Middle Tennessee Meanderings Part 1
By Christiana on Dec 17, 2009 in Uncategorized
As most romance novelists know, Nashville, Tennessee is the home for the 2010 RWA National Conference. Being a Tennessean by choice, over the next few months I thought I’d share little bits and pics of Nashville that I’ve accumulated over the years.
First stop….The Schermerhorn Symphony Center.
Nashville, Tennessee has a nickname…MUSIC CITY. Country music has a home here but all music is welcome. That includes classical music. The Center opened in 2006 and made a beautiful addition to the city. Marbled entryway, intimate seating and second to none acoustics make avid music lovers flock to the symphony each year. The exterior is impressive too and boasts an outside garden, fountains and lovely statuary.
In the heart of downtown you can pop into a restaurant and eat a quick bite before settling in for a night of Mozart. And afterwards? Maybe have a nightcap while listening to some of the up and coming musicians climbing the county music ladder at nearby Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge. Or if you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, why not stop for a cone of ice cream at Mike’s Ice Cream Fountain.
Next time I blog, we’ll swing by beautiful and historic Belmont Mansion. A must see for all you historical romance authors!
Thanks for the great pictures, Christiana! I’ve only driven through the Nashville area as I traveled to the TN/AL border to visit some friends. I’m not quite sure if I will have the funds in July to attend RWA National, but I do hope I can. I really want to meet you!
Arianna | Dec 17, 2009 | Reply
I hope I can attend this year! I’d love to see Nashville. I am trying to talk my husband into driving me and our new baby, who will be about six weeks (depending on arrival date:) by the time of the conference.
Fingers crossed!
Sarah Tormey | Dec 17, 2009 | Reply
To be honest, Arianna, I don’t know if I’m going to attend due to the costs! I’m going to try but July is a HUGE month here for us as we’re already committed to going to Milwaukee to visit family. Fingers crossed it’ll all work out!
Oh, congrats on the baby, Sarah! How exciting for you! Nashville is a great city. So much to do and see. Recently, we’ve been making it a point to do more things. I’ve got oodles of pictures to share and am looking forward to blogging about all the great places to see.
And let me say, Nashville is quite cosmopolitan. Darn Hee Haw anyway! We ALL wear shoes down here (well, most of the time ;))
Christiana | Dec 17, 2009 | Reply
I’ve actually decided to do RT instead. There’s tons of promo ops at RT that I don’t get at National, because of my small press status. From a business standpoint, RT just makes more sense for me (and I only have to drive 4.5 hrs instead of 12).
Arianna | Dec 17, 2009 | Reply
I so want to go to Tennessee, but really only so I can visit all those historical spots. It’ll be a miracle if I can pull it off financially, especially since I decided not to take another semester of school.
Renee | Dec 17, 2009 | Reply
I lived in Nashville for three years back in the mid-90s and loved it. But I was young and broke and many of the attractions there today weren’t even standing back then. the football stadium for example.
I’m so looking forward to the conference next year as I’ve worked in this hotel, but never been a guest. That’ll be a wonderful change. But also, I’m trying to move back there before the conference starts. Fingers crossed it happens. I’d appreciate the city so much more now and I know it’ll be a great place to put down real roots.
Looking forward to more pics & tips, Christiana!
terrio | Dec 17, 2009 | Reply
Great pics, Christiana. I’ll have to miss the conference this year too. My eldest is graduating this year, fingers crossed, and it will be a hectic summer getting him ready for University.
So, for the time being I’ll have to settle for your pics. :) Looking forward to more.
Anastasia St. James | Dec 17, 2009 | Reply
Fun blog, Chris. It’s always great to have a friend show you their favorite gems in their home state.
Terrio–never did see you as a southerner! No wonder I like you.
terri | Dec 17, 2009 | Reply
Christiana, I’m going to love seeing the city from your prespective! Beautiful building and I’d enjoy going to a concert there. It looks a lot like some of the buildings here in DC.
I wish I could afford to go to Nationals this year, but I’am afraid it’s not going to be possible unless something totally unforseen happens – like I win the lottery. :) I’d love to visit Nashville – I’ve never been there.
Laurie Faelan | Dec 17, 2009 | Reply
Terri – I was born and raised in Ohio, but after moving south back in ‘94, I’ve never gone back above the Mason Dixon Line. And I don’t ever plan on it. Do you know it’s cold up there?!
Well, it’s chilly here in Va Beach right now, but not nearly as bad as up there. *Brrrrr*
terrio | Dec 17, 2009 | Reply
Very cool tour, Christiana! Looking forward to the next round of pics. :)
Sasha Allgood | Dec 17, 2009 | Reply
Looks like a great place.
Alice Audrey | Dec 21, 2009 | Reply