Boy, things have changed. When I was growing up, my dad left the house at 8:30 and was home and in his Bermuda shorts in time for dinner, every night at 6. These days, people work from home, take working vacations, and even “staycations.” I say, if you travel for work, or God forbid, work while on vacation, why not at least make it as easy on yourself as possible?

If you’re headed to Nashville, the Preston’s got a great hotel package deal going on: We shuttle you straight from the airport, then get you set up in a cushy room. Wireless internet access is included, natch, but the complementary cocktail waiting for you is a nice bonus. We don’t want you working on an empty stomach, so we give you a breakfast voucher the next morning. If you drove here, we’ll park your car for up to eight days. So, get to work!

Later,

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

When I was just a tyke, my parents took us out to California. I don’t know if I’ve been as excited for a trip in my entire life. We went to Disneyland, the La Brea Tar Pits (how that ever got to be a popular tourist destination, I’ll never know). But, for some reason, the Walk of Fame really sticks in my memory. Maybe it’s because when I stood on George Reeves’ star, I felt like Superman for just a minute.

I’ve got to say, I do get the same kind of rush when I’m on Nashville’s Music City Walk of Fame, one of Nashville’s best attractions, in my opinion. When I’m surrounded by all the greats—Randy Travis, Martina McBride, Little Richard, Elvis (of course), and so many more—I’m reminded of all the great music I’ve seen in this city of mine over the years.

The Walk is an easy one-mile stroll that connects to downtown’s Music Row, and it’s a great way to while away an afternoon, and start up good arguments about who was the greatest.

Dane

Hey everybody. You need a reason to come on over to Hotel Preston for a visit? Here’s a game to help out. Find the special that fits you, and then give us a call.

1.    Spring Has Sprung! — Get a map to walking trails in the area, a free shuttle drop-you off at the closest trailhead, a backpack with Kashi Organic Trail bars and water, and a Greentini in the Pink Slip Lounge.

2.    Mommy Me Time — Mom gets an in-room massage session while Dad takes the kids to the Imax and the Adventure Science Center, and then brunch for the whole family at Café Isabella.

3.    Rockstar Daddy — Dad gets a hot steam shave and shoe shine at the Trim Classic Barber and a trip to the Nashville Superspeedway to ride shotgun in a two-seat NASCAR-style stock car driven by a professional at speeds up to 165 MPH.

Check out the hotel’s other packages in Special Offers. There’s sure one to fit you. See you here.

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

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)

Well, it’s definitely sad being the only one doing the blog this holiday. Sabrina we miss you already. But we hope you have a wonderful holiday with your family in Alabama. And a great new year too.

And I know Sabrina joins me in wishing all you reading the blog the same thing from all of us here at Hotel Preston. We really do think of all the people who come to stay with us from all over the world like family. So we just wanted to send a little yuletide cheer to everyone.

Enjoy and happy holidays!

Dane

This is a sad day. If the hotel had a flag, we would be flying it at half mast today. Sabrina, it’s been a lot fun working with you. And it’s been great doing the blog together. Thanks for asking me to get involved … when you left us that first time…

I’m just kidding. Seriously, we all wish you the best of luck in your new job. I’m not exactly sure what a systems analyst does, but the systems are lucky to be getting an analyst like you.

So happy trails to you and Chad. And you tell the Crimson Tide that next year we’re gunning for them.

Dane

Well, I put off posting about this until I was sure. But it looks like I’ll be leaving Hotel Preston! When Chad finishes this semester we will actually be moving back home to Alabama. I know…

I was offered a job as a systems analyst at BAE and I thought about it a long time but finally decided I had to take it. So it looks like I’ll be going back to the type of work I was doing before moving to Nashville.

I’m excited to be closer to my family, but I’ll miss Nashville. And of course I am going to miss everyone at the hotel and the interaction with the guests. But no worries I will still come back to visit and aggravate everyone.J

So I just wanted to say thanks to everyone! And have a great holiday!

See ya!
Sabrina

Hey everybody! After last week’s post about Meg and Mike’s wedding pix here at Hotel Preston (weren’t they gorgeous?!), I got an email about this site Wedding Bee that was also talking about us. Thought I’d share.

Thanks, Miss Fondue, for talking us up. I know I work here but I think you’re right. I don’t think I’ve used the word quirky before to describe us before but it’s really true. We definitely try to do our own thing and give our guests a unique experience.

And when is that more important than on your wedding night or your honeymoon, right?
So congratulations on your upcoming big day. I look forward to seeing you in March! I’ll have your rubber duckie ready!

See ya!
Sabrina