I was lucky to visit Nashville this past weekend, and here are my thoughts!
Not everyone realizes this, but Nashville is the Capital of Tennessee, and boasts tons of history alongside its vibrant culture, music, and local cuisine.
The city is actually the second largest city in the state and 23rd most-populous city in the United States.
First of all, where exactly is Nashville anyways?! The city is located in the northern part of Tennessee, right on the Cumberland River. It’s about 215 miles northeast of Memphis, the other popular city in Tennessee (roughly a 3-hour drive or so).
I realized that Nashville is a hub city connected by three interstate highways, making it a pretty easy drive if you’re coming from nearby states.
I drove through I-24 that runs northwest toward St. Louis (310 miles) and southeast toward Atlanta (250 miles). And some 750 miles to Kansas City for my case.
A fan fact here is There’s only six cities in the US where 3 interstates connect, so I guess this is kinda a big deal.
And it ain’t called Music City for nothing! Broadway is a neon honky-tonk paradise, the absolute mecca of American Country Music.
I mean, Taylor Swift got her epic start in music right here in Nashville!
But besides all the music, there’s also famed local dishes, well-known museums, gorgeous green spaces, great boutique shopping, a fun pedestrian bridge, and even hip bowling with cocktails.
Plus tons of colorful murals and Nashville photo spots. Vanderbilt University is right here, so you know there’s always something going on.
Below are the places that were of interest to me. Places of Interest
Nashville Barrel Company: As a whiskey enthusiast, I was eager to explore this renowned distillery.
Located off Fesslers Lane and with a newer spot on Church Street, the Nashville Barrel Company provided a memorable whiskey experience.
Founded in 2016, it has established itself as a premier independent bottler, known for its high-quality whiskeys sourced from top distilleries like MGP and select Kentucky producers.
I had the honor of tasting whiskey straight from the barrel at cask strength and purchased two bottles of bourbon and a souvenir cap.
Ryman Auditorium: Known as the “Mother Church of Country Music,” the Ryman is a historic performance venue and the original home of the Grand Ole Opry.
Touring the Ryman allowed me to appreciate its unique acoustics and historical significance, with countless musical legends having launched their careers on its stage.
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum: Situated in a striking building resembling a piano keyboard, this museum offers an immersive journey through the evolution of country music.
The exhibits feature iconic stage costumes, instruments, handwritten lyrics, and personal mementos of beloved artists.
The museum also serves as a hub for education and preservation, ensuring the genre’s history remains accessible for future generations.
Old Town Trolley Tour: To see Nashville’s highlights in a short period, I booked an Old Town Trolley Tour.
In just 90 minutes, we saw over 100 points of interest, including Lower Broadway, Music Row, Centennial Park, the Ryman Auditorium, and Marathon Village.
We could hop off at any of the 14 stops, with commentary covering the rich history that Music City has to offer.
Celebrity Business on Lower Broadway
Over the last decade, Lower Broadway has transformed into a hub of celebrity-branded bars and restaurants, adding a unique flair to Nashville’s renowned honky-tonk scene:
Morgan Wallen’s Bar: A six-story bar inspired by Wallen’s life and career, offering live music, Southern homestyle cuisine, and a taste of his 2019 hit song.
Jason Aldean’s Kitchen + Rooftop Bar: Featuring a large rooftop patio, multiple performance stages, and a John Deere tractor centerpiece.
Kid Rock’s Honky Tonk Bar: A testament to Kid Rock’s hard-partying, country-meets-rock persona.
John Rich’s Redneck Riviera: A celebration of John Rich’s down-home style.
Justin Timberlake’s Twelve Thirty Club: An upscale dining and music venue.
Miranda Lambert’s Casa Rosa: A vibrant cantina offering a taste of Lambert’s Southern roots.
Tanya Tucker’s Tequila Cantina: Showcasing Tucker’s love for good tequila and great times.
Eric Church’s Chief: A bar reflecting Church’s country music legacy.