Visiting Vandy with son this weekend - any rec's on sights to see or places to eat on Saturday night?

Natural - I'm sure there are many much more qualified members around here, but I'll give you my $.02 from visiting my sister at Vandy and several other business trips there.

One of the places I've always wanted to visit while there is The Hermitage (Andrew Jackson's home). The Parthenon would be another typical tourist thing to do (I never got a chance though). I'm not sure if they give tours of The Ryman or Grand Old Opry but I'm sure both would be interesting especially if you're a big country music fan. Speaking of music, there are a ton of "honkey tonks" along one street (Broadway or Church...can't remember which) that are fun to hop in and out of for live music. If you're staying by Vandy, all of this would be a short drive.

For dinner, a NICE place (too nice maybe for a dad & son) is The Stockyard. Good food but probably too pricey and dressy? There are several good places to eat on the same street as the honkey tonks.

Getting back to where you're staying, if you can, you might want to stay at Opryland Hotel. It's huge and there's a bunch of things to do & places to eat inside. Amazing how big it is! But it won't be "convenient" to Vandy or downtown.

There's a Marriott next door to the Vanderbilt Campus on West End Avenue. Several other options include a Hampton Inn in the 1919 West End Ave. a couple blocks east of the campus and another at 2300 Elliston Place a couple of blocks west.

As for Saturday night -- there are many top notch steakhouses near the campus -- Ruth's Chris, Fleming's, Jimmy Kelley's all upscale and pricey. There's also a Logan's Roadhouse (steakhouse) at 2404 Elliston Pl. whihc is much more casual, and lower prices but they have a fine steak. Several great Italian restaurants nearby also. Both Mario's and Valentino's are very upscale. Amerigo's has great Italian and lower prices. Maggianno's is also nearby -- more upscale than Amerigo's but not as much as Mario's. Best Cheeseburger and shake in Nashville is also nearby at Rotier's 2413 Elliston Pl. Kobe Japanese Steakhouse, Blackstone Restaurant & Brewery, Tin Angel are all good choices, too.

For breakfast, The Pancake Pantry at 1796 21st Ave. So is a Nashville tradition. A bit of a wait, but worth it.

Honky Tonks are on Broadway between 5th Ave and 3rd Ave. The best of Nashville's live music offerings.

Sights -- The Parthenon is a replica of "the" Parthenon in Athens, Greece. It stands in the center of Centennial Park across from the Vanderbilt Campus. It's worth a drive through the park to see it from the outside even if you don't go inside.

Tourists and locals meet on 2nd Avenue, just off Broadway. Gift shops, clubs, restaurants, bars,

County Music Hall of Fame is downtown in the vicinity of Broadway Honky tonks. I don't think the Ryman is currently open. The Grand Ole Opry uses it during the winter months, but I think they've move the show back out to the Opryland area on their home stage.

The Frist Center for the Visual Arts at 9th and Broadway is a great art museum, but I know it wouldn't interest my son all that much.

If your son happens to be into guitars, the Gruhn Guitar Company at 4th and Broadway is great thing to see. Unbelievable collection of vintage guitars. Gibson Guitars also has a venue on Church Street in the 1100 or 1200 block.

If you have any questions, drop me an email.

Excellent info - thanks Beezer & BNA --- we will only be in town Saturday but hope to site see and find a good meal after the college tour and Vandy-Auburn game. Thanks for the tips!

BNA, don't you like Corky's BBQ?

I'd like to see Vandy work out for ya, Natural!

Thanks FO - we will see, still a long ways to go - he's just a sophomore. I've eaten at Corky's in Memphis - if that is same 'que it was pretty good!

Best Barbeque near the Vandy campus is "Hog Heaven", next to Centennial Park. However, I realize just how sophisticated some of our HSBB websters might be -- especially those who might be visiting Vanderbilt. Hog Heaven looks terrible on the outside and the inside is worse -- but, if it's BBQ you want, Hog Heaven is the place.

As for Corky's. The Original Corky's in Memphis is excellent. Corky's in Nashville, in my opinion, not quite on par with the original. [My personal favorite BBQ in Memphis is Blues City Cafe on Beale Street.]

Now I've done it. I've set off a barbeque war on the internet. So barbeque me.

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Hog Heaven looks terrible on the outside and the inside is worse -- but, if it's BBQ you want, Hog Heaven is the place.

Now, your gettin' down to the recommendations.

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[My personal favorite BBQ in Memphis is Blues City Cafe on Beale Street.]

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As for Corky's. The Original Corky's in Memphis is excellent. Corky's in Nashville, in my opinion, not quite on par with the original

Ate at Corky's Saturday night --- have to agree it is not on par with Memphis original. Stayed at the Marriott Vanderbilt - overlooking the football stadium and right around the corner from Hawkins field... excellent location.

Glad you enjoyed your visit to Nashville. I also heard that Vandy swept Auburn this weekend. Vanderbilt, under Coach Tim Corbin, is playing an excellent brand of baseball.

PS -- Had I done my homework, I would have seen you were from Texas. Next time you come to Nashville, check out Judge Bean's BBQ (Texas Style) beef brisket. 12th & Porter -- half way between Vanderbilt and Lower Broad Honky Tonks.

Thanks BNA -- you are right - Vandy is playing well. We were very impressed with their approach.

My brother has signed with the 'Dores for '06-'07 and everytime we go we stay at that Marriott or the Holiday Inn Select right there by the stadium. I love the city of Nashville, and the 'Dores are having a great season! Over the next few years, things are only going to get better too!!!