My wife and I are taking a long weekend vacation to the Nashville area in mid September. Why?? Why not? Seriously....she's never been there and I'd like to visit Vanderbilt (where I went to school) again.

We need help on where to stay. In the perfect world, we would love to find a nice "inn" close to town, but not in downtown. Not a bed & breakfast, but an Inn/small hotel. We really dont' want a large, chain hotel. We love B&B's but the problem is they are very noisy and sleep is at a premium. Maybe a B&B's carriage house? Any ideas?? A spa would be nice....Just looking for ideas.

By the way, I got the OK by the wife to bring my bike. That's one reason I dont' want to be in downtown. I want access to country roads.

I won't be much help but thought you should have at least one reply. I live in Memphis but researched some last year when we went up there for a race. I ended up staying at a Marriot though because of issues with bringing the kid along. If you Google the leiper's fork/franklin area you might find some nice places along Natchez Trace - nice scenery and great bike riding. Nemaste Acres Country Inn seems like a nice place althought the rooms look a little cheesy. Good Luck!