With a nickname like “Music City,” Nashville is clearly a mecca for music and the breeding ground for many of the music industry’s brightest stars. It’s also home to incredible cuisine from Southern fare to BBQ, as well as some of the country’s best emerging chefs. Grab your cowboy hat and consider a weekend getaway to Nashville!
Sights
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is for the die-hard country music lover. You’ll learn about the history of country music and see countless memorabilia, as well as special exhibits honoring various country greats.
Add a little romance to your getaway and check out Love Circle, considered the best view of the city. You’ll see why so many couples get engaged here. Though just a small peak, it’s the perfect location to pack a picnic or take in the sunset.
Considered “Country’s greatest stage” and Nashville’s number one attraction, the Grand Ole Opry hosts weekly concerts on their legendary stage. Regardless of whether or not you attend a show, consider a backstage tour to see what happens behind the curtain.
Eat
Make sure you come hungry to Monell’s, a favorite of the locals for traditional Southern brunch served family style. Set in a Victorian house in historic Germantown, the homey ambiance and crazy good skillet fried chicken will make you a forever fan.
Margot McCormack is one of Nashville’s star chefs and her sister restaurants, Margot and Marche, are both not to be missed. In 2014, McCormack was praised as Nashville’s version of Alice Waters by Time. Both restaurants use seasonal ingredients in recipes inspired by Southern France and Italy.
You can’t visit Nashville without eating some barbeque! At Edley’s Bar-B-Que, you’ll be enticed by the traditional BBQ eats, including a variety of slow-smoked meats, baked beans and cornbread. Or if you’re downtown, try Jack’s Bar-B-Que, a Nashville establishment on the main strip and consistently rated favorite BBQ in Nashville.
Rolf and Daughters was recently named one of America’s best restaurants by Bon Appetit, and after trying one of the incredible handmade pastas or creative cocktails, you’re bound to see why. Located in a 100-year-old factory, this hot spot boasts a lively scene.
Shops
For cowboy boots that will become an everlasting part of your wardrobe, you’ll want to shop at Lucchese. The brand has been around for more than 130 years and prides themselves on their exquisitely made boots. Not only is the boutique beautiful, but the range of boot leathers and styles is vast. For a pair that isn’t an investment, try Katy K Designs, which also sells a variety of boots and western wear.
At Imogene + Willie, all of the jeans are made on premises. The store sells their namesake denim but also will custom-tailor your jeans right on the spot to ensure the perfect fit.
With a celebrity clientele and the coolest selection of contemporary clothing and jewelry, H. Audrey, owned by singer Holly Williams (granddaughter of Hank Williams), cannot be missed. White’s Mercantile, also owned by Williams, is a luxury “general store.” Unique brands of home goods, organic beauty products, leather tote bags, quirky dog toys and fabulous clothing make this the perfect destination for a special gift. For one-of-a-kind home furnishings, stop by Cadeau, located near White’s.
Hatch Show Print is a letterpress print shop where customers watch posters being made, then shop from the variety of iconic and new posters on display. Be sure to check out Haley Gallery, also owned by Hatch, which displays original posters as well as artwork for purchase.
At Grimey’s New & Preloved Music, you could spend hours combing through classic records while enjoying musicians performing in the store or in its underground music venue, “The Basement.”
Stay
The Hutton Hotel is a hip, luxury, eco-friendly boutique hotel located in downtown Nashville. Along with the modern decor and fantastic amenities, the Hutton is known for its exceptional service.
Union Station Hotel’s name is fitting. This historic landmark is an actual 100-year-old railway station that has been transformed into a luxury hotel. The hotel boasts a jaw-dropping lobby, elegant accommodations, and a four-star restaurant, located conveniently near Music City and Vanderbilt University.
Late Night Fun
Want to know where country’s biggest music stars hang post-concert? Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge has two stages featuring live music every night, playing everything from popular covers to classic standards. Robert’s Western World is a true honky tonk bar with a rich history (they’ve hosted some of country music’s greatest), inexpensive drinks, and, of course, fantastic live music.
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