Twisted Oaks — Restaurant in Carthage

Here's my experience with Twisted Oaks, tonight:

Buckle up, you're in for a ride.

FEAR.

Tonight, I felt some real fear. After 20 years of war in the military and growing up in the places that I did, it takes a lot to shake me these days but I felt genuinely afraid tonight.

Twisted Oaks in Smithville, TN has started-up an open mic night. Today was the second one, I think. It's literally 5 minutes from my house, so from my perspective this is all the more reason that the universe is providing me with what I need to grow. It's up to me to act on it, though.

Tick-tock. Time's up, buddy! Let's roll.

So, back to FEAR.

Driving the long... 5-minute journey over I chickened-out. Completely. Drove past and decided that tonight wasn't a good night. I was afraid because there were A LOT of cars in the parking lot. You know, overflow parking levels.

Amber was hungry. She reminded me that we could just go check the place out.

Fear. Each step I took from my car to my table still had me shaking at the thought of what I could very well be getting myself into tonight. Again, I'm physically exhausted, but now with that cozy warmth of muscles that have "cooled-down" a bit after a nice workout.

It's a gorgeous place with a cozy, rustic charm to it. Has a clean, country "road house" feel to it. I dig it. The back patio and courtyard is the perfect size with a very nice stage. I had never been out back before, to be honest.

I ordered my wings and decided to watch.

After watching a few folks I started telling myself "I can do that".

Let me be very clear here, I never said to myself that "I can do that, better! Just that I can do it." It's probably one of the few times you'll ever me say that because if you know me, the latter is the norm for me! HAHA!

But I started to think that I might go sign my name up.

Nah. Fear.

Fear made it clear to me that I was very good at making-up very valid reasons NOT to walk my butt over to that board and sign up to play anything!

Then, I will say this: that a bearded angel appeared with a beer in his hand and said the exact words that I needed to hear. (He doesn't know that, though, because that's also how the universe works.)

He said: "you know you wanna get up there and sing, don't you?". Keep in mind, my gear was still in the car. I didn't walk in with my equipment. It must be my "look". I dunno, if you every met me, you'd understand...

So, I did. I wrote my name on that board!

I walked-up and signed my "name" (KING CARTER) to the board. I went and grabbed my gear just in time for my wings to come!

Then, I was informed that I was actually up next! I told him (I can't remember his name because I couldn't hear him) that I had never played anywhere before. (I don't count the cafe because it was just a couple of people there).

Luckily for me, he said, I didn't have time to be afraid. Again, I was up next!

No time to be afraid. I guess this was happening.

So I did it! I got up there and I played.

Did I sound great? Nah! Did I mess up at all? Oh yeah, but it was what it was. Just keep going, plus, you're in it.

Did I sound good enough? Yeah. I was good enough. I'm happy that I did it.

Pfft, plus I had two toddlers ROCKING-OUT to my music tonight!

So, how do I feel now that I did it?

Afraid. I still feel afraid. But less so. I didn't die, so...

Will I be back next Wednesday to try again?

Yes. Yes, I will be there. I will do it again.

Maybe the lesson to my boys (or to anyone else out there) is: It is okay to be afraid; you just have to keep acting with purpose despite your fears. For some people, getting up on stage and playing would be easy, sure and perhaps it'll become easy for me one day, too? I am a quick learner, but I'm not there yet!

Fear.

What a tough adversary. Isn't it funny how each time we spar with fear, and win, it changes things up on us? Oh well.

"Step by step. Board by board. Brick by brick. It will be built." -KING CARTER

Thank you, Twisted Oaks, for this truly unforgettable experience.

p.s. - The wings were...

If you're looking for an unforgettable night out, look no further than Twisted Oaks! This vibrant spot not only offers delicious food but also creates an electrifying atmosphere with live music that truly brings people together.

Last weekend, I had the pleasure of catching a performance by Morning Farm Report, and let me tell you, they rocked the house! Their renditions of classic 80s rock hits were spot-on, and their original songs showcased their incredible talent. The energy they brought to the stage was infectious, making it impossible not to tap your feet and sing along.

The outdoor area is a gem, especially for those warm nights when you want to enjoy the fresh air with friends. The restaurant's professional stage setup enhances the experience, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the music while enjoying the ambiance. It's the perfect backdrop for a night of laughter, connection, and great tunes.

As for the food, we sampled a variety of dishes, and I was pleasantly surprised by the quality and flavor. Each item was thoughtfully prepared, making it easy to indulge in a little bit of everything. From appetizers to mains, Twisted Oaks certainly knows how to please the palate.

The only downside to our visit was the bathroom situation. With only one stall available, the lines can get quite long, which can be a bit inconvenient during busy nights. However, this minor setback won't deter us from returning.

Twisted Oaks has officially earned a spot on our must-visit list, especially whenever Morning Farm Report is gracing the stage. If you're in the mood for a fantastic blend of music, food, and good company, make sure to...

Went with friends to drink, eat and watch a show. Ended up leaving after 2 hours wondering why we were getting weird looks from staff and being told that we were not allowed to go outside to watch the music. That's not to say that they were rude, quite the opposite. They were nice about it, but with no explanation. At first, I didn't understand the impression my friends were getting, but after that, I was onboard. I never noticed any of the looks but nearly everyone in my group saw it. We never got seated in that time. Granted, its a show night. We fully expected to wait at least an hour. Every time we asked we got told something different. We had been told that the kitchen was closed and that no orders were being taken until they caught up with the rush. This was fine. But at almost two hours in, I noticed a group being sat. I can understand if they had called in prior and made reservations. That makes sense, but not after telling us the kitchen is closed and then when we ask again, telling us that you don't know how long its going to be. I just saw them order. It was at this point that I decided it was probably best to just leave. At best, this was poor customer service. At worst, they refused to serve us and let us stand there like idiots for two hours. Which is a shame, its a pretty cool place and is suppose to have great food.

Edit: Thank you for the quick response. I have...