Things to do in Nashville...

[BigBlueManiac]

Just thought I'd start this thread so that people can post their favorite things to do while visiting Nashville for the Bowl.

I always tell people visiting Nashville they HAVE to visit the Opryland Hotel (especially at Christmas). It's like no hotel I've ever seen, with the indoor gardens, etc. There are usually several bowl activities there as well. The coaches luncheon is held there, and last year, Rich Brook's show was broadcast from one of the bars in the hotel.

Any other Nashville thoughts?

[moody85]

You simply must see Stacy Mitchart play. He's at BB King's on the 30th and the Hotel Preston on the 31st.

;)

[RaviMoss#1fan]

i say go by Hooters of Nashville they got the best chicken wings in town lol

[yodude]

Well the mall by the Opryland is a nice place to waste time and the players hang at um that D&B's arcade restaurant one night. The band stayed in the Opryland for the Tennessee game, and it was mind-blowing. Save your money and just visit though :) It has a very nice and tasty steak house and an arcade as well. There's lots of places to shop in and just an overall beautiful hotel. It's like 4 hotels in one. Also, downtown Nashville has a lot of clubs and bars that will be doing many things for the bowl game. So if you're of age check them out. If you go to the MCB website, you can find a schedule there. I'm sure a lot of people would like to base their plans around the team. there's a Battle of the Bands/Pep Rally on the 30th, which you should all go to - It's pretty entertaining just to see all the BLUE and visiting fans and show your support for the team.

GET YOUR HOTELS NOW THOUGH. Opryland is SOLD out, as is the official Media Hotel, the Renaissance. The band is being force to drive back to Lexington after the game... on New Years Eve. You don't want that for yourself, I Don't want that for you.. so get those reservations in!

[Craig the Blueheart]

I will contribute more as the weeks go on, but I am a big food guy. These are some of my favorite restaurants in the areas that most people will be staying:

Sambuca - 12th Ave (Good American cuisine, with awesome jazz)
Watermark - 12th Ave (VERY good, upscale place with American cuisine)
Sunset Grill - 21st Ave (Great American cuisine with a local and organinc flare)
Tin Angel - West End (Good American, with very different menu)
Rumba - West End (good place for Carribean appetizers)
Morton's - Church St.
Ruth's Chris - Broadway
Merchant's - Broadway (Probably one of the best places in the middle of downtown that are still fairly affordable)
Valentino's - West End (Great, homeade Italian food)

[Captain Morgan]

I will contribute more as the weeks go on, but I am a big food guy. These are some of my favorite restaurants in the areas that most people will be staying:

Sambuca - 12th Ave (Good American cuisine, with awesome jazz)
Watermark - 12th Ave (VERY good, upscale place with American cuisine)
Sunset Grill - 21st Ave (Great American cuisine with a local and organinc flare)
Tin Angel - West End (Good American, with very different menu)
Rumba - West End (good place for Carribean appetizers)
Morton's - Church St.
Ruth's Chris - Broadway
Merchant's - Broadway (Probably one of the best places in the middle of downtown that are still fairly affordable)
Valentino's - West End (Great, homeade Italian food)

Stock-yard restaurant - 901 2nd Ave N (Great steak)

[UKFF]

For those getting to Nashville on Saturday, the Predators are playing San Jose at the Sommet Center at 7pm

[BigBlueManiac]

Oh yeah, for the kids theres the "Rainforest Cafe" at Opry Mills. Neat experience now and then.

[CoquieKat]

Opry Mills also has The Aquarium Restaurant. Be forewarned, though, you're paying for the atmosphere as much as you are for the food. When I can finish an $18 plate of shrimp fettucine, you KNOW it's a bit overpriced. :) But it's kinda neat to feel like you're eating underwater.

[Mr. T]

i say go by Hooters of Nashville they got the best chicken wings in town lol

Is that what we call those things now... wings? :icon_mrgreen:

[RaviMoss#1fan]

that probly where the kentucky sports radio crew will be doing their show after the game like last year

[Craig the Blueheart]

If you are looking to stay around the downtown corridor, I would reccomend stopping by the only Irish Pub on 2nd Avenue. I am not a huge Irish fan, but the bar is cool. It has real Irish music, and the guy that sings most weekends has a cult following. I have actually seen him sing the Star Spangled Banner at Wrigley Field before.

I can't remember the name of the bar, but it is literally the only Irish Pub on 2nd Avenue, and it is closer to Broadway than it is to Union Street.

