toni! The dietitian in me knew exactly what types of snacks to pack. 

In general, when you are snacking while walking or exercising, you want to choose something that will provide your body with quick fuel! You can divide foods into three types of macronutrients – proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Out of the three, carbohydrates are the food group that will supply you with the quickest energy! Don't get me wrong; I am not recommending you pack a doughnut or snickers on your hiking trail. I recommend choosing carbohydrates that are also packed with vitamins and minerals as well. For instance, fruit makes a great hiking snack- bananas, apples, grapes, something convenient for you that you will also enjoy. If you are not big on fruit, try a nutritious energy bar, rice cakes, or even a pack of peanut butter crackers!  

This list was beneficial! Did it help you any? I now feel prepared to go on my first Nashville Hike! Let me know some of your favorite items to bring on your hike. 


One thing I can always count on Nashville for are its nature parks, trails, and outdoorsy things to do. Nashville's nature scene can get even the most introverted, homebody outdoors!

Take a Hike

Nashville Hiker Shatonia Kenion

Did you know you could get rewarded just for moving in Nashville! I'm talking about a free meal, free round of golf, and a free camping trip, to name a few. It is all possible through the Tennessee Healthy Parks online tool. 

Here's how it works:
1. You simply download the app “Healthy Parks.”[ http://healthyparkstn.com/](http://healthyparkstn.com/ "http://healthyparkstn.com/")
2. Next, you want to create an account. It’s as simple as entering your email and creating a password.
3.Finally, check-in! Once you have your account set up,  you’ll be able to earn points every time you check in somewhere to take a hike, ride a bike, go for a walk, or play a sport. 

You're only limited to one check-in a day, but by all means, don’t let that limit keep you from moving, there are so many great parks in Nashville to explore! In fact, here are my top 5 park check-ins. 

## Ted Rhodes Park:
*A walking surprise*

As you pull up to the parking lot of Ted Rhodes Park, you may see tons of golf clubs, golf carts, and the perfectly cut, green grass of the golf course. However, surrounding this golf course is also a pleasant 11.9 mile surprise. This park is not only home to a golf course, but it also connects you to one of the longest trails in Nashville, the Cumberland River Greenway. “BAHH”! Another surprise! While walking the trail, you may encounter the  NashvilleChew Crew Sheep grazing. The chew crew strategically uses sheep to clear overgrown landscapes. 

## Centennial Park:
*Learn and Play*

While viewing women's suffrage monuments, the WWII Steam locomotive, and locals paddle-boating on the lake, you may question whether you’re walking into a museum or a park. Well, it’s both! Centennial Park wonderfully merges Tennessee’s history with nature.  It is also home to the Parthenon, Nashville’s art museum. If you like to learn hard and play hard, this place is perfect for you! You can play a game of frisbee in the open green space and then brush up on your Tennessee history. 

## Radnor Lake State Park
*A walk in the wildlife*

Owls, Turkeys, Turtles, and Deer, Oh My! If you’re looking for a wildlife environment, without having to leave the city, this is the park for you! You can bet on encountering a few wildlife creatures as you walk up the unpaved hiking trail through the woods. This park is ideal for an outdoorsy person who wants o feel immersed in the wildlife without having to drive too far. Its located only six miles from downtown! Another plus is its beautiful calming lake. This is the move for a relaxing day in the city’s wildlife. 

## Two Rivers Dog Park:
*Parks are your dog’s other best friend*

Dogs are a man’s (or woman’s) best friend. With that being, sometimes you can’t get moving without your favorite furry animal. Parks are great places to get moving with your pet, and I must mention Two Rivers Dog Park, is one of them. This park has a few extra amenities that put it at the top of my list. This park is fenced, has a shaded pavilion,  and features a few doggy waste stations throughout the park (and even complimentary bags!). It’s well suited for even Nashville’s most hot summer days.  Just imagine it is 90 degrees outside, you left your water bottle at home, and you and your dog are thirsty! No problem! At Two Rivers park, you can stop at the water fountain to quench your thirst and your dog's thirst. That’s right; they have dog water fountains! Now you see why parks are also dog’s best friends. 

## Elmington Park
*Foodie friendly*

One thing about Nashville is that it is full of a lot of green spaces and nature! Another thing about Nashville is that it’s a growing food scene. Elmington considers both beloved parts of Nashville. There’s nothing like walking outside and catching the alluring aroma of hot chicken and waffles or empanadas off the grill. Don’t be surprised to experience both while taking a walk at Elmington Park. Here, you’re likely to see athletes playing soccer in the open field, families taking a nature walk, and colorful food trucks parked along the pavement. It’s quite ideal if you ask me, your fellow foodie. You have to refuel when you're moving! 


Did you know you could get rewarded just for moving in Nashville! I'm talking about a free meal, free round of golf, and a free camping trip, to name a few. It is all possible through the Tennessee Healthy Parks online tool. 

Outdoors

Beauty Along A New Path

Take a Hike

Get Moving