Destination Guidebook for Nashville, Tennessee
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Nashville is full of sights for both history buffs and country-music lovers. Most sights are easy to get to: Many historical landmarks are located in the downtown area, and both Music Row and West End Avenue are nearby.
Start your tour downtown, where you can see the Ryman Auditorium, the original home of the Grand Ole Opry, and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Take some time to get a feel for the city's history: Stop by the Tennessee State Capitol and Bicentennial Mall, or spend an hour or two touring the impressive Frist Center for the Visual Arts. For a completely different feel, head over to West End Avenue and Centennial Park, where you can't miss one of Nashville's landmarks: a full-size replica of the Parthenon with a 42-ft/13-m sculpture of Athena covered in gold leaf, just like the original ancient statue in Greece.
Next, cruise up the Cumberland River to the visitor-oriented Music Valley area to see the present-day Grand Ole Opry and the impressive Opryland Hotel. If history interests you, then visit one of the area plantations: the sprawling Belle Meade Plantation or The Hermitage, which was home to U.S. President Andrew Jackson and retains many of its original furnishings. Traveller's Rest Plantation lives up to its name, offering visitors tranquil gardens where they can relax after a day of sightseeing.
To mix it up with the locals, have a meal and a drink in the Five Points area of East Nashville or in Hillsboro Village.
| Historic Sites | Top  |
This 1853 Greek Revival mansion, known as the "Queen of Tennessee Plantations," originally reigned over more than 5,300 acres/2,150 hectares, many of which were devoted to raising Thoroughbred horses. Entertaining guides in period costume lead visitors on a tour of the mansion, carriage house and stables. There are also 10 outbuildings, including a slave cabin built in 1832. A museum shop is also on-site, and you can enjoy a southern lunch at Martha's at the Plantation. Monday-Saturday 9 am-5 pm, Sunday 11 am-5 pm. Last tour at 4 pm. US$11 adults. 5025 Harding Road (about 7 mi/13 km west of downtown), Nashville. Phone 615-356-0501. http://www.bellemeadeplantation.com. This architectural treasure in the heart of Nashville was built in the Egyptian Revival style in 1851. Its stained-glass windows feature papyrus motifs, its trompe l'oeil walls portray an Egyptian temple courtyard, and its ceiling depicts fluffy white clouds floating in a blue sky. Used as a hospital during the Civil War, the church still has bullet holes in its outer walls. Self-guided tours during regular business hours. Open Monday-Friday 9 am-3 pm. Free. 154 Fifth Ave. N., The District, Nashville. Phone 615-254-7584. http://www.dpchurch.com. The world's only full-scale replica of the Greek temple. Nashville's version was originally constructed as a temporary plaster exhibit for Tennessee's Centennial Exposition in 1897 and then was rebuilt with more permanent materials in 1931. Inside the main hall, the 42-ft/13-m statue of Athena was covered in gold leaf to match the original statue in Athens. The rest of the interior houses exhibits about the history of the structure, as well as a gallery with rotating shows and permanent artwork by such American masters as Winslow Homer. Tuesday-Saturday 9 am-4:30 pm, Sunday 12:30-4:40 pm. US$5 adults. Free parking. West End and 25th avenues (in Centennial Park), Nashville. Phone 615-862-8431. http://www.parthenon.org. The "Mother Church of Country Music," the Ryman was the home of the Grand Ole Opry during the show's heyday, 1943-74. Before that, it really was a church: It was built in 1892 as the Union Gospel Tabernacle and still contains stained-glass windows and pews. The redbrick landmark was almost torn down following the Opry's departure, but defenders managed to save the building. An extensive renovation was completed in the early 1990s. Today, you can visit the auditorium and take a backstage tour or make your own recording at the "Record at the Ryman" studio. Try to attend a concert or show there to appreciate its great acoustics and intimate atmosphere. Special Opry performances, including summer's Bluegrass Nights at the Ryman on Thursdays, take place throughout the year. Self-guided tours daily 9 am-4 pm. US$8.50 adults. The backstage tour is an additional US$3.75. 116 Fifth Ave. N., The District, Nashville. Phone 615-458-8700. http://www.ryman.com. Tennessee's elegant Greek Revival Capitol building was completed in 1859. Its designer, William Strickland, is buried in a niche of the north wall, and James K. Polk, the 11th president of the U.S., is buried on the grounds. Free tours Monday-Friday 9 am-3 pm. Closed Saturday, Sunday and all major holidays. Charlotte Avenue (between Sixth and Seventh streets), downtown, Nashville. Phone 615-741-2692 (the Tennessee State Museum) to arrange a tour. http://www.tnmuseum.org. Opened in 1889, the home of seventh U.S. President Andrew Jackson contains many of its original features and furnishings. Visitors may tour the Greek Revival house and its formal gardens. Other sights on the property include several restored early-1800s log cabins, a church, Jackson's tomb and a Confederate cemetery. A restaurant and museum are part of the grounds. Daily 9 am-5 pm. (Last ticket sold at 4:30 pm.) Closed the third week of January. US$14 adults. Free admission on 8 January, the anniversary of the Battle of New Orleans. 