I don’t know about you, but the cold stretches each February start to get to me. The nip in the air feels novel during college football season and through the holidays, but I alway seem to get my fill of cold during January. And February can sneak in a surprise snowfall or snow scare for good measure. The shortest month of the year can seem awfully long.
Before I mope over a gloomy day and icy winds, though, I try to channel that energy into anticipation for the coming thaw. I find myself more frequently tuning in to episodes by my favorite saltwater fishermen, a little vicarious warm-weather wanderlust to stir my excitement for summer vacation and days spent lounging in the sun.
Maybe I’ll find something I can do indoors to get in a little activity during this time when it’s so easy to laze the days away. It seems like there’s always something I need to pick up at the hardware store. I might as well browse all the aisles to see what else I can’t live without while getting in my steps.
This month’s issue of The Tennessee Magazine has plenty of entertaining options whether you enjoy colder-weather activities or you’re worn out with winter.
Museums are always a safe choice for entertainment that isn’t weather-dependent, and the folks at the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville have curated excellent exhibits celebrating the shared roots of many genres of music. See page 12.
Tennessee’s state parks offer limited programming during the winter, but there’s still plenty of fun in the scaled-back options. Or start planning for your trips during warmer times. This month we spotlight Savage Gulf State Park beginning on page 28.
In February’s food feature, find warmth from a mug. See pages 32-34.
And perhaps your New Year’s resolutions included a focus on your health. Whether those goals are still on track or have taken a detour, see pages 36-38 to find tips on pursuing a road to overall wellness.
Welcome to the February 2024 edition of The Tennessee Magazine.
Thanks for reading,
Chris Kirk
Editor, The Tennessee Magazine
