Nashville: Beyond Broadway

Views from Embassy Suites Nashville Downtown

I love the feeling of walking into a hotel for the first time on the first day of vacation. Whatever the issues, delays, or frustrations that got you there no longer matter. You are on vacation! Embassy Suites Nashville Downtown didn’t just meet my expectations—it exceeded them. The lobby was beautiful, check-in was a breeze, the staff was genuinely welcoming, and having a Starbucks on site made the mornings easier. If you’re deciding between room types, choose the city view. Located just across the street from city staples like the Bridgestone Arena, home of the NHL team Nashville Predators, and the beautifully designed Music City Center, with views of the Titans’ stadium, the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge, and the lights of Broadway, buzzing with its exciting, infectious, and raucous vibe. I couldn’t ask for a better home base for exploring Nashville. Even from ten or more floors above the street, you still feel connected to the energy of the city.

The Overlook rooftop bar

As a Hilton Honors member, my favorite perk may have been the two free drink credits each (or one double... ask me how I know) at the reception in the evenings. The rooftop bar quickly became part of our trip… part of the destination. Margaritas and memories.

Belle Meade wine tasting

While Nashville is best known for its music, history lovers shouldn't overlook Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery. Once one of the country's most influential thoroughbred horse farms, Belle Meade offers a fascinating look into Tennessee's past through its beautifully preserved mansion and grounds. There are also multiple carefully curated guided tours, so you are sure to find one or more that suit your interests. The estate doesn't shy away from telling the full story of the people who lived and worked there, creating a richer and more meaningful experience. The included wine tasting is a relaxing way to end your visit, making Belle Meade a destination that blends history, hospitality, and a slower pace just minutes from downtown.

Bonnie Scotland, the horse that put Belle Meade on the map.

Madame Tussauds Wax Museum is worth a stop!

One of my favorite discoveries in Nashville was realizing that the city is so much more than Broadway. The Gulch is perfect for boutique shopping, murals, rooftop restaurants, and a modern Nashville vibe, while Hillsboro Village offers charming local cafés, bookstores, and a quieter pace that feels worlds away from Lower Broadway. The Opry area combines country music history with shopping and entertainment that includes a Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, making it a worthwhile stop even if you aren't attending a show.

The famous wings mural in The Gulch

The Hillsboro neighborhood: the "quaint" side of Nashville.

By venturing beyond the honky-tonks, you'll experience the different personalities that make Nashville such a well-rounded destination—and you'll likely come home with stories that go far beyond the neon lights.

Everyone knows the Grand Old Opry.

• Stay downtown if you want to explore on foot.

• Don’t spend your entire trip on Broadway.

• Rooftop bars are worth adding to your itinerary.

• Reserve popular brunch spots in advance.

• Nashville summers are HOT—pack accordingly.

• Comfortable walking shoes are essential.

Who should visit

• Girl trippers! A getaway filled with great food, rooftop cocktails, shopping, and live entertainment.

• Music lovers looking to experience Nashville beyond the famous honky tonks.

• Foodies who enjoy discovering local flavors from cafés to restaurants to brunch spots.

• History enthusiasts, especially those interested in Civil War history and historic estates like Belle Meade, made its name as a stud farm.

• Long weekend travelers looking for a destination that’s easy to explore in three or four days.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Nashville page.