So I have a friend from way out of state who may be coming to visit for 2 or 3 days at the end of April. She’s been to Nashville once before (a few months ago) but didn’t see a whole lot of the town. I’m trying to figure out some good places to take her that are uniquely Nashville, generate good conversation, aren’t overly expensive, and can be enjoyed by both a country fan (her) and a not-so-much-a-country-fan (me).
Keep in mind, we’ve got just two full days (a Thursday and Friday)and I don’t want to exhast the poor girl, but she’s like me in that we think vacations should be chock full of stuff with not much down time.
I’m already thinking about the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Parthenon. Friday night I wanna club hop up and down Broadway and take her to Tootsies and Roberts Western Wear.
She’s also apparently big into karaoke; in fact she’s moving to Nashville to persue a singing career. Know of any places downtown with open mike night?
I’m not a Nashvillian but I’ve been there a few times.
Music row should be called ‘boarded up shop row’. Don’t take your friend there.
My favorite place was second street, particularly Buffalo Billards. I’ve been to the White Horse but I’m not all that into country either. Those little corner bars jammed with people were a lot more fun.
My mother has taken several guests on a “Nash Trash Tour”. It’s a “white trash” tour of Nashville by two wacky ladies. I’ve not been, but she says it’s a hoot. The flowers should be nice in April - you could take her to Cheekwood Botanical gardens, or even just Centennial Park. Last time I went partying with friends (it’s been a while) there was karoake in a bar on 2nd Ave - The big building with several different themed bars.
Ok, I’m not from Nashville nor have I ever really been there, and this is a hijack, but I’d like to ask a question if I may.
I drove through Nashville on the interstate once, and from the interstate I saw what looked like a movie theater that was completely covered in neon lights. It was the biggest, flashiest neon building I’ve ever seen in my life. Anybody know what it was?
racinchikki, do you know what part of town you were in/what interstate? If you were starting to head south (but still in Nasvhile, not Franklin or Brentwood), it could have been the http://nashville.citysearch.com/profile/9323405/]Regal Hollywood 27.
Beyond that one, I’m not sure what it could have been.
Definitely Hollywood 27, which used to be a great theatre, but given the part of town it’s in, was destined for the hole it’s become
Now I go to Opry Mills.
StGermain, I saw the Nash Trash tour on cityserach, but if it’s run by those two annoying women from the Hilo Hattie’s commercial, I’m pretty sure I’m going to stay away from it.
However, I am thinking about going to the White Trash Cafe down by the fairgrounds. Only open through lunch, though. Anyone been there?
Also if the weather is nice, i was thinking about grabbing some subs and eating in Centennial by the Parthenon. She’s a photographer by trade and there are lots of photo ops in the park.
The club you mention is probably Graham Central Station. I forgot, they do have karaoke there on the second floor, don’t they? Plus it’d be a better crowd than at the Courtyard in Antioch.
Take them to eat at The Trace or Noshville. For breakfast, the Pancake Pantry or, if you don’t feel like standing in line for several hours, there’s that coffee shop just down the street (Fido’s, I think it’s called?) from the pantry that serves good, healthy breakfast and great coffee. See if something’s playing at the Belcourt Theater or check out songwriter’s night at the Bluebird.
Take her to Hendersonville, she can see Cash’s “House of Cash” (closed to the public), one of his houses is Hendersonville, also one of Roy Orbison’s old houses is there as well.
Take the “tour” of the Parthenon, it’s $3.50 per person and seeing the statue of Athena will drop your jaw (she’s freakin’ huge).
Take her to Shopryland and eat at the Alabama Grill (no idea if the food’s good or not).
Show her Dickerson Road (it’s where the hookers hang out).
The HardRock Cafe’s Gift Shop is located in the old Silver Dollar Saloon, she might find that interesting.
Finally, take her to Red Boiling Springs, and tell her that this where they got the idea for the movie Deliverance. (You only think I’m joking.)
Max - Centennial Park’s always a good idea. If it’s the right weekend, you might check out the fleamarket at the fairgrounds, then take in lunch at the White Trash Cafe. I don’t know the ad you speak of, so I couldn’t say if these are the same women. And You’re right - it is Graham Central Station. I couldn’t think of the name. Also on 2nd Ave there is (or used to be) this great little pub. Irish music, darts, so on. I’m not talking Seanachie, mind you.
Have a meal at the Opryland Hotel and walk around the gardens there. Then catch a Riverboat downtown, hang out Broadway/2nd avenue.
