Well, if any of you remember my post on the job board a while back about the job I didn't take... about that... I wound up taking it after all.
It was time to go. How do I know? Putting in my resignation was, no joke, one of the best days of my life.
I'm looking forward to a new start. I'm moving to Columbia, south of Nashville.
Y'all know the deal, if you're around there, you have another Hokie moving in. And if you have any Nashville suggestions, throw them my way.
I don't think I have heard anyone say one bad word about Nashville. So, I'm pretty stoked.
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Well, Congratulations.
At least you're already familiar with the state beverage.
Thanks. While true, I much prefer the official beverage of the commonwealth that will be to the north.
I mean, all Tennessee Whiskey is legally bourbon, and there's several solid distilleries and NDPs around Nashville worth your while.
Jack Daniels is worth doing the tour once, and they get some cool things in their store.
Nearest Green is basically just a marketing gimmick, but has a pretty enough place, if not any whiskey worth drinking.
Cascade Hollow (Dickel) is solid for a day trip.
In town, Nelson's Greenbrier is okay. Decent hangout spot, but their new stuff is disappointing compared to older Belle Meade juice.
A block away, Corsair has some pretty good booze. Decent gins, an interesting red absinthe, and a really tasty dark rye.
Pennington (label is Davidson's Reserve) on the north side of town has a bourbon, rye, four grain, and a Tennessee that are all pretty solid, and better if you can get the single barrels.
Nashville Barrel Company is probably best of the lot. Fun place to visit, and they get some killer 8-10 year old bourbons and ryes.
Congrats! Does this mean you don't love us in Lot 18 anymore?
Seriously hit up DannyCoaleIsMySpiritAnimal he lived in Nashville for a bit.
Thank you. You know I still love y'all. It just means that a change was a must for me and the job wound up being something I couldn't pass up. I will still have my season tickets and be up for a few games. Just not as many. Definitely won't be able to meet you guys on the way to your 'rents to pass along parking passes though.
We love you too and are happy for you. Hopefully this is what you need and will be great for you. We will be happy to see you when you do come. Just make sure you come for Thanksgating.
"It was time to go. How do I know? Putting in my resignation was, no joke, one of the best days of my life."
Congrats. Getting out of academic bench science and into market research business consulting was 1 of the 3 best decisions I ever made in my adult life. The day I got the job offer (St. Patrick's Day, 1999) was the best day of my life - at least that I was old enough to remember.
I do have a co-worker from Nashville. If there are any specific questions you have, just let me know. I can ask him.
Thanks. St. Patrick's Day is my last day in the old gig. LOL.
I don't have any specific questions right now. Just looking for cool places and suggestions.
I'm not completely on my own. I will be working with a Hokie friend and one of my closest friends from HS (also a Hokie) lives in Nashville.
Another LOL Twilight Zone connection between us. The reason St. Patrick's Day 1999 was the best day of my life in isolation, should have probably added the "in isolation" part, was that 2 seemingly great things happened:
(1) I got the job offer
(2) My girlfriend agreed to come with me and marry me, which allowed me to accept the job; would not have if she had not agreed to come
Of course, 2 weeks later, she became my ex-fiancé. I know we both have psycho ex-fiancés :-). But I thought that day was going to be 2 massive plusses at the time. Still was one though.
On the plus side, she moved for you and not the other way around. If there's one thing my crazy ex-fiancé taught me it's to not make life decisions based on those with which you do not share blood or paperwork.
All the more reason to celebrate Friday night!!
I have a half day Friday. I'll be celebrating that afternoon.
I don't have any recent experience in Nashville but early 2000s it was a pretty cool city to be in. Just understand that the 40 to 81 drive between Nashville and Blacksburg is pretty long and boring.
Nashville to Knoxville is one of the worst stretches of interstate in the country as far as scenery goes. This is from my dad who doesn't have diabetes, but has driven a truck all over since '89.
