Whether you are a country music fan or not, the charm and vibrancy of Nashville and its abundance of activities will win you over in a heartbeat.
Originally known for its country music, in recent years, with its many emerging talents, music venues and events all-year-around, Nashville has won the title of Music City of the World. But here is the catch – the Music City is not just for music lovers, Nashville attracts tourists with its sports events, and it has the largest soccer-specific stadium in the United States and Canada – Geodis Park.
The Tennessee-based city boasts historical sites, such as its replica of the Greek Parthenon and a 42-feet statue of Athena at the Parthenon at Centennial Park, while in quirky shops like imogene + willie you can buy a tailor-made pair of jeans and also learn about the history of the material and how it made its way across the southern capital.
With daily BA flights to Tennessee’s capital, you can spend all the time you need to indulge in all that the city offers.
Let’s talk about the music
The city has many historical venues such as the RCA Studio B, nicknamed ‘The Home of a Thousand Hits’, which became famous in the 1960s for producing what has come to be known as ‘The Nashville Sound’. The studio was known to be one of Elvis Presley’s favourites, where he recorded many of his songs and you can even stand at the exact same spot where Elvis stood whilst recording his music.
You can also find out everything you’d ever need to know about country music at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum which pays homage to many of its artists through the years. And if you are a keen country fan, you can go on a backstage tour at the famous Grand Ole Opry where legendary country music stars have performed since 1925, and are still going.
If you are eager to learn about more than just the country, then the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) is a great place to start. The museum takes you on a fascinating journey through the centuries, showcasing that the origins of almost all modern-day music genres derive from African American heritage. The museum has many interactive features that allow you to create your own playlists mixed with the many genres available or even your own music.
The Bluebird Café is one of the most authentic must-do experiences you will ever have in Nashville. The spot frequently appeared in the TV series ‘Nashville’ and is famous for its writers’ rounds, where upcoming artists perform in a very intimate setting. From the outside, the bar really doesn’t grab your attention, but don’t be fooled, because inside, you are going hear beautiful voices carrying through and potentially witness the discovery of the next Taylor Swift.
The 5 Spot is also famous for its regular appearance in the aforementioned TV series, but its real highlight is the event night called Motown Mondays which is a swing dance party and everyone, and I mean everyone, gets involved. It is by far the most exhilarating dancing you will ever experience.
It’s not just music…
Unsurprisingly, one of the main reasons people visit Nashville is for music, however, the city has a lot more to offer than that. The city is a proud home to the Tennessee Titans (NFL) who you can regularly watch at the Nissan Stadium, which when not used for NFL games, is usually used for hosting concerts and large-scale events. Or if you are into ice hockey, then you are in luck as The Nashville Predators host many games at the Bridgestone Arena.
If you aren’t a sports fan but are still looking to immerse yourself in the local culture, then a visit to Hatch Show Print, one of America’s oldest working letterpress poster shops, is a great place to start. The print shop has operated since 1879, and there you can learn about the history of America’s letterpress, which is far more interesting than it sounds. You can even have a go at using one of the printing presses yourself.
Should you find yourself in need of a nature boost, then a visit to the Cheekwood Estate and Gardens is recommended. The Georgian mansion and its 55 acres of botanical gardens are considered to be one of the finest America Country Place Era estates. Cheekwood has made the top of many lists with its beautiful botanical gardens. You can spend a day roaming around the woodlands and learning about the history of the estate and the Cheek family.
Where to eat
To start your day in a true Nashville style, treat yourself to breakfast with a large plate of classic American pancakes at Pancake Pantry. You can indulge in an abundance of pancake toppings and flavours, but be prepared for the long queues outside because this place is a hot spot in town.
Head to The Butter Milk Ranch for some of the most indulgent brunches in the city, servings some classic southern dishes with a twist. The Butter Milk Ranch is also a small batch bakery offering some of the most delicious and largest pastries you’ll ever try, such as the frangipani almond croissant or key lime cruffin.
Grab a quick but a very traditional southern snack at Dicey’s. Though Dicey’s is known for its pizzas, try one of their special fried jalapenos peppers and pickles with a delicious ranch dressing.
Known for its celebrity part-owner Justin Timberlake, The Twelve Thirty Supper Club aims to redefine dining in the Upper Broadway area. The inspiration came from supper clubs of the 19th century when the closing time for venues was 12:30 am, but private establishments were allowed to stay open later. As expected, the Twelve Thirty Supper Club offers great live music entertainment and a stunning roof terrace where you can sit and enjoy the hustle and bustle of the Broadway.
For after-dinner cocktails, head down Pushing Daisies Underground Bar where the main, and the best thing, on the menu is their margaritas. The bar’s speciality is the tequila-infused cocktails, but its vibrant atmosphere and live DJ sets are what will keep you coming back.
Where to stay
Right in the heart of Nashville’s downtown, you will find the sustainably driven luxury hotel 1 Hotel Nashville. This urban sanctuary, situated in a rather busy area, brings such a strong sense of serenity the moment you step in. It boasts thousands of plants and green facades, which are not only there for decoration, but also aim to reduce the area’s CO2 emissions, all while generating fresh oxygen. The 215-room hotel focuses on sustainability throughout and has launched the 1 Less Thing initiative, where guests can leave any piece of clothing they don’t want, and it gets donated to a local charity.
A standard room at 1 Hotel Nashville (1hotels.com/nashville) starts from $400(£320) per night.
The second option, centrally located and just a few minutes’ walk from Nashville’s Broadway, is the Omni Hotel Nashville. Its design is a reflection of Music City with modern features incorporating regional limestone and natural materials throughout its 800 guest rooms and suites. If you are lucky enough to be staying in one of the suites, you will have a stunning view of the busy Downtown beneath you. The Omni’s rooftop swimming pool is a perfect feature for those hot Tennessee summers.
A standard room at Omni Hotel Nashville (omnihotels.com/nashville) starts from $400 (£320) per night.
Factbox
British Airways offer daily flights to Nashville from London Heathrow. The press trip was organised by Visit Music City (Visit Nashville Tourism Board). For more information on upcoming events, check out visitmusiccity.com.
All imagery was supplied by Visit Music City (Visit Nashville Tourism Board) unless stated otherwise
