I heart Nashville. After recently visiting the music city I can definitely confirm I will be back to see more of Tennessee’s state capitol!
It took a bit of convincing for my girlfriend to come visit the home of honky-tonk with me. I knew what she was imagining, old school country music, rednecks and southern fried food. Although I hadn’t been myself previously, I had more than a hunch there was way more to Nashville than that! (Spoiler alert, there is!)
Indeed this is a country music loving town which the likes of great legends Johnny Cash and Taylor Swift hail from. But it’s also just – a town of music. I heard every type you can imagine whilst partying up a storm on the infamous Broadway strip, and you know what? After hearing/seeing it all I actually prefer the country tunes.
Call me corny, but there’s something classic about songs that tell a story with heart and soul, I was converted.
Regardless, to mix things up we did visit a broad range of bars, pubs and restaurants to which we were treated with some awesome rock n roll, jazz, popular covers of huge hits from the likes of Blink 182 & Jimmy Eat World, there was even some house/dance music and RnB floating around if that’s your jam.
Here’s my top 10 list of things not to miss in Nashville:
Go down to Broadway and listen to live music at literally any time of the day or night. Special mention goes out to Tootsies. Just do it, the place is legendary for a reason. Just expect to get up close and personal with others for your singalong, it gets packed! You might spot some famous faces too.
Acme Feed & Seed. Their burgers are the bomb and decently priced for Broadway. It’s also big enough that you rarely have to wait for a table and has live music on during the day, on multiple levels. Great relaxed vibe.
Big Bang Dueling Piano Bar, which is exactly what it sounds like. Book a table in advance and take note that it’s now located inside of Dick’s Last Resort! Very cool place.
Barcelona Wine Bar located in trendy Edgehill. This intimate space is great for a shared dinner & boasts a huge wine list and Spanish style Tapas. Service is superb.
The Gulch. A fairly new area, formerly industrial now very popular amongst young urbanites. The Station Inn is Nashville’s foremost home for authentic bluegrass and offers live acoustic music nightly with simple America beers and pizza. For something more modern, you will find one of the largest whiskey selections in Nashville at The 404 Kitchen restaurant. You can also check out Two old Hippies for cool shopping nearby. You’re welcome.
Bridgestone Arena to watch an Ice Hockey game (if you’re here in winter) The Nashville Predators have a tremendous following and home games here are an experience! #smashville
Take in a show at the Grand Ole Opry, and if you can sneak a look into the Gaylord Opryland Resort, it’s insane. The Country Music Hall of Fame is great too.
If you’re there in summer, head on over to watch a football game at Nissan Stadium to watch the Tennessee Titans! Also very centrally located.
Wander the beautiful grounds of Vanderbilt University, it’s not far from Centennial Park either, where you can take in the grandeur of the Parthenon which has an art gallery inside.
The best Mac and Cheese can be found at The Stillery. Just do it. It’s so awesome and so cheap. Book ahead, this place is small and packs out. They also do other great southern comfort classic food and mason jar cocktails.
With friendly people, amazing live music everywhere, great food and a relaxed vibe – there is something for everyone in Nashville. Check it out y’all.