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NASHVILE CHIC WITH A TOUCH OF COLLEGE CHARM Story by AMELIA PAVLIK

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asty temptations like bone marrow and short rib slathered on crispy toast and covered with a runny quail egg. An in-room fitness program designed by celebrity trainer Erin Oprea. Whether you’re looking to be a sinner or an angel in Nashville, the Loews Vanderbilt Hotel has you covered. About a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Atlanta, Nashville is an easy option for a long fall weekend — particularly as the fall leaves surrounding the highway reflects a myriad of beautiful colors as you wind through the mountains. As the name implies, the Loews Vanderbilt is situated across from the Vanderbilt University campus. Yes, guests of the hotel get the added bonus of experiencing the charm and perks of a college campus atmosphere (whether that means enjoying a gorgeous place to go for a soothing fall walk — or being surrounded with bars & grills where you can find a cheap drink and reasonably priced meals), all in the heart of a southern city with fine dining and an electrified nightlife. And, just a quick one-mile drive or Uber ride away you will find the famed “Music Row” that Nashville is known for. Here are just a few reasons why this destination and the Loews Vanderbilt should be on your list of travel ventures for this fall’s getaways! Sleep. The property has undergone $20 million in renovations since 2013 and offers up 340 rooms (including nine suites). Elegant notes of Nashville can be experienced and admired throughout the décor. And in true Loews fashion, you’ll enjoy amenities like complimentary Wi-Fi in every room, iPod docking stations, fully stocked mini bars, Comfort Zone toiletries, Egyptian cotton sheets, and wake-up calls recorded by Nashville music royalty such as Vince Gill, Amy Grant, and other notable artists. On The Move. On a cool fall morning, there’s nothing better than getting up and heading for a run on Vanderbilt’s lush campus. However, if the chill in the air is too much, the Loews Vanderbilt offers a fitness center that is fully stocked with the cardio and resistance training equipment you need for a calorie-killing workout. Or, take advantage of the in-room Balance by Erin Oprea fitness program. Just pick up the phone, and your equipment (yoga mat, exercise ball and resistance tube) will be delivered to your door in minutes along with step-by-step instructions for an exercise program developed by Operea, who trains celebrities like Carrie Underwood and other well-known artists.

Dining. Enjoy the short rib and bone marrow to the fried green tomato, egg, and bacon Black Keys breakfast wrap from Mason’s, the hotel’s go-to for every meal — including brunch on weekends. Mason’s serves up a Southern-inspired menu with a kick of Appalachian and European influence In addition, the Balance by Erin Oprea program also extends to Mason’s with a menu that follows a rigid set of nutritional guidelines, which ensures that each dish is low in sugar and sodium, high in protein, and includes healthy fats. For example, you’ll find a Persian breakfast frittata with shaved asparagus, dried cherries, and chickpea mash, and blackberry peach pie crepes with skim milk ricotta and pistachio granola. Other guest favorites include the ancho-spiced pork chop with smoked Sea Island pea charros and mango jicama slaw. Another favorite is the East Nashville “Hipster” biscuit with cage-free eggs and smoked bacon, and for those, who occasionally crave a succulent steak every now and then will be pleased to find that there is a Ruth’s Chris Steak House housed in the hotel as well.). Of course, there is also a full room service menu, in case you love your room so much you don’t want to leave. But, before you head to bed, wrap up your evening with a drink at Mason’s Bar — the Mason’s Julep is not to be missed. It is the perfect spot to end your day. Visit loewshotels.com/vanderbilt-hotel for more information. A Dining Gem Down the Street: 1808 Grille Chicken fried lobster, fried Brussel sprouts, and a 10-ounce New York strip served up with chimichurri sauce — these are just a few of the tastes you’ll be treated to during dinner at 1808 Grille. The eat spot, tucked away in the Hutton Hotel, is only a few blocks away from the Loews and is open for all meals and weekend brunch. Headed there for dinner? Start with the compressed watermelon and work your way up to the fried whole bronzino. Oh, and don’t forget about dessert. Whether you’re in the mood for black forest cake or honey thyme crème brulee, 1808 has a sweet to ensure that everyone leaves this resto on a happy note.

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