November, 2014
In less than 2 hours from the Toronto Airport, you can find yourself in Nashville, the heart of country music. I have traveled to Nashville for work, for leisure and for a classic bachelorette party! Can you say pedal tavern?
Nashville is Music City and is wildly known for country music, but it also hosts a dynamic food and cocktail scene, a beloved hockey team, history, art and culture all combined with that southern hospitality. There is a reason I have been here multiple times and would go back in a heartbeat. If you are looking at spending a weekend touring Music City, ensure you add these to your itinerary.
Where to Stay
My top choice is no other than the Residence Inn Nashville – it’s the perfect location about a 6-minute walk south of Broadway Street. The getaway to the action. I love a residence inn as you can opt to make some meals in your fully equipped kitchen during your stay.
A unique option is to consider the 506 Lofts which is a five-unit boutique hotel. It’s truly a beautifully renovated property keeping you close to the heart of downtown. What’s exceptional about your stay, is that a percentage of the revenue will go to providing a warm bed and meal to people less fortunate than us helping Nashville shelters like Room in the Inn and the Nashville Rescue Mission.
My final selection would be the Homewood Suites by Hilton located just north of Broadway Street. The local is perfect as you are a short walk to the Bridgestone Arena, Broadway, and the Country Music Hall of Fame, but far enough away for a quiet night’s sleep. With a hot breakfast included every morning and complimentary evening socials from Monday-Thursday, it can help with the budget during the stay.
What to Do
Country Music Hall of Fame – If you are a country music fan, then this needs to be added to your list of things to do. This visit is more than just a museum as it will offer the history of country music, film screenings, instrument demonstrations, a rotating exhibition and the epic hall, an impressive room, honouring all the inductees to the Country Music Hall of Fame. With endless artefacts, interactive exhibits and glass cases holding old instruments, records, and photographs displaying country music’s historical roots. Even if you aren’t a country music fan, I think a tour of this venue will remind you that even you are a little Country and Western now and then, but for me and to quote Barbara Mandrell, “I was Country, when Country wasn’t cool”.
Ryman Auditorium – This venue was established in 1892 as is located in the heart of Nashville. You can book a tour, but better yet book tickets to see a show at this legendary music venue. I prefer a show here compared to the Grand Ole Opry, but I like smaller unique venues and did you know that the Ryman was formerly known as the Grand Ole Opry House. The Ryman is steeped in history and seeing Dierks Bentley in January, 2012 will forever be a memory I cherish. Also, the location is the perfect place to then easily stroll around Broadway where you can experience some of the best live music bars in the south – likely where quite a few artists found their first break.
Bridgestone Arena – Now depending on the time of year you are visiting, will dictate what your options may be! I highly recommend taking in a hockey game to get a feel for how the locals feel about their beloved hockey team! Go Predators! It’s a smaller arena than you would anticipate, which will give you a much closer view of the action! Honestly, not a bad seat in this venue.
The Gulch – A half-mile stretch along 12th avenue south is where you will find Nashville’s hippest neighbourhoods. Home to the ‘What Lifts You Mural’ by Kelsey Montague, chic hotels, high-end fashion boutiques and trendsetting restaurants. You will want to tour around this area and grab a later lunch at Adele’s where I recommend ordering multiple dishes so you can get a true taste of this farm to fork cuisine. It is where Joanna Gaines meets Nashville offering floor to ceiling windows with a farmhouse industrial vibe. If your timing is spot on, I recommend staying for happy hour. Of course, make your way to the Station Inn, a tiny club that has been open since the 1970s where you will find a mix of country and bluegrass music musicians jamming together.
Tour Broadway – Broadway is the home of many music venues and bars. Welcome to the heart of ‘Nash-vegas’. You can find multiple spots playing live music where you can listen while sipping your favourite cocktail. Plenty of legendary country musicians got their start likely playing one of these venues. Some of my favourites include:
The Stage: The Stage on Broadway offers three levels including a rooftop patio all with live music. It has a great open floor plan and lots of seating.
