Stuck in Nashville, Tennessee for St. Patrick's Day?

When you think about going out on St. Patrick's Day, chances are Nashville, Tennessee isn't your first choice. However, there is a lot to do here and around our music loving city. In the next few paragraphs, I have included places for people in all walks of life to enjoy the day.

Though this holiday is now celebrated as a drinking one, it was once a sacred Catholic holy day. Therefore, I will start by suggesting that you start your day off right by going to your nearest Catholic church!

After your work out of kneeling, standing, sitting, and kneeling again, you will be rewarded with a sip of wine from a community cup. Do Not Finish This! You must save a sip or two for the underage children that will not have the luxury of drinking outside of this building! Sadly, when I was a kid, the wine at my church tasted too horrible for me to enjoy. Stupid me.

From there you have a plethora of options: Click on venue names for links to their home page.

You could head straight to Dan McGuinness, 1538 Demonbruen St, which will be opening their doors at 8:30am for a "kegs and eggs Irish breakfast". Just $9 for "scrambled eggs and fixin's and a pint o'Guinness." Breakfast will run until 11am. Then it's on to classics such as Shepherd's Pie, Fish N' Chips, Corned Beef Rueben and more. Music will start at 11am. As always, Dan McGuinness is a 21+ establishment that is still smoking.

Jimmy Kelly's , 217 Louise Ave, is a Nashville favorite for over 70 years. This is a great choice for American cuisine with Irish roots. This Irish family has been in Nashville through the thick and thin and they are proud to call it home. This St. Patrick's Day, in addition to their regular menu, they will be serving the timeless Irish classic, Corned Beef and Cabbage. They will also have live music on the patio and bagpipes being played intermittently. Jimmy Kelly's will open at 5pm, music to start shortly after.

The family wash is another great Irish restaurant and bar located in East Nashville. There is sure to be great live music, but the schedule is not yet posted, so keep an eye on their site. 2038 Greenwood Ave, 37206

Any bar in the Downtown area is guaranteed to have a crowd and some sort of special. Here are a few classic Irish pubs that will truly deliver.

Mulligan's is a great way to step out of Nashville and into a local Dublin pub. Located in the heart of 2^nd Ave, this pub has been serving Nashville with an Irish charm for over 20 years. This St. Patrick's Day they will be celebrating with live Irish music from 5pm-1am, and serving their always Irish menu.

Bailey's Pub & Grill has two floors of fun and 3 pool tables. Not to mention some beautiful bartenders. Be warned though, this is not a divey Nashville bar. (You may see several popped collars)

Not my favorite, but sure to have a rowdy party, is McFaddens at 134 2^nd Ave. Heed same warning as Bailey's!

The next few are a bit further out of town and not held on March 17^th.

Gaylord Opryland is holding a "St Patrick's Shamrockin' Family Weekend" on the 13^th and 14^th. This is a two day one night event that includes an upgraded room, admission to their Green Party that is sure to be fun for the whole family, a souvenir photo and gift, and a ride on a Delta Riverboat inside Gaylord Opryland. All this for $149 for a family of up to four.

What major holiday is complete without a parade? Not this one! Head to Erin, TN on Saturday the 20^th for the Houston County 48^thIrish Day Celebration. This quaint town is only an hour and a half drive from Nashville. The Parade starts at 11am. The festivities last well into the night!

Whatever you do this St Patrick's Day, PLEASE be responsible. Have a designated driver or keep the number to a cab or free taxi service on hand. Here are a few:

Free rides:
Sober Ride- 615.862.RIDE
Tow-To-Go- 800.AAA.HELP

If those are too busy, CALL A CAB!
Metro Livery- 615.360.2929
Allied Cab- 615.244.7433
Yellow Cab- 615.256.0101
Checker Cab- 615.256.7000
Nashville Cab-615.242.7070

Sources:
www.danmcguinnesspub.com/nashville/home.php
www.familywash.com
www.houstoncochamber.com
www.mulliganspubandrestaurant.com/main.htm
www.mcfaddensnashville.com
www.foxandhound.com/locations/nashville-broadway.aspx
www.gaylordhotels.com/gaylord-opryland/specials-packages/specials/st-patricks-shamrockin-family-weekend/index.html