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Nashville was founded in 1779 and it grew rapidly because of its excellent location on the Cumberland River. It was incorporated in 1806 and became the county seat of Davidson County. Nashville was named the capital of Tennessee in 1843.
Like many Southern cities, Nashville was not immune to the economic woes of the post-Civil War South but it quickly rebounded. It only took a few years for the city to reclaim its important shipping and trading position and to develop a solid manufacturing base. The post-Civil War years of the late 19th century brought a new found prosperity to Nashville. These healthy economic times left the city with a legacy of grand classical-style buildings, which can still be seen around the downtown area.
Since the 1970s, the city has experienced tremendous growth, particularly during the economic boom of the 1990s under the leadership of Mayor (later-Tennessee Governor) Phil Bredesen, who made urban renewal a priority, and fostered the construction or renovation of several city landmarks, including the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Nashville Public Library downtown, Bridgestone Arena, and LP Field.
Currently as of 2015 Nashville is experiencing another economic boom with many national publications highlighting the authenticity and gentrification around the city. It is rapidly becoming more cosmopolitan and attracted the most increase in international tourism out of any US city for 2015, therefore the time is now to go and enjoy the Nashville experience.
:For more information please visit the Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau, 150 Fourth Avenue North, +1 615 259-4730, [http://www.visitmusiccity.com]
Nashville sits in the middle of a geographic region known as the Nashville Basin. It is surrounded by the Cumberland Highlands and is bordered by the Cumberland Plateau to the east. The Nashville Basin is characterized by rich, fertile farm country and high natural wildlife diversity.
Nashville has cool, relatively short winters and hot, humid summers, with long spells of spring and autumn in between. Winter temperatures commonly hover slightly above freezing, and a fair amount of light snow generally falls throughout the months of December to February, though large storms of 6-plus inches in a day do occur every few years. Nashville can be prone to severe thunderstorms and tornadoes during the spring and fall months. Summers are hot, with temperatures around 90*F (32*C) during the day.
Nashville International Airport , [url=http://www.flynashville.com/].]Is about five miles from downtown. As of 2015 it is the largest airport in the state of Tennessee and the 30th busiest in the United States, and BNA serves as a focus city for Southwest Airlines which offers 37 daily nonstops. Other Airlines that serve BNA include American Airlines (Dallas-Ft. Worth, Miami, Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Washington and Cancun), Delta (Atlanta, Cincinnati, Minneapolis, New York, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, Detroit, Orlando, Cancun), US AIrways (Charlotte, Philadelphia, Washington, Phoenix, Los Angeles), United (Chicago, Newark, Washington, San Francisco, Denver, Houston), Frontier (Denver), OneJet (Indianapolis), Alaska Airlines (Seattle), JetBlue Airways (Boston, Fort Lauderdale) and Air Canada Express (Toronto). International destinations from BNA include Toronto, Cancun, Montego Bay, Punta Cana, Puerto Vallarta, and Freeport Bahamas. Service to Havana is also offered via charters and rumors about a non stop flight to London have been told by British Airways. The most inexpensive way to travel to and from the Nashville International Airport and downtown Nashville is to ride the Nashville MTA's Route 18 Airport/Elm Hill bus[url=http://www.nashvillemta.org/setpage.asp?page=airport_service.html[/url],]which serves the airport and downtown on an hourly basis, from about 7AM to about 10PM, seven days a week. Schedules are located at the Welcome Center located on the baggage claim level of the airport.
*John C. Tune Airport, 110 Tune Airport Dr, +1 615 350-5000, [http://www.johntune.com/[/url].
*Smyrna/Rutherford County Airport, 278 Doug Warpoole Rd, Smyrna, +1 615 459-2651. [http://www.smyrnaairport.com/].
*Cornelia Fort Airport, 2640 Air Park Dr, +1 615 226-4258, [http://www.colemill.com/].
*American Charter Express, 4432 Airport Rd, Springfield, +1 615 384-4181.
*Lebanon Airport 760 Franklin Rd, Lebanon, +1 615 444-0031. [url=http://www.lebanontn.org/]]
*Murfreesboro Municipal Airport, 1930 Memorial Blvd, Murfreesboro, +1 615 848-3254, [http://www.murfreesborotn.gov/government/airport/commission.htm[/url]
Nashville is a nexus of several interstate highways, including I-65 (north-south), I-40 (east-west), and I-24 (northwest-southeast). The various highways sometimes merge and split without the typical exit-offramp design, so travellers should consult maps[url=http://www.mapnashville.com/nashvillemapdistribution.html]]before attempting to navigate the area. There is easy access to/from [[Chattanooga[/url]], [wiki=e3697e48691839a260743dcf57210ff5]Knoxville[/wiki], [wiki=0d4202ede83d91da6cd4482e1ca91783]Memphis[/wiki], [wiki=4fba925a7279f52a42d0f614b063e707]Louisville[/wiki], among others.