[JBradley008]

What are some recommendations for ringing in the new year and celebrating a Wildcat victory in Nashville? What are the best country bars and honkytonks???

Also, for the 30th, I'll probably venture over to the Opryland Hotel. Can anyone recommend a place for dinner inside our near the hotel, or should I try somewhere closer to downtown?? Thanks

[ChattyKat]

If you are looking to stay around the downtown corridor, I would reccomend stopping by the only Irish Pub on 2nd Avenue. I am not a huge Irish fan, but the bar is cool. It has real Irish music, and the guy that sings most weekends has a cult following. I have actually seen him sing the Star Spangled Banner at Wrigley Field before.

I can't remember the name of the bar, but it is literally the only Irish Pub on 2nd Avenue, and it is closer to Broadway than it is to Union Street.

We went there last year also and had a geart time. Very small place but lots of character. :thumbup:

[BOURBON TOWN CAT FAN]

Last time I was in Nashville I ate at Demo's downtown and thought it was pretty good.

[UKFF]

If you are looking to stay around the downtown corridor, I would reccomend stopping by the only Irish Pub on 2nd Avenue. I am not a huge Irish fan, but the bar is cool. It has real Irish music, and the guy that sings most weekends has a cult following. I have actually seen him sing the Star Spangled Banner at Wrigley Field before.

I can't remember the name of the bar, but it is literally the only Irish Pub on 2nd Avenue, and it is closer to Broadway than it is to Union Street.

I am sorry but I would vote against this one. We spent approx 2 hours waiting on food at this pub last year after the game. That is waiting on food from the table we were seated at for 2 hours. Food was pretty good though.

[JDHoss]

You simply must see Stacy Mitchart play. He's at BB King's on the 30th and the Hotel Preston on the 31st.

;)


Good advice on Mitchart! Also, I recommend swinging by Bourbon St. Blues & Boogie in Printer's Alley to check out whoever is there.

http://www.bourbonstreetblues.com/

[Craig the Blueheart]

I am sorry but I would vote against this one. We spent approx 2 hours waiting on food at this pub last year after the game. That is waiting on food from the table we were seated at for 2 hours. Food was pretty good though.

Frankly, I have never gone there for dinner, but if you went during a big rush, I would expect a big wait. I would say their facility is set up to be primarily a bar with limited cooking capacity.

I go for the entertainment. If you are looking for quick, fine dining, do not go to this place.

[WildcatRick]

If you are looking to stay around the downtown corridor, I would reccomend stopping by the only Irish Pub on 2nd Avenue. I am not a huge Irish fan, but the bar is cool. It has real Irish music, and the guy that sings most weekends has a cult following. I have actually seen him sing the Star Spangled Banner at Wrigley Field before.

I can't remember the name of the bar, but it is literally the only Irish Pub on 2nd Avenue, and it is closer to Broadway than it is to Union Street.

Agreed!! Mulligan's Pub ROCKS!! Been there many times, even partied with Ken Caminiti there once and Ryan Klesko another time. I am sure it will be packed before and after the MCB, but very much worth visiting.:thumbup::beer:

http://www.mulliganspubandrestaurant.com/main.htm

[Craig the Blueheart]

I see on their website that they did not go smoke free by declaring it "21 and up" at all times... that is actually somewhat disappointing.

It is a great place, however.

[Vinewall]

If the bars or restaurants are considered 21 and over, they still allow smoking. There are plenty of places that remain all ages along Broadway that are smoke-free. I travel to Nashville about once every 3-4 weeks for business and have eaten nearly everywhere and stayed nearly everywhere as well. Although pricey, the Hilton and the new Hampton Inn downtown are great, convenient hotels. If you go a day early, check out Jypsi at Layla's Bluegrass Inn on Broadway...they're always fun to see and are getting ready to hit it big w/a CD coming out in the spring on Sony. They usually play early in the day (4-8) but the weekends may be different. The rooms at that Hampton are very, very nice and always have fold-out couches. They're huge, but should be for $179/nt.

If you want a bit of local flavor head over to the west end area near Vandy. I always end up stopping in for a bean roll at the Gold Rush Tavern on Elliston Place or some sushi at Ken's. The Blackstone Brewery next to Amerigo on West End Blvd. has some pretty good brews as well. Check the music lineups at 12th and Porter, Bluebird Cafe (folk/a bit overated IMO), the Exit/In (alternative) and Station Inn (bluegrass). NYE may be a bit different than usual though, so expect to pull out the wallet after the victory!

