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

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

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

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