Need suggestions on entertaining out of town guest (Franklin, Belle Meade: hotel, house)

[AvaB]

I've lived in Nashville 2 years, but because of my work schedule, I honestly haven't gone out and done a lot in Nashville besides the obvious things (Opryland Hotel, a few restaurants, Belle Meade Mansion, Cheekwood...)
I'm hosting a friend from out of town who lives in Los Angeles and is used to all the excitement that a big city has to offer. We are in our late 20's.

I'd like to take him to some nice restaurants..maybe Sambuca or Cabana?

I thought about taking him to a park to see the natural beauty of the area. Any suggestions on which one? I go to Edwin Warner sometimes.

What is there to do downtown besides bars?

Any suggestions would be great! Thanks in advance!

[alleycat]

If you want to get out and enjoy nature, this would be a good time to take a drive down the Natchez Trace Parkway, maybe have breakfast or lunch at the Loveless beforehand.

If someone is from LA, you really can't impress them too much with any "exciting things" Nashville has to offer of the commercial variety (unless he happens to be a big country music fans--which I doubt). I think it might be better just to go a few places where the locals hang out and have a relaxed time and enjoy mingling and the crisp fall weather. You didn't say when he's coming; I assume in the next week or two.

[Tunky]

I second the Natchez Trace Parkway...it's so beautiful right now.

[denawilliams]

Radnor Lake would be cool to do a hike, see wildlife and enjoy the fall colors.

[alleycat]

Yeah, I would second Radnor Lake as well.

You might consider downtown Franklin. He might enjoy the small town charm.

Take him through Belle Meade (point out Al Gore's house); if he's never been to Tennessee he's probably convinced we're a bunch of shoeless rednecks. ;-)

[skinem]

If you want to give him the "Nashville Experience", take him to the Grand Ol' Opry. Take him one of the tours that abound.

Shoot, I've taken out-of-towners to the Opry who thought their ears would bleed if they heard any country, and all of them ended up having a good time. Might not want to do it frequently or even again, but it's different.

Shoot, revel in what the nation thinks Nashville is!

I second Belle Meade or the area around the governors mansion...it really isn't what the nation thinks Nashville is...

[AvaB]

Thanks for the suggestions!

I was thinking of taking him through the Natchez Trace. I think he would really like it because he is passionate about traveling..and I think the Natchez Trace is on a list of places you have to see before you die.

Which house is Al Gore's house?? I had no idea.

Is Radnor Lake better than Edwin Warner Park? I'm very close to Edwin Warner Park...I've never been to Radnor Lake.

Thanks again for your help!

[gbone]

I go to both Edwin Warner and Radnor Lake frequently. As far as scenic beauty I prefer Radnor because of the lake and better chances to see more wildlife. I call it Nashville's "Walden Pond". Radnor is much smaller than Edwin Warner. It has four main trails, each one between 1-2 miles in length. You can either do a short walk or combine the trails to get almost eight miles of walking.

[Branch Water]

Be sure to eat at Cracker Barrel and have a glass of sweet tea!