Nashville, Tennessee is one of the top destinations in the United States for its abundance of live music and award-winning restaurants. But there’s more to the Music City than meets the eye. Established near a Native American settlement, the site of the city was explored by Cumberland River fur traders.
Fort Nashborough was established, named for a Revolutionary War hero, and the area became the southern terminus for the Natchez Trace, which it remains to this day. Nashville was named as the capital of the state of Tennessee in 1806. It was the site of a number of Civil War battles.
Its music legacy began after World War II with the establishment of the nation’s first FM radio station and the Grand Ole Opry, the longest-running radio show. It wasn’t long before it was known as the country music capital of the world, a reputation that continues today. But other musical influences can also be found.
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The Neighborhoods of Nashville
First-time visitors to Nashville may stay within the confines of Music Row, which is where most of the major tourist attractions are located. But there’s so many microcosms within the city, including areas popular with students and where the locals actually hang out. Many of the big hotels are downtown, so you an easily base yourself there while exploring these neighborhoods.
Originally home to Nashville’s rail yard, The Gulch is quickly becoming the trendiest neighborhood, with colorful murals and LEED-certified buildings. It’s within walking distance of downtown and has been redeveloped with both residential and retail buildings. Wander around in search of the best street art, grab a coffee from the latest Barista Parlor outpost or dine at one of the many restaurants, like The 404 Kitchen or Little Octopus.
Popular with students from nearby Vanderbilt and Belmont universities, Hillsboro Village is a laid-back neighborhood. Browse the eclectic boutiques, dine at one of the coffee shops and eateries like Fido, or take advantage of the yoga and pilates studios. Don’t miss the Belcourt Theatre, a 1925 silent movie house that once was home to the Grand Ole Opry. Today it screens independent films.
Comparable to Bushwick in Brooklyn, East Nashville is an up-and-coming neighborhood that has plenty of personality. Popular restaurants like Butcher & Bee have set up shop alongside local staples like The Pharmacy Burger Parlor & Beer Garden. It’s also a great place to see live music beyond the bachelorette party scene of the downtown honky tonks. The Family Wash and The Five Spot are two options.
If you’re looking to shop for unique local goods, 12 South is your best bet. Named for the southern end of 12th Avenue, there’s a little bit of everything, including vintage and upscale stores, trendy coffee shops, and highly rated restaurants. Josephine and Burger Up are just two of the options.
Nashville Restaurants and Cafes
The Nashville restaurant scene has been highly praised by travel publications, leading well-known chefs like Sean Brock and Jonathan Waxman to open up outposts in the Music City. But for every white tablecloth restaurant with a month-long waiting list is a hole-in-the-wall that has been a local favorite for generations. Try them both!
Loveless Cafe– Originally a roadside motel and restaurant, Loveless is known for one thing: their biscuits. But don’t miss other items like country ham. It’s near the Natchez Trace Parkway and is a good stop before hitting the road.
Biscuit Love Gulch– Another popular biscuit restaurant puts a unique spin on the classic Southern dish, including biscuit sandwiches and dessert biscuits. They have locations in The Gulch, Hillsboro Village, and Franklin.
Barista Parlor– As the quintessential hip coffee shop, BP is where you can make your order as fussy as possible. You can also shop for coffee and other essentials.
Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack– Other places serve “hot chicken,” but this is the original, started when a woman tried to punish her cheating man with a spicy meal. They have two locations in Nashville.
Mas Tacos Por Favor– Grab a quick meal at this East Nashville Mexican joint, which has tacos, tortilla soup, margaritas, and other favorites.
Adele’s– This Jonathan Waxman restaurant has a menu of farm fresh local favorites, named for the owner’s mother. They’re open for lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch.
Woolworth On Fifth– Dine in a piece of local history, the Woolworth’s food counter that was the site of sit ins during the Civil Rights Movement. It was restored with the 1930s decor and a menu of Southern favorites.
Rolf and Daughters– As one of the first restaurants in the city to garner widespread fame, the Beard award-nominated restaurant serves Mediterranean small plate fare in the Germantown neighborhood.
