Hey hockey fans. I know it’s not looking too good for our hometown Preds making it to the playoffs. Heck, I haven’t done the math and we may already be out of it. But people counted us out last season and we still made it.

So my point is get over to the Sommet for a game. Playoff bound or not, the guys are great on the ice. Especially J.P. Dumont because he’s great to watch (even though he’s not scoring these days…). Dora isn’t a huge fan but she likes to watch him.

I’d say the upcoming game on Feb. 10 is probably the must see one. Detroit will be in town and they’re at the top of the Central Division. They’re the team to beat and should make for a good show.

A shameless plug as well…we’ve got a Predators package going on right now ($99 + tax, includes breakfast for 2). Just enter in the code B&B when you book your stay. We also offer free parking and complimentary shuttle service from the airport.

Dane

Times are tough out there. The economy is not exactly firing on all cylinders these days. So everybody is tightening their belts. Thankfully, Cheekwood Art and Gardens are doing what it can to help us out by having dollar days until the end of January.  January is almost over, though, so hurry over there!

That means that you only need a buck to get in to see things in the museum and gallery like Innerspace, Permaculture and UFOs, an exhibit on science fiction films and sustainable agriculture; Reverse Angle, which is a bunch of video artists; and a big Faberge collection.

That’s just some of the stuff to see. And then there are the gardens, which are just as beautiful in winter with the evergreens, flowering apricots, and colorful twig dogwoods. Not bad for a buck.  Just 5 days left!

Dane

This might not be as interesting to you younger types out there. But if you’re of a, um, certain age and grew up in these parts you’ll probably be interested in the current art show at The Belcourt.

The Belcourt is worth seeing in its own right. And it’s a perfect spot for painter Peggy Snow to have her show This Old World. It’s a collection of her paintings of a bunch of old Nashville buildings that have either been demolished or soon will be. There’s the Union Station train shed, the old Father Ryan High School and the Community Baptist Church, and others. Sound familiar?

Even if you don’t know them the paintings are really great. Dora described them as “full of movement” and I have to agree. And lots of color. The show runs every day until Jan. 21.

Dane

I don’t know why but the Wizard of Oz seems like the perfect story for the new year. Something about waking up from a crazy, scary dream. Ha.

So when I saw that it was being performed at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center I wanted to mention it. It’s sort of like the Charlie and Chocolate Factory performance, which I wanted to see just to see how they were going to do it (And I really thought they did a good job with it).

But how can they recreate Oz? And how in the world can they do flying monkeys on stage? If you’re curious too the show runs from Jan. 13-18. And then let the yellowbrick road lead you back to your room at the Preston. No wicked witches here.

Dane

Hey just realized this is our 200th post! Because she started it, its too bad Sabrina couldn’t be here to mark the occasion.

Anyway, it’s sure been great doing it, and I hope it’s been interesting for our readers. I know I’ve always tried to discuss stuff that would be interesting to people that are visiting Hotel Preston and even people who already live in Nashville. I know I’ve learned a lot doing it.

So thanks everyone and to our various other posters here at the hotel. We look forward to another 200.

Dane

(photo courtesy of lymph from Flickr)

Happy New Year everybody! I hope everyone had a good one and rang out’08 with a kick in the butt. It was about time for that one to hit the road. I’m looking forward to 2009. I think it should be a good one.

And there’s no better way to start in my book than a visit to the Nashville Boat & Sportshow. If you’ve got a boat (not yet), want a boat (yup) or just need fishing gear (of course) then you should find a couple of hours to spend over there.

They event goes five days at the Convention Center downtown. Things start on Jan. 7 and run till Jan. 11. If it’s like past years it will include everything you need for your boat or fishing, including motors, electronics, tackle, etc. Check out details at their website.

Dane

What could be better than eating a good meal and helping a good cause at the same time? That’s got to be the easiest way to help. They call that sort of a situation a win-win.

And that’s just what I would say about the Friday lunches at the Second Harvest. I had never heard of it. But when I saw this group from the hotel heading out for lunch they told me where they were heading so I tagged along.

Second Harvest is actually a demonstration kitchen at the Metro Center, and every Friday they offer an all-you-can-eat buffet for $12. It’s a little more expensive than brown bagging it, and it’s a pretty simple setup there, but the food was excellent. (It was Cajun, but I guess they change the menu.) Part of the money goes to the food bank. Tis always the season for that.

Dane

I have certain wines I like that Dora and I will get. But are they what other people would call “good” wines? I really don’t have any idea. I usually like reds better so mostly we tend to get those. Within a certain price.

But a friend of ours who’s totally into wine is always telling me what I should try. And he’s said that he usually gets his information from the wine person at his two favorite wine shops in town (I had him write them down for me in case you’re looking). They are:

1.    The Wine Shoppe at Green Hills
2.    Woodland Wine Merchant

So I guess I should make a trip in there before the holidays are done. If you go and find anything good, let me know.

Dane