This past weekend I got to sneak away from NYC for a bit and mosey on down south to Nashville. One my job’s perks is that a few times a year they pay me to travel. Sure, it's for a conference, which usually means I am at an obligatory conference center destination, but I have yet to be disappointed. That may also have something to do with me usually tacking on a vacation to these trips. I mean if I am already going to be some place new, why not? I was unable to add on any extra days/excursions this time around but I tried to explore a bit.
The conference and therefore my hotel was near Music City Center which in the so-called SoBro neighborhood of downtown Nashville. It is aptly named. The area is so bro as in pastel shorts and popped collared polos galore. Please note that I say this with absolutely no hate. Strictly fact. There is also an abundance of bachelor and bachelorette parties. I have never seen so many in such close proximity to each other and I have spent considerable time on the North Fork, which is also known for this phenomenon (beware of the prevalence of party buses when you pull into a vineyard – you’ve been warned). Again, I say this with no judgment – mostly just with oldness. Large groups of people generally translates into loud groups of people which translates into me being generally confused throughout the evening. We’ll make no comments on whether that is truly due to the loudness of crowds.
My second night was spent just across the river in East Nashville. For all intents and purposes it is the suburbs and it is lovely. Again. I am old. I was with friends and we shared a bunch of plates at Holland House and then made our way to Red Door Saloon. Another warning – you will smell like you smoked a pack of cigarettes upon leaving this place. I didn’t notice all the smoking while I was there. Like I was aware of it but didn’t think it was to the extent that I smelled the next day. Stale smoke never smells good people. I don’t know that I would necessarily recommend this bar. It’s fine. I just think that East Nashville probably has more to offer than what we were able to drag our tired selves to. Please feel free to tell me where I should have gone.
Before heading to the airport Sunday afternoon, my friend and I spent some time walking about the capitol. The weather was beautiful and it was nice to see a bit more than you know bars. Nashville is a quirky place. It apparently has had quite the growth spurt in recent years and it shows. Plenty of old relics juxtaposed to shiny new skyscrapers.
I sadly didn’t get to check out much music while I was in Nashville. Ideally, I would go back with a car for better exploration. I was limited to my own two feet or a cab. Also, being in Nashville makes me really want to go to Memphis. I think this means I need to plan a road trip. We’ll just throw the Smokies and Dollywood into the mix while we’re at it.
How did you all weekend? Anyone else have a work-sponsored escape?
notes:
- i stayed at the hermitage hotel and it was lovely. firstly, so many free cookies. i have priorities people. secondly, the staff are just the friendliest.
- don’t eat at bb kings. or perhaps i should say don’t eat at bb kings and expect to eat within 2-3 hours of when you order. (this post is turning into a series of warnings… awkward).
- do eat at acme feed and seed. the music was great and so was the food. it is oh so very loud and right on broadway but very much worth it.
- i mentioned that i didn’t get to truly explore the music scene but if i had the chance i would have like to check out bluebird cafe’s in the round or perhaps mercy lounge. and let’s be real i probably would have liked to see the grand ole opry because when in nashville, right?