For more on Nashville’s best restaurants, visit Thrillist.
Nashville Bars and Nightlife
From honky tonks with cheap beer to swanky cocktail lounges that craft drinks to order, there are watering holes for every interest.
12 South Taproom and Grill– Local and national craft beers are on tap at this beer bar. Sit at one of the arcade tables (PacMan!) and chow down on bar food.
No 308– This trendy East Nashville spot is popular for its strong drinks and music. Hang out on the patio between songs.
Santa’s Pub– It’s Christmas year-round at this dive trailer bar in southeast Nashville. Sip your cheap beer and enjoy the people watching. The bar is cash only, so hit up the ATM beforehand.
Urban Cowboy Public House– The owners of the boutique inn also have a bar and restaurant with the same stunning interiors.
Breweries- The city also has a few craft brewing operations. Yazoo Brewing Company, Jackalope Brewing Company, and The Black Abbey Brewing Company, LLC all have tasting rooms for visitors.
The George Jones– Part restaurant, part museum, and part live music venue, this space honors the legendary country star. The bar has a rooftop with great views of the city and a menu of beer, wine, and cocktails.
Attaboy– This speakeasy is inspired by a counterpart in New York. You won’t find a menu because each drink is made specially for you.
The Mockingbird– For trendy global fare and midcentury modern decor, this bar has whimsical drinks like cherry lime aid and fruit punch in a bag.
Rumours East– Grab a glass of wine from this mainstay set in a Victorian mansion. The backyard patio is perfect for shared bites between friends.
Robert’s Western World– If you visit one Music Row country bar, make it this one. There’s live music every night of the week as well as the “Recession Special,” which is a fried bologna sandwich and a can of PBR.
Thrillist also has you covered on the best night spots in Nashville.
Things to Do in Nashville
There’s countless things to do in Nashville, especially if you’re a fan of country music. But don’t miss the history of the city, which dates back to the days before the founding of the United States.
Country Music Hall of Fame– The sprawling museum has exhibits on the early days of the style of music and important figures and artists in the genre. But they also have connections to all parts of American music. Combination tickets include Hatch Show Print and RCA Studio B.
Patsy Cline Museum– This small museum is devoted to the female country artist who was gone before her time when she perished in a plane crash. It features her clothing and items from her home.
Johnny Cash Museum– Located beneath the Cline Museum is the powerful museum devoted to Johnny Cash. It includes his early life in Arkansas and his last hit before his death.
Parthenon– Built for the state’s centennial, the building is a replica of the original Greek Parthenon, complete with the long-missing statue of Athena. There are also exhibits on the Centennial Exposition.
Frist Center for The Visual Arts– Spend an afternoon exploring the galleries of Nashville’s impressive art museum. It has rotating exhibits from the ancient world to the present.
Grand Ole Opry– The current home to the Grand Ole Opry is in the suburbs. Catch a show there, which has the weekly radio show three times per week, and go behind the scenes on a backcstage tour.
Ryman Auditorium– Visit the “Mother Church of Country Music,” which was originally built for traveling evangelists before becoming the home of the Grand Ole Opry for decades.
Tours- There are dozens of tour operators focusing on different parts of Nashville’s culture. Brewery, distillery, food, and even mural tours are available.
Wineries- Believe it or not, this part of Tennessee does make wine. Arrington Vineyards is owned by musician Kix Brooks. Belle Meade Winery is another.
Historic homes- Plantations and old homes are found throughout the area and many are open for tours. Fontanel was owned by Barbara Mandrel, while The Hermitage was the home of Andrew Jackson.
Shopping in Nashville
Give yourself plenty of time (and money!) to browse Nashville’s shopping scene. Far more than just fashion, you never know what kind of unique souvenir you might find.
Draper James– Owned by actress and local Reese Witherspoon, this store sells both her own products and ones she recommends, including Southern-inspired clothing, accessories, and gifts.
Pangaea– One of my favorite stories is this eclectic clothing and gift shop in Hillsboro Village, which has jewelry, books, and home decor.
imogene + willie– If you’re looking for a good pair of jeans, be prepared to splurge at this 12 South former service station.