4580 Rachel's Lane (about 12 mi/19 km east of Nashville), Hermitage. Phone 615-889-2941. http://www.thehermitage.com. The oldest plantation in Nashville still open to the public. You can tour the Federal-style residence and other sights on the property, including a lovely boxwood garden. Monday-Saturday 10 am-4 pm, Sunday 1-4 pm. The last tour begins one hour prior to closing. US$10 adults. 636 Farrell Parkway (about 10 minutes south of downtown), Nashville. Phone 615-832-8197. http://www.travellersrestplantation.org. The Sudekum Planetarium is being torn down to build a bigger and better one, but the center is still active, with permanent exhibits and daily live science demonstrations. Children adore this hands-on museum, especially the seven-level Adventure Tower. Monday-Saturday 10 am-5 pm, Sunday 12:30-5:30 pm. During the summer the museum is open until 7 pm on Friday and Saturday. US$9 adults, US$7 children ages 3-12. Children younger than 3 free. 800 Fort Negley Blvd. (about 2 mi/3 km south of downtown), Nashville. Phone 615-862-5160. http://www.adventuresci.com. It's perhaps the state's best art collection, but see it soon, as the university is trying to sell some of its most valuable works. Many of the pieces in this collection were donated by Georgia O'Keeffe, including a few of her own works and those of her famed photographer husband, Alfred Stieglitz. O'Keeffe's donation also includes works by Picasso, Renoir, Toulouse-Lautrec and Cezanne. The university's Aaron Douglas Gallery in the university library is devoted to African-American artists, and it's one of the best in the country. Also of note is Jubilee Hall, built in 1875. It was the first permanent building erected for African-American higher education in the U.S. The Aaron Douglas Gallery is open Tuesday-Sunday 1-5 pm. Closed on university holidays and summer Sundays. Free (but donations are appreciated). Jackson Street at D.B. Todd Boulevard (18th Avenue North), Nashville. Phone 615-329-8720. http://www.fisk.edu. The impressive hall of fame—housed in a building that takes cues from a piano—traces the genre from its roots in the rural South to the megadollar industry it has become. Visits kick off with a film presentation in the museum's 200-seat theater, and there are other venues in the building that host live-music performances on weekends and occasionally during the week. Exhibits display artifacts such as stage costumes and original lyric sheets from top stars. We especially enjoyed the interactive displays, where you can listen to recordings and watch film clips highlighting important moments in the music's development. If you want to take some of the music home with you, the gift shop is well-stocked—go there for gifts that aren't pure kitsch. Daily 9 am-5 pm. Closed Tuesdays January and February. One-day pass US$17.95 adults. 222 Fifth Ave. S., The District, Nashville. Phone 615-416-2001. Toll-free 800-852-6437. http://www.countrymusichalloffame.com. Nashville's main arts center is housed in the city's former post office, an art-deco building with more than 24,000 sq ft/2,230 sq m of exhibition space showcasing work by local, national and international artists. Children can make their own pictures at ArtQuest. The Frist Center also offers a variety of art-education programs, including film screenings and lectures. Monday-Saturday 10 am-5:30 pm (Thursday and Friday until 9 pm), Sunday 1-5:30 pm. US$8.50 adults, children 18 and younger free. Some special exhibitions charge an additional fee. 919 Broadway, downtown, Nashville. Phone 615-244-3340. http://www.fristcenter.org. This special branch of the Tennessee State Museum exhibits war-related artifacts from America's overseas conflicts, beginning with the Spanish-American War and ending with World War II. Military-history buffs should be sure to see the uniform of Sgt. Alvin York, a state hero. Tuesday-Saturday 10 am-5 pm. Free. War Memorial Building, Seventh Avenue and Union Street, Nashville. Phone 615-741-2692. Toll-free 800-407-4324. http://www.tnmuseum.org. Tennessee history is on display in the extensive exhibits at this 60,000-sq-ft/5,575-sq-m space. There's a large collection of antebellum and Civil War artifacts as well as a special display of Tennessee-made quilts, silver and weapons. Tuesday-Saturday 10 am-5 pm, Sunday 1-5 pm. Free. 505 Deaderick St., downtown, Nashville. Phone 615-741-2692. Toll-free 800-407-4324. http://www.tnmuseum.org. The highlight of the chapel is a 17-ft/15-m by 8-ft/2.5-m wood carving of the Last Supper, based on the famous da Vinci painting. The museum displays religious-themed art from the 14th through 20th centuries. Manuscripts, books and seasonal exhibits (including a collection of more than 100 nativity scenes in December and January and 70 painted Ukranian eggs between Ash Wednesday and Easter) are also on view. Monday-Friday 8 am-4:30 pm. Admission is free, but US$4 donations are encouraged. 1908 Grand Ave., Music Row, Nashville. Phone 615-340-7207. http://www.upperroom.org. | Neighborhoods & Districts | Top |
