Nashville
Welcome to Nashville, Tennessee – affectionately known as Music City! More than just the heart of country music, Nashville pulses with a vibrant energy, a rich history, and a surprisingly diverse culinary scene. From the iconic honky-tonks of Broadway to historic plantations and a burgeoning craft brewery culture, Nashville offers a genuine taste of Southern hospitality blended with an undeniable modern swagger. Prepare to be charmed by its friendly locals, captivated by its musical soul, and delighted by its surprising urban sophistication.
Population: Approximately 700,000 (city proper), over 1.9 million (metropolitan area)
Timezone: Central Time Zone (CT)
Best time to visit: April-May (spring) and September-October (fall). These shoulder seasons offer pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds than summer, and vibrant foliage in the fall.
Local tips
- Beyond Broadway: While Broadway's honky-tonks are a must-see, venture into neighborhoods like East Nashville for a more laid-back bar scene with live music in smaller, intimate venues. Check out The 5 Spot or 3rd and Lindsley.
- Breakfast is Serious Business: Nashville takes its breakfast and brunch seriously. Don't leave without trying a hot chicken biscuit from Prince's Hot Chicken Shack (be prepared for a kick!) or a classic Southern breakfast at Loveless Cafe (just outside the city, but worth the drive for the biscuits and preserves).
- Explore the Greenways: Nashville boasts an extensive network of greenways. Rent a bike or take a stroll along the Shelby Bottoms Greenway or the Stones River Greenway for a dose of nature within the city.
- Catch a Show, Any Show: Music City lives up to its name. Beyond country, explore jazz clubs in Printers Alley, catch a symphony at Schermerhorn Symphony Center, or see an indie band at The Basement East.
- Taste the Local Brews: Nashville's craft beer scene is booming. Visit Yazoo Brewing Company, Jackalope Brewing Company, or Bearded Iris Brewing for unique local brews and often, food trucks.
- History Off the Beaten Path: While the Country Music Hall of Fame is essential, consider a visit to the historic Ryman Auditorium (the 'Mother Church of Country Music') for a backstage tour, or explore Belle Meade Plantation for a glimpse into antebellum life.
Rare and unlikely things to do
Off-the-beaten-path experiences you won't find in typical travel guides
Catch a glimpse of country music's comical past with a fresh, grassroots take on a beloved variety show, all set to the rhythm of roller skates.
Forget the Grand Ole Opry for a night and head to The Skatin' Station, nestled in a less-trafficked industrial park on the outskirts of town. Here, a passionate group of local comedians, musicians, and performers are breathing new life into the spirit of Hee Haw. Expect a rollicking mix of corny jokes, bluegrass tunes with a modern twist, and perhaps even a few surprise dance numbers on the polished wood floor. The intimate setting offers a truly unique perspective, putting you right in the midst of the action. Grab some concession stand popcorn – famous for its unexpected gourmet toppings – and settle in for a hilariously offbeat evening that channels the good ol' days with a refreshing, unpretentious charm. It's unlikely you'll find this particular brand of entertainment advertised in major travel guides, making it a discovery for the truly curious.
Witness an eccentric, community-driven competition where the city's most agile squirrels (and their human admirers) vie for bragging rights.
Deep within Centennial Park, away from the monuments and the more frequented walking paths, a peculiar tradition unfolds each year. The Nashville Squirrel Games is an informal, yet fiercely competitive, celebration of the park's most abundant inhabitants. Participants, a mix of dedicated locals and intrigued visitors, subtly encourage squirrels to navigate a series of cleverly constructed obstacle courses – think miniature log bridges, tiny ramps, and strategically placed feeders that require a bit of problem-solving. While not officially sanctioned by any sporting body, the 'games' draw a small but enthusiastic crowd who have learned to read the subtle cues of squirrel behavior and offer quiet encouragement. It's a testament to the quiet joys of observation and the unexpected communities that form around shared, quirky interests.
Journey beyond the city limits with an expert guide to discover and identify the delicious, yet often overlooked, wild plants that grow in the scenic Middle Tennessee landscape.
Venture out into the rolling hills surrounding Nashville for an immersive experience into the world of wild edibles. Led by a seasoned botanist and wild food enthusiast, this tour goes beyond the curated farms and manicured gardens. You'll learn to identify a variety of trees, forbs, and fungi that are not only safe to eat but also offer unique gastronomic delights. The guide will share insights into sustainable harvesting practices, the historical uses of these plants, and even offer simple preparation ideas. Imagine the satisfaction of identifying wild berries that could grace your next meal or discovering potent medicinal herbs growing just off a well-worn trail. It's an opportunity to connect with the natural bounty of the region in a deeply tangible and educational way.
Immerse yourself in the raw, unpolished artistry of Nashville's underground scene, where experimental jazz musicians and impassioned spoken word poets collide.
Beneath a nondescript facade in the Wedgewood-Houston district lies The Cavern Club, a sanctuary for sonic adventurers and lyrical provocateurs. This intimate venue shuns the polished perfection of mainstream venues for something far more visceral. Expect improvisational jazz that pushes boundaries, often weaving in unexpected electronic elements, accompanied by spoken word performances that range from fiercely political to achingly personal. The atmosphere is palpably charged, with audience members often finding themselves drawn into the intense creative energy. It's a place where you come for the unexpected, for performances that might be challenging, but are always profoundly authentic and deeply moving. The acoustics are… unique, adding to the raw, unfiltered experience.
Get your hands (gently!) dirty by contributing to the vital work of urban beekeeping, learning about these essential pollinators and their role in the city's ecosystem.
Discover a surprisingly serene and vital part of Nashville's urban ecosystem by volunteering at a local beekeeping operation. Several passionate individuals and small organizations maintain apiaries on rooftops, in community gardens, and on quiet residential properties throughout the city. Under the guidance of an experienced beekeeper, you’ll gain hands-on experience with hive inspections, honey extraction (seasonally), and understanding the intricate social structure of a bee colony. This isn't just about honey; it's about learning the critical importance of pollinators to our food systems and urban biodiversity. You’ll get to see firsthand how these industrious insects contribute to the health and vibrancy of Nashville’s green spaces. It’s a surprisingly grounding and educational experience, offering a sweet perspective on urban sustainability.