Union Station Hotel
Nashville, Tennessee
Image the glamor and elegance of a bygone age when well-dressed travelers gathered in ornate train stations with monogrammed steamer trunks and dreams of exotic destinations. Open your eyes and if you’re lucky you’ll find yourself standing in the exquisite lobby of the Union Station Hotel in Nashville.
This luxury hotel was formerly a 19th-Century railroad station and is replete with Italian marble, intricate wood carvings, gold-leaf accents, limestone fireplaces and a lobby with 65-foot vaulted ceilings and prism stained glass. Mae West traveled through these beautiful corridors as did mobster Al Capone on his way to the penitentiary. Remarkably, at one time the station housed two alligator ponds.
The railroad station originally opened in 1900, but was converted to a hotel in 1986. In 1977, it became a National Historic Landmark. Union Station Hotel underwent an $11 million dollar renovation in 2007, and now combines the best of history with modern-day comfort and amenities.
There are 125 guest rooms at the hotel, each having high ceilings, panoramic windows, and marble bathrooms (with complimentary Gilchrist & Soames bath products). Additionally, all rooms have a LCD flat screen television and wifi. Union Station also features the fine dining restaurant, Prime 108, as well as in room dining. www.unionstationhotelnashville.com
If you go let us know: Submit@AdventureWoman.com and visit Adventure Woman!
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Friday, November 18, 2011
Adventure Woman Loves Sugar's Ribs!
If you're driving through Chattanooga you have to stop at Sugar's Ribs. This has been lauded one of the best (if not the best) barbecue restaurant in the USA. And for good reason. Everything is delicious - the beef, pork and chicken. Yes, the ribs are amazing and the selection of BBQ sauces is a fun adventure. The view is spectacular, too.
Don't miss it. Sugar's is one of those terrific roadside stops that make the "Great American Road Trip" so delicious.
Don't miss it. Sugar's is one of those terrific roadside stops that make the "Great American Road Trip" so delicious.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Adventure Woman Loves the National Corvette Museum!
Just an hour outside Nashville is the National Corvette Museum. I always advocate checking out the museums along a road trip, but this museum is really an outstanding attraction.
Not only are the cars amazing - spectacular - beautiful. But the displays are extremely well done and places the cars in historical context. Many of the cars are accompanied by pictures of their celebrity owners inside the vehicle. The thoughtful exhibitions really give a wonderful framework to dream within...
Whether you are a Corvette junkie, a classic car officiado,or just love the speed and sleek lines of sports cars this is the museum for you. I can't recommend it highly enough. This is a great way to combine history, pop culture and artistic design into an exciting educational experience. The kids will love it (and so will you).
Not only are the cars amazing - spectacular - beautiful. But the displays are extremely well done and places the cars in historical context. Many of the cars are accompanied by pictures of their celebrity owners inside the vehicle. The thoughtful exhibitions really give a wonderful framework to dream within...
Whether you are a Corvette junkie, a classic car officiado,or just love the speed and sleek lines of sports cars this is the museum for you. I can't recommend it highly enough. This is a great way to combine history, pop culture and artistic design into an exciting educational experience. The kids will love it (and so will you).
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Adventure Woman Loves Nashville!
Broadway Street in downtown historic Nashville is always bustling with music, drink, dancing and general good-natured frivolity. The bright guitar and cowboy boot shaped neon signs of the honky-tonk joints are seductive calling cards to the hell-raising music and free flowing booze inside. I had a great time drinking and wondering in and out of all of the super cute little bars.
You’ll find thick crowds but high spirits swaying and singing along to the live country music. I had a great time singing along to the tunes. No, I can't sing, but everyone joins in and you really can't hear anybody - including yourself.
The saloon walls are cluttered with memorabilia of country history and visiting legends, and it’s easily to become immersed in the colorful décor of these glorious little bars. I actually had a fantastic time wondering around the Honky Tonks taking in the history. Its interesting and entertaining while you listen to the bands and drink your Jack Daniels (or soda pop)
You’ll find signatures of the famous (and not so famous) scribbled on walls and doors. Yes, I even wrote AdventureWoman.com was here!
Try to hit Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge (422 Broadway), and Legends Corner (428 Broadway). And while you’re in the area visit Nashville’s most eminent country music store. Ernest Tubb Records (417 Broadway) has been doing business for over half a century and broadcasts the Midnight Jamboree (the second-longest running radio show in history).