This historic residential area a mile/kilometer east of downtown is in the midst of a major makeover and has become the hot spot in town for new restaurants, galleries and bars. The compact Five Points area is the center of the action, serving up ice cream, coffee, meals, and plenty of beers and cocktails—all within a few blocks. A delightful, walkable area near Vanderbilt University, Music Row and Belmont University. Hillsboro Village is home to the Belcourt, the city's last independent movie theater, Fido coffee shop, a brewpub, several specialty shops and some of the city's longtime eateries, including Pancake Pantry, Sunset Grill and the Trace. Hillsboro Village is a two-block stretch of 21st Avenue, south of Blakemore Avenue. Although it isn't the prettiest or most impressive part of town, this low-profile area is actually the epicenter of country music. Sony, Curb, RCA, Warner Brothers and other record companies are located there, as are music publishers, entertainment lawyers and others. Most of the offices are in former residences along 16th and 17th avenues south of Demonbream. Demonbream itself, at the end of Music Row, houses a variety of restaurants and bars. This area, created largely for tourists and seldom visited by residents, is at least a 20-minute drive from downtown. It claims the Grand Ole Opry House, the Opryland Hotel and the gigantic Opry Mills shopping center. If you're into such things, there are a few celebrity-related museums and gift shops to visit. Off Briley Parkway (Highway 155), northeast of downtown Nashville. The Cumberland River and Lower Broadway form the "T" of downtown Nashville's historical district. The old brick warehouses along Second Avenue have been converted into shops, restaurants, sports bars, nightclubs and performance halls, and the honky-tonks of Lower Broadway are doing a booming business, especially after a hockey game or concert. There are also plenty of gift and clothing shops. During the summer months you sometimes find a concert happening by the river, and the big "Fan Fair" country-music festival happens there in early June. Long a wasteland of old warehouses and empty lots, this area by the railroad tracks, just south of Broadway and near downtown, has in no time become home to the city's most innovative restaurants, its most happening nightspots and one of the best music performance halls. The Gulch's original resident—bluegrass club The Station Inn—soldiers on as timeless as ever. | Parks & Gardens | Top |
This outdoor spot allows visitors to take a walk through Tennessee's geography and history. There's a walk-through map of the state with 31 fountains representing major rivers—children love to splash there on hot summer days. Look for the Wall of History and the Walk of Counties, too. Open daily dawn to dusk. Free. Between James Robertson Parkway and Jefferson Street (bordered by Sixth and Eighth avenues, downtown), Nashville. Phone 615-862-8400. This outdoor space in the middle of town includes the Parthenon, several duck ponds, picnic areas, a train engine, playgrounds and pretty gardens. Spring and fall bring free outdoor craft festivals, and in the summer you can attend free performances by the Nashville Shakespeare Festival and the Nashville Symphony Orchestra as well as free screenings of family-oriented films. There's also a 1-mi/2-km walking trail, a dog park and a playground, all of them convenient to area hotels. 2500 West End Ave., Nashville. Phone 615-862-8400. http://www.nashville.gov/parks/centennial.htm. The Cheek family made its fortune by selling its recipe for coffee to the Maxwell House Hotel. The 55-acre/22-hectare grounds include several gardens, the Woodland Sculpture Trail and Botanic Hall. The mansion houses a permanent art collection. The picturesque Pineapple Room restaurant, a favorite among local ladies for lunch, offers a great view, or you can buy box lunches if you prefer a picnic on the grounds. Tuesday-Saturday 9:30 am-4:30 pm, Sunday 11 am-4:30 pm. Closed most of January. US$10 adults (household cap of US$30). 1200 Forrest Park Drive (about 10 mi/16 km southwest of downtown), Nashville. Phone 615-356-8000. http://www.cheekwood.org. | Zoos & Wildlife | Top |
View cheetahs, tigers, elephants, meerkats and other animals in trailside habitats. There's also a 3-acre/1-hectare elephant habitat, as well as a giraffe habitat that is home to three Masai giraffes. Animal shows, an enormous, wooden jungle gym with ropes and ladders, an open aviary (where you can feed the birds), a historical farm and farmhouse, and a petting zoo ( Critter Encounters) are among the other attractions. April-October daily 9 am-6 pm, November-March daily 9 am-4 pm. April-October: US$13 adults, US$8 children ages 3-12. November-March: US$8 adults, US$6 children. Free parking. 3777 Nolensville Pike (about 5 mi/8 km south of downtown), Nashville. Phone 615-833-1534. http://www.nashvillezoo.org. | Other Options | Top |