Tootsies Orchid Lounge – A unique venue with photos of country music stars who have actually sang inside Tootsies. They offer some of the best entertainment and even though it is multiple levels it is very small. There is often a line up and stays busy throughout the night, so the earlier you get there the better.
Legends Corner – Located close to the Ryman you will find this place. The side of the building has a great mural painting with some of the most popular country artists. Can you say, photo op? Great entertainment and a perfect spot for an afternoon of live music.
Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville – Another popular spot especially on Fridays when ‘The Highway’ goes live from this venue! Always a long line, so I recommend going during the day and catching some live music and sharing some great seafood.
Tour Music Row – This is the business district of Nashville, which is truly the heart of the country music industry. You will find record label offices, radio stations and iconic recording studios where legends such as Dolly Parton and Elvis recorded hits. You will see many country stars for street names in the area and of course the statue of the influential producer seated at a grand piano. Looking to stay into the evening, consider the Original Tin Roof bar for some nightly entertainment.
John Seigenthaler Bridge – You will find this bridge just a short walk from the Country Music Hall of Fame, with no fee to access the bridge. It has been closed to automobile traffic since 1998 and offers incredible views of the Cumberland River, Nissan Stadium (home to the Tennessee Titans) and the Nashville skyline. It will bring out your inner photographer as it allows you to capture different angles of Nashville. With panoramic views, it is a great spot to enjoy a sunset.
Go shopping – There are lots of unique stores in the Gulch area and along the side-streets off Broadway. If you are looking for cowboy boots, you won’t be disappointed with the selection. I bought my first pair here and I still wear them! Honestly, the best purchase I made on one of my trips alongside some unique finds at a $5 boutique store!
Tour the Parthenon – Looking for a change of pace and perhaps a bit of history? Make your way to the full-scale replicate of the Parthenon in Nashville. It was built back in the 19th Century, as part of an exposition to celebrate Tennessee’s 100th year in the Union. It’s an iconic site where you can begin to understand why Nashville was given the nickname the Athens of the South. This monument truly is a pinnacle of classical architecture and also serves as an art museum hosting a permanent collection of 63 paintings by 19th and 20th century American artists.
Where to Cocktail
The Hermitage Hotel – It’s worth splurging on a drink or two here to appreciate this stunning building. If your budget allows you could always spend the night here during your stay, but if not then a drink will do. The Oak Bar was originally opened as a private gentleman’s club in 1910 and is known for its extensive Bourbon Library (208 bottles), so grab a drink and enjoy this exquisite decadent experience.
L27 Rooftop Bar – Located on the 27th floor of the Westin Hotel you will find this retreat above Nashville. It’s the ideal location to sip a handcrafted cocktail while soaking in the views of the city.
Trade Room – A unique lounge with original marble walls and terrazzo flooring with upscale seating. From craft beers, to classic cocktails and a superb wine list there is something for everyone here! They also have a small bites menu that pairs perfectly with drinks without spoiling dinner later.
Where to Dine
The Palm – In true form, of course I am going to have a traditional steak house as an option. Centrally located to Broadway Street and Bridgestone arena, the location is perfect. The atmosphere is cozy and quiet and the service superb. The food is amazing – the lobster bisque is a homerun and they make one of the best filet mignons I have ever had – charred to a perfect crust and cooked with a warm pink hue. Melt in your mouth when paired with a delicious bold red wine.
Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant – It’s a southern bar & grill with an old-general-store feel. The pecan French toast is mouth-watering delicious making it the perfect spot for breakfast. It also has a stage where you can find live entertainment while you dine later in the day.
The Chef and I on Ninth – This restaurant is built on a love story and who doesn’t love a good love story? When making a reservation, ask for a spot sitting at the bar where you can watch the chef prepare your food. Consider the option of the prix fix menu with wine pairings to delight your taste buds. Wonderful flavours, over the top service and every dish delicious down to the last bite!