An evening on Broadway Street in Nashville will be an unforgettable experience. Lots of people on the honky-tonk scene dress in country attire which makes the atmosphere even more fun so don’t be afraid to wear your denim skirt with your favorite boots and sparkling cowgirl hat. I wasn't fully decked out but wore a denim jacket over my dress. Next time I'll have a cowgirl hat and a queen-size belt buckle.
It is like a little country Las Vegas in that it's just brimming with fun, booze, music and unforgettable excitement. A terrific place to party country style.
For a list of Adventure Woman's favorite things to do in Nashville go to: Adventure Howl.
You’ll find thick crowds but high spirits swaying and singing along to the live country music. I had a great time singing along to the tunes. No, I can't sing, but everyone joins in and you really can't hear anybody - including yourself.
The saloon walls are cluttered with memorabilia of country history and visiting legends, and it’s easily to become immersed in the colorful décor of these glorious little bars. I actually had a fantastic time wondering around the Honky Tonks taking in the history. Its interesting and entertaining while you listen to the bands and drink your Jack Daniels (or soda pop)
You’ll find signatures of the famous (and not so famous) scribbled on walls and doors. Yes, I even wrote AdventureWoman.com was here!
Try to hit Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge (422 Broadway), and Legends Corner (428 Broadway). And while you’re in the area visit Nashville’s most eminent country music store. Ernest Tubb Records (417 Broadway) has been doing business for over half a century and broadcasts the Midnight Jamboree (the second-longest running radio show in history).
An evening on Broadway Street in Nashville will be an unforgettable experience. Lots of people on the honky-tonk scene dress in country attire which makes the atmosphere even more fun so don’t be afraid to wear your denim skirt with your favorite boots and sparkling cowgirl hat. I wasn't fully decked out but wore a denim jacket over my dress. Next time I'll have a cowgirl hat and a queen-size belt buckle.
It is like a little country Las Vegas in that it's just brimming with fun, booze, music and unforgettable excitement. A terrific place to party country style.
For a list of Adventure Woman's favorite things to do in Nashville go to: Adventure Howl.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Adventure Woman Loves Kayak Fishing!
I find kayaking and fishing both challenging. I have spent a lot of time doing both and was never a natural at either. So I was not especially confident undertaking the new adventure of kayak fishing. At first blush, it I imagined it to be akin to walking on a balance beam while juggling (meaning a little difficult). However, once I was immersed in the sport I was pleasantly surprised by how easy and relaxing the two activities are together - it works. I love it. I was overjoyed and smitten by kayak fishing.
Here is why:
The kayaks keep you close to the water and you feel in charge of your vessel (unlike riding in a fishing boat). Further, you can paddle off a little from the group and have a little peace and meditation while fishing. I especially liked this aspect of kayak fishing because there is inevitably people on your fishing boat (even if they're friends and family) who talk - or brag - incessantly about fishing. Perhaps, because I am a woman not especially versed in fishing and casting I was always getting constant instruction (often taken for criticism) and this led to my personal frustration and more than once setting down my pole.
But given a little space and breathing room, I felt eager and empowered to really fish. I went on my kayak adventure with a few good friends and my 10-year-old daughter and everyone (male/female and young/old) loved it. Perhaps, it is also due to the positive and encouraging personality of Neil Taylor, owner of Strike Three Kayak Fishing. He knows when to instruct and knows when to let you operate independently and have a little (or a lot) of fun.
My daughter caught the biggest and most fish (typical of a 10-year-old girl to steal the show fishing). I caught a nice size red fish and had something rather large and fast break my line (this elicited smiles and screams). Now I actually own one of great classic American "The big that got away" stories.
Another bonus to the fishing was the beauty of it all. We were near Clearwater, Florida, and the water was warm and beautiful. There were schools of dolphins just yards away and elegant white egrets and pelicans catching fish. The aqua blue water and white shimmering sand were transfixing. Several times I sat in the sand while fishing with the lapping water hitting chest high. It was paradise.
We started around 8AM (we were running late - see the previous blog) and finished about 1:30. At that point we had enough sun and fishing for the day.
I can't recommend this adventure enough. If you're anywhere near the Tampa Bay/Orlando area give Neil a call and tell him Adventure Woman sent you!