Savant Vintage– The winding rooms of this home-turned-store have carefully picked vintage clothing and accessories. But these aren’t thrift store prices!
Parnassus Books– When the last remaining independent bookstore closed in Nashville, writer Ann Patchett opened this bookstore. They host author readings and support smaller presses.
Marathon Village– This “creative community” in a former auto factory has artist studios and small shops where you can buy one of a kind items.
Antique Archaeology Nashville– You might have seen this store on the show American Pickers, which has a second location in Nashville. It’s within Marathon Village, mentioned earlier, and has furniture and unique finds.
Third Man Records– Jack White opened his own record label and store near The Gulch. Pick up a rare album from one of his label’s artists or ones that have recorded there. There’s even an area where you can record your own!
White’s Mercantile– Another store with celeb connections is White’s Mercantile, owned by Hank Williams Jr’s granddaughter Holly, also a musician. It features home furnishings and gifts.
High Class Hillbilly– Browse for carefully selected vintage and secondhand clothing and accessories, including turquoise and cowboy boots.
Posh Boutique– This sprawling Hillsboro store has clothing for all types and their sale section has some great finds.
UAL– This Hillsboro Village shop gets excess and wholesale designer goods, so you never know what high fashion pieces you might find. Many sizes are samples, not standard sizes, but the accessories are a good place to start.
Where to Stay in Nashville
Name a chain hotel and you’ll likely find it in downtown Nashville. There is a high inventory of hotel rooms, but they also tend to be a bit overpriced. And large conferences in town mean you might have trouble finding one during some parts of the year. But there are options, no matter your budget or style. We haven’t included chains, but there’s also a 21C hotel outpost.
Noelle, Nashville, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel– Set in a former department store, this hotel has recreated the 1930s details. It has four food and drink outlets, including a coffee shop and a rooftop bar.
Fairlane Hotel– Feel like Don Draper at this stylish midcentury style hotel. The location is ideal for getting around and their room packages are above the rest.
SoBro Guest House– This spot has all the benefits of a hotel without the extra costs for a concierge. It’s made for travelers looking to stay on the cheap in a trendy neighborhood.
Urban Cowboy B&B – Nashville– With another location in Brooklyn, this stylish bed and breakfast is a popular spot for both photo shoots and overnight stays. They also have an in-house bar and restaurant.
Union Station Hotel, Autograph Collection®– Set in the historic former train station, the Union Station Hotel incorporates details from its surroundings, including country-music inspired decor. It’s also well placed in the city to explore all neighborhoods.
Flying Ham Rentals– Glamping in Nashville? Yes, it is possible. This company rents out vintage campers to travelers and those who need a little extra space for the weekend. Keep in mind that you’ll have to include campsite costs into your rental and delivery if you don’t have a vehicle with towing capabilities.
Airbnb– Get the local experience by staying with one. I found this to be the best budget option and it allowed me to stay in 12 South.
Transportation in Nashville
Getting around Nashville isn’t for the faint of heart. The traffic can be a nightmare, so don’t bring a car unless you absolutely have to. Also factor in the price of parking, especially downtown, which can set you back $20 per day.
You might be arriving by plane at Nashville International Airport, which is a short taxi ride away. Book a shuttle in advance or take a rideshare into the city. Trains no longer run through Nashville, but buses from Greyhound and Megabus arrive at 5th Avenue downtown.
Nashville does have a public transportation system of buses, but apart from the free downtown shuttle, it isn’t overly useful for visitors. Instead take advantage of Lyft or other rideshare services. Get a discount on your first Lyft ride by using the code “CAROLINE868074”. Many neighborhoods are also pedestrian friendly, but you can also rent a bike from B-Cycle. Travel Insurance is also a wise purchase if you’re biking around the city.
Visit Music City provided me with an attractions pass and parts of this guide were created in collaboration with Grand Ole Opry.
Awesome post! Thanks Caroline!
I’m saving this as I’m heading to Nashville (for the first time!) in 2 wks right after Bloghouse! :)