The famous Opryland Hotel—you've got to see it to believe it. Under the glass domes of this city-sized hotel, you'll find almost 3,000 hotel rooms and three immense, perfectly manicured garden areas. The Conservatory houses tropical plants; the Cascades has waterfalls coursing over a man-made mountain into an enormous lake; and the Delta features an indoor river with passengers being ferried around on boats. At Christmas, the hotel has a stunning indoor light display. Delta boat rides US$8 adults, US$6 children ages 5-13, children 4 and younger free. Cruises run daily 10 am-9:45 pm. Nonguests can walk around the hotel for free, but parking costs US$12 for a distant spot in an open lot. 2800 Opryland Drive, Nashville. Phone 615-889-1000. http://www.gaylordhotels.com/gaylordopryland. Nashville's location, along with the city's mild climate year-round, provides residents and visitors with many opportunities for outdoor recreation. Percy Priest Lake and Old Hickory Lake are large lakes near the city, popular for boating and other activities. (Some commercial marinas there have rentals available.) Horseback riding is available at several locations, and Radnor Lake State Natural Area is a lovely retreat for hiking (and viewing wildlife and wildflowers) just 6 mi/10 km from downtown. Within the city, there are facilities for indoor sports, most notably ice skating at the Centennial Sportsplex, just off West End Avenue. If you are a YMCA member, you'll find top-of-the-line Y facilities all around town (phone 615-259-9622 for locations). | Boating & Sailing | Top |
Situated on Percy Priest Lake about 10 mi/16 km east of downtown, this longtime marina rents pontoon and john boats, sells bait and fishing supplies, and operates a casual restaurant. Open daily. 4027 Laverge Couchville Pike, Antioch. Phone 675-641-9523. This 18-hole public course, now part of the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, includes an antebellum-style clubhouse and a 100-year-old springhouse (a building that encloses a natural spring) at the fourth hole. Open daily. Greens fees range US$60-$108 for 18 holes, depending on the time of year and the day of the week, and include cart rental and access to the practice facility. Club rentals are available for US$50. 18 Springhouse Lane, Nashville. Phone 615-458-1730. http://www.gaylordhotels.com/gaylordopryland/springhouse. This 18-hole public course is part of Percy Warner Park, one of the city's largest green spaces. Greens fees range US$11-$24. Cart fees US$10-$20. Rental clubs available. 2424 Old Hickory Blvd. (in Percy Warner Park), Nashville. Phone 615-862-8493. This 36-hole course tops many lists as the best public course in Tennessee, with immaculate grounds, challenging terrain, and a prime spot hugging the Cumberland River and Old Hickory Lake. Open daily. Greens fees US$49-$69 depending on day, time and which course, including cart fee. Club rentals available for US$35. 3939 Old Hickory Blvd. (About 20 minutes from downtown), Old Hickory. Phone 615-847-4001. | Spas and Health Clubs | Top |
This extensive facility, located near Centennial Park, has weights, exercise machines, stationary bikes, two swimming pools (including an Olympic-size lap pool), two ice-skating rinks and tennis courts (indoor and outdoor). Monday-Thursday 5:30 am-8 pm, Friday 5:30 am-6 pm, Saturday 9 am-5 pm. Day pass US$6 adults. 222 25th Ave. N., Nashville. Phone 615-862-8480. http://www.nashville.gov/sportsplex. | Hiking & Walking | Top |
Radnor Lake is a 1,100-acre/445-hectare nature area with extensive hiking trails located just 6 mi/10 km from downtown. It's a favorite for hiking, bird-watching or just enjoying the seasonal beauty of Middle Tennessee. Open daily. 1160 Otter Creek Road, Nashville. Phone 615-373-3467. http://www.state.tn.us/environment/parks/parks/RadnorLake. Percy Warner Park and Edwin Warner Park, which together encompass 2,700 acres/1,093 hectares, are located approximately 9 mi/14 km from downtown. Although the parks can be accessed at several points, for hikers the best starting point is the Warner Park Nature Center. Not only is it the trailhead for many trails, but you can also get maps and other information there. Parks open daily sunrise-11 pm; Nature Center open Tuesday-Saturday 8:30 am-4:30 pm. 7311 Highway 100 (Nature Center), Nashville. Phone 615-352-6299. http://www.nashville.gov/parks/warner.htm. | Horseback Riding | Top |
Located about 20 minutes from downtown Nashville, these stables rent horses to riders of all skill levels. Moonlight rides also available (call for rates). Daily 9 am to one hour before sundown. US$15 for one hour, US$20 for an hour and a half, US$30 for two hours. 735 Carver Lane (about 15 mi/24 km from downtown Nashville), Mount Juliet. Phone 615-773-7433. http://www.jurostables.com. Located just 8 mi/13 km north of downtown, this horse-riding cowboy spot feels worlds away from the city. One-hour horse rides meander by a lake, through 116 acres/47 hectares of pastures and woods. US$20 adults, US$15 children for one hour, or pay a few dollars more on a Saturday and enjoy live entertainment, too. 3665 Knight Drive, Whites Creek. Phone 615-242-6201. http://www.acowboytown.com. An Olympic-size lap pool and a recreational pool are available at this city-operated facility. Call ahead, since sometimes hours for recreational swimming are limited. Monday-Thursday 5:30 am-8 pm, Friday 5:30 am-6 pm, Saturday 9 am-5 pm. Day pass US$6 adults. 222 25th Ave. N., Nashville. Phone 615-862-8480. http://www.nashville.gov/sportsplex. About 20 minutes from downtown and 10 minutes from the airport, on the shore of Percy Priest Lake, this popular park has all the usual waterpark slides, tunnels and pools. US$21.95 adults, US$16.95 children. 