Ok, here’s a straight-up plug for the Hotel Preston. Watching everyone come together during the recent flooding made me damn proud of Nashville, Tennessee. So, if you haven’t been here yet, I want to tell you that you’re really missing something.

So, that’s cleared up. You’re coming to Nashville. Now, where are you going to stay? That’s right: at the Hotel Preston. This is honestly one of the nicest hotels I’ve ever seen (and I’ve been around a bit). There’s always some kind of special offer, too, and this one’s great, whether you’re here on vacation or business.

If you book two or more nights, you can save 30% off the best rate we offer. Keep in mind that the Preston is a boutique hotel, and then you realize how cool that is. I’m personally inviting you to come see the hotel and one of the best cities you’ll ever run across. I guarantee you’ll be glad you did.

Later,

Dane

You really can’t imagine how challenging this is: Writing a short monthly post about what to do and see in a city like Nashville. In any given month there are more concerts, music festivals and even non-music events than just about anywhere in the country.

Suffice to say, there’s just too much to say. So, I’ll tell you what I’m most looking forward to. Tonight, at the Ryman Auditorium, one of my old favorites is teaming up with someone who will likely soon be added to that select list. You know Neil Young (one of the best live shows you could hope for), but you may not be familiar with Bert Jansch. He’s a Scottish folk singer/songwriter and really worth a listen. Hope to see you there.

Later,

Dane

Bear with me, ‘cuz this is definitely not in my wheelhouse. I’m not a crafty guy (at least not in the artsy way), but a friend of mine was going on about this event last weekend, told me I needed to pass it on to everyone at the Preston.

So, here’s the deal. On the first weekend in May, you need to head out to Centennial Park to the 39th Annual TACA Tennessee Craft Fair Image gallery. It’s a TACA (Tennessee Association of Craft Artists) gig, the biggest one of its kind in the state. There will be almost 200 artists and their work represented, with a lot of the craftspeople on hand to talk about their process and inspiration. Throw in events for kids, special exhibits and booths, and I think there’s going to be something for everyone – even me – to like.

Enjoy,

Dane

There is so much going on in Nashville this month; it’s a little something  we like to call Awesome April. For the fifth straight year, the city promises at least one major event each weekend, with plenty more to choose from throughout the month. And the really cool thing is, it’s not just concerts. There are great films, exhibits, sporting events; you can even be in the audience of a big radio show.

Start things off by catching the tail end of the Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival, at venues all over the city. There’s no way for me to name everything you should see and do, but you’re crazy if you miss the Nashville Film Festival, the taping of The Prairie Home Companion, David Sedaris, Roy Clark, The Crawfish Boil, Bon Jovi, or the half marathon. Oh, and did I forget to mention Miss Aretha Franklin? Yeah, like I said, awesome.

Later,

Dane

Since I was a kid, science has always been something that’s fascinated me. Yes, I was the 5th grader who actually looked forward to the science fair (maybe you can guess some of the nicknames this earned me). So, imagine my excitement when I learned that the exhibit “Bodies Human: Anatomy in Motion” was coming to Nashville.

Having already seen it myself, I would highly suggest a trip down to the Rivergate Mall to see the exhibit of over 100 real human bodies, preserved through plastination. It’s honestly one of the most amazing exhibits ever. I assure you that there’s none of the ick factor that you might expect, just a really cool look into the way the human body works. This exhibit does show all of the human body—um, everything— so kids under 13 should probably be accompanied by an adult.

Happy learning,

Dane

Like many of you out there, Dora and I love to travel. Again, like many of you, money has been a bit tight in our household what with the economic downturn. Although it’s tough to physically travel across the globe in times like these, Hotel Preston is offering the next best thing. In the mood for a little French adventure? How about German or Italian? Well, you’re in luck.

Right now, at Hotel Preston we’ll take you on a trip around the world, all while hunkering down in the stylish comfort of our hotel. Get a taste of Italy, Germany, or France with like-themed cuisine; get a feel for the landscape with our travel guide; and wet your whistle with a complimentary bottle of wine.

Who needs a seemingly never-ending international flight when you can get a little cultural taste right here in Nashville?

Bon Voyage!

Dane

Any night is a great night for romance, but sometimes you just can’t come up with a plan. Let me help. I can’t think of anything sweeter to do for Valentine’s Day than check in for the Red Hot Heart Package at the Hotel Preston. What fun to treat your sweetie to a romantic candlelit dinner at the Café Isabella.  Part of your package includes red wine, red rose petals, red velvet mini cupcakes and a red votive candle. What could be more perfect?

When you wake up in the morning, use our famous “you want it, you got it” button to get your favorite morning beverage. You can also order a love kit for you lovers who come for a visit, and to go with that you can even order a lava lamp from the front desk!

Dane

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

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