Centennial Park/West End
This is one stop with a variety of diverse options. Unless you simply want a walk in the park, I’d recommend arriving after 10am. Or if you want to an evening plan, arrive in the late afternoon.
This is one stop with a variety of diverse options. Unless you simply want a walk in the park, I’d recommend arriving after 10am. Or if you want to an evening plan, arrive in the late afternoon.
The centerpiece of this 132-acre park is a full-scale replica of the Parthenon (although ours is in better shape than the original in Greece). Constructed in 1897 for the state’s centennial celebration, it was one of a number of structures. Inside is a full-scale replica of Athena, standing 42-feet tall, which makes her the tallest statue inside a building in North America. The Parthenon is also home to a permanent art gallery and two rotating exhibit halls. Additionally, the Centennial Arts Center displays the works of local artists.
Also gracing the beautifully landscaped grounds:
Children love watching the ducks, geese, and occasional crane at Lake Watauga but please don’t feed them bread. It’s bad for them.
Because of its spacious grounds and central location, Centennial Park hosts a variety of weekend events from spring through fall including:
You’ll find plenty of chains nearby including fast food (McDonald’s, McAlister’s, Wendy’s, Papa John’s, Jet’s), mid-priced dining (Chili’s, Ted’s Montana Grill, Oscar’s Taco Shop), and upscale restaurants (J. Alexander’s, BrickTops, Fleming’s, Stoney River). Here I’m highlighting locally owned spots.
51st Deli It’s actually at 3001 West End Avenue. This little place cranks out a surprising variety of food including all-day breakfast, burritos, burgers, tacos, deli sandwiches, and a salad bar. Pretty tasty quick food.
Red’s Hot Chicken Arguably one of the more flavorful hot chicken spots, I recommend the crunch wrap: chicken tenders, pimento mac’n’cheese, and crispy bacon tucked into a grilled tortilla. Lunch only, 11am-3pm except open until 6pm on Saturday. Closed Monday and Tuesday. Only about 8 stools so consider eating in the park or taking your food next door to Springwater.
Martin’s BBQ Joint A few blocks from the park, this spacious restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating. Place your order at the counter and they’ll bring it to you. I like their pulled pork but I’m not a fan of their barbecue sauce.
Grins Vegetarian Cafe’ About two blocks off West End on the Vanderbilt campus is Grins (pronounced greens), a vegan-friendly certified Kosher restaurant with soups, wraps, and such. No parking nearby but a nice little stroll–and a walk around campus is a delight.
China Dragon Mostly a carry-out spot. Nothing fancy here but when you’ve got to have lo mein, this punches the ticket.
Bombay Palace As long as I can remember, these humble folks have been serving up affordable Indian cuisine. There’s a lunch buffet, notable if you rate restaurants by the pounds of food you consume.
Unlike the frenzy of Lower Broadway, live music in this area is a more relaxed affair.
Commodore Grille While the Bluebird Cafe is the most famous songwriter venue, the Commodore also hosts nightly sessions with established writers. Don’t be thrown off by the fact that it’s based in the Holiday Inn-Vanderbilt; it’s the real deal.
The Local True to its name, this restaurant/bar’s credo is “Come a stranger, leave a local.” It strives to be a neighborhood hangout that’s welcoming to visitors. The big draw: songwriter sessions during the week and a nostalgic country band on Saturday nights.
Springwater Supper Club It claims to be the oldest bar continuously open and operational bar in the state. It’s a real-deal dive bar but doesn’t sell mixed drinks (or food). It does offer pool, darts, and pinball. Musically, it’s all over the map with cover charges in effect most nights. Cash only. NOTE: if you drop by during lunchtime, you’re welcome to bring in your order from Red’s Hot Chicken next door.