[Editor's Note: We are excited to have the Getaway Girl, Casey Wohl, sharing her expert travel tips for girlfriend getaways. Casey knows her stuff and she knows how to have girly fun, so we know you'll enjoy her writing. This is another in our series of articles on girlfriend travel destinations. Hope you are planning your next girlfriend getaway!] By Casey Wohl  The country-music capital, Nashville, Tennessee, offers good times for girlfriends! Even if you are not a country-music fan, you will find a fantastic time awaiting you in Nashville. My very first visit to Nashville was in April 2005.  My divorce was final two months before the trip, and I encountered my first anniversary, post-divorce, the end of March.  Needless to say, I was in desperate need of a girls’ getaway.  I flew to Nashville with my good friend Erin, who was experiencing her own personal troubles.  Erin is a huge country music fan, so we knew this trip would be just what we needed.  She was excited to hear country music played live in the airport and see various guitar monuments scattered throughout the city. During our visit, we managed to visit just about every cultural attraction, and even attend a celeb party with actor Billy Bob Thornton and Nashville’s finest musicians at the Loews Vanderbilt Hotel.  We met up with my good friend and Nashville resident, Mandy, for one fabulous girls getaway! 

 

Where We Stayed

Union Station Wyndham Historic Hotel (www.unionstationhotelnashville.com) – Located on Broadway and within walking distance to sites and the honky tonks, this hotel is a wonderfully-refurbished, 19^th-century train station with a great location for a girls’ getaway.  This hotel was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1977, so if you like historic places, this place is for you.  They even provide a shuttle service during the day and evening to nearby locations. 

What We Did

Grand Ole Opry (www.opry.com) – We were thrilled to discover that country music legend Loretta Lynn was performing at the Grand Ole Opry while we were in town.  The Opry is legendary for hosting country music’s best and brightest, as well as up-and-comers.  If you are in Nashville, be sure to visit the Opry and take in a show.   Check out upcoming performers on the website.

Bluebird Café (www.bluebirdcafe.com) – A Nashville landmark, this small café is where many country music stars were discovered (including Faith Hill and Garth Brooks).  With original and acoustic music played seven nights a week, the Bluebird Café is not to be missed.  Please note that this venue is geared for music-lovers; socializing is discouraged while people are singing.

Downtown Franklin (www.historicfranklin.com) – About 30 minutes south of Nashville is the quaint and charming town of Franklin, TN.  But don’t let its small size fool you.  The downtown area features fabulous boutiques and shops, as well as wonderful places to eat.  We loved The Red Pony.  Be sure to say hello to Stephano, who made his way from Italy, via Florida, to Nashville.  We loved The Ivey…great store with reasonable price tags.

Doyle and Debbie Show  – Don’t miss the hysterical Doyle and Debbie Show, which is featured every Tuesday night at The Station Inn. This musical comedy is hilarious! The songs and performers are great. This show is not for the prim and proper, but is a must see (for those not easily offended) during your visit to Nashville. 

Where We Dined

Watermark Restaurant (www.watermark-restaurant.com) – One of my favorites in Nashville, Watermark opened in 2005.  It is located in the trendy, urban section of the city called “The Gulch.”  The food is here fabulous, and I will never forget the opportunity to sample their vegetable ice cream.

Pancake Pantry (www.pancakepantry.com) – This Nashville institution is THE place to go for breakfast…and they serve it all day long.  Located near Vanderbilt University, there is typically a line for a table, but the breakfast is well worth the delay.  Everything here is amazing, and we make a point to eat here during every visit to Nashville.

Loveless Café (www.lovelesscafe.com) – The Loveless Cafe has been a favorite of locals, visitors and celebrities for more than half a century. While driving to Franklin, we stopped at this renowned café for a late breakfast that included amazing homemade biscuits made from a secret recipe (I think I ate three).  Call ahead for a table.  We called and still had to wait 20 minutes.  

 

Casey Wohl, The Getaway Girl™, is the author of the Girls Getaway Guide travel book series.  Her third book, the Girls Getaway Guide to Nashville: Leave Your Baggage at Home™ will be published in Summer 2009.  For more information, visit www.GirlsGetawayGuide.net.