Airport Check-in: New in Nashville; 'Neighborhood' memories

Airport Check-in: New in Nashville; 'Neighborhood' memories

ByABC News
March 17, 2008, 6:08 AM

NASHVILLE -- Nashville International Airport threw a party last week to celebrate the opening of a dozen new food, beverage and retail vendors. Nationally recognized chains such as Wendy's and In Celebration of Golf are mixed with Nashville-themed outlets including Discover Nashville Music City, the Nashville Zoo and Swett's, a branch of a local cafeteria-style restaurant specializing in Southern home-style cooking and a traditional "meat and three" menu.

The new shops and dining establishments are part of the airport's multiyear terminal renovation program. Plans include new concourse skylights, flight information panels, restroom improvements and the consolidation of eight existing security checkpoints into one single location with 11 checkpoints.

PITTSBURGH

Welcome to the neighborhood

For years, Fred Rogers taped his Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood public television program in Pittsburgh, and this week, the City of Bridges is celebrating "Won't You Be My Neighbor Days."

Travelers can join the festivities by visiting the Mr. Rogers exhibit at Pittsburgh International Airport. Located in Concourse C by Gate 51, the exhibit includes one of the star's signature sweaters, a pair of his sneakers and several puppets and figurines from the Neighborhood of Make Believe, including King Friday, Queen Sara, Prince Tuesday, Henrietta Pussycat and X the Owl.

Fred Rogers, who died of cancer in 2003, would have turned 80 on Thursday, which is also the last day of the festival. This year, his birthday is being promoted as "Sweater Day," with event organizers urging everyone to wear a cardigan to honor Mr. Rogers.

MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL

Airport pet stops increase

Pet owners in the Twin Cities will soon be able to take advantage of a pet boarding facility adjacent to the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. The Animal Humane Society has won the contract to operate a 24-hour pet boarding and day care facility, with parking and shuttle service to and from the airport terminals.