Nashville is America’s music city
It’s been said that country music is the front door of Nashville. And through that door, visitors can most certainly expect a thoroughly warm southern welcome. Music, in all its forms, sprinkles the city with good cheer, resulting in impromptu singalongs and bills willingly tossed into a collection bucket. The creative spirit doesn’t stop at music — there are no less than 13 art galleries downtown. And if it’s history you crave, the stories of The South come alive at museums and attractions throughout town. And then there’s the food, starting with southern staples like hot chicken all the way up to chef-driven, posh dining rooms. Here’s our best of Music City!
Let’s go Honky Tonkin’
A stroll down Lower Broadway puts visitors into the heart of the honky tonks — live music establishments that NEVER charge a cover and pump out tunes from late morning until early morning the next day. Don’t miss Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, where Willie Nelson got his first song writing job after performing in the snug, three-floor joint, painted a bright lavender. Or pop into Robert’s Western World and order the Recession Special — a fried bologna sandwich, potato chips, a Moon Pie and a cold beer for the rock bottom price of $6. There are plenty of familiar names with bars on the Honky Tonk Highway including Kid Rock’s Big Honky Tonk, Jason Aldean’s Kitchen and Rooftop Bar and the new Garth Brooks’ Friends in Low Places. Tip well.
Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.
A stroll down Lower Broadway puts visitors into the heart of the honky tonks — live music establishments that NEVER charge a cover.
Do the Must Dos
Wrap yourself in the essence of country music at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum where diverse exhibits tell the story of the art form starting with its roots all the way up to its newest artists including Taylor Swift. See Elvis’s gold-plated Cadillac, check out Loretta’s dresses and watch clips from Johnny’s Cash’s television show.
Get the lay of the land with a Grey Line Tennessee tour. You’ll be introduced to Nashville’s neighbourhoods including The Gulch, Midtown, SoBro and Germantown. If you’re lucky enough to get Mr. Leonard as your guide, you’ll also get tips on the best eats in the city.
Indulge your artistic side with a visit to Hatch Show Print, a hard-working letterpress shop that’s been putting ink to paper since 1879. Do a hands-on workshop and leave with your very own piece of art and history. Spend a little time in Nashville and you’ll quickly see how this iconic style of design has become synonymous with Music City.
Songwriters are celebrated here, perhaps even more so than the artists who make their creations come alive. Take in an intimate songwriters’ night at the iconic Bluebird Café (it’s in a strip mall), The Listening Room Café or 3rd and Lindsley.
Shel Zolkewich / Winnipeg Free Press
Southern staples get modern twists at restaurants throughout Nashville, including Etch, where the cornmeal crusted catfish is a favourite.
Hot Chicken and Meat and Three
The battle continues to rage between Prince’s Hot Chicken, the originator of the dish, and Hattie B’s, the marketing-savvy upstart, when it comes to Nashville’s best hot chicken. Truth is, you can’t go wrong with either. For those new to the dish, it’s fried chicken brushed with oil and hot spices. It’s downright delicious and can set your mouth on fire if you don’t choose your level of heat wisely. It’s best to start at medium for those who love the heat. Everyone is advised to stay away from Hattie B’s Shut the Cluck Up level.
Fans of good old-fashioned diners will love Nashville ‘meat and three’ restaurants. Start by selecting your meat at the cafeteria-style line — fried chicken, meatloaf, country ham and porkchops are popular. Then pick three sides including mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, Brunswick stew, green beans, collard greens, baked beans and many more, all for a fixed price. Cornbread and tea are often included in the price, along with a dizzying array of sauces and pickles. Always grab a dollop of Comeback Sauce, a mayo-based favourite in Tennessee.
Southern staples get modern twists at restaurants throughout Nashville, including Etch, where the cornmeal crusted catfish is set on a sweet potato beignet with cashew cream, brown butter orange sauce, chili crunch, orange segments, dried cranberries and scallions on top. At Deacon’s New South, the Orleans Parish shrimp appetizer features grilled Gulf shrimp, plenty of barbecue butter and pickled shallots all resting on a slice of rustic bread. The restaurant is also prized for its dry-aged steaks, including the whopping 24-ounce Porterhouse.
Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.
On any given night, The Opry can host the most diverse line-up in the music world.
Shel Zolkewich / Winnipeg Free Press
Indulge your artistic side with a visit to Hatch Show Print, a hard-working letterpress shop that’s been putting ink to paper since 1879.
Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp
It’s been said that country music is the front door of Nashville.
Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.
Wrap yourself in the essence of country music at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.
Wrap yourself in the essence of country music at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
