SB Note: This article is written to help fellow Vanderbilt alumni attending our upcoming reunion navigate the many changes throughout campus and Nashville over the years. But it’s definitely a nostalgic article for Nashville natives as well.
When I graduated from Vanderbilt in 1994, I never imagined I’d still be in Nashville 30 years later. Yet here I am, having witnessed the transformation of both our beloved university and the city that’s become my home. My husband, Jay Graves (Class of ’93), and I kept thinking we’d move one day — until we realized we were exactly where we needed to be. Nashville is where we’ve put down roots and raised our three children.
For most of the past three decades, we’ve lived within walking distance of Vandy, never more than a couple of miles away. This proximity has given us a front-row seat to the incredible changes that have swept through both the campus and the city. From jogging the loop as an undergrad to pushing a stroller around it with my babies, the familiar spaces of Vanderbilt have been a constant in my life as Nashville has grown and evolved around us.
As we prepare for our reunion this November 8-9, 2024, I’ve reached out to fellow alums and notable university figures to compile a comprehensive guide for those returning to campus. Whether you’re coming back for the first time in years or you’re a frequent visitor, there’s always something new to discover in our ever-changing city.
Links to navigate this article:
- Vanderbilt: Then and Now
- Reunion – Why You Should Go
- Nashville, A City Transformed
- Vanderbilt Alum-Owned Retail Businesses, Breweries, and IV Therapy
- Practical Tips When Visiting
Vanderbilt: Then and Now
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Campus Transformations
- The Ingram Commons: Opened in 2008 on Peabody Campus, this is where the first-year student community lives, revolutionizing the freshman experience. This was Vanderbilt’s first residential college, which is now implemented throughout the university.
- West End Neighborhood: This major development project replaced many areas on campus, turning them into pedestrian-friendly green spaces, residential colleges, dining facilities, and a community center. Gone are Vanderbilt’s towering Carmichael dorms, making way for something more intimate: residential colleges where students and faculty naturally mix and mingle. It’s all part of Vandy’s fresh take on campus life.
- E. Bronson Ingram College: residential college opened in 2018
- Nicholas S. Zeppos College: residential college opened in 2020
- West End Tower: Completed in 2021, the tower offers 17 beautifully designed apartments, study areas, and executive meeting rooms created to accommodate visiting faculty and distinguished guests.
- Rothschild College: residential college opened in 2022
- Carmichael College: Opened in 2024, this residential college completes 12 years of transformation and the vision of the West End Neighborhood.
Academic Expansions
- School of Engineering: Has seen significant growth, with new buildings and programs.
- Vanderbilt Law School: Underwent major renovations and expansions.
- Owen Graduate School of Management: Has new facilities and expanded programs.
Vanderbilt’s evolution to becoming a major national player is evident across campus. While you may not recognize parts of campus from our days here, each new building and program shows how the university keeps pushing forward, making its mark on the national scene.
Speaking of Vanderbilt’s National Reputation … Our Campus Has Jumped State Borders!
While our beloved campus in Nashville continues to evolve, Vanderbilt has also been expanding its footprint beyond Tennessee:
- Graduate Campus in Florida: In a bold move to scale up its business education and computing programs, Vanderbilt is in discussions about expanding to West Palm Beach, FL, an area of tremendous growth and investment. This second campus would focus on graduate education in business and computing and would also feature an innovation hub focused on interdisciplinary research and development.
- New York City Presence: Vanderbilt is exploring expanding its presence in the heart of New York City with the recent announcement of the lease of The General Theological Seminary in the Chelsea neighborhood. This expansion would provide unique opportunities for finance, arts, and media students, offering networking events and specialized courses that leverage the city’s resources. It would also serve as a hub for alumni activities and recruiting efforts in the Northeast, as New York City has the largest Vanderbilt alumni population outside of Nashville.
Athletics
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Speaking of changes, how about that win over Alabama? It’s been 40 years! My husband took the video above when the goalposts came down. He was a sports photographer for The Vanderbilt Hustler back in the day. Yes, tears were shed.
While school spirit was pretty low in our day (we thought it was cool not to care), things have certainly changed. “Anchor Down” wasn’t even a term in the 90s, and did anyone know we had a fight song? Vanderbilt athletics has a whole new energy. Baseball and football are the big ones, but let’s not overlook women’s bowling, which remains a longstanding national powerhouse. Fingers crossed, we’ll see a great year for the men’s and women’s basketball teams.
- Vanderbilt Stadium: Currently undergoing renovations to improve the fan experience. Yes, heads up for your Homecoming weekend: Our stadium is under renovation. (But hey, the stadium still made the ESPN College GameDay opening sequence — have you noticed?!)
- Memorial Gym: Still as unique as ever, but with modern upgrades.
- Hawkins Field: Home to our national championship baseball team, it’s seen significant improvements.
A Mid-Way Through the Article Reunion Check: Why You Should Go!