I lived in Knoxville for about a year driving charter buses. Can confirm.
I feel that. Driving back to Nash from either Bburg or my parents' and that stretch of 40 once I passed Knoxville was 3 hours of boredom. Oof.
Boring, maybe, but at least you don't have to drive through Charlotte, which is a special kind of hell.
FTFY because you left some letters off.
No he was pretty right the first time. You never should choose to drive in Charlotte.
OR
As a resident of the northern Charlotte `burbs, you just have to know how to get around. You have to factor in time of day and know the back roads. It can be a headache and deserves bitching about, but if you live here, you adapt and overcome.
I was living in Rock Hill for 6 years, working in the city. Traffic was always the worst part of the city. Both caused by drivers and infrastructure that wasn't built for that many people daily.
Yeah, the biggest root cause is the infrastructure wasn't built for this many people, and in some places there's little that can be done about it, like around the lakes. I've come to learn that drivers are piss poor anywhere you go.
Deployed to Huntersville to work at the nuke plant there. I'm headed away from town at 6pm and coming back at 7am. It takes me 45 minutes to go three miles to the plant. I didn't think I had an issue with road rage until this experience. Now I'm glad I don't have a firearm in my rental.
You should probably see a therapist, my guy.
But yeah, that power plant is at an awful location for traffic. There's no good way to go.
Nebraska, Oklahoma, Albuquerque to Flagstaff area, LA to Las Vegas are all worse IMO. But Nash to Knox is close.
I think part of it is where you're used to living as well. Like, when I've driven in the midwest or west, it's been so different that what a local sees as boring is almost entertaining to me. I know people fuss about the midwest just being flat fields of corn and soy beans but the times I've driven through, I've been amazed at how big the farms are and the scale of the crop maintenance operations. But I'm sure other people would be bored to tears.
totally agree. Midwest drives are actually mostly enjoyable. I have even done the Kansas to CO that is meant to be super boring and it was really nice. What really bothers me is when the road is straight as an arrow with nothing to look at.
Nebraska is the worst for me because it's a long state and the interstate is literally a straight line. nothing to see and no points of interest along the way except for Cabellas in Sydney. Plus like 50 speed traps.
Oklahoma on I-40 is bad because you're either going E to W and just when you think your finally through the flatness you are hit with the neverending construction and traffic around Amarillo. Then W to E, after finally getting through Texas you have along relatively straight road of pretty much the same scenery.
Albany to Rochester in NY. Completely straight and nothing but trees.
That sounds pretty bad. Any industry or agriculture to produce foul odors along the way?
Yes......Mostly Dairy and Corn Farms with an occasional Leather Mill or other stinky industry tossed in. Occasionally you see the Erie canal but once you get past the edge of the Adirondacks it gets pretty "Oh look another cow"
I grew up 40 mi west of Albany and had to drive (well my mom drove) that route to Buffalo for treatments when I was a kid.
Not gonna lie, this sounds worse or just as bad as Nashville to Knoxville or Nashville to Chattanooga.
I-65 from Indy to Chicago gets a dishonorable mention.
All the windmills.......
Yeah, I did that. Really easy but boring.
Worst part of the drive is to get used to traffic humming along at 85 MPH through TN, then you hit the state line in VA and there is cop hiding to pop you with a wreckless charge for going over 80 on the interstate.
Ain't those Washington and Smyth County LEOs just absolute peaches! /S
My employer is HQ'd in Nashville. I've been there a few times now. They own a big building that used to be just outside downtown but with the growth in recent years, it's now downtown. I'll actually be back for a company meeting in mid-April.
Broad Way is obviously the big attraction - bars and music as far as the eye can see. I don't remember the details but there are a few other places and swanky diners we've been to while there. The hot chicken is good everywhere, give it a try. It's just a bit different in Nashville than other places.
