aliska

Planning to go for a 3 day long weekend in 3 weeks. We planned this trip very suddenly and are looking for recommendations. We have been to Nashville a number of times and seen a lot of the sights - The Hermitage, TN State Musueum, Opryland, Belle Meade, and eaten at a few favorite places - Pancake Pantry and The Loveless Motel (breakfast and dinner!). While we wouldn't mind re-visiting some of these places, we would like to find a few new ones. Truthfully, we are not into country/western music. We like Nashville as a city, it's sights, food and interesting places. Daughter is 19, so I doubt we can go to a lot of clubs?

Please recommend some new places to visit. We have been to the Jack Daniels distillery in Lynchburg, wouldn't mind another interesting day trip like that. We like food, shopping (mother/daughter trip), architecture, culture, nature and scenery. We will be driving from central Ohio, any interesting stops worth visiting along the way? Thanks!

bachslunch

Things to do not listed above I can think of:

-Belmont Plantation
-Country Music Hall of Fame
-Historic RCA Studio B (toured via arrangements with the CMHoF)
-Lane Motor Museum
-Ryman Auditorium
-Tennessee State Capitol
-The Parthenon
-Frist Center
-Cheekwood (haven't been here)
-Stones River National Battlefield (haven't been here)
-Carnton Plantation (haven't been here)
-Adventure Science Center (haven't been here)

bachslunch

Also, if it's open (and there's no guarantee of that), the Carl Van Vechten Gallery at Fisk University is supposed to be worth seeing.

williamscb13

Have you been to Franklin and toured the Civil War sites there? It's the site of the worst battle of the Confederacy. there are some fascinating tours and Franklin has a cute little downtown.

jent103

I definitely second the Country Music Hall of Fame. I'm not that into country music either, but it's really well done and really interesting from a historic point of view, I thought. If there's a show on at the Ryman that you're interested in, definitely go - it's my favorite place to see anyone play, period. Check the exhibits on at the Frist too (there's no permanent collection, so whether you want to go will depend on the rotating exhibit). Cheekwood could also be nice if the weather is good - I'm not sure how many of the flowers will be blooming yet, but the Japanese garden is always pretty.

Have you been to the Bluebird Cafe? A lot of shows around town are 18+ (not all, though, and some venues do age depending on the artist playing). I'm not sure about the honky-tonks on Lower Broad.

For places to eat, check out nashvilleoriginals.com - there's a variety of types and price points there. Allium is very cool for a view of downtown. Baja Burrito is also a local favorite, if you don't mind going outside the tourist areas (it's perfectly safe, just not near the main attractions - in the 100 Oaks area).

bellhouse

See who might be playing at the Ryman - we saw Earl Scruggs and family last summer - he didn't say anything, but he sure could still play! Bluebird for sure.

jent103

aliska, I checked the Ryman schedule. I'm not sure if you meant the weekend of the 18th or the 25th, but depending on your musical tastes, Bright Eyes at the Ryman could be a good show on 3/17 (they're categorized as "folk" - not my particular thing, but a lot of people love them, and the sort of band that fits the Ryman perfectly).

aliska

Jent, thanks but we are planning 3-23 to 3-27. Will look at the schedule. Have been to the Ryman many years ago on my 1st visit to Nashville, but DD has never been.

bellhouse

Also - Rotiers (burger on French bread was a staple when I was at Vandy - they also have meat and 3).

travel_princess

I second visiting Franklin. I actually live in Franklin and love it. There are great civil war sites and Carnton Plantation is a great tour as well as the Carter House. The Factory is fun to check out too with great shops, art, food, etc. Some great restaurants downtown too such as Red Pony, 55 South, Pucketts, Boxwood Bistro, etc. If you really want off the beaten path you could go to Leipers Fork which is really in a beautiful area close to Franklin. Hey you may see some stars since alot of them live out this way!