Holiday visit to Nashville

[Thelma]

We are thinking of visiting Nashville during the week of Christmas - New Years.

Is that a good time to visit? We are looking for lots of live country music in the clubs, Ryman & Opryland. I can't seem to find any specifics on line. Also, suggestions on where to stay, downtown or out of the city? We like a lot of activity around dancing & music. How about New Year's Eve - where to go? Sometimes the holidays are quite - not much going on - that's what I want to find out before going and being disappointed.

I would greatly appreciate your suggestions.

Thank you,
Thelma

[Jojo]

Thelma,

Business does tend to be slow (Music Row is very, very quiet) during the week between Christmas & New Year's Eve in Downtown Nashville. Here are some ideas for you if you decide to visit. The Grand Ole Opry at The Ryman has an 8 p.m. show on December 29th and a 6:30 p.m. & 9:30 p.m. show on December 30th. Belle Meade Plantation will be beautifully decorated and the focus this year is on 1880's Christmas. In a separate building, they'll have an exhibit of Christmas trees and children's toys. Tours will run until December 31st. Cheekwood Botanical Garden & Museum of Art's Season of Celebration exhibit runs until December 31st. The many gardens and Museum of Art become a holiday fantasy with lavishly decorated grounds and rooms, including trees trimmed by some of Nashville's most creative people. You can reach them at 615-356-8000 for more information.

As far as New Year's Eve parties, we called a few places and found out that plans are not finalized. You may want to check with some of these popular establishments in a few weeks to see what they're offering: Wildhorse Saloon - 615-902-8200, Robert's Western World - 615-244-9552 and Tootsie's - 615-726-0463.

Where to stay? Here are some options for you in the downtown area:

Hilton Nashville Downtown
121 4th Avenue South
Nashville, TN
615-620-1000
Luxury suites in the heart of Downtown Nashville and only 1 block from the action on Broadway.

Renaissance Nashville Hotel
611 Commerce Street
Nashville, TN
615-255-8400
Located 1 block from Broadway and in the business district, this downtown Nashville hotel is connected to the Convention Center, and within walking distance of Gaylord Entertainment Center, Coliseum, B.B. King's Blues Club, Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, and Historic Second Avenue District, which boasts Nashville's most popular "honky tonks" and live entertainment.

Courtyard Nashville Downtown
170 Fourth Ave North
Nashville, TN
615-256-0900
Located 2 blocks from Broadway. Unique among hotels in Nashville, the Courtyard by Marriott Nashville Downtown is a stunning, century-old high-rise set in the heart of the city's historic district. Within walking distance to Printer's Alley, 2nd Avenue and the Convention Center

Sheraton Nashville Downtown
623 UNION ST
Nashville, TN 37219
615-259-2000
Centrally located in the heart of downtown, the Sheraton Nashville Downtown Hotel is a AAA three-diamond, atrium-style, full-service hotel. Located 3 blocks from Broadway.

THE HERMITAGE HOTEL
231 Sixth Avenue North
Nashville, Tennessee 37219
Hotel Phone: (615) 244-3121 / (888) 888-9414
It's a 5 minute walk to Broadway. 2005 AAA Five Diamond Award Recipient and Tennessee's Only Five Diamond Hotel

Holiday Inn Express Nashville Downtown
920 Broadway
Nashville, TN 37203
Hotel Front Desk: 615-244-0150
It's across the street from Union Station and about 7 blocks from the action!

For on-line reservations - please click here: http://nashville.com/hotels/guide.html

[icecop44]

So what your saying is nothing happens during the cross over week? That's pretty sad, I and my father in-law are coming down 12/29-1/1 for the hockey and football games. Are you saying we would be better off just going back to the hotel after each game and not venture downtown except to eat?

[Jojo]

Unfortunately, we can't predict exactly what it will be like during that week. Bars & clubs will be open, so there's no need to have to go back to your hotel room after each game! Keep checking the Nashville.com Calendar of Events as it's frequently updated. We did just hear of Robert's Western World's New Year's Eve details (check the calendar for more info: http://nashville.com/calendarofevents/index.html ) and Wildhorse Saloon just informed us they're finalizing their New Year's Eve plans. Once finalized, they'll send our way and we'll then list it on the calendar. With all the people attending the Nashville Predators vs Boston Bruins on December 30 at 7 p.m., I can bet many will be visiting downtown!

[icecop44]

Jojo, thanks for the reply. I will check back over the next several weeks. However, the Predators are playing the Boston Bruins, not Buffalo on the 30th of Dec. sacrilege!!!
Also the New Engalnd Patriots are playing the Titans.

What can you tell me about the Days Inn Colliseum?