<p>I haven't posted anything for awhile, but we have almost daily college discussions going on here. My son is a junior. We are in the NE, so this will be a big trip for us. We are going to visit campus in February. We are scheduled for the campus tour and info session and also a lesson with a music professor. Not sure if DS will major in music but Blair is one of the big draws for him that makes Vanderbilt seem like a great fit.</p>
<p>We are arriving Sunday afternoon and will have some free time in Nashville. So, I'm looking for suggestions of what to see, beyond campus. I keep hearing that Nashville is great but I have never been and don't really know what areas we might want to check out. I am looking around online but thought maybe some Vandy parents or students have some suggestions. We probably won't be here again before decision time so I want DS to get a good feel for campus and the area. Thank you!</p>
<p>My daughter is a freshman violin performance major at Blair (from NYC) and absolutely loves it. Great music making, great teachers, a very friendly fun and hardworking environment (she’s pretty much in the Blair building all day and late into the night most days – the building is always open for practicing, though you have to swipe in with a card at night) What is your son’s instrument? If he has any questions, I know my daughter would be thrilled to chat with him and show him around, so shoot me an email if you’d like. </p>
<p>I haven’t been to Nashville too many times, so hopefully some other more knowledgeable folks will chime in. For what it’s worth, I really love the city – what I’ve seen of it after four visits. After your Blair visit, you’ll be very close to Hillsboro Village, so you might want to stroll by there – some nice restaurants, but the names are escaping me right now, except for Pancake Pantry, which is a Nashville institution that I’ve had several positive experiences at so far (chose times when the lines weren’t trailing around the block)…some people say it’s not worth it but I really enjoyed the sweet potato pancakes. I’ve also been to the Germantown area, which has a number of great places to eat – Monell’s was a standout. I’ve also been to Martin’s BBQ Joint, and had an enjoyable and inexpensive meal. My daughter went to Loveless Cafe, which was apparently pretty good, but she said it was a bit touristy. Strangely, apart from Blair, I still haven’t taken advantage of the many and varied music aspects of Music City but plan to do so on my next visit in February.</p>
<p>If you search this message board, there are three or four highly informative threads about what to do in Nashville and the surrounding neighborhoods close to Vanderbilt. The area is rich with culture, music and outstanding food.</p>
<p>Try the BlueBird Cafe which showcases new talent. It’s a small venue so you’ll want to get tickets in advance. If you like history, there’s the Hermitage, Andrew Jackson’s home.</p>
<p>I really enjoyed the Hermitage. It was really interesting, and I don’t usually go for that kind of thing. The Frist museum is cool just for the Art Deco architecture alone. We had fun in their hands-on art making area. I am not knowledgeable about country music, so the Country Music Hall of Fame was over my head.</p>
<p>The one mile flat gorgeous walk around Radnor Lake (close into town…about five miles away) with your 17 year old get away from the rat race, and have a zen hour with her and to see actual Nashvillians --where they go on a daily basis. Anything that might be going on in Centennial Park. Cheekwood can be enjoyed in 90 minutes…see what is up there on the web. I also love the history of the Hermitage…very much on par with the Presidential homes in Virginia. But I wouldn’t spend a day there or at the Loveless on any initial trips. Good places to go should you matriculate to Vandy and find that a weekend visit means your son or daughter can meet you for meals only due to homework and you are on your own for a few hours! There are often festivals on the harbor downtown. Nashville has a lot of weekend off campus things to do without stress re getting there. For a quick fix without the ta-do of getting into the Bluebird, you can generally hear bluegrass with good musicians at the Station Inn…go to their website. Lower Broad is strictly for tourist hotels and vagrants but sort of irresistible for a half hour. Check out the shows at the Exit Inn online. Hotels I favor are on West End to reduce stress or behind the law school…favorite is Hilton Garden Inn but parking is not free. Second fave is the Hampton at Centennial with free parking. Embassy Suites next door to the Hilton Garden Inn. best wishes, savor these times</p>
<p>If you are staying near campus (basically anywhere on West End), I’d recommend hanging out in Hillsboro. It’s a great place to get a meal and get a feel for Nashville. Depending on the weather this weekend, I’d suggest an afternoon in Centennial Park. The Parthenon has a great art museum inside. If you’d like to go out at night, walking down lower Broadway is great. As a junior I wouldn’t expect your son would be 18, so he wouldn’t be able to enter any of the bars, but there are some restaurants down on Broadway that would give a similar feel. If you want a late meal while you’re here, I recommend Sunset Grill in Hillsboro. They’re pricey during the day, but after 10 the entire menu is half-off. Best nachos in town.</p>
<p>Thanks so much for all the suggestions! We are really looking forward to the trip. Now I just hope this freezing weather will improve before then!</p>