Music City, USA

Located off West End near Centennial Park on the outskirts of downtown, you will find this local dive. It is a historic establishment that serves the best hamburgers in town, plus meat and three plates, sandwiches, a full bar, and those delicious old-fashioned milk shakes. We ate there a lot in college--it was cheap, and it was good. It is conveniently located near three universities, the arena, and the Titans stadium.

Expensive, limited menu. Beautiful, gigantic aquarium. Long wait to be served. We were very disappointed in the food, but very impressed with the fish and sharks, etc., in the tank. You can go look at the tank for free without ordering anything, and it has a cute souvenir shop.

Our table had steak, fish and chips, and grilled fish--mahimahi. The grilled fish was good, but everything else was not.

A nice date place--good pasta and steak. It has been a while since I last ate there, but it was good. There is also one in Murfreesboro, TN. Prices were reasonable.

Located between three universities and across from Vanderbilt's Hospital, this is a popular breakfast tradition. You'll know that you are there by the line wrapped around the restaurant. The pancakes are good--I've never had anything else. It was a little pricey, if I remember right--the price range above is for breakfast and a drink.

This restaurant has decent food--I had a pizza, but like all of the "destination-type restaurants", it is expensive, and there will be a long wait. However, I believe both it and the Aquarium will allow you to make reservations.

The neat thing about this restaurant is the atmosphere--you are in a rainforest with animals, rain, shooting stars, etc. It is loud, but kids will love it. It also has a nice souvenir shop [like the Aquarium].

Great place! Basically, this is an eat-in fast-food restaurant serving Caribbean dishes. I especially like the jerk chicken - you can get white or dark meat in various quantities. The black beans are delicious, as is the seasonal fresh fruit for sides.

The plantation and tomb of our seventh president is nicely maintained and includes example of slave quarters and an on-site archaeological project. Rachel Jackson's extensive gardens are also there and are beautiful. You can also tour the grounds by wagon. Living history interpreters also appear on selected days, but the General himself (as he likes to be called!) was home the day we went.

There is an introductory video, made in the late 1980s, early 1990s, that gives a brief overview of the president's life. It does not focus on the controversial aspects of his administration, like the Trail of Tears or the Bank conflict. Maybe those topics are covered in the small museum also on the premises; we did not go in it. You walk out to the main house (transportation is available, I believe, for those in wheelchairs, etc.) for a guided tour, which only takes about 20 minutes. This seemed a bit rushed to me, as I wanted more time to see the items in the rooms. The gardens and outbuildings, like the kitchen, are viewed at your own pace. There is an interesting display about Alfred. Once a slave, he stayed on at the plantation after emancipation, served as a tour guide, and was buried at his request near "The General."

Unfortunately, tornados in 1998 destroyed many of the trees that had lined the property and drive since Jackson's time, but it is still a tranquil setting, with the descendents of Jackson's horses out in the pasture. Admission is $12 for adults, with family packages available.