Gotta see Athena at the Parthenon.
I am in East Tennessee and think you should bring your friend to the Great Smoky Mountains. Alas, I know not enough time. Shame though we have lots to offer. I always enjoyed going to the Opryland Hotel while in Nashville. It is kinda neat to go in the shops and stuff and whoo-weee what a brunch they have on the weekends.
I also have enjoyed the General Jackson river boat ride. Hope you all have a great time in whatever you decide to do.
I always take visitors to the Frist Center for the Arts. They generally have very interesting exhibits, and as a photographer she might really enjoy the huge photo mural of families around the world. The cafe, while pricey, has pretty good food, too.
Are the river taxis still running from Opryland to Riverfront? That would be a good idea…if we didn’t stay downtown until they stopped running people back.
Mulligans I think is the Irish place. It is good stuff. And what with Seanachie’s closed, there’s not much of a chance for Irish pubs around here.
Sounds like Thursday may be a good day for the Parthenon (saw Athena before they closed the place for renovation) and the Hall of Fame. Possibly start the day off with breakfast at Pancake Pantry around 9:30…giving the business crowd time to have already eaten and let the line die down.
Next day, possibly Nashville Zoo. Did they ever get the elephants? Haven’t been since ‘99. And then White Trash Cafe. Friday evening I think we’ll do Broadway/2nd. That’s when things will be hoppin’ downtown. Of course it used to be better when 2nd Ave was closed to motor traffic, but c’est la vie. If the river taxis are still going, we can even do the O’land Hotel first and then boat to downtown.
Tucker, I think I’ll save the hookers and memories of Ned Beatty until she moves here permanently and we get a chance to know each other better Oh, and Alabama Grill is really no great shakes, but the Gibson Bluegrass place is an idea. Haven’t been there before.
Oh yeah, forgot about the Frist. May have to squeeze that in on Thursday too. Last time I went they had that very cool strobe light/kinetic sculpture.
BTW, yes I am trying to impress her a bit, but on a budget. Else I’d definitely want to eat at the Opryland Hotel or Melting Pot. Instead, I’ll have to go for quirky and quaint.
The zoo has been quite a disappointment since they moved it out of Joelton. Most of the animals are still at the “breeding facility.” It was explained to me that although the new zoo has lots and lots of acreage to accomodate more animals, the funding isn’t there to support the habitiats.
Of course, if you and she would enjoy that huge wooden playground, then by all means take her there!
Are the river taxis still running from Opryland to Riverfront? That would be a good idea…if we didn’t stay downtown until they stopped running people back.
Mulligans I think is the Irish place. It is good stuff. And what with Seanachie’s closed, there’s not much of a chance for Irish pubs around here.
Sounds like Thursday may be a good day for the Parthenon (saw Athena before they closed the place for renovation) and the Hall of Fame. Possibly start the day off with breakfast at Pancake Pantry around 9:30…giving the business crowd time to have already eaten and let the line die down.
Next day, possibly Nashville Zoo. Did they ever get the elephants? Haven’t been since ‘99. And then White Trash Cafe. Friday evening I think we’ll do Broadway/2nd. That’s when things will be hoppin’ downtown. Of course it used to be better when 2nd Ave was closed to motor traffic, but c’est la vie. If the river taxis are still going, we can even do the O’land Hotel first and then boat to downtown.
Tucker, I think I’ll save the hookers and memories of Ned Beatty until she moves here permanently and we get a chance to know each other better Oh, and Alabama Grill is really no great shakes, but the Gibson Bluegrass place is an idea. Haven’t been there before.
Ah, yes, a bigger tourist trap than Nashville itself! Just kidding, just kidding. The mountains are pretty, but I am not a big fan of Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge…and it appears that in order to get to the mountains, I have to drive through those towns. Unless I take a detour through towns with a population of 5…all with a shotgun. No thanks.
Personally, though, for Nashville, I’m a big fan of missing the proper turnoff for Briley Parkway, leading one to drive a bazillion miles past the Opryland Hotel to turn around. Seems like that’s all I ever do when I’m down in Nashville. You could try that, Max. I’m sure your friend would love it.
Oh, and Alabama Grill is really no great shakes, but the Gibson Bluegrass place is an idea. Haven’t been there before.
Just kidding, just kidding. The mountains are pretty, but I am not a big fan of Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge…and it appears that in order to get to the mountains, I have to drive through those towns. Unless I take a detour through towns with a population of 5…all with a shotgun. No thanks.