Tennessee’s largest city has played an undeniable role in the history of country music, but has plenty more to offer travelers than its vibrant music scene. Nashville is home to a happening food and drink scene, vibrant neighborhoods and two distilleries that are worth the trip. Plus, September in Nashville means plenty of fall colors and pleasant temperatures. Pack your cowboy boots, and get ready to discover Music City.
Downtown Nashville
DOWNTOWN NASHVILLE
Starting your Nashville journey downtown is a great way to explore the city. Strolling down Broadway is a fun way to pass the time. This lively street – especially at night when it’s all lit up – is filled with honky tonks where you can hear musicians playing live just about any time of day. Our personal favorite is the iconic Robert’s Western World. Expect to hear classic country tunes played by a live band in a bar seemingly untouched by time. Look forward to Pabst Blue Ribbon beer, fried balcony sandwiches and plenty of dancing. Located just off Broadway, The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is a must-visit site. As you probably guessed, this spot houses a trove of memorabilia related to country music. Some highlights include a wall of gold records, a car owned by Elvis and dresses worn by June Carter Cash and Pasty Cline. When we visited last fall, we saw a fantastic exhibit on the life and work of country star Chris Stapleton.
Ryman Auditorium
The Ryman Auditorium is another incredible Nashville attraction. This is where bluegrass started and the first home of the Grand Ole Opry. This former church has been the site of some epic performances from the likes of Johnny Cash, Emmylou Harris and Bob Dylan. Seeing the wood pews, stained glass windows and tall ceilings is awe-inspiring. Even if you don’t have time to see a show, it’s worth touring this incredible venue. The Ryman also features a handful of exhibitions where you can learn more about the history of this legendary venue.
Ryman Auditorium
Goo Goo Cluster is an iconic Nashville candy made with milk chocolate, caramel, peanuts and marshmallow nougat. If you visit the downtown shop, you can even fill your Goo Goo Cluster with custom ingredients. The swank Twelve Thirty Club is modeled after a supper club and features a honky tonk and rooftop bar. Food-wise, look forward to Southern influenced fare like Sweet Cream Cornbread, Sam’s – referring to restaurateur Sam Fox – Famous Garlic Butter Noodles and Tennessee Lemon Pie.
12SOUTH
This thriving neighborhood houses many stellar shops that are worth a visit. It’s home to Draper James, a clothing and accessories store. Actress Reese Witherspoon is the face of this brand. You can’t miss the blue and white striped building’s exterior. The boutique inside is just as quaint as the exterior. Expect cute displays throughout. We also loved having a hearty breakfast sandwich and hot mocha at Frothy Monkey’s quaint outdoor patio. We brought home a wire-wrapped turquoise ring from Judith Bright, a jewelry designer that has a location in a charming white-colored home along 12South. If you’re searching for a sweet treat, you can find a variety of cookies at The Christie Cookie Co. Indulge in flavors like chocolate chunk cookies, rocky road and white chocolate macadamia nuts. Imogene + Willie sells clothing and is perhaps best known for its custom-made denim.
Frist Art Museum
FRIST ART MUSEUM
The Frist Art Museum has no permanent art collection and instead hosts rotating art exhibits in a one-of-a-kind setting. The museum is housed in the former post office. This grand building features high ceilings, marble counters in the lobby, large windows and plenty of relics from the past including historic mail slots. From now until April 1, 2024, see work from more than 50 adult artists with disabilities in the show “The Power of Resilience.”
CHECK OUT THESE DISTILLERIES
Tennessee is well known for its whiskey, and these two Tennessee distilleries are worth a trip. Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey is named after Nearest Green, the first known African American distillery, this award-winning brand was launched in 2017. The 432-acre distillery in Shelbyville features a gleaming tasting room with high ceilings on a historic horse farm. Green developed the Lincoln County Process that defines this state’s whiskey. In this process, the whiskey is filtered through super maple charcoal before being aged in charred oak barrels. Nearest also trained Jack Daniel. We took a tour to learn more about the history of the distillery, see the grounds and ended with a tasting. The food at the distillery’s excellent restaurant Barrel House II features pit smoked pulled pork, smoked sausage and a killer grilled cheese.
Jack Daniel’s Distillery
Roughly a one-hour drive from Nashville in Lynchburg, Jack Daniel’s Distillery is worth a trip. It’s pretty incredible to think about how all of the Jack Daniel’s is the world is produced in this small town. When we toured last fall, the distillery’s grounds were covered with orange, red and yellow leaves that made for idyllic fall scenery. The walking tour features a spot outside where the makers burn charcoal for distilling, a cave filled with the water that used to make the whiskey, a look inside Jack Daniel’s office, a look at where the mash is made and finished with a tasting in one of the barrel houses.
WHERE TO STAY
Four Seasons Nashville
FOUR SEASONS NASHVILLE
Located just south of Broadway, the 40-story tall Four Seasons Nashville features 235 hotel guest rooms and suites. The hotel is contemporary and soothing with cool gray colors throughout. Guests can book a Suite Sounds package that includes a private, in-person show from one of the city’s top songwriters in their own suite.
Mimo Restaurant at Four Seasons Nashville
The on-site restaurant Mimo (the name of the Tennessee state bird) Restaurant and Bar is helmed by Chef Nello Turco, who earned a Michelin star. At this modern restaurant with expansive windows that showcase views of the Cumberland River, guests can dig into Southern-inspired fare like Mimo’s caviar linguine and crawfish rigatoni.
The Hermitage
THE HERMITAGE
The Hermitage is one of the city’s most prized historic hotels. It certainly looks the part. The exterior of the Beaux Arts building is all white and features columns and oversized windows. This grand hotel was where many people met to battle over the women’s suffrage movement over 100 years and unveiled a restoration in early 2022. The grandeur starts off with the lobby that features stained glass windows, tall ceilings, columns and marble floors that make for a grand, elegant site. The hotel’s 122 rooms and suites feature plush beds, bright interiors and luxe marble bathrooms with deep soaking tubs.
The Hermitage
Legendary chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten is behind the hotel’s two restaurants, The Pink Hermit and Druise & Darr. The more casual Pink Hermit is a café that serves coffee, tea, sandwiches, salads and pastries in the morning and afternoons. In the evening, guests can enjoy Italian fare like handmade pizzas, six types of bruschetta and tiramisu. At Druise & Darr, diners can find seasonal, modern cuisine like charred octopus, roasted salmon and a variety of pastas and pizzas.
The Hermitage
The Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center is home to 2,888 rooms and nine acres of gardens underneath glass atriums. Guests can enjoy multiple pools, an indoor waterpark, 15 restaurants and a spa. The Gaylord is also within walking distance of the Grand Ole Opry. See a live country music show here – they’ve been broadcasting since 1925 – or take a backstage tour.
