My fiance and I are taking a much needed vacation next week. We're leaving Easter Sunday and heading east from the St. Louis area. We're driving as far as Nashville that day, then the next day headed to Charlotte where we'll spend a couple days. We're looking for things to do in these areas. As for us, we're not into country music or really touristy things, but we'd up for some interesting things to look at. He's recovering from 2 car accidents in the past 2 months, with severe back and neck pain from the first accident.
For Charlotte we're already planning on the Big Head sculpture, but other than the science center we don't know really what else to do. We'll be visiting a friend of his, but she has only lived there about 3 months so isn't sure about the attractions.
If you're familiar with this area, we would love some ideas. Preferably cheap or free.
Yes, I've tried google, that's how I found out about the science center and the big head sculpture. Was just hoping someone in the area might have some insight.
BILTMORE!!! The place is GORGEOUS and is the perfect couple's getaway. They have a winery, gorgeous flower gardens, tours of the estate and restaurants. Right now they're doing Festival of the Flowers and EVERYTHING is in bloom. It's absolutely breathtaking. http://www.biltmore.com/visit/
Nashville is fabulous. I lived there for four years in college. Not really sure what types of things you'd be interested in seeing. There is quite a bit of delicious food to eat (wrong place for this I know!) and even if you aren't a country music fan, the honkey talks downtown are an experience not to be missed. There's also Centennial Park and Belle Meade Plantation.
If you are interested in eating (I know every time I go, I most certainly am), I would recommend: Loveless Cafe, Jackson's, Pancake Pantry (there's a line, so get there early), Monnell's, Bricktops, or Boundry.
Thanks ladies. The Biltmore looks awesome. I just hope all the walking is ok for my man, he has back and neck injuries. And I'm thinking the Pancake Pantry sounds very good.
There is a little cafe in Nashville that is sort of off the beaten path called Bluebird cafe. It is a really cute venue and famous songwriters perform and tell stories there. Admission is only $10.
Don Shlitz is there next Friday. He is the guy who wrote "The Gambler" for Kenny Rogers and a bunch of other hits you may still know even if you aren't that in to country music. I saw him there a year ago and had a blast! His stories are hilarious. http://www.bluebirdcafe.com/
The Bluebird is an AWESOME place to go to... it is a small place, but lots of famous song writers play there. I definitely second that reccomendation.
I also second Monell's and Jackson's! If it is a pretty day, the Jackson's patio is not to be missed. I love their Chicken Salad Wrap. :-) Monell's is a southern-cooking type place where you share a table with strangers. Definitely an experience, but I usually need a nap after all that heavy food!
We're only going to be in Nashville overnight, and after driving we're going to order dinner in (we probably won't be all that hungry anyways, as we're having Easter at his Mom's before we head out of town), so sounds like Pancake Pantry it is for breakfast.