Consider yourself a music lover? Southern comfort food aficionado? Maybe you just love an exciting city with plenty of summer activities to explore.
Any way you cut it, you need to check out Nashville, Tennessee.
Nashville is known as “Music City” and is perhaps most famous for the Country Music Hall of Fame. However, the city has a thriving art, food, and music scene that extends well beyond boots and bluegrass. In fact, the Nashville metro area is among the 10 fastest growing metros in the United States, creating a diverse and exciting culinary and fine art scene.
Do
If you are a musician or music lover of any type, you’ll definitely want to check out the Country Music Hall of Fame. With summer exhibits featuring acclaimed contemporary country stars Kacy Musgraves, Brooks & Dunn, as well as American icons Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash, any music fan will revel in the history of one of America’s most beloved genres.
If a live show is more your speed, Nashville has numerous venues, from the legendary Ryman Auditorium at the Grand Ole Opry House, where June Carter and Johnny Cash reportedly met, to more intimate cafes and clubs like The Basement and 3rd and Lindsley that feature up-and-comers and local acts. If you prefer your concerts outdoors, be sure to check out Nashville’s Concerts on the Farm series at the Bonnaroo Farm. This summer, the main act is modern indie-folk stars the Avett Brothers, performing 3 nights in a row from July 2 – 4.
Shop. Dine. Explore.
Music not your thing? Take a visit to The Gulch on the outskirts of downtown Nashville for a trendy, modern shopping scene. This industrial place has been redeveloped and now houses several excellent restaurants, local boutiques, and Nashville’s Frist Art Museum, which changes exhibits regularly. Be sure to grab breakfast or a snack at Biscuit Love, a great, family friendly restaurant with exciting and innovative twists on the homemade biscuit. If you’re looking for something a bit more adult, check out nearby Casa de Montecristo’s cigar shop or Tennessee Brew Works brewery.
No trip to Nashville would be complete without a barbecue dinner. While most Nashville barbecue is pork, we recommend trying something a bit different and checking out Shotgun Willie’s in East Nashville. Known for its smoked brisket, Shotgun Willie’s is the undisputed champ of smoked meats in the city. Come with an empty stomach and a big appetite and order plates “market style” by the ¼ pound and choose from multiple homemade side dishes.
For a unique dining experience, visit Geist Bar and Restaurant in Nashville’s historic Germantown neighborhood. The restaurant is known for its “sophisticated but unfussy” atmosphere and its unique take on internationally influenced cuisine and classic cocktails. What’s more, the restaurant is housed in one of Nashville’s oldest standing buildings, a blacksmith shop originally opened in 1886 by German Immigrant John Geist Sr.
Stay
So, where should you stay? Assuming you’ll be spending more time out than in, the Union One Flats are a short walk from the center of Nashville’s lively streets.
These condos feature modern style 3-bedroom, 2-bath apartments situated only 3 blocks from Broadway, giving you the chance to experience the city like a local. Each rental space boasts Smarthome furnishings, artwork commissioned by local artists, free wifi, and a full kitchen. Union One Flats come highly recommended for on-the-go vacationers and business travelers due to their convenient location in prime real estate. There’s really no better way to experience Music City than staying right in heart!