Vanderbilt alums, if this is a reunion year that ends with a five or a zero, please come! Reunions are such a fun way to reconnect, even if we now have Facebook, Instagram, and Linkedin. Those are highlight reels. At reunion, you can stay up with your college people past midnight and cry, laugh, say the wrong things, say the right things, and know you are still loved. Here is a link to 2024’s reunion for more information.
The “must” of the whole event is the Friday night class party. There are many other great ways to connect with campus and old friends, but that party is the biggie.
Nashville: A City Transformed
Neighborhoods to Explore
Nashville has exploded with vibrant new neighborhoods and revitalized old ones. Here are a few areas worth checking out:
- The Gulch: Once an industrial area, now a trendy district with high-end shops and restaurants.
- East Nashville: The hip, artistic enclave across the river. The most walkable area of this vast neighborhood is found at the Shoppes on Fatherland.
- 12South: A charming stretch of boutiques, restaurants, and coffee shops. You may have been to Becker’s Bakery back in the day. That same building is now the flagship location for Reese Witherspoon’s Draper James boutique. Directly next door is the “I Believe in Nashville” mural, a great place to get a photo with friends or family.
- Germantown: Historic neighborhood now known for its culinary scene.
- Lower Broadway/Second Avenue: The heart of downtown’s entertainment district is now more lively than ever. It’s filled with bachelorettes, people in cowboy hats and boots (who likely have enjoyed well beyond a drink or two … ), and loads of “transportainment” vehicles. The best honkey tonk, in my opinion, as well as the opinion of most locals, is Robert’s Western Wear. If you have a hankering to go downtown late-night, go here. If you are looking for a guide to the rooftop bars, find that HERE.
- Green Hills: A shopping haven including:
- The Mall at Green Hills: Significantly expanded and upscaled since our college days.
- Hill Center Green Hills: An open-air lifestyle center with high-end shops and restaurants.
- Bandywood: A quaint street with local boutiques and eateries.
- Hillsboro Village: Still a favorite among students and alums alike. While it’s changed over the years, you’ll find it’s still got that familiar charm. The Villager Tavern is still there, ready to welcome you back!
Music Scene
While country is still king, Nashville’s music scene has diversified tremendously.
- Ryman Auditorium: Still going strong, with an even more diverse lineup of performers.
- Ascend Amphitheater: Outdoor venue opened in 2015, hosting major acts.
- Brooklyn Bowl: Bowling alley meets music venue, opened in 2020.
- Exit/In: Nearly lost to development but saved by a community effort in 2021. It’s still hosting great shows on Elliston Place, though you might notice some changes in the area. Sadly, longtime favorites like The Gold Rush, Obie’s Pizza, and Amy’s are no longer there.
- The Listening Room Cafe: A songwriter’s haven where you can experience the heart of Nashville’s music scene. It’s a great place to hear the stories behind the songs and discover new talent.
- 3rd and Lindsley: This venue has showcased local and national acts since 1991. It’s still going strong, offering an intimate setting for a wide range of musical genres.
- Find out more about these places and more options for live music HERE.
Culinary Evolution
Nashville’s food scene has exploded beyond meat-and-three joints (though those are still around and beloved):
- Hot Chicken: Now a national trend, but Prince’s and Hattie B’s are still local favorites.
- Fine Dining: Chefs like Sean Brock and Maneet Chauhan have put Nashville on the culinary map, and other acclaimed chefs, like Ford Fry, have opened several establishments as well.
- International Cuisine: Nashville’s palate has expanded from Nolensville Road’s international markets to high-end sushi. Asian cuisine has had a particular moment lately, with Noko, Choy, Sushi Bar, Xiao Bao, 888, Kisser, and Hawkers Asian Street Food leading the way. For upscale Indian, Chauhan Ale & Masala House can’t be beat.
- New Restaurants: For a list updated each month, check out StyleBlueprint’s list of new restaurants making buzz HERE.
- If you haven’t made reservations yet … why not?! It’s okay. Here are a few places to try that will require a short Uber ride, are not in downtown Nashville but are on the Vanderbilt side of the river, and as of publishing this article, have reservations available for six people or more before 8 p.m. on Friday night: Burger & Grain, Miel, Park Cafe, Joe Muer Seafood, Luogo, Pelato, The Optimist, Choy, Henrietta Red, Pinewood Social, The Standard at Smith House, Epice, Char, Butchertown Hall, Carne Mare, and Mercado.
Nostalgia Tour: What’s Still Around
While much has changed, and we miss The GoldRush and Rotiers dearly, some beloved spots from our college days are still going strong:
- Pancake Pantry: Still serving those heavenly pancakes with a line around the block. They also have a downtown location now.
- Elliston Place Soda Shop: Now renovated, it’s still serving those classic milkshakes.
- Exit/In: Nearly lost to development, but saved by a community effort in 2021.
- Bluebird Cafe: Thanks to the TV show Nashville, it’s more popular than ever.