I've also been to Columbia. Actually led the concept phase of a big project related to supporting all the growth there. They had a bunch of street scape rehab in process at the time. Their funding for my project got wonky'd up though and a bunch of it went on hold. I got swept up in other projects, I don't know what ever became of our work in Columbia. There was a place we went for lunch when I was there downtown called Puckett's that I really liked. Not fancy or anything, I just liked the vibe. As everywhere, there was also a little taphouse. Overall, it's a cute little downtown area.
Traffic Nashville is about as bad as Atlanta though.
I've thought a few times if the company ever wanted me to relocate from Atlanta to Nashville, I'd probably do it. I've enjoyed my visits there and have thought about making a long weekender or two there with my wife to just explore more.
Nashville is awesome but boy your wallet will hurt trying to drink whiskey on Broadway. Don't know your NHL affiliation but Preds games are a blast, but I only have Caps and Canes games to compare. After a game or concert Bridgestone dumps out right on Broadway so it can make for fun weekends.
I try my best to stay away from whisk(e)y when I go out because it's 'spensive no matter where you order it. I've had my share of $200+ nights to learn my lesson. Ah, who am I kiddin', I'll do it again, eventually.
I cashed out (1) double and diet for $27 and wanted to pack my bags and leave immediately
A few years ago on Cinco de Mayo we went to 5th & Federal (RIP) here in Lynchburg after dinner and margaritas. They had a pretty decent collection. And because I know myself very well, I resigned myself to sticking to beer. But as the night wore on and my inhibitions became thinner and thinner, I decided that I was going to have some bourbon. BUT I still had enough of a defensive inhibition barrier to relegate myself to a modest spot on the shelf. I don't remember exactly what I started with, but it was around the same level as, say a Knob Creek or Bulleit. Decent, but modest in expense.
As the night wore on and my inhibition defenses became increasingly more compromised, I started working my way a little higher up the shelf with each subsequent drink. Before you knew it, I was drinking doubles of McCallan 18.
Wound up with a tab just shy of $300 before getting mobile and moving to the next establishment. The wife was none too thrilled about that.
In my inebriated defense, though. It's worthy of noting, my wife used to teach, and her absolute favorite former student was our bartender. And while I certainly wasn't expecting it, I thought there was a better-than-average chance we would get a heavy pour or two, and maybe even a beverage or two that had been "forgotten" to be added to our tab. Not to mention, a friend that was out with us pulled a pretty shitty move. When I first switched from beer to bourbon, I bought him a round. I guess he thought that was his green light to put the rest of his whisk(e)ys on my tab as well.
Funny you mention Lynchburg I have a very similar experience at the Water Dog that ended with me drinking nearly an entire bottle of Woodford (or at least my tab total says so) and being not so politely asked to go home...
Downtown Lynchburg is shockingly fun given the good time blackhole that surrounds it
Damn, I am going to miss Water Dog and that evil temptress next door.
Yep. I've been pleasantly surprised in my 5 1/2 years here. It's not too bad at all as long as you stay the hell away from Biberty.
First off: Congrats! While we will certainly miss you at Lot 18 (and the random hoops game that you were in town for), it's cool you got this job and opportunity for a fresh start. I also moved to The Nash for a fresh start once. I was there from 03-05 so I don't know if any recommendations I would have would still be valid but I'll try anyway:
-440 that circled the city was a giant PITA during rush hour. I'd imagine 65 going to and from Columbia would also be gross.
-Do the Broadway strip one weekend night. Yeah it's loud and touristy and all that but there's a lot of music history in those old places and it's cool to do once (if only once).
-Johnny Cash museum is now around that area and it was (maybe still is) pretty damn awesome.
-IIRC Smokin Thighs is the Hokie Bar of choice now.
