Nashville, Music City

Nashville, Music City

• November 28, 2021
• By Prasad Gopinath

Over the years, Nashville has become a city that offers something for everyone. It's an East Coast playground, where people are drawn to the Southern comfort food and music scene. But it's also a Midwest escape, with many destination restaurants showcasing international cuisine. And it's also one of America's favorite bachelorette party destination for friends looking to bond before taking the big leap into marriage.

Country music is the heart and soul of this city. Home to some of the most talented, yet unknown artists in the country. from Reba McEntire to Sam Hunt,  Nashville is where many musicians were discovered or launched their career.

Every summer on Broadway Street you can hear new tunes from singing hopefuls just trying to make it big at one of Nashville's famous bars such as Tootsie's Orchid Lounge and Robert's Western World, which has been around since 1957. But what do these aspiring artists have in common? They all dream about making it big like Tim McGraw and Faith Hill did when they played for tips here back in 1994.  The best way to soak up Nashville's country scene is to enjoy the free live tunes at establishments throughout the city. 

Nashville is a city with an interesting history and lively present. There are many sites to see, such as the Grand Ole Opry and Country Music Hall of Fame or Belle Meade Historic Site. The Parthenon also adds to the history of Nashville. Visitors should plan some time for galleries, boutiques, coffee shops and restaurants downtown...or let a local show them around by taking them on a guided tour!

Time Zone - Nashville is in the Central Time Zone, though the state of Tennessee is divided into Eastern Time Zone and Central Time Zone. (Daylight Savings Time is observed seasonally.)

Best Time To Go – The weather is generally comfortable in Spring (April, May) and Autumn (September, October).  Summer months of July and August are quite warm and humid and winter months are often cold and rainy. If weather is not an issue, winter months will cost you far less to visit Nashville.

Interesting facts about Nashville  

Based on analysis of expert and user opinions, the U.S. News & World Report ranks Nashville as follows:

• #7 in Best Places to Visit in Tennessee
• #11 in Best Foodie Cities in the U.S.
• #25 in Best Weekend Getaways in the South
• Head to the stylish Schermerhorn Symphony Center, located downtown across from the Country Music Hall of Fame to hear classical, jazz, world music, and Broadway.
• Nashville is the home of Hot Chicken, and Prince's Hot Chicken is considered its original. You can choose your heat level from Plain to XXX Hot.  Just be aware that they really mean XXX HOT!
• The Batman Building is a landmark in downtown Atlanta, Georgia. Standing at a height of more than 550 feet, the building currently features two towers with pointed roofs that make it appear as if they are ears on a bat’s head. 
• Nashville was the first Southern city to desegregate public establishments post a series of sit-ins by African American college students in 1960. 
• Elvis Presley recorded more than 200 of his songs on Music Row at RCA's Studio B. 
• The Maxwell House coffee draws its name from a Nashville hotel. Their popular brew was took the hotel's name, and, during a 1907 stay, President Theodore Roosevelt supposedly said, "Good to the last drop," creating the brand's familiar slogan.

What to do in Nashville 

The Bluebird Café – is one of the "preeminent listening rooms," presenting two shows a night, seven days a week, and featuring acoustic singer-songwriter style music by famous and up-and-coming artists.

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum - The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is located in downtown Nashville. The museum includes photographs, artifacts, recordings, vintage video, memorabilia, and interactive activities to tell the story of country music. Performance spaces in the CMA Theater and Ford Theater host live music and cultural events.

Grand Ole Opry - The Grand Ole Opry is the longest running live radio show in US history. The show has always been focused on country music, but these days it's not just about the big stars that come to town every week - there are also tours of backstage parts of the Opry building, which includes an immersive theater experience starring Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood where you get to sit in their dressing room while they talk about their careers together. You can take a guided backstage tour or see a live show at one of three venues-the Ryman Auditorium, the 1894 Opera House, or General Jackson Showboat.

RCA Studio B - The studio was built in 1957 to serve as the headquarters for the Grand Ole Opry, and it would go on to become one of Nashville's most iconic landmarks. It served as a venue to many well-known country artists like Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Eddy Arnold, Waylon Jennings, The Everly Brothers and Floyd Cramer.

