Written by Doug Hansen
Nashville, also known as Music City, is a vibrant destination that captures the heart and soul of the American South, from its rich musical heritage to its burgeoning culinary scene. Recently, his wife Sharen and I spent her four days here and learned why this is one of the top tourist destinations in the United States and also one of the fastest growing cities. I confirmed it with my own eyes. One of the first lessons we learned was that there was more to Nashville than just a country music scene.
Our first stop was Lower Broadway, the music capital of Nashville. There, live music of all genres flooded the streets in an aural flood. Live music echoed through the open windows, and a surprising variety of genres, from steel guitar tones to heavy rock, played.
During the day, and especially at night, a contagious energy permeated the air as attendees moved between competing venues. Even though it was a weeknight, Blake Shelton's Ole Red, Luke Bryan's 32 Bridge Food & Drink, and Kid Rock's Honky Tonk were hopping.
The nearby Country Music Hall of Fame pays homage to the genre's greatest artists and features exhibits that showcase the evolution of country music. A visit here is a journey through time, with an in-depth look at the roots and influences that shaped the Nashville sound. Not-to-be-missed exhibits include Elvis Presley's gold-plated Cadillac, Webb's Pierce's 1962 Pontiac with his six-shooter pistol in chrome on the door handle, his Winchester rifle gleaming on the hood, There's a huge steering wheel looming over his grill and his horn.
No visit to Nashville is complete without a pilgrimage to Ryman Auditorium, home of the Grand Ole Opry from 1943 to 1974. With its rich history and great acoustics, Ryman Auditorium has hosted legends such as Presley, Johnny Cash, and Dolly Parton. The current Grand Ole Opry is also a must-see. It is the longest running live radio show in the world. We decided to enhance our visit with a backstage tour that felt like pulling back the curtains and watching The Wizard of Oz.
Don't miss the newly built National Museum of African American Music. A wealth of photographic and interactive exhibits served as a reminder of the profound influence African American musicians have had on American music.
Music Row was home to historic recording studios and record labels, surrounded by stylish boutiques and cozy cafes. At the historic RCA Studio B, our guide led us through the studio where more than 35,000 of his songs were recorded by artists including Elvis, Roy Orbison, Dolly Parton, and many more.
The best way to learn about the music here is to see performances by Nashville's many musicians. One option was the listening room, where we heard five young performers sing original songs, play guitars and keyboards, and share insights about their journeys in the music industry.
The bus tour took us away from the bustling urban landscape and through Nashville's diverse neighborhoods and parks. These include Centennial Park, home to the full-size Parthenon and an imposing 42-foot replica of Athena, one of the most beautiful in ancient Greece. famous statue.
Nashville is also known for its vibrant street art scene, with the trendy Gulch neighborhood home to some of the city's most Instagrammable murals. There were coffee shops, galleries, and the Frist Art Museum here. Housed in a former U.S. Post Office building, this museum houses an impressive collection of contemporary art.
Nashville's food scene is as diverse as its music. For breakfast, Biscuit Love served a Southern-style breakfast with delicious biscuits and homemade pastries. For a lesson in community involvement, we had coffee and bread rolls on Humphrey Street, which helps local young people learn work skills and discipline.
Near the Ryman Theater, we found Assembly Food Hall, located above the Fifth & Broadway complex. It has 30 artisan restaurants, nine bars, two full-service restaurants, and several live performance stages.
Dicey's Pizza serves delicious Chicago-style pizza and local beer, and as an added bonus, across the street is a giant guitar at least 25 feet long and 15 feet tall that says “Nashville” in bold letters. had. This is the perfect selfie spot.
We enjoyed our meal at the popular Martin's BBQ Joint with delicious food and an open roof. The Black Rabbit, housed in an 1890s building, featured a sophisticated menu and an extensive list of drinks, including Hot Lips Houlihan with jalapeno he tequila and grapefruit juice.
A tour of the Nashville Craft Distillery, which produces and sells its own whiskey, gin, and other craft spirits, took us into the production region and learned about the intricacies of the fermentation and distillation process. We enjoyed the tasting and came away with a clear understanding of the difference between bourbon and whiskey.
Beyond its musical roots, Nashville is a city that offers a diverse and rich experience for every traveler. From Honky Tonk Highway to eclectic gastronomy, Music City beckons with open arms.
when you go
The Nashville Visitor Information Center is a valuable resource when planning your visit to Nashville. Visit us in person at Fifth Street and Broadway (across from Bridgestone Arena) or online at www.visitmusiccity.com.
Doug Hansen is a travel writer and photographer living in Carlsbad, California. For more photos and articles, visit www.hansentravels.org. To read features by other his Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit his Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.
Photo credit: on Unsplash
