INVESTIGATING NASHVILLE
Nashville's Visitor Information Center (5th and
Broadway; 615-259-4747), in the glass tower of the Gaylord
Entertainment Center, has rotating exhibits and a stunning array of
Nashville bric-a-brac. Helpful docents can assist with directions,
discounted tickets, and information on the city. -
HOTELS
Downtown is the place to be, and The Hermitage
(231 6th Ave. N; 615-244-3121), downtown's premier hotel, is a
beaux-arts fantasy of chandeliers, leaded glass, gilded
plasterwork, and carved cherubs and caryatids. The hotel's 120
two-room suites were completely renovated in 1994.
The Wyndham Historic Hotel (1001 Broadway;
615-726-1001) in Nashville's former Romanesque-Revival train
station, Union Station, has a 65-foot-high Tiffany-styled
stained-glass ceiling over the lobby - and freight trains still
rumble under the hotel.
Courtyard by Marriott Downtown (170 4th Ave. N;
615-256-0900), located in a 1903 insurance and bank building, is
within walking distance of the entertainment and dining areas of
the District and Printer's Alley.
RESTAURANTS
Pancake Pantry (1796 21st Ave. S; 615-383-9333) is
where Tennesseans have gone for breakfast for 40 years; the line
waiting for a table can be daunting but moves quickly. Bring your
morning newspaper and pour yourself a complimentary cup of
coffee.
Other local favorites:
Provence (1705 21st Ave. S; 615-386-0363), a
French-inspired bakery and cafe, is a favored lunch spot.
The Trace (2000 Belcourt Ave.; 615-385-2200)
Bound'ry (911 20th Ave. S; 615-321-3043)
Sasso (1400 Woodland St.; 615-226-7942)
Capitol Grill (231 6th Ave. N, in the ground floor
of The Hermitage hotel; 615-244-3121)
FIDO (1812 21st Ave. S; 615-385-7959) serves an
array of bagels, soups, salads, and sandwiches, with a distinct
leaning toward vegan.
NIGHTLIFE
Radio Cafe (1313 Woodland St.; 615-262-1766) is
the perfect place to get an after-dinner coffee (they have 45
different kinds) while a singer-songwriter performs.
The 12th & Porter Playroom (114 12th Ave. N;
615-254-7236),
3rd & Lindsley Bar & Grill (818 3rd Ave.
S; 615-259-9891),
328 Performance Hall (328 4th Ave. S;
615-259-3288), and
Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar (Printer's
Alley; 615-242-5837) are other good places for non-country
music.
Jody's Bar Car (209 10th Ave. S; 615-259-4875)
hosts Johny Jackson's DJ nights and other types of music.
ART
The Hermitage (4580 Rachel's Lane; 615-889-2941)
has permanent and changing exhibits illustrating President
Jackson's life and times.
Cheekwood (1200 Forrest Park Dr.; 615-356-8000) is
in the faux Old South environs of Belle Meade, where early
20th-century nabobs built lavish homes.
The Carl Van Vechten Gallery (D.B. Todd Blvd. and
Jackston St.; 615-329-8720) is located on the Fisk University
campus.
The Parthenon (Centennial Park; 615-862-8431) and
surrounding park is a good spot for a picnic.