New Nashville Musts
For those who haven’t been back in more than a decade, here are some new Nashville experiences not to miss:
- Lower Broadway: Admittedly not my favorite area of town, but it’s popular for good reason — it’s a non-stop party with multi-story bars owned by country stars. It’s also excellent for people watching and playing the game, “How many bachelorette parties can I count?” It’s fun. There is a reason Nashville tourism continues to break records.
- John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge: Offers stunning views of the Nashville skyline. You may even see some proposals in real time!
- Nashville Farmers’ Market: Revitalized and bustling, especially on weekends. It’s like an international food court meets Southern cooking with fresh grocery and gift shopping, and, “Why not grab a few plants while you’re at it?”
- Pinewood Social: Bowling alley meets restaurant meets co-working space. I know it sounds crazy, but order the fried broccoli with a beer or a cocktail. It’s stellar.
- The Frist Art Museum: Housed in the city’s former main post office, it hosts world-class traveling exhibitions.
- Hattie B’s Hot Chicken: While hot chicken has been a Nashville staple for decades, Hattie B’s has become a must-visit spot since opening in 2012. It offers various heat levels, from Southern (no heat) to Shut the Cluck Up!!! (burn notice). Even if you tried hot chicken back in your college days, the Hattie B’s experience is worth the inevitable wait in line. Your best bet for a smaller line is the Charlotte Avenue location.
Vanderbilt Alum-Owned Retail Businesses, Breweries, and IV Therapy
Support your fellow Commodores by visiting these alum-owned spots, all within about 5 miles of campus:
- Judith Bright Jewelry: Founded by Judith Bright, with three locations in Nashville. Truly a Nashville staple jewelry line that I wear almost every single day.
- Epergne: Susan Dyke co-owns one of the loveliest home decor and gift stores in all of Middle Tennessee. Dinnerware, baby gifts, linens, bags, jewelry, and more.
- Yearly Co.: Known for handmade, stackable gold bangles that are available in different sizes, all with timeless beauty. The jewelry line is based on a beautiful family tradition of celebrating anniversaries with gold bangles and is owned by Ann Williams.
- HART: This is the second location of Hart Hagerty’s successful Charleston-based business, well-known for her thoughtfully designed charms. And, fun fact, it’s located right next to Judith Bright’s store on 12 South, so you can shop two alum’s businesses at practically the same time.
- Jackalope Brewing Company: Founded by Vandy Law School alumnus Bailey Spaulding, Jackalope is one of Nashville’s first craft breweries and is home to Vanderbilt’s Conquer and Prevail Pale Ale. While an investment firm recently acquired the brewery, Bailey is still in her role as “Chief Beer Officer”!
- Lumen Lamps: John Rich is the owner of this go-to lamp and gift store on White Bridge Rd in West Nashville. While you may like your current lamps, you will likely change your mind upon entering his store.
- Yazoo Brewing Company: Linus Hall owns this Nashville staple, which opened in 2003. Known for a bustling business, Yazoo also brewed the first legal high-gravity ale in Tennessee in 2009.
- The French Shoppe: Susan Mattox owns this lovely women’s boutique with two locations, one of which is within walking distance from Vanderbilt in the Park Place Shopping Center.
- Lequire Gallery: Andrée and Alan LeQuire are co-owners of this nationally recognized gallery, also home to Alan’s bronze sculpture studio. Alan is best known for Athena, the largest indoor statue in the Western Hemisphere (located in Nashville’s Parthenon), and the Musica statue found on the Music Row roundabout.
- Art Beat Nashville: Jesse Rosenblum owns this gallery, which houses the work of dozens of local artists. She has a little bit of everything, from gifts for all ages to art for your home.
- Apple & Oak: Allison Holley owns this home decor shop filled with pretty things, but it’s particularly known for great vintage rugs of all sizes. You’ve got to love her Instagram bio, “pretty things & dirty words.”
- Hangover Healthcare: Tamera Thoener started this business, seeing the opportunity with Nashville’s destination as a hot tourist spot. If you imbibe a bit too much during the reunion, IV Therapy from Hangover Healthcare will come straight to you for as many as 15 people!
Practical Tips When Visiting
- Transportation: Parking is expensive in Nashville. Stupid expensive. I highly recommend ride-sharing services for the weekend.
- Accommodations: Book early! Nashville’s hotel scene has exploded, and the prices are high. But there are plenty of options in Midtown that are within walking distance of Vanderbilt.
- Planning: The city is much busier now. Make dinner reservations well in advance, especially for larger groups.
- Weather: November in Nashville can be unpredictable. Pack layers!
As you return to Vanderbilt and Nashville, you’ll find a place both comfortingly familiar and excitingly new. The small town we knew in the ’90s has grown into a dynamic city, while our alma mater has evolved into an even more prestigious institution. Yet, at their cores, each retains the warmth and charm that made us fall in love with them in the first place.
I hope you make the reunion to share in the nostalgia, excitement, and pride of being Vanderbilt alumni in this vibrant, ever-changing city we call home!
Here’s the reunion link if I’ve convinced you to come!
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