Ryman Auditorium - Since the day it opened its doors, the Ryman has been home to high-caliber performances. The Grand Ole Opry was hosted here for more than three decades, and visitors can still see the shows being filmed live today. It's also a great place to learn about country music history in general with interesting exhibits that cover everything from Elvis Presley to Dolly Parton.

The Johnny Cash Museum - Johnny Cash was a musician known for his many hit songs and distinctive voice. His life story is also one of great struggle. This downtown museum contains the largest collection of Johnny Cash artifacts and memorabilia. Visit for a self-guided tour to see instruments, hand-written notes, awards, stage costumes, and more. Stop for a bite at the cafe next door or at the gift shop for a souvenir.

The Hermitage - The home of President Andrew Jackson, a National Historic Landmark with over 30 historic buildings over 1,120 acres, is one of the most visited presidential homes in the US. Self-guided and interpreter-led tours are available.

Belle Meade Plantation - Belle Meade is the oldest plantation in Tennessee. It was established by William Giles Harding on September 10, 1807. The original log cabin was replaced with a mansion house constructed of native limestone hauled from White's Creek in Rutherford County and completed around 1822. Belle Meade offers tours so visitors can explore this fascinating part of our country's history and enjoy the beautiful grounds that includes 250 acres of horse property - one of the largest thoroughbred farms in the South!

National Museum of African American Music - The National Museum of African American Music in Nashville, Tennessee is the only museum in the world dedicated to preserving and celebrating black music. The museum's slogan - "A Global Currency" - embodies more than just country music; it encapsulates all genres of popular black music. To honor this heritage, the museum strives to not only ensure that this legacy doesn't fade away but also provide a space for future artists and scholars to learn about and study these origins.

The Parthenon - Nashville is also known as the "Athens of the South" reinforced by the Parthenon, a full-scale replica of the one found in Athens. Although Nashville's Parthenon was was built for the Tennessee Centennial Exposition in 1897 –and has since become a beloved attraction, housing models of the statues found in the original structure as well as an impressive art collection.

Where to stay in Nashville

Restaurants  

Daddy’s Dog - Nashville's gourmet hot dogs. Eat lunch at our shops around the city, or late night at our NY-style carts. Daddy's Dogs is a must-try here in Nashville. Cheap eats here.

Frothy Monkey - breakfast, lunch, dinner, desserts, specialty coffees, signature coffee drinks, cocktails, wine, and a kid's menu, salads and sandwiches, and more — just to name a few. Cheap eats here.

Ty’s Soups & Sandwiches - made-from-scratch soups and fresh made, customized sandwiches in a fast, friendly environment.  Cheap eats here.

Hugh Baby’s Westend - Hugh-Baby's BBQ and Burger Shop throws back to a time when things were as simple as they could be. Cheap eats here.

The Nashville Farmers' Market - founded in the early 1800s, is year-round Market that includes two-dozen restaurants and shops. The Market offers monthly chef-led cooking demonstrations, community workshops and free on-site two-hour parking for Market patrons. Cheap eats here.

Etch - Award winning chef Deb Paquette captains this modern restaurant with an open kitchen and a chef's bar.  Open for lunch and dinner, the restaurant's menu includes seafood, venison, veal, and a steak carpaccio appetizer.

Little Fib – This Michelin-star Chef James Kerwin serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner of fresh Southern and traditional American fare along with cocktails, specialty drinks, and local draft beers.

Merchants - This three-floor restaurant set in an 1892 building starts with a street level bistro offering cocktails and food. The second floor, a bit more upscale, is open for lunch and dinner with a refined menu and extensive wine offerings. The third floor is a private dining space for business dinners and events.

Nashville Underground - This live music venue, restaurant, bar, features the largest and highest double-deck rooftop on Broadway. Southern-inspired dishes including signature Nashville Hot Chicken and BBQ are served on the first and second floors. They serve wine, spirits, and the coldest draft beer in Nashville at 29 degrees.

