By Calvin Diggs, Vanderbilt University & Jamie Zeller, Belmont University

With April finally upon us, the excitement and anticipation of NIRSA 2014 continues to build!

While you continue to check out the NIRSA 2014 offerings by downloading the NIRSA Program Booklet or browsing ed sessions by date or by topic, we know you also want to experience and enjoy your time in Music City!

The NIRSA 2014 board on Pinterest hosts an ever-expanding, visually-rich selection of resources, giving you an idea of things to do, place to eat, and photo ops to look for. You can (and should!) also check out the official Nashville website, Visit Music City. This rocking site doesn’t disappoint and provides up-to-date lists, maps, links (to Nashville icons like the historic Grand Ole Opry), pictures, and even coupons!

However, we know the best way to see a city is through the eyes of the people that live there. Two NIRSA members, Calvin Diggs from Vanderbilt University and Jamie Zeller from Belmont University, two of our four host schools, walk you through the Nashville that they know and love. From cupcakes to coffee, art to laughs, here are some personal recommendations and can’t-miss favorites!

Welcome, from Vanderbilt Univeristy!

When I fell in love with Nashville about five years ago, I had no idea of the amazing number of Tennesseans who had affected the course of history. The storyline of this state could fill a Who’s Who, and you can actually walk through the entire historic timeline of Tennessee’s history right here in the heart of Nashville. And Vanderbilt University puts me at the center of it all—within a 10 minute drive from campus you can be at any one of these amazing places!

Jubilee Singers, which can be viewed in the Fisk University Carl Van Vechten Art Gallery (photo copywrited by Nashville CVB).

To take a quick trip down history lane, visit the Fisk University Carl Van Vechten Art Gallery. The Fisk University Galleries maintain a permanent collection of over 4,000 objects that span three centuries of art history. Pablo Picasso, Diego Rivera, and Georgia O’Keeffe are just a few of the acclaimed artists represented in the permanent collection, along with significant examples of African, Oceanic, and Asian art. You can also take in the Jubilee Singers 13 million dollar masterpiece and reveal why Nashville is called “Music City.”

When it comes to great places to eat and spend time with friends, Nashville has no shortage of choices; check out just a few of my favorites:

Pancake Pantry This location has great food and a family-style eating area. Since 1961, the down-to-earth atmosphere has had customers coming back again and again!

Cori’s Dog House This spot has a variety of hot dogs and sandwiches and fries. Plus, drink all the soda pop you can and watch ESPN. You won’t have to be quiet in this place!

Jimmy Kelly’s Housed in a glorious Southern Mansion in the heart of Music City, Jimmy Kelly’s continues to be a standard by which American steakhouses are measured.

The Cupcake Collection  A must! Located in Germantown, this shop has been producing rave reviews since 2008. With flavors ranging from Sweet Lemonade to Wedding Cake, the Cupcake Collection will have you telling everyone about it.

The Parthenon in Centennial Park (photo copywrited by Nashville CVB).

When it comes time to walk some of that food off, I love to go to The Parthenon. It stands proudly as the centerpiece of Centennial Park, Nashville’s premier urban park. The re-creation of the 42-foot statue Athena is the focus of the Parthenon, just as it was in ancient Greece. The Parthenon also serves as the city of Nashville’s art museum, featuring a core group of 63 paintings by 19th and 20th century American artists.

Finally, Zanies is a good way to get your laugh on, especially as they will have Kevin Nealon, formerly from Saturday Night Live, there while NIRSA 2014 is in town. This is great fun at a great location!

On behalf of Vanderbilt University and the Office of Campus Recreation, welcome to one of the South’s great cities! See you at NIRSA 2014!

Welcome, from Belmont University!

Greetings NIRSA family, and I hope you are excited about visiting Music City at the end of April! I can remember when it was announced that the Annual Conference would be coming to Nashville; I was so excited to show off this unbelievable city and all that it has to offer.

Take in downtown Nashville and all of its excitement and energy! (Photo provided by Jamie Zeller.)

I think one of the best ways to experience a city is through their restaurants, and Nashville is filled with a number of great places! The best place to look for a great spot to eat is on the website for Nashville Originals. These are independently owned restaurants in Nashville and many of them are outstanding. My personal favorites are PM (right next to Belmont), Germantown Café, and Midtown Café, but each of them offers their own special experience.

If coffee shops are your thing, then you need to check out the Coffee Shoppers blog and their special post about the best shops in town. A few of my favorites are Bongo Java and Fido which are both located in the Belmont/Hillsboro areas.

Be sure to grab a cup of coffee at Fido! (Photo provided by Jamie Zeller.)

The other great thing about Nashville is its downtown and the growth we have experienced in the last decade. When you are in town, you have to check all the live music venues on Broadway because I can guarantee it will be fun! One of the more unique and fun ways to get a complete tour of downtown is through the Nashville Pedal Tavern, which may be perfect for a staff social or a reunion for friends.

Since downtown can be very touristy and vibrant, you may be looking for more of collegiate or young professional scene; if that is the case then Midtown, SoBro, and the Gulch areas are perfect for you. Each one has a number of unique restaurants and bars that are a lot of fun and will allow you to experience a different side of Nashville that has exploded in recent years.

Nashville is a great town and has so much to offer so make plans, and, if you can, spend an extra day or two in town to experience all it has to offer! If you need any tips or help, do not hesitate to call or email me before the conference or come by the host table at Opryland!

Calvin Diggs, M. Ed., is the Assistant Director of Campus Recreation at Vanderbilt University. He is also the Tennessee State (TIRSA) Director/President.
Jamie Zeller is the Assistant Director of the Department of Fitness and Recreation at Belmont University. He has been an active volunteer at the Annual Conferences’ Career Opportunities Center.