When I was a younger guy, one of my favorite days was Valentine’s Day with all the stuff that went with it. Ahh… The roses, the chocolate, the love songs. My plan is to work an early shift and then I’m taking Dora on a relaxing horse-drawn carriage ride. What could be more romantic? We’ll be taking in the Cumberland River and Riverfront Park, but if you like something livelier there are other routes, like the Bicentennial Mall.

The drivers are local people who know a lot about the area and will be happy to share their knowledge of places like Andrew Jackson’s church. They will be able to tell you how Tennessee became a state and how Riverfront Park was one of the biggest Union camps during the civil war. Just ask your driver about Davy Crockett and see what happens.

Dane

Nashville isn’t just about country music: we have our quirky side, too. Seems only fitting, then, to recommend this great, little hole-in-the-wall. Granted, most people aren’t looking for a popsicle stand in the winter in Tennessee, but that’s only if they’ve never had one from Las Paletas.

Over on 12^th Avenue South, there is one fantastic spot for these Mexican treats. I’ve only tasted them in Puerto Vallarta, and was so psyched to find out we had them here. These are hands-down the best popsicles you have ever tasted. There are tons of choices, both creamy and not, and the menu changes frequently. I’ve had a rose petal pop, a hibiscus one, and an amazing Mexican caramel one.

It’s a little tough to find, not much signage, but definitely worth sussing out. It’s one pop stand you won’t want to blow.

Dane

It takes a certain kind of person to get into TV sitcoms. Um, a person like me. And probably you. So, how great is this? I’ve never heard of a deal like this, leave it to the Preston to come up with it. You can come stay at the hotel and totally immerse yourself, TV-wise, in the decade of your choice: 1960s, ′70s, or ′80s. Hunker down and get ready to watch the complete first season of a great TV show, from your very own salad days.

Each hotel package includes a night at the hotel and appropriate snacks and doodads. The 1960s deal, for example, offers Gilligan’s Island, Clove Gum and Necco wafers, all backlit by a cool lava lamp, man. The whole gang will be there, including the Professor and MaryAnn. Will you?

Dane

The thing that’s great about New Year’s Eve is all of Nashville out on the town together, everyone living it up. The thing that isn’t so great about New Year’s Eve is being out on the road, making my way home with everyone who’s living it up a little too much.

This year I’m staying put. Not at home, that’s a little too tame for me. You’ll find me right here at the finest Nashville airport hotel, safe and sound. If you decide to follow my lead, you’ll take advantage of Hotel Preston’s New Year’s Eve deal. First you’ll hit the party at the Pink Slip Lounge, later have a glass of midnight bubbly, wake up to a great breakfast (the New Year’s deal includes a  $25 food and bev credit), and if you had just a little too good of a time, there’s a hangover kit (aspirin, Alka Seltzer, vitamin C, etc.) at the ready. Cheers!

Dane

After the gifts are unwrapped and the Christmas dinner dishes are done, the rest of the day can feel like a letdown, right? Not if all the family wraps up in all those new knit scarves and hats (I got three sets of gloves last year) and heads down to LP field to see the Titans play the Chargers. Buy tickets!

Even if not everyone in your family is a ball fan, you gotta get out of the house and do something on Christmas, especially if you’ve got out-of-towners. And, let’s face it, Jeff Fisher and his Titans may not quite have coal in their stockings, but they will have to deal with the AFC West powerhouse Chargers, and they need our support. So get out there and pray, for a victory that is.

Dane

You know, when you grow up someplace, and something is so familiar, you can’t believe everyone doesn’t know about it? Like Seattle and grunge. Or, New Orleans and po boys. Well, until recently I thought everyone knew what “meat ‘n’ three” meant. So here’s the obvious explanation—your choice of meat and three sides, and Nashville’s the place to get it. Here are some of my favorites:

I go to Arnold’s Country Kitchen for their fried chicken, and in futile hope of running into any one of the Dixie Chicks. (Just when do they go there? Never when I’m there.) If you’re looking for a great milkshake, Elliston Place Soda Shop’s your spot. And if you’ve got the appetite for all-you-can eat, family style, check out Monell’s.

And, by the way—what the heck is a stumptown, anyway?

Dane

After a long, exhausting shopping day at the mall, don’t you think you deserve a little fun? This season, Nashville’s historic Belcourt Theater, in Hillsboro Village, will be showing two great holiday flicks. They might not both be your cup of tea, but one or the other will probably pique your interest.

On December 3, the Belcourt will be hosting a special event, a screening of the modern Christmas classic, The Polar Express. The night is a benefit sponsored by Crye-Leike Real Estate with all proceeds going to Camp Hope. Tickets include dinner and a silent auction and children are welcome.

On the entirely other side of the spectrum, on December 19 & 20, the theater will screen Black Christmas, about yuletide horror at a sorority house. Hey, it’s the season of giving and the Belcourt offers something for everyone.

Happy viewing,
Dane

This is one of the Nashville events that I look forward to all year. I’m sure a lot of people think it’s nuts to go check out acres of cars most people can’t afford (especially in this economy), but I love it. It probably comes from a childhood filled with Matchbox cars (loved setting up the track, over and over) and remote-controlled cars. I just know it’s a great way to spend a day.

It’s all happening at the Nashville Convention Center on the last weekend in November. I like to see what the new trucks and SUVs are looking like, but I’m really curious, too, to see the 2010 hybrids. There will be reps from Motor Trend and all the major car makers, so it’s also a great opportunity to ask a lot of questions. And I don’t know what you drive, but I’m not parking my ride anywhere near the show.

Dane

Dora and I had a great dinner right here at the hotel the other night, at Café Isabella (Dora said it was the best Chicken Parmagiana she’s ever had). While we were eating, Dora asked me if we’d had many weddings, or things like that, at the hotel. If she was asking, I realized people needed to know what a great place we have for a big wedding event like that.

In the first place, the hotel caters the event, and the food is first-rate. The hotel itself looks great, the grounds are really cool. And if you’re like me, I need a place to wander off to during any big shindig, and the Pink Slip (our bar) is perfect for that. And, of course, at the end of the party, you can just stumble upstairs to your room. Can’t beat it.

Dane

Did you know that you and I, your average Joe and Jane, can attend the Country Music Awards? Until today, neither did I. I knew the show was coming to the Sommet Center on November 11, and thought I should brush up on the details in case hotel guests asked me about it. When I went to the site, I saw that tickets are available to the public.

And it looks like it’s going to be a great show, hosted by Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley, with a great line-up of some newer names, and some of the old greats. Tim McGraw will perform with Vince Gill and Daughtry, and Daughtry’s band will make their debut appearance at the awards. There will be performances by Randy Travis, Brooks & Dunn, Reba, George Strait, Melinda Lambert, and on and on.

If you can possibly swing it, buy tickets now. I didn’t say they were cheap (cuz they ain’t), but what a night.

Dane