A Visit to Vanderbilt

Many of you are in the midst of planning college tours to evaluate potential schools, spend some quality time with your student and hopefully have some fun too. In the next few months, Scarsdale10583 will provide visitor’s guides to some popular college destinations for Scarsdale families – and let you know how to travel there and where to stay and eat. Experienced Mom Michelle Levine has made the trip to visit her daughter at Vanderbilt several times and agreed to share her experience with you! If you would like to share your tips about other college destinations, please email us at scarsdalecomments@gmail.com

Rolling Stone Magazine recently named Nashville the Best Music Scene in the US. Nashville is not just about country music but a beautiful city filled with all kinds of music, amazing food and true southern hospitality.

How to get there:

American and Delta have daily direct service to Nashville from La Guardia and the flight is under 2 hours. The Nashville airport is the easiest one I’ve ever been through with a brand new rental car facility within walking distance of the baggage claim area and live country music playing at Tootsie’s in the terminal. It’s a 10 minute drive to campus. Students claim it takes less than a half hour to drive from Vanderbilt to the airport and get through security.

Where to stay:

We stay at the Loews, across the street from Vanderbilt. It’s the most conveniently located hotel to The Commons, the freshman area of the school. If you want to book a room, ask for Kathy Randall in reservations and she will take good care of you; (615-320-1700). The Marriot is also well situated near the upper class student housing, Greek Row, and the University Bookstore (615-321-1300).

Where to eat:

Breakfast and lunch:

Fido – Taylor Swift likes the granola parfait but we order any kind of eggs and amazing coffee with local Tennessee honey and cinnamon. The beans are roasted daily. The lines are long but move fast and you will find students and professors here. Fido: 1812 21st. Ave South in Hillsboro within walking distance of the school. 615-777-3436

Pancake Pantry – we have never waited on the incredibly long lines here but people swear by the sweet potato pancakes. Also in Hillsboro at 1796 21st Ave South, 615-383-9333

Noshville – a NY style deli that everyone likes right near the campus. There’s nothing better than a cup of the matzo ball soup and half a grilled cheese sandwich. 1918 Broadway, 615-329-6674

Dinner:

Bound’ry – great use of local ingredients within walking distance in a setting good for groups. My daughter’s friends loved the chicken and we enjoyed the peach salad and Creole shrimp and grits. 911 20th Ave. South, 615-321-3043

Flyte – a unique restaurant with great ambiance in the nearby Gulch area. Take a look at a map because GPS will not work for this address. Nice menu option of a “flight” of soup or salad and entrees that utilize local and organic ingredients with something for everyone. Great wine list. 718 Division Street, 615-255-6200

Virago – a hot spot in the Gulch with a robata grill (fireside grilling) and sushi bar. Very creative dining and everything’s good. Try the V2 edamame – wok -charred and spicy. 1126 McGavock St., 615-254-1902

City House – for foodies. Located in Germantown, a 10-minute drive from campus. A rustic Italian menu with an inventive cocktail list. 1222 4th Ave. North, 615-736-5838

Things to do:

• Vanderbilt University – make sure you take a stroll through this national arboretum
• Country Music Hall of Fame
• Belle Meade Plantation
• Grand Ole Opry
• Ryman Auditorium
• Jack Daniels Distillery (Lynchburg)
• Live music everywhere

College tour information: www.vanderbilt.edu