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These are two places I'm most directly considering for 36 hr./Fri to Sun anniversary trip upcoming this coming Dec/Jan (HOPEFULLY, COVID-19 will be somewhat resolved by then). I mention those because by then we will have a young child (4-5 month), and so going away/separation that early for very long probably won't be possible or ideal. The reason I'm considering these two cities is this:
San Antonio: We LOVE Mexican food and culture, along with visiting historical sites
Nashville: We LOVE the Piedmont region of the country in terms of natural scenery, and Nashville receives significant hype for being an exciting/trendy urban destination, even if we aren't huge country music fans.
So... pros for both:
Nashville:
1. The aforementioned nature (forested parks, rolling hills, etc.).
2. Easier access (cheaper to get to, more nonstop flights).
3. Strikes me as overall being more urbane/vibrant (NashVegas), more the type of place you hit in your 20s, which incidentally, it might be my last trip as a 20 something lol
4. Better sports events (NFL, NHL and College Sports potentially in town).
5. The hype factor (just... an intense level of hype about Nashville has me curious.
San Antonio:
1. The aforementioned Mexican/Latin flair and culture, perhaps less American/more exotic/foreign* feeling? (comparatively at least to Nashville which strikes me as American As It Gets)
2. We would be far more likely to get to Nashville on a car trip at some point (planning to, actually)
3. More historical sights, and more touristy things to do throughout a day for someone with that interest.
4. The festival culture/artsiness, architecture, etc., plus I've heard San Antonio is a great city on holidays.
5. The fact that I could then say I've visited ALL the Big 4 Texas cities in the last 2 years, and have a full frame of reference on them, as well as the ability to go over and spend time with family in Austin if brought along there, which could mean a longer trip is possible.
I'm leaning towards San Antonio since I figure I'll probably do a driving trip to Nashville at some point anyways. But I'm open to any and all thoughts. Airfare is initially more expensive.. but we could always look at flying into Houston or Austin instead.. and we would recoup flight expenses with cheaper hotels in San Antonio, at least on average.
Go with San Antonio. Nashville is a ghost town during the winter months as far as things to. The best times to visit Nashville are spring and fall (tons of festivals, sporting events, concerts, etc.)
At 36 hours these places are basically even. What decent city isn't enjoyable for 36 hours on a first visit lol? But I personally prefer Nashville, especially if you are limited to such a short time frame. The travel time wouldn't be worth the short visit to SA. If you can pair it with Austin and actually spend some decent time in both then it makes a lot more sense.
For your purposes, go to San Antonio. I too love Mexican food (could eat it everyday).
It will be warmer in San Antonio that time of year than in Nashville.
Go to Nashville in spring/fall, maybe try to go without a kid. Although having a kid go is totally doable, but more limiting.
Nashville's energy, friendliness, entertainment and things to see and do are abundant. It's a booming, exciting city, and by 2023 or so it will be even better (once Nashville Yards and Fifth & Broadway are done--and other huge construction projects downtown).
I love visiting both areas. But given you're going in the colder months, I'd go with San Antonio. As Shakeesh said, Nashville's has a lot more going on in warmer months, but not as much in the colder ones.
I think the environment is more fun, (for families), and romantic overall along the Riverwalk in SA. The food is great and there is plenty of Mexican, Italian, seafood, BBQ, and steakhouses down there. This history around downtown is intriguing and even if yall wanted to leave SA for an afternoon for some wine tasting in Fredricksburg, it is a short drive to get there.
I think the environment is more fun, (for families), and romantic overall along the Riverwalk in SA. The food is great and there is plenty of Mexican, Italian, seafood, BBQ, and steakhouses down there. This history around downtown is intriguing and even if yall wanted to leave SA for an afternoon for some wine tasting in Fredricksburg, it is a short drive to get there.
San Antonio is much more of a leisurely town. Nashville is great too, but more corporate feeling and not as easy to navigate. Downtown San Antonio is walkable and has a little bit of something for everyone. The FOOD! So good, especially if you like trying local restaurants.
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