InstCon 2020: A Primer on the South

[akinsey]

Hello everyone!

I can remember a few years ago when instcon was in Keystone how much I appreciated the blog posts of what to expect in the Rockies. Being prepared for altitude sickness and understanding the weather made the trip SO MUCH BETTER for me and our group. This community really is invaluable at times! So, in that spirit, I thought it might benefit to have a primer of sorts on the South for those that have never experienced the... delightful summer weather that graces this part of the country. So, here we go.

1. Expect to sweat. Not just because it's hot and you're going to be doing a lot of walking. Expect to sweat from the humidity. I know we have a lot of desert-dwellers that are used to dry heat, where it's just hot. That heat doesn't exist over here, unfortunately. In late July, you can expect the highs to be in the mid-90s region with a humidity of 70%+. That means it's a heat that sticks in you. All that to say, be prepared for a wet heat. Also, it's not much better when the sun goes down.
2. Bring a jacket. Now, you may be wondering why I would suggest bringing a jacket if it's that hot. Well, we've adapted to the heat by making sure the insides of buildings are well air-conditioned. So while it'll be a balmy 90+ degrees outside, we'll be hanging out in the lower 70s on the inside. Sometimes that temperature difference can seem jarring, so if you are one who generally gets cold, you will probably want a light jacket for the inside. 
3. Food. Nashville sits in the heart of BBQ country. While I prefer Memphis, there will be some excellent opportunities to eat great food in the area. I would highly recommend checking out some of the local restaurants, especially the hole-in-the-wall places. Honestly, they're the best.
   I have talked with friends native to the Nashville-area asking for their restaurant recommendations. Here are their suggestions, in no particular order:
   1. Monell's
   2. Baja Burrito
   3. The Loveless Cafe
   4. Soulshine Pizza
   5. Arnold's Country Kitchen
   6. Hattie B's
   7. Puckett's Grocery and Restaurant
   8. McDougal's
   9. San Antonio Taco Co.
   10. Five Daughters Bakery
   11. Rotier's Restaurant
   12. Dino's
   13. Satco
   14. Boombozz Pizza
   15. Pharamcy Burger
   16. Puckett's 5th & Church
       
       I will continue to add to this list as I receive word, and if you are from the area, feel free to add your own!

I'm sure I will think of more things to add as we move closer to July and get ready for instcon2020‌. So, let's get ready for a great time together!

InstructureCon 2020

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[kona]

 @akinsey , thank you for the great advice! I've been in the Nashville area in July and you aren't kidding about the WET heat (yuck and hell on the hair!).

Are you willing to share any specific hole in the wall restaurants you'd recommend?

Kona

[akinsey]

 @kona ‌ It's been a few years since I've been to Nashville, so let me do some reconnaissance with current locals I know, and I'll get a good list together!

[akinsey]

And done! I've started a list in the post itself. I'll update with websites and such as I can!

[valentinesking]

And I thought this article was going to be about y'all and all y'all and bless your heart!

-Sky V.

[valentinesking]

Howdy  @akinsey ‌,

I went to undergrad in Tennessee, but Nashville has changed a whole lot since I graced its door step. However, my friend pandakat‌ who vacayed in Nashville recently, said that Biscuit Love was THE place for a hot biscuit (and she loves bread almost as much as Oprah- so she should know). Hopefully, she'll come up in here and share her best Nashville secrets with us all! 🙂

Sky V.

[pandakat]

Hi everyone!

So I love Nashville. It's a growing city with still a small-city feel. 

For restaurants/bars, I recommend the following in no particular order:

• Husk - Southern food in a historic mansion.
• The Patterson House - intimate cocktail bar set up in a Speakeasy style. There is a wait involved if you get there certain times. BUT well worth it IMO.
• Hattie B's Hot Chicken
• Prince's - the original Hot Chicken place to go
• Puckett's  - gotta try their Piggy Mac!
• Biscuit Love - just...GO. Well worth the wait and yes there will be one. Fast service. Delicious food. Biscuits. and BONUTS
• Butcher & Bee
• Fido - Bongo Java - great coffee!
• L.A. Jackson - rooftop bar at the Thompson Nashville hotel. Great drinks
• Pinewood Social

Places to check out

• Third Man Records - for music aficionados. This is Jack White's record label.
• The Grand Ole Opry 
• Nelson's Green Brier Distillery 
• The Parthenon - which is at Centennial Park. Full replica of the original in Athens
• Definitely check all the Honky Tonks. There's lot of museums tool

Hope this helps  

[pandakat]

I forgot to include Martin's BBQ Joint for some delicious BBQ