Things to do for a late 20s guy during weeknights around the Opryland hotel? (house, layoffs) - Nashville - Tennessee (TN) - City-Data Forum

TheJagMan · 03-25-2010, 05:32 AM

Going at the end of next month (April) for a conference and staying at opryland hotel...Arrive Tuesday, leave friday at checkout. Will be at meetings until around 5pm everyday. As always I do a lot of searching but tend to always find things to do to entertain families and/or things to do that close at 5pm.

What are some things you all suggest doing? Are there any local bars or party spots within walking distance? Any can't miss non-chain restaurants? Perhaps an interesting themed restaurant other than the rain forest cafe? Best BBQ, pizza, burgers, etc? Any place to take some good photos?

Edgefield D · 03-25-2010, 06:35 AM

Hmmm....I can't say you're going to be in the most exciting place in Nashville. But....there are things to do to keep you busy for a while. You can spend one or two evenings wandering around the hotel. It's actually pretty cool and there are bars and restaurants in there. Of course, Opry Mills mall is next door. There are several restaurants there. Nothing outstanding though. Although, the last time I was there I noticed there was a Blue Coast Burrito. That's a local chain that's really good. There's also an IMAX and a Dave & Busters in the mall. I think there's a sports bar across the street from the hotel...but I can't remember the name of it?

DonCorleone · 03-25-2010, 07:18 AM

Sadly, Edgefield has hit the nail on the head...unless you're into touristy trap/kitschy places, you're not going to find a lot to do around the hotel. There is a sports bar or two in the hotel itself, and a decent Irish bar in there too. There's also a sports bar (Scoreboard I think?) nearby but I've been in there and it's really nothing too special. The hotel itself is pretty cool though, but after a day of walking around you're going to see everything. There's a Grand Ole Opry museum right next to the Grand Ole Opry house on the adjacent property (next to Opry Mills Mall) that is worth checking out if you're interested in music. But other than that, the area is tourist trap central.

I assume you won't have a car, but the hotel runs shuttles/busses from the hotel to the Wildhorse Saloon downtown and that's a much better way to see the city. Once it drops you off at the Wildhorse you're on Second Avenue and there's lots more to do there. Again, it's touristy, but far better than your outside-the-hotel options at Oland Hotel. I'd suggest Mulligan's on 2nd Ave as a great watering hole. Nearby is Broadway where many of Nashville's legendary honkytonks are located (Tootsie's, Legend's, Robert's Western World). I'd definitely check that area out. There's also a good BBQ spot called Jack's BBQ right near Tootsie's on Broadway. If you have the time, you might walk by the Ryman Auditorium (on 4th Avenue between Broadway and Commerce) as it was the original home of the Grand Ole Opry. There's a pretty decent museum in there and you can take a tour of the building if there are no events going on. Not sure when they close, though.

You mentioned good photos of the city...I think one of the best places is on the Shelby St. Pedestrian Bridge which is about a block south of Broadway and goes over the Cumberland River towards the Titans' stadium LP Field. It's got probably the best "postcard" shot of the skyline you can ask for.

Are you coming to town for the RJ conference?

spatty99 · 03-25-2010, 08:25 AM

My girlfriend and I take annual vacations to Nashville.

One of our absolute favorite restaurants is **** of the Walk. They are a little north of Opryland (on Music Valley Dr), maybe a five-ten minute walk, or two minutes by car. They have fried catfish/shrimp/chicken, hush puppies, hot flipped-out-of-the-pan-in-front-of-you corn bread, and the best cole slaw we have ever had by a factor of ten. It is a little bit touristy and cheesy, but we love it.

Another interesting spot is a Dukes of Hazzard store (Cooter's Place), right next to Opryland (also north). If you remember and enjoyed the show, it is a nostalgic 20 minutes or so walking through looking at the DOH toys, gifts, and a police car and such on display. Definitely not a main attraction, but fun quick little excursion.

DonCorleone · 03-25-2010, 10:41 AM

I forgot to mention that when you're downtown you might want to see if there's a Predators hockey game, if you're into that. It's always a fun time.

TheJagMan · 03-25-2010, 04:26 PM

Thanks everyone. It's a military conference. I will have a car but obviously will not drink and drive.

TheJagMan · 03-25-2010, 04:53 PM

New question...If I were to book a hotel elsewhere either the weekend before or after, what area should I stay in?

roohound · 03-25-2010, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DonCorleone

I forgot to mention that when you're downtown you might want to see if there's a Predators hockey game, if you're into that. It's always a fun time.

The Preds last home game of the regular season is 4/10. Of course, we can always hold out hope for some playoffs action!

Edgefield D · 03-25-2010, 07:54 PM

Even though downtown is touristy as well...it's still fun. There are lots of honky tonks that you can check out. You can wander in and out of them...there's usually not a cover. Even though I live here...I still like to go around 2nd and Broad on occaison. There's a lot of activity on the weekends downtown. If you're looking for a downtown hotel...check out the Hampton Inn near the County Music Hall of Fame.

bmrisko · 03-26-2010, 07:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheJagMan

New question...If I were to book a hotel elsewhere either the weekend before or after, what area should I stay in?

The Hampton Inn downtown is in a great location and within walking distance to 2nd Ave, the arena and other downtown attractions...or somewhere over near Vandy for bars w/ college-age patrons.