Zeppelin - This rooftop bar and restaurant serves a creative menu of appetizers, snacks, entrees, and desserts along with cocktails, wine, and beer in a spectacular setting.

Deacon’s New South - The restaurant is located in a historic building, but their cuisine is modern, with dry-aged meats and seafood dishes inspired by the Gulf Coast. Traditional and creative cocktails and an extensive wine list are offered.

The Farm House - Chef and owner Trey Ciocca serves lunch, brunch, and dinner offering traditional favorites and Southern classics like cornbread, fried catfish, and pimento cheese beignets along with cocktails, beer, and wine.

B.B. Kings Blues Club - Dinner and weekend brunch are served along with blues, rock n' roll, and soul music. The menu is just as varied, with a selection of appetizers, salads, soups, sandwiches, entrees, and desserts. Cocktails, wine, and beer are on the menu too.

Nashville's Best live Music Restaurants 

The Blue Bird Café - This 37-year-old Bluebird Cafe is Nashville's best loved live music venue, featuring up-and-coming as well as hit songwriters in an intimate setting. Two shows nightly, seven nights a week. Reservations recommended.

B.B. Kings Blues Club - one of Nashville's best restaurants, bars, and live music. Musical acts perform on 2 stages while the restaurant serves up Southern specialties & barbecue. You will find here one of Nashville's largest live music venues specializing in speakeasy blues, Motown & classic rock.

Bourbon Street Blues & Boogie Bar - Live music everyday for happy hour and evening. Great food, great drinks and great times!

Richard’s Café - Live music and Dead Crawfish! Ri’chard's Cafe is the ideal room for an extended set and the chance to give an intimate performance to a crowd that came to dine and hear our writer/artists tell their stories!

Opry Backstage Grill - If you were backstage at the Opry on a show night, you'd be able to relax and share good times, surrounded by friends, family, and great country music.

Sambuca Nashville -  Located in the heart of the very trendy Gulch warehouse district, Sambuca in Nashville is a rockin' supper club that features live music, an eclectic European design and a roof top patio that overlooks the Nashville Skyline.

3rd and Lindsley Bar and Grill - Check out Live Music in one of Nashville's best music venues. You can catch many very famous musicians here depending on who is in town recording.

Pucketts Grocery and Live Music Venue - Where the main ingredients are Real Food, Real People and Real Atmosphere.

The Listening Room - The Listening Room is a venue where you can be entertained and inspired.

General Jackson Showboat - One of the most unique music venues in Nashville The General Jackson Showboat is a 300-foot paddlewheel riverboat and one of the largest showboats in the country.

Tin Roof on Broadway - A Live Music Joint with amazing food & drinks! We feature live music from 11 AM-3 AM every single day! Check us out on historic Lower Broadway!

Belcourt Taps - Belcourt Taps is a unique dining, drink and intimate live music experience located in the heart of "Hillsboro Village" in Nashville, Tennessee.

City Winery - Nashville’s first fully operational winery, City Winery Nashville produces and serves house wines from grape varieties sourced from the finest vineyards around the world including California, Oregon, Washington State and as far south as Argentina

Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row - The historic venue sits on the corner of Broadway and 4th Ave N. Whiskey Row Nashville features two floors and a rooftop patio, each with its own unique personality. The first & second floor feature live music daily with a stage, two bars and full dining menu. The second floor also offers an exciting nightlife experience with a DJ booth, dance floor, and VIP tables for flight service. The rooftop patio is open all night and day with a full bar and menu. The Whiskey Rooftop offers breathtaking views of Lower Broadway and the historic Ryman Auditorium. 

Getting Around Nashville 

Car - A car is the most efficient way to move around Nashville and see its top sights.

Bus - The city offers a public bus system, which has routes downtown and even an express route to and from the airport. Fares cost about $2.

Taxi - You can use metered taxis to get around, but having your own vehicle while exploring Nashville will be a big convenience. You can take a taxi from the Nashville airport to the downtown zone for a flat rate of about $25.

Share Ride – Uber & Lyft

For Tour Packages for Nashville, TN, visit Nashville, Music, Moonshine and More or contact us at sales@starsandmaple.com. 

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