Unique in it’s cuisine, culture, and it’s music-soaked history. Not quite south, not quite north, neither east nor west, part metropolis and part country, the people of Nashville have a charming avor all their own, and the boisterous, eccentric energy is infectious!
Before Nashville became known as Music City, it was known as the “Athens” of the South, due to the many higher educational institutions located there. Today the Nashville area has 21 accredited four-year and postgraduate institutions, including Vanderbilt, Belmont, Lipscomb, and Tennessee State University, just to name a few.
WHEN During the summer months, like most of the South, Nashville gets very humid, but due to it’s high altitude, it makes it slightly cooler than most of the region.
LOCAL TIP Sorry LA and Miami, the hit party is in Nashville, yes that’s right, just set out across the Cumberland River to The Five-Spot, a pint-size dive in east Nashville, famous for throwing famous name-brand bands on stage last minute, and quietly announcing “secret shows.” If you venture there on Monday, you will nd a scene there you would never expect — locals cutting up a rug to a sound track that is exclusively old school soul and R&B music.
STAY In a city full of legends, this one reigns supreme! The Union Station Hotel, a majestic 1900 train station, has returned to its original elegance and grandeur after a multi-million dollar renovation. Let this historic landmark transport you to a world of first-class service and luxury in the heart of Nashville, while staying in one of the137 guest rooms.
The stunningly designed 404 Hotel, located in the city’s industrial Gulch neighborhood, boasts luxe amenities, stylishly appointed rooms, combining timeless modernity with a tangible sense of history and—to top it off, a James Beard nominated restaurant.
EAT Whether it’s down-home Southern cookin’ or sophisticated Continental fare that you’re looking for, you’re in luck here. Nashville caters to all tastes with a restaurant scene that parallels the diversity found in its music styles. Famous among these is the Loveless Café, which serves Southern classics such as fried chicken, meatloaf and chicken and dumplings, reminding you why it’s called “comfort food.” Loveless Café also offers a breakfast that is celebrated around the country, featuring biscuits and country ham and eggs with red-eye gravy as the main attractions.
DO Each June, Jefferson Street keeps the music tradition alive with its annual Jazz & Blues Festival. This festival is a full day of music and great food. From the 1940s through the early 60s, Jefferson Street was one of America’s best-known districts for jazz, blues, and R&B. Famous African- American musicians like Little Richard, Jimi Hendrix, Ray Charles, Fats Domino, and Memphis Slim played repeatedly in the many clubs.
DON’T MISS Catch a performance by the Grand Ole Opry, the world’s longest running radio show at the Grand Ole Opry House.
Tour Music Row and take in the Country Music Hall of Fame and RCA’s Studio B, where Elvis Presley recorded over 200 songs.
Learn everything about “The Man in Black” at the Johnny Cash Museum.
HIDDEN GEM Zanies Comedy Club is downtown Nashville’s funniest club featuring all your favorite laugh makers. Whether its an established comedian or open-mic night, Zanies Comedy Club will have you hysterical. Never a miss—a night of comedy. Register with Eventful to receive schedule and performer updates and never miss your favorite comedian when they come to Nashville.