4001 Bell Road, Hermitage. Phone 615-889-7050. http://www.nashvilleshores.com. Part of the city's park system, this large swimming pool near the Gaylord Opryland Hotel kicks up real waves and has a few waterslides. Daily except Monday 10 am-7 pm Memorial Day-11 August, weekends only 12 August-Labor Day. Closed Labor Day-Memorial Day. US$10 age 13 and up, US$8 age 3-12, free children age 2 and younger. Float rental free while they last. 2320 Two Rivers Parkway, Nashville. Phone 615-885-1052. http://www.nashville.gov/parks/wave_country.htm. Above all else, people go to Nashville for the music, and there are plenty of nightlife spots to meet the demand. Country, of course, is the most common style, but folk, rap, rock, jazz, rockabilly and blues are also well-represented. If you really want to sample the spirit of Nashville, make some time for the many small clubs in the city. The performers you'll see there aren't likely to be big names, but they're trying hard to get there, and the level of musicianship is consistently high.
Downtown, especially the honky-tonks of Lower Broadway, is the best place in town to see the crooners and pickers in action. Best of all, few of the bars charge a cover (though the musicians strongly encourage tips), making it easy to see a lot of music for little money. The best place to start is Tootsie's Orchid Lounge (look for the purple storefront). It was the favorite watering hole for many country legends in the heyday of the Opry. Willie Nelson, Roger Miller and Patsy Cline sidled up to the bar there, and today it's bolstering many country-music hopefuls. Robert's Western World, just a few doors down from Tootsie's, is another Lower Broadway favorite and isn't as claustrophobic. If you prefer a less twangy sound, Nashville's rock-music club scene is excellent for a city of its size, with a half-dozen simultaneous shows happening on weekends.
One of the city's best-known music venues is hidden among nondescript offices and shops on Hillsboro Road in Green Hills: The Bluebird Cafe has given rise to many country superstars, Garth Brooks among them, and pretty much any songwriter who has had a hit has performed there at one time or another.
Some of the Lower Broadway clubs have music from morning to the wee hours, and other bars get the band going around 8 or 9 pm. Things are at their liveliest 11 pm-1 am, and most places close by 3 am. | Bars, Taverns & Pubs | Top |
This mod, sleek club with a DJ, one long bar, and—shocking—no TVs or video screens actually forces the young and the stylish to converse. No dance floor per se, but that usually doesn't stop the more ambitious patrons. Get there early and tip the waitstaff well; otherwise, bar service can be slow. Wednesday night is '80s night, which usually draws a crowd. The owners recently added City Hall next door, where big-name concerts and special events are held (http://www.cityhallnashville.com for a listing of shows). Daily from 5 pm (but you probably don't want to arrive that early) to 3 am. No cover. 503 12th Ave. S., the Gulch, Nashville. Phone 615-963-9998. http://www.bartwenty3.com. This brewpub is big, bright and loud, with high ceilings and lots of chrome and mirrors. You can nibble on what's touted as "fancy" bar food, such as fried artichoke hearts and toasted Gorgonzola ravioli, but most patrons go for a pizza. The big draw, however, is the beer. This is where Bosco's excels. Try a Flaming Stone, the bar's signature beer, or one of Bosco's other award-winning homemade brews, including regular seasonal choices. Daily from 11 am. Most major credit cards. No cover. 1805 21st Ave. S., Hillsboro Village, Nashville. Phone 615-385-0050. http://www.boscosbeer.com. Although it moved from its original location (which was demolished to make room for the Titans' stadium parking lot), the Gerst Haus has lost none of its charm or the popularity of its old digs. It is the only place in town (and hopefully the country) where you can order a surf and turf that consists of oyster rolls and pig's knuckles—no kidding. The good news is that you can wash that tasty treat down with your choice of more than a dozen beers on tap, including Gerst beer, the namesake brew. Polka band on the weekends. Daily from 11 am. Most major credit cards. 301 Woodland St., East Bank, Nashville. Phone 615-244-8886. A Moroccan-edged restaurant in early evening, at night this sleek hot spot next to Bound'ry becomes one of the best places in town to show off your new threads and play "spot the celebrity." It attracts an inordinate number of concert performers and recording acts passing through town, and the inviting atmosphere tempts everyone to get cozy and comfortable with a designer cocktail. Open Thursday-Sunday for dinner and drinks until 3 am. Most major credit cards. 909 20th Ave. S., West End, Nashville. Even though it no longer brews its own beer, this was Nashville's original microbrewery. Traditional pub grub shares menu space with steaks and barbecue selections. Daily from 11 am. MasterCard and Visa. 134 Second Ave. N., The District, Nashville. Phone 615-259-9611. This upscale restaurant and bar is popular with young professionals for late-night fun. The patio is an especially pleasant place to mix and mingle when weather allows. The bar is architecturally distinct, with glass walls that open during mild weather. The Trace serves a classic American menu with entrees ranging from burgers to rack of lamb. If the joint's not jumping, walk next door to Cabana. Daily from 4 pm. Most major credit cards. 2000 Belcourt Ave., Hillsboro Village, Nashville. Phone 615-385-2200. http://www.tracerestaurant.com. | Dance & Nightclubs | Top |
