Curator’s statement
As a Southern California native, I fell in love with Nashville's unexpected treasures — extending beyond the Honky Tonks on Broadway. Yes, the city boasts world-class music venues that are a must for any visitor. BUT! The area's natural beauty (endless trails and waterfalls), deep-rooted history and genuine Southern hospitality (culinary renaissance, whiskey distilleries) are what truly elevates Nashville as an up-and-coming city. This is my new home. This guide outlines how I experience my home as “new local.”
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Things to do in Nashville
Rodney Truitt
Attend a Writer’s Round at the Listening Room — Hear the stories behind the songs you love — the people who have written them.
Category 10 (Luke Combs' bar) - Features Nashville's largest dance floor with dedicated line dancing Thursday through Sunday led by their own line dance team.
Dueling pianos at Eric Church's Honkey Tonk.
Enjoy High Tea at the Astra at the Conrad Hotel
Learn about the Battle of Franklin - one of the deadliest battles of the Civil War. Visit the Carnton Plantation, a hospital during the civil war with a Confederate cemetery. Also, visit the Carter House, where the Battle of Franklin happened.
Hop in a car and drive to Burgess Falls for breathtaking waterfalls.
Ranger Station — for fragrance specific to Nashville — go if you like to smell like wood, whiskey or leather.
Take a leisurely hike at Radnor Lake — an hour loop in the heart of Nashville
Wild Flower picking — Just outside town, pick your flowers at S.W. Daughtery Farms (seasonal).
Whiskey Trail - Drive South about an hour to Jack Daniels Distillery and make sure to stop at Nearest Greene. The two have something very special in common.
Tennessee State Museum — Free and total history of TN -I think of it as the state's version of a Smithsonian
Places to eat & drink in Nashville
Leah Hetteberg
Assembly Food Hall — If you want a taste of a bunch of Nashville’s fat touristy restaurants all under one roof. Good for families.
Arnolds - Old school meat and three. This is an institution in the city. Cafeteria-style lunch spot.
Audrey - A Sean Brock creation. Well-appointed food without the pretension. Great for date nights.
Biscuit Love - Best biscuits in town. I recommend going to the one in Hillsborough Village, less crowded.
Bourbon Steakhouse - A Michael Mina restaurant with the BEST views of the city. This is great for business dinners, date nights or celebrations.
Cobbler Truck — This is the BEST cobbler in the city. Full Stop.
Haddie B’s - If you need to get that hot chicken craving!
Locust - One of the best restaurants in the city, and almost only locals.
Lyra - Upscale Mediterranean food in East Nashville.
Peg-Leg Porker - For that classic BBQ.
Present Tense - For thoughtful cocktails and urban Asian fare. Upscale, casual and fun vibe.
Robert's Western World — An old-school honky tonk with bluegrass and a meal you can buy for under $7. It is my favorite on Broadway.
Skulls Rainbow Room - Jazz and steak dinner in Printer’s Alley.
Tempered Coffee and Chocolates. At night, it turns into Green Hour — an absinthe bar. This is a stop on the way to dinner.
Urban Cowboy in East Nashville. Great in summer for outdoor fires and Adirondack chairs.
Need to know
Hot take — the only place one will see cowboy boots worn is on Broadway. If you want to experience Nashville like a local — pack more than your white cowboy boots!
Travel Advisor
Natalie Alvarez
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