Looking for an unusual and far-out evening activity that even your kids will get a kick out of? Take them over to the Dyer Observatory for their Open House Telescope Night.

Seriously. It goes on once a month from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. (this month on Aug. 8th) and they let you use their telescopes to see the sun, moon, planets, and stars up close. Plus it’s free, which you can’t say about a lot of things your kids might be interested in.

Dyer Observatory is part of Vanderbilt University and is located on one of the tallest peaks near Nashville. If it’s cloudy they do tours instead and have one of their astronomers available to answer questions.

You can also bring your own telescope if you want and they’ll help you learn how to see the most with it. Though I’m going to bet their equipment is a little better.

Dane

A state reptile? The people that put that list together had a lot of time on their hands. But I guess if you’re going to have one the Eastern Box Turtle will work as fine as any.

I’m going to add a new category to that list: State burger – Fat Mo’s. Coming to Nashville and not going over to Fat Mo’s is like, I don’t know, skipping the Grand Ole Opry or something. It’s Nashville between two buns.

I can’t go all the time the way I used to, but when we do go, I’m a deluxe burger guy. They say they have the biggest burgers in town, and that seems a good bet. If you’re really hungry, you can try the super deluxe, which is a full 27 oz!

But save room for the spicy fries. And a milk shake. Maybe you need to take two trips.

Dane

The post I was going to do before was about Rumours, where we went after getting our dos done. And then I forgot! Another gift certificate! Aren’t I a lucky friend?

I’d been to the Rumours East before but this was I think the original one on 12 South. They have a really good wine tasting every other Wednesday so we had a chance to try a bunch of different kinds of wine.

I usually drink white but there were some delicious reds that we tried too. I ended up buying a cabernet sauvignon (from Oregon I think…) – Dad, if you’re reading this, stop reading here — for my Dad for his birthday.

And go on a nice night. The patio is a great place to hang on a nice summer night. Especially with a new do!

Talk to you later!

Jennifer

There is this little place here in Nashville called the Wild Horse Saloon. Ever heard of it? If you’re from Nashville, or if you’ve visited, you have. It’s probably one of the most famous spots in town for music and a night out.

I just checked their web site and I would’ve guessed they’d been around a lot longer than since 1994. But they get pretty big name bands like right now I see that Little Texas, Gina Blossoms, Ringo Starr and Pat Benatar are all coming in the next month.

But you don’t have to go for the music. The place is huge and has all kinds of other stuff to do. It’s also got a restaurant, a bar, darts, pool and dancing. They even have free line dancing lessons. Line dancing skills are a good souvenir — they don’t take up any space in your luggage!

TTFN!
Jennifer

i love the hats at the steeplechase! we used to go out there too when i was kid. my uncle always had a tailgating spot. it was the only time my parents let us drink soda! so i loved it.

speaking of things i love, have ya’ll been to the sunset grill? go! i’m embarrassed to say I just went there for the first time! it was my friend amy’s birthday and she picked the sunset, and even though it’s pretty famous, i just figured, how good could it be?

well, it’s that good! just the pork chops make it totally worth it! also try the calamari appetizers which are fried crispy, a little spicy and crazy delicious. people said the lobster ravioli was really good too. though I don’t know because i don’t eat it things with shells .

shea♥

Tell the truth, you watch American Idol. Come on. I won’t tell anyone. It’s like driving by a car wreck, or for Dora, a garage sale ― you can’t not look. Though this year is a bit weak I think. I miss Carrie Underwood.

I only mention it because Hotel Preston is doing a new overnight special called “Preston Idol”. It’s Music City, right? So why not get a taste of what it’s like to be a music idol yourself at a real Nashville hotel?

The deal is you get to actually perform on stage at our bar, the Pink Slip, with a full backing band. You also get a keepsake Hotel Preston guitar, a disposable camera for your paparazzi, a bottle of bubbly and an iTunes gift card. Oh, and a late checkout.

I don’t know, that says rock star to me. We just ask that you don’t trash the room.

Later,
Dane

It’s true, how in the world did we miss mentioning the Pink Slip? Because I have to agree you’re not going to find another place like it. Not in Nashville anyway. It’s got this sort of what I imagine is a New York feel. Really modern, with art, cool furniture, creative cocktails.

Dora and I go sometimes to see the music. They get some real talented people to perform there. And it’s a good place for it too because it’s small enough that you can get up close and personal.

But definitely the thing everyone is talking about is the, what would you call it ― the living art? Imagine one of those large fish tanks you see at Chinese restaurants. And then imagine a pretty blonde woman sitting in it. You’ve never seen anything like it.

Cheers,
Dane

Thanks to you guys who are keeping up with Hotel Preston better than I am! Jeez. Yes, you’ve got to visit our bar, the Pink Slip. Seriously. If you’ve been there, you know what I’m talking about.

I’m sorry it took someone sending me the story on Tennessean.com to remind me that hey we hadn’t mentioned it at all on our blog yet! That’s just crazy. You just have to see it to understand. (Tennessean.com has a video.)

What’s the big deal? Well, what other bar do you know that is attached to a glass room that a woman sits in (in a pink slip!) watching TV, talking on the phone or whatever? Don’t say some other place because I’m sure we’re the only one!

I’ll keep you updated because I have a feeling there’s going to be more to report from there.

TTFN!
Jennifer

Thanks a lot, Jennifer. Dora read your spa post, and just when I thought all the spending was finally over… I’m kidding of course. She deserves it after everything she did to pull off Christmas again without a hitch.

But it did get me thinking, what about us guys who carried in the firewood and hung up the Christmas lights and all? I’m thinking beer. Microbrew beer is getting popular in Nashville, so I’ll follow Jennifer’s list with my own top two.

1. Yazoo Brewing
I like their Dos Perros ale. If you like your beer on the darker side, try their Sly Rye porter.
2. Boscos Nashville Brewing
Their Flaming Stone beer has won some awards. But then so has their IPA and their Scottish Ale.

That should help you start 2008 off right.

Cheers,
Dane

I love New Year’s! It’s really one of my favorite nights of the year. I guess it’s just all the anticipation and that people are out and having a good time. Everyone is happy. It’s just a big party!

The hard part for me is deciding where to go. There are so many choices! I’ll probably start at the Tin Roof of course. But then I’m not sure. If I decide I want crazy I’m thinking it might be the Stoli party at Fuel. It has food, live music, a DJ, and I’m sure it’ll be a rocking all night.

But I’ve heard heading out on the General Jackson showboat can be a real blast too. Hmm… You get a four-course dinner, a big Broadway-type show, a live band and dancing. Plus you get the great views of the city as you cruise down the Cumberland. I can’t decide!

Have a great time wherever you go!

Happy New Year’s!
Jennifer