One of several gay-friendly dance clubs and bars on Church Street, near downtown, this is a big-city-looking disco complete with a booming sound system, a large dance floor and impressive lighting. Frequently hosts name DJs from out of town. Go there to dance until it closes or to catch a drag show. Open Wednesday-Sunday until 3 am. Most major credit cards. 1519 Church St., Nashville. Phone 615-322-9627. http://www.playdancebar.com. This well-known country-music club with its 3,300-sq-ft/307-sq-m dance floor is the place in Nashville to scoot your boots. Free daily dance lessons. Daily from 11 am. (Call ahead, though, since it's sometimes closed for special events.) Live entertainment five nights a week. US$4 Tuesday-Thursday, US$6 Friday and Saturday. (Expect to pay more if there's a special concert.) Cover begins at 7 pm, except for concerts and special events, when it begins at 5 pm. (The management encourages patrons to buy tickets in advance, either from the saloon or through Ticketmaster.) 120 Second Ave. N., The District, Nashville. Phone 615-902-8211. http://www.wildhorsesaloon.com. Though it's in a strip mall some distance from downtown, the Bluebird holds a respected place in the Nashville music community. Many country-music stars got their start at the Monday open-mike nights. Songwriter night is Sunday, when you can usually catch several musicians performing in-the-round (alternating songs). Favorites such as Emmylou Harris often perform there, and the intimate setting makes it a treat to see such top performers. Don't even think about talking when a show is going on—you'll get shushed. The club has become even more popular since cable TV's Turner South began broadcasting its show Live at the Bluebird Cafe, so reservations are a must (see the Web site for details and be persistent when you call). Live music from 6 pm. Cover charge US$7-$20 for shows. No cover Sunday. 4104 Hillsboro Road, Green Hills, Nashville. Phone 615-383-1461. http://www.bluebirdcafe.com. Nashville has an abundance of rock clubs, from the legendary Exit/In to The Basement and 3rd & Lindsley, but Mercy Lounge is the most attractive place to see a band, and it tends to have the best lineup week in and week out. From local favorites to national midlevel touring acts, there's usually a good chance you'll catch somebody worth seeing. Between sets, grab a spot at one of the three pool tables or vintage pinball machines. Open daily. Live music from 9 pm. Cover charge US$8-$30 for shows. 1 Cannery Row, off Eighth Avenue South, The Gulch, Nashville. Phone 615-251-3020. http://www.mercylounge.com. Sometimes known as "Three Doors Down," a reference to its distance from Tootsie's, Robert's is a mandatory stop before or after you visit its neighbor, plus it has more breathing room. The bands at Robert's specialize in the country music of the 1940s-60s, a vintage sound that, we're glad to report, lives on in many of the Broadway bars. The first thing you'll notice about Robert's is the cowboy boots that fill one wall. If you fancy a pair, they're nearly always marked down 10%, but no one seems to find time for shopping with the band honky-tonkin' right in front of the footwear. Look for the group Brazilbilly, a longtime favorite at Robert's. Daily from 10 am. No cover. 416 Broadway, The District, Nashville. Phone 615-244-9552. http://www.robertswesternworld.com. This has been the best place to hear traditional bluegrass music in Nashville for as long as anyone can remember. Big bluegrass names such as the Del McCoury Band appear frequently. Arrive early to get a seat. Nightly from 7, music from 9. Cover starts at US$8, and most shows are US$10. US$20 for special shows. No cover Sunday for open bluegrass jam sessions. 402 12th Ave. S., The Gulch, Nashville. Phone 615-255-3307. http://www.stationinn.com. The legendary purple lounge is the quintessential honky-tonk, and a visit there is a bit like stopping off in 1963 for a drink. A lot of country-music history has taken place at Tootsie's, as you might guess from the autographed photos covering the walls (yellowed by decades of cigarette smoke). Because it sits in front of the Ryman Auditorium, yesterday's stars used to drop into Tootsie's between their sets at the Grand Ole Opry. Today, it offers live music morning, noon and night, with two separate stages in action in the evening. Knee-deep in grungy charm and full of friendly folks, it's a Nashville must-see. Daily from 10 am. No cover. 422 Broadway, The District, Nashville. Phone 615-726-0463. http://www.tootsies.net. | Performing Arts | Top  |
Although the sounds that gave Nashville the moniker "Music City" will always ring out from the stages of the Grand Ole Opry and the Ryman Auditorium, new stages with different types of performances are coming into the spotlight.
