Parents’ weekend is nearly here, which means it’s time to hide those questionable dorm decorations and watch West End hotels fill up, as parking spaces disappear. Trying to create a unique lineup of entertainment that keeps the family busy can be tricky, especially when the main events on campus are lectures and tours. This year skip the Pancake Pantry line and make the experience memorable by bringing your family to Nashville sites you may not have experienced yourself yet (trust us, it will be worth it).
Brunch:
Even when trying to shake things up, you can’t have family weekend without at least one brunch experience. This year, ditch City Fire’s bottomless mimosas for the newly-established Butcher and Bee brunch.
The restaurant just began serving brunch this past May, and provides a twist on traditional breakfast-focused dishes. With items like Korean Fried Chicken, Kale and Eggs, and Falafel-Stuffed Pita, you’ll satisfied the hungriest member of the family and still snag a photo worthy of an insta post.
Dinner:
For a gourmet dinner, try Salt & Vine, a fresh European-inspired restaurant and bar in Sylvan Heights. The menu offers small plates and items like cheese platters ready to be shared and paired with one of the many cocktails and wines they offer, as well as a selection of baked goods to satisfy a sweet tooth.
In the same development, check out Nashville’s newest chain, Farm Burger, for a more casual meal. There’s plenty of dining space on the patio outside to soak up the sunshine and enjoy one of the local craft beers offered to cool off. All menu items are farm-to-table while still affordable, and there is even a vegan option offered alongside the grass-fed beef, chicken and pork patties.
Activities:
Though Nashville may be best known for food, there are also plenty of activities going on this weekend to keep parents entertained.
The Nashville Flea Market hosts their Fall Fest this weekend, September 23-25 at The Fairgrounds Nashville. There are over 2000 booths to explore and admission is completely free. The flea market will feature seasonal snacks and treats as well as a variety of unique crafts and gifts from local and traveling vendors.
The annual Nashville Chalk Fest will happen this Saturday and Sunday on Belcourt Avenue and 24th Avenue. Admission is free, but proceeds from the festival will benefit the Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences.
Chalk Fest features professional street painters, local bands, and food trucks. Furthermore, there will be face-painting, balloon animals, a bouncy house and a petting zoo, so it’s the perfect place if you have younger siblings visiting as well.
For students who are over 21, First Tennessee Park is the place to bring parents this weekend. On Saturday, September 24, the home of the Nashville Sounds will host the 2nd annual Nashville Brew Festival from 1PM to 4PM.
The event will have different beers from over 50 different craft breweries ranging from the Californian Sierra Nevada to the Tennessee local Hap & Harry’s. There will also be food trucks and lawn games to enjoy on the field, and tickets are $40 online or $50 at the park.
Whether you check out new brews, pursue the Flea Market, or sample the best new restaurants in town, make this weekend a unique one for the memories.