Visiting Nashville - Needing Suggestions!

[Jody]

Hi all,

My hubby has a work conference in Nashville, TN the week of Sept. 5th. Since neither of us has been there before, we're going a few days early for a mini getaway.

Trying to get some ideas of places to visit during our 3 day visit. We are staying in a hotel along Broadway, which I'm told is close to a lot of attractions. We aren't really into museums or the Grand Ole Opry, but I know there are a lot of other hot spots around that area and want to make sure our time is well-spent.

We are in our mid 30s and open to any ideas, just don't know what is out there! Looking for suggestions for restaurants, cool bars, anything unique to the area, etc. We won't have a rental car, so hoping most places we visit are within walking distance, but would be open to taking a cab to someplace that is worth it!

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[Stephanie0523]

Hey Jody!
You guys will be in my neck of the woods, well kind of. I live south of Nashville (grew up in Nashville). I suggest the Ryman Auditorium... See if you can get tickets to a show. It's very cool. It's a shame you guys won't have a car. I'd suggest getting breakfast at the Loveless Cafe. There are a lot of honky tonks around... I'd visit Printer's Alley. I also like the Merchants Restaurant (the upstairs dining room is fancy and romantic). Merchants Restaurant - Est 1892 > Nashville 2011 <

Also, check out the Nashville Scene (you can click on the calendar and see what's happening downtown when you're here). Nashville Scene

I HIGHLY recommend the symphony if you guys have time to go. We have a beautiful symphony hall; you can go to Nashville Symphony - Home for more info. They used to discount the tickets for same-day shows.

Hope this helps! Have lots of fun!!!

 

[DixieGirl]

Stephanie has some great suggestions Here's a couple others...

This wouldn't be an option unless y'all do decide to get a car. A very cool vineyard about 20 min outside of Nashville in Franklin, Tenn. You can pack a picnic or they sell gourmet eats there. They also offer wine tastings. You forget you are in the rolling hills of Tennessee and will feel like you are in Napa Valley.

http://www.arringtonvineyards.com/

Here's another good restaurant. Hubs and I ate dinner here the night we got engaged

Stock-Yard Restaurant

Have fun!

Tracy

 

[Stephanie0523]

Stephanie has some great suggestions
This wouldn't be an option unless y'all do decide to get a car. A very cool vineyard about 20 min outside of Nashville in Franklin, Tenn. You can pack a picnic or they sell gourmet eats there. They also offer wine tastings. You forget you are in the rolling hills of Tennessee and will feel like you are in Napa Valley.
http://www.arringtonvineyards.com/

Forgot about Arrington! Love that place!!!

 

[JT]

I was there on my honeymoon a long time ago but I would suggest the General Jackson Showboat if it's still there plus I would check Guy Fieri's guide cause he's been to Nashville a few times and he has shown some good places to eat. Don't bother counting calories though.

 

[Jody]

Thank you for the suggestions! Always helps to get info from the locals or people who have already visited.

If anyone else would like to chime in, please do so!

 

[UnstrungHarp]

Hi Jody,

I live about an hour from Nashville and work for Nashville Arts Magazine, so most of what I can recommend will relate to art galleries, music, theatre, etc. (Nashville Arts Magazine).

Frist Center is the most obvious art gallery, and you'll not be far from Frist if you're staying on Broadway. I stayed at the Union Station Hotel once and walked over to Frist, since it's basically next door.

I second the recommendation for going to the Schermerhorn Symphony Center - looks like the Yo-Yo Ma performance is going on Friday of the week you'll be here. (I'm a little biased, having previously sung with the Symphony Chorus, and if you go see this show I'll also be highly jealous!)

Unfortunately, I don't know much about the bar scene or non-chain restaurants in the downtown area. (I used to think the Melting Pot was unique to Nashville until finding out it isn't!) I enjoyed the in-hotel restaurant at the Union Station Hotel, and I've eaten at Big River Grille many times, which is pretty good, but I think a lot of their business comes from the fact that there aren't a lot of choices for large restaurants with a full menu in that part of downtown. If you can get over to the West End/Vanderbilt area, you'll find more variety.

Hope some of this is helpful - have a wonderful trip!

Lindsay

 

[beemerjen1]

Hi
I was just there this past weekend. My daughter is going to Vanderbilt University. You have recieved some great ideas! Food wise Tavern restaurant was wonderful and has great lobster hushpuppies!! and sweet potato fries! Gigi's cupcakes are to die for! (don't worry you are on vacation!) Also Noshville is a local diner which was very yummy! And supposedly alot of stars pop in for lunch since it is near Music Row. They are all close together and on Broadway. If you keep walking on Broadway towards Vandy it turns into 21st Street and there are other restaurants too. More for the college crowd though but the Mellow Mushroom has a thriving business. I have not eaten there personally but it always looks busy.
They are so friendly down there it is wonderful!! ( I really miss living in the south!) Ask your front desk person for suggestions. i stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn and they were very helpful with their suggestions.

Jen

 

[DebD]

Hi Jody,

In case you didn't leave yet, DH & I were there in the spring but didn't have much downtime. We did go to dinner at Merchants and ate upstairs it was really good, downstairs is more casual but the food looked really good too! By the way the place is haunted

We didn't get to go to any of the bars for a drink because of bad weather but I would suggest doing that. I also regret not eating BBQ because that is big down there. We visited my nephew who lives down there and he said when we have more time the parks & white water rafting are really fun activities.

Well enjoy