The city boasts the excellent Nashville Symphony, which performs August-May. It has a home worth its pedigree, with the grand Schemerhorn Symphony Center open a block off Broadway and by the Country Music Hall of Fame. Designed to emulate historic European concert halls, the excellent acoustics and intimate setting are winning a lot of kudos. Phone 615-687-6500. http://www.nashvillesymphony.org.
The downtown Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC) is the home of the Nashville Ballet, the Nashville Opera, the Circle Players and the Tennessee Repertory Theatre. Touring Broadway musicals and occasional dance or concert performances are held there as well. Information on these groups and other performances at TPAC is available online at http://www.tpac.org.
Community theater is alive and well, too, from summer performances of the Nashville Shakespeare Festival in Centennial Park to the regular seasons of such successful local companies as Tennessee Repertory Theatre and Nashville Children's Theatre. Musical theater performances, many of them focused on country-music legends, take place regularly at the Nashville Nightlife Breakfast and Dinner Theater in Music Valley. http://www.nashvillenightlife.com. The world's longest-running live radio show goes off like clockwork every weekend, and being part of the audience is a popular activity for Nashville visitors. (The program is broadcast on WSM-AM 650.) The Opry cast is mostly made up of the stars of yesteryear (Porter Wagoner, Bill Anderson, Little Jimmy Dickens), though management has been working hard to lure more of the younger breed (Alan Jackson, Martina McBride, Vince Gill) to make regular appearances. If you're hoping to catch a particular performer, you'll want to call or go online to check out the lineups for each week's shows, which are usually set up two to three weeks in advance. Performances take place Friday at 7:30 pm, Saturday at 6:30 and 9:30 pm. Occasionally throughout the year, the Opry heads back home to its original location at the Ryman Auditorium. Tickets cost US$32.50-$47.50 for adults and can be purchased in advance, either in person, online or via phone. The Grand Ole Opry House, 2804 Opryland Drive, Music Valley, Nashville. Phone 615-889-3060. http://www.opry.com. | Ticket Brokers | Top |
This national ticket broker handles many of Nashville's events, complete with a hefty surcharge. You can order tickets by phone, on the Web site or in person at area Kroger grocery stores or Macy's department stores. Phone 615-255-9600. http://www.ticketmaster.com. | Spectator Sports | Top |
Nashville currently claims two professional sports teams: the NFL's Tennessee Titans and the NHL's Predators—both walking distance from any downtown hotel. Auto-racing fans can catch NASCAR events at the Nashville Superspeedway. Minor League Baseball's Nashville Sounds is a AAA affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. Vanderbilt and Belmont universities both host basketball teams that often place in the NCAA tournament, and Nashville is often host to one of the March Madness rounds. The Music City Bowl college football postseason game takes place each year at LP Field. The National Football League's Titans play at LP Field, just across the Cumberland River from downtown. Season runs September-December. Tickets range US$35-$76. 116 First Ave. S., Nashville. Phone 615-565-4200. http://www.titansonline.com. The NHL's Predators "hockey tonk" from October to mid-April and often continue on to the postseason. Tickets range US$10-$85. Gaylord Entertainment Center, 501 Broadway, Nashville. Phone 615-770-7825. http://www.nashvillepredators.com. Nashville has the typical shopping options found in most U.S. cities, but it excels when it comes to merchandise related to country music. Much of it is fun, if not terribly tasteful, gift-shop souvenirs—apart from the serious business of cowboy hats and boots. A fading few of the stores are owned by the stars themselves and serve as miniature museums. Don't be surprised to find almost identical merchandise in many of the gift shops.
