In Nashville, country music is like a religion – but this is a city with more than one side to show you. You can relax by the lakes that sit in the east or go canoeing on the Harpeth River. There are parks aplenty, plus up-and-coming neighbourhoods full of independent boutiques, restaurants and coffee spots.
Downtown music
Cut Nashville and it bleeds music. This is not an old music theme park stuck in time, however. Every week sees a new spot open and fresh takes on the country formula – Nashville wholly supports new music while retaing due reverence for the classics.
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum keeps getting bigger and better. This homage to the greats is full of unique memorabilia including Elvis Presley’s Cadillac, Hank Williams’ musical note suit, a live theatre and an education centre (named after Taylor Swift). It traces the music’s history and legacy, but also the latest trends and stars.
Get into the swing at one of the honky-tonks downtown, where music can kick off spontaneously. Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge is one of the best to visit, opened by local legend Tootsie Bess in 1960. Over in The Gulch neighbourhood, the new breed can be heard at The Station Inn, which has been going strong since the 70s.
It’s all about the glorious past at the famous Grand Ole Opry show, which pops up at various venues depending on the time of year. Finally, stop by RCA Studio B, where many hits were recorded, including some by Elvis Presley. Dolly Parton, who also cut some tracks there, once crashed her car into the outside – you can still see the damage.
Life on the water
A few miles east of downtown Nashville, Percy Priest Lake is a man-made body of water that provides a whole host of recreation opportunities. You can relax and watch the sun play on the water or get active with swimming, sailing, boating, jet skiing and more.
Back in the city, Cumberland Park sits next to the winding river of the same name. This is the perfect spot for a sunny stroll, as well as offering places to cycle or jog, climbing walls for children and an amphitheatre.
Further along the river is Shelby Park. This leafy hangout is particularly good for bird spotting but also for golfers, with both nine and 18-hole courses to try for size. Perhaps the most unusual sight in Nashville, and definitely a highlight, is the full-size replica of the Parthenon. Usually found in Athens, you can also see this ancient temple in Centennial Park.
The changing face of food
There’s bucket loads of fantastic food in Nashville, whether you’re after traditional southern fried chicken, barbecue or something fresh and new. Join the lines at Hattie B’s for chicken that runs from mild to ‘Shut the cluck up’. Grab classic BBQ at Edley’s, a warm and welcoming venue which offers generous platters and delicious catfish tacos.
For a taste of the new Nashville, reserve a table at Rolf & Daughters in Germantown. The menu here is modern European fare with a sense of fun – butternut is paired with kimchi, blue crab with chili and Thai basil.
The Catbird Seat is another modern must-try. There are only 22 seats at this intimate venue, all of them next to the open kitchen so you can interact with the chefs making your dinner. It’s a unique dining experience with an ever-changing menu.
Classic country music, delicious food and a city that doesn’t sit still. Book car rental at Nashville Airport with Hertz and dive deep into Tennessee’s amazing capital.
