Your Adventure in Nashville
An alluring harmony of Southern charm and urban cool, Music City offers plenty of high notes. Chief among them: a thriving culinary scene, boot-stompin’ bars, and a landscape littered with storied structures. Not sure where to start? Tell us more about you.
Are you a…
Music Lover
Foodie
History Buff
Music Lovers
Do-si-do Down Broadway
You may hear a lot of covers on Honky Tonk Row—a strip of neon-lit dives lining Lower Broadway—but you aren’t going to pay any. That means more funds for things like drinks and tip jars. Start at the perpetually packed Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, where Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson used to stop between sets at the Ryman, just steps away. If dancing is in order, head to The Stage on Broadway. And for a local favorite, hit Robert’s Western World for a fried bologna sandwich, a new pair of boots, and classic songs by house band Brazilbilly.
Face the Music: Don’t skip these notable stops
Country Music Hall of Fame:
The largest collection of stringed instruments ever amassed by the museum—75 vintage Gretsch guitars from the 1930s to the ’80s—is on view through July 10.
Grand Ole Opry:
America’s longest-running radio show turns 90 this year. Catch it live at the Grand Ole Opry House, now through October 29.
The Bluebird Cafe:
Well-versed and wannabe songwriters flock to this intimate listening room to perform their own numbers. Reservations are key.
Catch fine tunes at these off-beat locales
Fuselage:
Score some fly apparel and decor at this aviation-themed vintage shop, where local artists provide the sound track.
Nashville International Airport:
Nearly 100 bands play year-round on six stages located throughout BNA.
Arrington Vineyards:
Starting next month, snag a courtyard seat for Music in the Vines, a free jazz sesh every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through November.
Foodies
Feed Your Competitive Side
Brothers Ben and Max Goldberg, the brains behind Division Street’s Patterson House and The Catbird Seat, have struck gold again with their latest culinary concept. Pinewood Social is a—deep breath now—cyber café, cocktail lounge, and “elevated” comfort-food joint (think finessed fried catfish and pork shank) with private karaoke rooms and six vintage bowling lanes, all rolled up into a 13,000-square-foot converted trolley barn. Overwhelmed? Step out back for a game of bocce or a dip in either of the 4-foot pools.
Tennessee State Fare: Nosh your way through East Nashville
Mas Tacos Por Favor:
This groovy cash-only dispensary of tacos and chicken tortilla soup got its start as one of Nashville’s most beloved food trucks.
Margot Cafe & Bar:
The menu changes daily, but you can bank on rustic French and Italian fare like pan-roasted halibut and lick-your-plate-clean spaghetti Bolognese.
The Pharmacy:
A house-made brat or burger with a side of sweet potato fries and a creamsicle soda in the biergarten: Just what the doctor ordered.
Slake your thirst as you see fit
Barista Parlor:
Refuel with a cold-brew coffee or artisanal espresso at this trendy caffeinator, which sets up shop in a converted auto repair garage.
Hops & Crafts:
Fill a growler with one of 36 rotating local and regional microbrews at this taproom in the Gulch.
Rolf and Daughters:
If the Frank Lloyd Wrong or I’ll Have a Chinchilla don’t sound appealing (they should), ask the barkeep to craft you a custom cocktail.
History Buffs
Read the Fine Print
Nothing defined the look of country music through much of the 20th century (not even you, rhinestones and tassels) like the iconic posters that rolled off the presses at Hatch Show Print, one of the oldest letterpress shops in America. Carve out some time for a hands-on, hour-long studio tour—a colorful stroll through the history of American advertising and entertainment. At the end, press a little ink yourself for a keepsake, or stop by the store for a restrike of classic posters promoting legends like Hank Williams, Dolly Parton, and Patsy Cline.
Time Travel: Sructure your trip around these storied sites
First Center for the Visual Arts:
Examine the role of photography, film, and poster art in the early years of the Soviet Union in The Power of Pictures, on view March 11–July 4.
The Parthenon:
Built in 1897, this full-scale replica of the ancient Athenian temple isn’t just for photo ops—it also houses the city’s permanent art collection.
The Hermitage:
For a glimpse of life on Andrew Jackson’s plantation, traverse the grounds by horse-drawn wagon or stroll through his well-kept two-story mansion.
Settle down in these century-old digs
The Hermitage Hotel:
Nashville’s most opulent overnight (we’re talking marble floors and a stained-glass ceiling) has lured A-listers since 1910.
Union Station Hotel:
This turn-of-the-20th-century train terminal took on new life in 1986 as a 125-room retreat.
The Timothy Demonbreun House:
Ideal for a weekend getaway, this Woodland-in-Waverly B&B boasts four private guest rooms.
Made in Music City
In 1912, the world’s first combination candy bar—a disk-shaped mound of caramel, roasted peanuts, and marshmallow nougat inside a milk chocolate shell—was born in a copper kettle at Standard Candy Company in Nashville. More than a century later, Goo Goo Clusters remain a staple in these parts. To see what all the fuss is about, pop into the 4,000-square-foot flagship store, which opened on Lower Broad in 2014. Or order a nostalgic collector’s tin (four original Goo Goos, plus two supreme and two peanut butter) at googoo.com.
All the City’s a Stage
Household names are made just about everywhere you turn in Music City. Including at Nashville International Airport, where live music has been a part of the travel experience for more than 25 years. “We want passengers to get a small taste of our city, even if they never get to leave the terminal,” says Shannon Sumrall, a spokesperson for BNA. Although mainly a platform for up-and-coming local talent, the airport has played host to noteworthy groups like Big and Rich and The Oak Ridge Boys. There’s no set schedule, but Sumrall says you can expect live music every day of the week. This month, keep an ear out for a variety of Irish music performances.
O’Charley’s Restaurant
Eddie Hall, the restaurant’s president, dishes on what sets this Nashville original apart.
How did O’Charley’s get its start?
“In 1971, Charley Watkins opened the first O’Charley’s across from Vanderbilt University. The restaurant was built on Southern hospitality and cuisine—two traditions we carry on today.”
What do you recommend eating?
“We’re known for our slow-roasted prime rib, Sunday brunch, fresh-baked pies, and ‘unsliceably’ soft rolls. We’re also very excited about our new Southern-inspired menu, which features a Nashville staple: hot chicken.”
How does the restaurant give back?
“We honor local military members and veterans through Hometown Hero and Operation Gratitude, and we’ve supported Second Harvest Food Bank for more than a decade.”