Wish I could go down, but cannot make it.

[gerntz]

I will contribute more as the weeks go on, but I am a big food guy. These are some of my favorite restaurants in the areas that most people will be staying:

Sambuca - 12th Ave (Good American cuisine, with awesome jazz)
Watermark - 12th Ave (VERY good, upscale place with American cuisine)
Sunset Grill - 21st Ave (Great American cuisine with a local and organinc flare)
Tin Angel - West End (Good American, with very different menu)
Rumba - West End (good place for Carribean appetizers)
Morton's - Church St.
Ruth's Chris - Broadway
Merchant's - Broadway (Probably one of the best places in the middle of downtown that are still fairly affordable)
Valentino's - West End (Great, homeade Italian food)

What, no Sonics?

[Craig the Blueheart]

What, no Sonics?

None that I have a "dog in the fight"... Ha!

[Craig the Blueheart]

Because of other inquiries, I want to bump this back to the front page.

[Craig the Blueheart]

If anyone would like to post their hotel information, us Nashvillians would be glad to tell you of some things to do immediatley around your area...

[CATHYnKY]

If anyone would like to post their hotel information, us Nashvillians would be glad to tell you of some things to do immediatley around your area...

[Windgate - Airport I think. Made the reservations before the bid was officially given out, but pretty sure it is by the airport. Said it was 8 miles from downtown. 6 of us have rented a van so we can all go together. There will be 4 young men ages 21 to 23 with us and I know they want to be on their own. What would be the cost of a cab ride for whoever isn't driving the van. I expect the young boys will party a lot longer than us old folks ;) Last year we were able to find something downtown. Not so this time. My guess is New Year's Eve along with the bowl game didn't help matters.

[uk77]

Country Inn & Suites - also near the airport

[jh4uk]

i was in nashville for the vandy game this year. and the best place we went was ruth chris restaurant. the best steak i have ever ate... EVER!!! :thumbup:

[CATHYnKY]

i was in nashville for the vandy game this year. and the best place we went was ruth chris restaurant. the best steak i have ever ate... EVER!!! :thumbup:

You buying??? ;)

[BigBlueTom1]

I'll second that about the group JYPSI that plays at Layla's Bluegrass Inn. They're a very unique group of four siblings from the age of 16 to 26, 3 sisters and 1 brother. I saw them back in Nov. while I was in town for the Vandy game. Check them out at JYPSI.net

[Dr. H Lecter]

What are some recommendations for ringing in the new year and celebrating a Wildcat victory in Nashville? What are the best country bars and honkytonks???

Also, for the 30th, I'll probably venture over to the Opryland Hotel. Can anyone recommend a place for dinner inside our near the hotel, or should I try somewhere closer to downtown?? Thanks

I would suggest the "Old Hickory Steak House" if you are inside the hotel. I was there for dinner back in October and we ate outside, yet inside, under the atrium. The Opryland Resort is a bit like being in a Disney resort or Vegas style resort.

Anyway...I think it is worth a shot.

[Gunsmoke]

Ruth's Chris Steakhouse????:eek: Too rich for my blood.:icon_lol:

[RV]

I'll be at Brentwood Suites Saturday thru Tuesday. We have a living room (2 room suite) if anyone wants to stop by and talk about the Cats.

[UedK]

I'll be at Brentwood Suites Saturday thru Tuesday. We have a living room (2 room suite) if anyone wants to stop by and talk about the Cats.

Can we bring burbon and sleeping bags. There will be around 12 of us? :)

[Craig the Blueheart]

[Windgate - Airport I think. Made the reservations before the bid was officially given out, but pretty sure it is by the airport. Said it was 8 miles from downtown. 6 of us have rented a van so we can all go together. There will be 4 young men ages 21 to 23 with us and I know they want to be on their own. What would be the cost of a cab ride for whoever isn't driving the van. I expect the young boys will party a lot longer than us old folks ;) Last year we were able to find something downtown. Not so this time. My guess is New Year's Eve along with the bowl game didn't help matters.

For that cab ride, it will probably be around $20... that fare isn't bad if several are splitting.

[Craig the Blueheart]

Country Inn & Suites - also near the airport

Out by the airport, it is actually really tough to find much of a party. You will probably want to hang out downtown and head to your hotel toward the end of the night. There really aren't a whole lot of 21 and over joints out in that end of town.

[RV]

Can we bring burbon and sleeping bags. There will be around 12 of us? :)

Sure. I'm registered under the name Kaiser Sosay.