-Last time I was there Exit/In, The End, and
12th&Porterwere still open. Those were my stomping grounds for catching bands and/or playing in them. Edit: apparently 12th&Porter is now GONE. I had a lot of good times there.-Also if you're drunk AF in the backseat of your buddy's car coming home from downtown and you're at a stoplight and you turn around and there's a horse behind you staring into your soul, it's totally normal. Horse and carriage transportation downtown is a thing. It's not a hallucination brought on by too much PBR. Not that I would personally know anything about that.
Hmmm, seems strangely specific. But duly noted.
DCIMSA is always strangely specific.
Can confirm. I am strange and I am specific.
But we love you and I am damn glad you are part of my framily.
i work some in Nashville, and have some friends in the Franklin area I stay with when in the area. Franklin has several nice places to visit and a really good music scene, as well as being much closer. I-65 from Franklin to Nashville will really back up in rush hour (5 miles in 30 minutes some days), so plan around around it. Nashville has top notch music and a great food scene. The Listening Room for brunch is a great way to hear up and coming stars up close at a reasonable price without all the Music Row crowds. Music Row will be packed with wedding groups all the time, but is a fun place to visit. The hockey ring is right in the middle if you are a fan, and there are several music themed museums in that area. The country music museum is so big it takes hours, but the Johnny Cash museum is also there and significantly smaller. The soccer team has a great home crowd, and going is a blast. I can recommend eating at Darfons, Urban Grub, Chauhan or Pinewood Social if you are looking for great food and don't mind paying for it. The food court on Music Row is more economical, usually has music and a good beer selection. Catch a show at the Ryman Theater at some point, and get there early to look at all they have on display there.
Nashville rules! That is my retirement goal when I "Escape from LA". Hot chicken is great. The people have been super friendly when I visited. You've got a solid music scene (not LA but damn good compared to most places), decent sports. Broadway is a major bachelorette party every weekend. The bar scene has been solid in limited exposure. I am jealous and I hope you are happy when you get there and set down roots. Any town where I can take in a hockey game, then walk 2 blocks and see the Grand Ole Opry at the Ryman is top notch in my book.
Damn it wrong thread again 🥺
Southern Grist or Bearded Iris for breweries, biscuit love for breakfast but expect a line, Peg Leg Porker for pulled pork, any hot chicken place! Burgess Falls was a nice waterfall hike a short drive outside of Nashville. Good luck with your new adventures!
I'll second Bearded Iris.
I live in Columbia! Happy to answer any questions you have as you get ready to head here.
Howdy, soon-to-be neighbor. I appreciate it. I do have one right off the bat. I read that the crime rate was... well, not great. How bad is it?
It really does depend on where you are. I haven't heard about any real violent crime issues—mostly property crime or drugs. You just want to avoid East of the square and immediately west of it.
The nicest part of town is southwest, and if you're north near the Columbia/Spring Hill border, that's nice too.
I don't worry about my wife and baby going out without me.
Literally haven't been on the ground yet. I haven't had time and I'm flying blind and trusting my apartment complex's pictures from their website. I'm assuming the square is the downtown area? If that's the case, I'm basically due north.
You shouldn't have any issues. Thankfully it's still small enough to not really have any big city problems
Thanks, bud.
Well it's better than Columbia SC when odds you'll be victim of a crime is 1 in 21, but worse that Columbia South America where its 1 in 200
Start off on the lower end of the spectrum when ordering hot chicken -- maybe start with a Medium if you enjoy spicy foods before getting adventurous.
Even the Mild at Prince's made me sweat and tear up but maybe that's because I'm a weakling.
I went for the medium at Boltons and boy did that hurt for a few days.
That is good advice. I got the hot at Prince's in the food hall, and it was hotter than xtra hot at most wing places. Good, but more heat than I expected. Start a level down from you would get at a wing place.
I appreciate the feedback, y'all.
The Giles county man is moving to the Capital of country music 😤
Yup.
Nashville is great, I live up the 65 from Columbia in Franklin. I don't know a whole lot about much south of Franklin, but have a pretty good grasp of Franklin and north into Nashville. Let me know how I can help!