Here is why:
The kayaks keep you close to the water and you feel in charge of your vessel (unlike riding in a fishing boat). Further, you can paddle off a little from the group and have a little peace and meditation while fishing. I especially liked this aspect of kayak fishing because there is inevitably people on your fishing boat (even if they're friends and family) who talk - or brag - incessantly about fishing. Perhaps, because I am a woman not especially versed in fishing and casting I was always getting constant instruction (often taken for criticism) and this led to my personal frustration and more than once setting down my pole.
But given a little space and breathing room, I felt eager and empowered to really fish. I went on my kayak adventure with a few good friends and my 10-year-old daughter and everyone (male/female and young/old) loved it. Perhaps, it is also due to the positive and encouraging personality of Neil Taylor, owner of Strike Three Kayak Fishing. He knows when to instruct and knows when to let you operate independently and have a little (or a lot) of fun.
My daughter caught the biggest and most fish (typical of a 10-year-old girl to steal the show fishing). I caught a nice size red fish and had something rather large and fast break my line (this elicited smiles and screams). Now I actually own one of great classic American "The big that got away" stories.
Another bonus to the fishing was the beauty of it all. We were near Clearwater, Florida, and the water was warm and beautiful. There were schools of dolphins just yards away and elegant white egrets and pelicans catching fish. The aqua blue water and white shimmering sand were transfixing. Several times I sat in the sand while fishing with the lapping water hitting chest high. It was paradise.
We started around 8AM (we were running late - see the previous blog) and finished about 1:30. At that point we had enough sun and fishing for the day.
I can't recommend this adventure enough. If you're anywhere near the Tampa Bay/Orlando area give Neil a call and tell him Adventure Woman sent you!
Friday, June 3, 2011
Adventure Woman & the Stay-cation Diva
Adventure Woman's Basecamp Manager spent 10 days adventuring in Florida and had a wonderful time visiting stay-cation expert, Debbie Palombo. To read Debbie's advice on how to have a fun stay-cation read her article, Stay-Cation on a Budget.
Wow! If you could throw a party like this you'd never leave home either.
Not only were there several appetizers, but about five starters, as well. Then we had lobster flown in from Maine. OMG! Yes, fresh lobster - to die for. This was followed by fresh berries in a rum sauce... this feast with beer, wine, scotch and cigars lasted until 3:00Am. Not bad if we didn't have to fish at 5AM. Ugh! But what a great time we had kayak fishing... more on that in the next segment of Adventure Woman Blog.
Wow! If you could throw a party like this you'd never leave home either.
Not only were there several appetizers, but about five starters, as well. Then we had lobster flown in from Maine. OMG! Yes, fresh lobster - to die for. This was followed by fresh berries in a rum sauce... this feast with beer, wine, scotch and cigars lasted until 3:00Am. Not bad if we didn't have to fish at 5AM. Ugh! But what a great time we had kayak fishing... more on that in the next segment of Adventure Woman Blog.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Let Freedom and Adventuring Ring!
Adventure Woman loves adventure but we also cherish the wonderful opportunities that come with freedom. This month AdventureWoman.com takes us to Washington DC to salute and explore the nation's capital.
We are featuring our "Seven Must-See Attractions" in Adventure Howl. Our Adventure of the Moment honors Memorial Day and highlights Memorial Day celebrations and ceremonies in Washington DC.
We feature the film, "Fair Game" in our Flicks for Adventure Chicks and review Helen Thomas' Book "Front Row" in the Armchair Adventurer.
We have four fabulous new REAL Adventure Woman. Meet Lynn Prebble, Vernice Armour, Joan Wulff and Peggy Blevins. Four very different yet extraordinary women.
Lastly, visit Fishing Tips and Adventures and discover the great angling exhibition coming in June.
Its all one fabulous adventure and explore it on AdventureWoman.com.
We are featuring our "Seven Must-See Attractions" in Adventure Howl. Our Adventure of the Moment honors Memorial Day and highlights Memorial Day celebrations and ceremonies in Washington DC.
We feature the film, "Fair Game" in our Flicks for Adventure Chicks and review Helen Thomas' Book "Front Row" in the Armchair Adventurer.
We have four fabulous new REAL Adventure Woman. Meet Lynn Prebble, Vernice Armour, Joan Wulff and Peggy Blevins. Four very different yet extraordinary women.
Lastly, visit Fishing Tips and Adventures and discover the great angling exhibition coming in June.
Its all one fabulous adventure and explore it on AdventureWoman.com.
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