I'm taking my daughter on a college tour through the south..leaving Saturday. Since we'll be spending the night at each school I'd love to take her to lunch/dinner at some places that the college students may frequent or places that are popular near campus just to give her more flavor for the area. We're not looking for anything fancy...bugers, pizza, salads. Thanks!!

Hi mei - My son is a freshman at Vandy and when I was planning our college tours I posted a similar question to yours. In Nashville I would suggest going to McDougal's in Hillsboro Village. They have unbelievable chicken wings and boneless, fries, salads, etc and it has so much character. Both times I have been there with my son there have been lots of students there. I also would recommend going to Pancake Pantry for a great breakfast. Their Caribbean pancakes are amazing. It is also in Hillsboro Village. We also toured UVA but didn't find a restaurant worth noting.

I don't know if you have thought of this, but I would highly recommend your daughter trying to arrange to stay overnight on campuses when she visits to really get a feel for the school and the students. The night my son stayed on Vandy campus he ate Branscomb Breakfast (basement of a dorm) at like 2:00 A.M. It was great fun.

Alot of the students frequent chain restaurants but I would suggest you stick with the local places for a real experience.

What a great choice of schools!

In Blacksburg, I'd recommend Mike's Grill if you want a burger (they are huge! be sure to split the fries b/c an order is too much for one person), plus its downtown location will give you a feel for Main Street/downtown Blacksburg.

My other local favorite is Macado's, which is on the other side of campus, with easy access to 460.

I'm not a Vandy student, but do work there. There are several places close to campus where I see lots of students. San Antonio Taco Co. (SATCO) is pretty popular, more for the atmosphere than the food (in my opinion). There's a Panera next door - not really local, but yummy! Pizza Perfect and Roly Poly are just across the street (these are all on 21st Ave.). There are several places on West End Avenue (north border of campus), some chain, some not. For student quotient I'd go with SATCO, but someone else may be able to steer you better.

I was a student at UNC, although it's been a year and a half since I've been back (so double-check that anywhere I say there is still open!). Anywhere on Franklin Street will have some students - try the Rathskellar, Cosmic Cantina, Pepper's Pizza, or Bandido's. (The Rat and Bandido's are down alleys - you'll have to look for them!) Hector's has burgers in a pita pocket, gyros, that kind of thing - cheap and greasy. El Rodeo, on the east side of town (not bordering campus) is good Mexican. For nicer food, try 411 West - Italian food a bit down Franklin west of campus. For my "see the student" picks, I'd go with Pepper's or Cosmic.

Meant to add - I second the Pancake Pantry! I'm not sure how many students you'll find, but it's a Nashville institution just down the street from campus. I highly recommend the sugar & spice pancakes!

Welcome to Winston-Salem, home of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons! While you are here visit Reynolda Village a complex of shops and restaurants near the campus. The Village Tavern is popular with students. GO DEACS.

Just curious about your trip to Nashville. When visiting Vandy, where will you stay? We're thinking about touring the school soon with our daughter. Thanks.

The Village Tavern in Reynolda Village near WFU campus is a good choice. In CH, the Rathskellar off Franklin St alley is the stop for authentic "old" carolina experience.

I went to Vanderbilt and I still think of SATCO often. It's a great local place right across the street from the library. It's not expensive and attracts hordes of Vandy students, so you'll get a good idea of what one of the social scenes is like.

There are many hotels right around campus. There is the Loews Vanderbilt Plaza, right across the street from campus. There is also the Marriott Courtyard, Embassy Suites, and Holiday Inn all within walking distance. If you google Nashville hotels look for ones in the Vanderbilt/West End area. Most of these hotels are on West End Avenue and are moderately priced.

If you have questions about Vanderbilt you can email me at [email protected]. Loved it, great school.

Hello!

For UVA:

The closest dining options are clustered on the "UVA Corner"--- a length of University Avenue thats 5 blocks or so. It's a minute's walk away from the Rotunda. Go in the afternoon to see the Corner at it's busiest to get a feel for it.

At the top of the strip, you'll see a packed bagel shop--- Bodo's. For some students, Bodo's is almost their meal plan. There is a Starbuck's (a second library for many students) just after--- make a left at that corner onto Elliewood Ave. Elliewood Ave. is a dead-end street with a happy mix of restaurants, bars, bookstores, and a bike shop. If you're in a hurry, grab a sandwich at "Take it Away" a sandwich shop on the left. If you happen to run and need a new pair of shoes, make a pit stop at the Ragged Mountain Running Shop. It's really a fantastic shop for folks with finniky feet-- just thought I'd throw that out there.

Back on University, pop into Mincer's for your UVA souvenir---the shop has been open since the 50's I think.

I'm forgetting the order of some of the restaurants and such so forgive me if these other highlights are not in order. Here are some brief descriptions of restaurants and such:

Littlejohn's: Great 24-hour deli; this is the last stop for many students after a fun night out. The sandwiches are huge.

Michael's Bistro: Tucked above Littlejohn's (steep flight of stairs) this restaurant almost feels like a large attic. There is balcony dining during the warmer months. It's not fancy but it's nice. It wouldn't be the quickest casual meal, but it's a good spot if you want a rest!

Jabberwocky-- Think tiny burgers "sliders", intricate sandwiches, and soups in bread bowls...fun vibe.

The White Spot: The Corner's greasy spoon...really greasy actually. Order the special--- a hamburger with a fried egg on it. Coronary! A definite blast from the past.

The Mellow Mushroom: Large pizza spot on far end. Nice big booths. Good pizza...

Arch's: Frozen yogurt place; a must stop for dessert!

Hmm.. there are more places to still to recommend.. will think about it and add more.

If she's a music lover... pop into Plan 9; a really great music store on the Corner.

I hope you enjoy your trip!

Thanks for all the wonderful restaurant ideas.

DownSouth...we're staying at the Loews in Nashville. I was trying to get a good deal bidding on Priceline, but no luck, so I just made my reservation.

and thanks Juldie for the tip on overnights...we're hoping she'll be doing that when she narrows it down a bit.

Just popping in to say that Fraggle's recs for C-ville/UVA are dead on. Woulda been my exact suggestion.

I'm leaving in the morning.....any Clemson spots not to miss???

The dairy at Clemson has good milkshakes....If you are driving I-77N just prior to the NC line is the New Peach Stand...exceptionally good milkshakes

The Loews Vanderbilt is a really nice hotel. IT's right across the street from Vandy and the Admissions Office. I hope you like Vandy-it's a wonderful school. I loved going there. Please go to SATCO for me-I miss it terribly!! There is also a Chili's and PF Chang's within walking distance of the Loews as well. Have a great time and hope you like the schools.

I've probably visited 2 dozen colleges over the last 5 years (2 college students) and I'd like to suggest that you think about eating on campus. There's nothing like eating in the campus dining halls to get a true feeling for your daughter about the campus and a real taste for what's on the students menu. Colleges are very used to parent and prospective students visiting and the students won't even notice you in their dining places. Have a great visit - My son is in college very close to VT, at Roanoke.

For Carolina, I'd recommend a stroll along Franklin Street to Ham's - great bar food and fun college-age atmosphere. Go Heels!