Nashville and Middle Tennessee Winter Events for Couples in 2010/2011

Middle Tennessee has some great winter events for couples going on this season. Just because it's the holiday season doesn't mean that you have to spend every waking moment surrounded by family and friends. Sneak off together to some of these events in Nashville and the surrounding areas and enjoy some holiday cheer by yourselves. Be sure to check the websites for the events to get any further details and contact information.

For couples that love history:
The Middle Tennessee area is rich in history and there are some wonderful and fun winter events going on that will bring the past to life.

I'll Be Home For Christmas: The 1940s in McMinnville
McMinnville is blasting back to the past. The downtown area will be transformed and the 1940s will be back for the night. The fun will include an ice skating rink, "newsies" on the corners, a swing dance, and vintage vehicles lining the street. So be sure and put on your warmest vintage clothes and check it out.

When: December 11, 2010
Where: All of downtown McMinnville
How much: Free to walk around, cost will vary depending on what you choose to do

Nashville Public Library: EyewiTNess to the News: A Chronicle of Our Times: Photos From The Nashville Banner Newspaper
Roughly 3 millions images became public property when The Nashville Banner closed up shop. This photo exhibit shows off at least 6 decades of events using over 80 of those images.

When: now through December 30, 2010
Where: Nashville Public Library
615 Church St.
Nashville, TN
How much: free admission

For couples that love atypical music:
Nashville is called Music City for a reason and you've got a lot more to choose from than Country and Elvis. Plenty of great and unusual bands play all around the Middle Tennessee area, even during the dead of winter.

Celtic Christmas at The Ryman
This one night event at a famous Nashville landmark features the pipers from Riverdance, the Gael String Orchestra, The Irish Step Dancer, Mauread Ni Mhaonaigh of the band Altan, and others.

When: December 13, 2010
Where: Ryman Auditorium
116 Fifth Avenue North,
Nashville, TN
How much: $29.50 - $44.50

Apocolyptica: Orchestral Rock Band
This Finnish group is a heavy metal band comprised of 3 cellists and a drummer. Yes, you read that correctly. This is a one night only performance and sure to be a great experience. The band has sold over 3 million albums for a reason and has worked with many famous musicians including Gavin Rossdale of Bush and Ville Valo of HIM.

When: December 13, 2010
Where: The Mercy Lounge and Cannery Ballroom
One Cannery Row
Nashville, TN
How much: $25-30

For couples that love nature:
Middle Tennessee is a beautiful region and you can easily find outdoorsy activities. Winter events do happen, though you might have to look a bit harder than you would in the spring and summer.

Owl's Hill Sanctuary: Full Moon Owling, Howling, and Prowling
Owl's Hill Nature Sanctuary is a treasure to have in the Middle Tennessee area. Visit for this event and you'll enjoy an al fresco dinner beneath a full moon and perhaps get to wiTNess the mating calls of the Great Horned Owl. After dinner, follow along guided trails and search out Barred and Screech owls while learning all about these owls and others that inhabit Tennessee.

When: December 21, 2010
Where: Owl's Hill Nature Sanctuary
545 Beech Creek Road
Brentwood, TN
How much: $20/person in advance; $30/person at the gate

For couples that love art:
There are a lot of wonderful museums in Nashville and throughout the Middle Tennessee area and several have some really fantastic winter events happening this season.

Frist Center for the Visual Arts: The Birth of Impressionism
The legendary Musée d'Orsay in Paris is undergoing renovations for its anniversary and has loaned out some of its masterpieces to other museums. Nashville is one of only 3 cities in the world that this exhibit will be visiting and, for many, this is likely a once in a lifetime opportunity to see these works up close and in person. Approximately 100 paintings comprise the exhibit and include works from famous artists such as Manet, Degas, Cézanne, Monet, and Renoir are among the works showcased. This is a "do not miss" winter event, for sure.

When: Oct. 15, 2010'"Jan. 23, 2011Where: Frist Center for the Visual Arts
919 Broadway
Nashville, TN
How much: $15 for ages 18+ (various discounts are also available, see website)

For couples that love the eclectic and unusual:
Sometimes you want something that's even more off the beaten path. Nashville revels in the weird and wild despite its more conservative facade.

Miss Lolly's New Years Eve Burlesque Blowout
Live music by the Screaming Names sets the mood for this New Year's Eve burlesque bash. There will be a balloon drop, a midnight toast to ring in the New Year, a dance party, and more.
When: December 31, 2010
Where: The Pond
595 Hillsboro Rd. Suite 321
Franklin, TN
How much: $15 in advance, $20 at the door

Haunted Tavern Tours
Hosted by the popular Nashville Ghost Tours, this 21+ event is a pub crawl with a twist. Visit several local Nashville bars and pubs, spending roughly a half an hour in each. This is time enough to listen to the tales of each establishment's haunted history and, of course, enjoy a beverage of your choice if you'd like.
When: now through December 23, 2010 - 5:45pm check in; 6:00pm tour
Where: throughout Nashville, TN
How much: $15 per ticket, drinks and gratuity not included