We think the best shopping for country-music fans is in The District, especially along Broadway and Second Avenue. That's where you'll find the original location of the Ernest Tubb Record Shop, a great place to pick up some country sounds (or country books or videos). It was founded long ago by Tubb, the legendary Texas Troubadour, who was a popular star in the 1950s and '60s. Close by is Hatch Show Print, a historic shop that continues to produce posters for concerts. Its inexpensive reprints of vintage show bills are among our favorite Nashville souvenirs. Gruhn Guitars is a legendary shop that has been at 400 Broadway since 1993, but in the neighborhood since 1973. It's the place to go if you're ready to launch your career as a picker in Music City or if you're a guitar buff looking for the perfect vintage collectible. You can visit the Country Music Hall of Fame's gift shop for quality souvenirs even if you aren't touring the museum.
Probably the most varied shopping is in Hillsboro Village, where a compact two-block area includes art galleries, antiques shops, coffeehouses, a gourmet cookware shop, a stationery store, gift stores, a used-book store and several restaurants. The first Saturday of each month, Hillsboro merchants host Village Market Saturdays—sidewalk-sale-inspired closeouts on merchandise. Another distinctive area is 12South, a revitalized section of 12th Avenue, just 2 mi/3.2 km south of downtown. There you'll find antiques and art shops, clothing boutiques, a yoga facility, bookstores, a Mexican popsicle shop, a coffeehouse and several good restaurants for taking a break. For antiques, the sprawling Antique Mall on Eighth Avenue can keep treasure hunters busy for hours, with another antiques district farther up the street about a mile/kilometer south. The Berry Hill neighborhood off Interstate 65 South near the 100 Oaks Mall is a quirky shopping area for an eclectic mix of stores in small, midcentury houses: beads, furniture, garden sculptures and vintage clothing—for a start. For produce and offbeat items—and to get a glimpse of the multiultural mix in Nashville—visit the Farmers Market. | Shopping Hours | Top |
Monday-Saturday 10 am-6 pm, Sunday noon-6 pm. Malls stay open until 9 pm Monday-Friday. | Antique Stores | Top |
This historic warehouse is an architectural beauty—many photographers and videographers use the building as a backdrop for their work. It houses 13,000 sq ft/1,200 sq m of antiques. Monday-Saturday 10 am-6 pm, Sunday 1-6 pm. Closes at 4 pm during winter months. 612 Eighth Ave. S., downtown, Nashville. Phone 615-256-6616. About 40 dealers offer antiques lovers hours of happy hunting. The staff is known for its helpful service. Monday-Saturday 10 am-6 pm. 4108 Hillsboro Road, Green Hills, Nashville. Phone 615-383-9851. This used-book store is a treasure trove of rare items and good used-book deals on the main drag in Hillsboro Village. Has more than 10,000 first editions, some of them signed. 1713 21st Ave. S., Nashville. Phone 615-383-6555. http://www.bookmanbookwoman.com. Far and away Nashville's most popular bookstore, Davis-Kidd is something of an institution. Book signings, readings, discussion groups, children's activities and the popular Second Story Cafe give this literary hub a lively community presence. The bookstore recently moved near the Cheesecake Factory in the Mall at Green Hills. Monday-Saturday 9 am-10 pm, Sunday 10 am-7 pm. 2121 Green Hills Village Drive, Green Hills, Nashville. Phone 615-385-2645. http://www.daviskidd.com. | Factory Outlets | Top |
If you fancy the fanciest luggage, you'll make the trip to the Hartmann Factory Luggage Outlet in Lebanon, just a 25-minute drive from downtown Nashville. Located at the Hartmann headquarters, deals (relatively speaking—one-third to one-half off retail price) can be had on this luxury luggage. Expect better prices than at other luggage outlets. Monday-Saturday 9 am-6 pm, Sunday 1-5 pm. 1303 W. Baddour Parkway (I-40 east to exit 238, Highway 231), Lebanon. Phone 615-449-8000. http://www.hartmann.com/shop/outlet.asp. More than 1,000 traders make this flea market a favorite haunt for treasure seekers. It's held on the fourth weekend of every month. (In December, it's on the third weekend.) Friday noon-5 pm, Saturday 7 am-6 pm, Sunday 7 am-4 pm. Free admission, but parking is US$3. Tennessee State Fairgrounds, 500 Wedgewood Ave. (just off Interstate 65, about five minutes from downtown), Nashville. Phone 615-862-5016. http://www.tennesseestatefair.org. Just north of the State Capitol and adjacent to Bicentennial Mall, the Farmers Market is a vital part of downtown and the most dependable s | | |