Greyhound, 1030 Charlotte Ave, +1 615 255-3556, [url=http://www.greyhound.com/].]Located right Downtown a few blocks north of Broadway.
*Megabus, [url=http://us.megabus.com[/url].]Service from [[Memphis[/url]], [wiki=e3697e48691839a260743dcf57210ff5]Knoxville[/wiki], [wiki=8b1c40ce6629723de95905617aaf5743]Atlanta[/wiki], [wiki=54565918039f63a89cf3e8d913752226]Chattanooga[/wiki], [wiki=8b9c1179fe8a1c342a1950be99ac9c90]Indianapolis[/wiki], and [wiki=9cfa1e69f507d007a516eb3e9f5074e2]Chicago[/wiki]. Buses stop on Commerce St between 5th Ave N and 4th Ave N.
Nashville MTA, +1 615 862-5969, [url=http://www.nashvillemta.org/].] Operates routes throughout downtown and the surrounding area. $1.70 for an adult local fare, with no transfers allowed. An all-day pass for an adult is $5.25.
Nashville's bus system is designed around a central station. The schedule accommodates a 9AM-5PM schedule with limited late night service. Route maps and schedules are subject to change but are available from the Nashville MTA website. [http://www.nashvillemta.org/setpage.asp?page=allroutes.html[/url].
The Music City Star, +1 615 862-8833, [http://www.musiccitystar.org]. Commuter train runs Monday - Friday. The train runs from Lebanon to Downtown's Riverfront Station. One-Way tickets purchased at the platform are $5 each. There are two shuttle services that transport people for no extra charge, passengers use their Music City Star ticket to board. Shuttle 93 goes up Broadway, West End, and around the Vanderbilt area. Shuttle 94 loops through Downtown. If you wish to go to any other place in the city, you can catch the Downtown Shuttle at the Riverfront Station and exit at the downtown bus mall then catch the bus that is going to your destination.
Car is always your best bet. Average speed on highways ranges from 55-70 mph, while city streets are generally 35 mph unless otherwise posted.
I-40, I-65, and I-24 are the major interstate highways that run through Nashville.
All major national car rental agencies operate in Nashville.
Taxis are also very prevalent in Nashville, especially Downtown. Taxi companies that operate in Nashville are:
*Green Cab, +1 615 424-6000 Nashville's First and Only All Hybrid and Alternative Fuel Taxi Fleet servicing Nashville and Davidson County TN.
*Allied Cab, +1 615 885-1499.
*Music City Taxi, +1 615 262-0451.
*Checker Cab, +1 615 256-7000.
*Metro Cab, +1 615 365-3434.
Ridesharing apps are popular among locals. Currently, Lyft and Uber services the city.
For Executive transportation, sedan or limousine services are available, these often work like Black Cars in [wiki=d97e023dce2bb237a0d44f46d8ee9438]New York City[/wiki], and offer Executive Sedans, SUVs, or even full limo transports to and from downtown or the airport.
If you are looking to park Downtown in a lot or garage, be sure to have a good idea of where to park. The Metro Owned Facilities managed by the Nashville Downtown Partnership (branded as ParkIt Downtown) seems to be the best deal. For example, the Metro Courthouse/Public Square Garage is just $3 after 5pm & on weekends. This is much cheaper than nearby private lots. [http://www.parkitdowntown.com/parking/metro.php]
An instantly recognizable downtown Nashville landmark, the AT&T Building, built in 1994 at 333 Commerce Street, is the tallest building in the state of Tennessee and can be seen from quite some distance if the hills aren't in your way. Its two tall spires on the building have earned it the nickname, "The Batman Building."
* Located in the Vanderbilt University/West End area, midtown Nashville is replete with restaurants, art galleries, and landmark buildings such as the Parthenon in Centennial Park.
* Built between 1907 and 1909, the bridge was used for automobile traffic between East Nashville and Downtown. The bridge has recently been converted to a pedestrian bridge, and offers a spectacular view of the riverfront and downtown skyline. It is a very popular and convenient route to the Titan's football stadium.
* Nashville has a strong and historic association with the printing trade. Many religious and secular publications continue to be headquartered in the city. This alley in downtown is where many traditionally set up shop in the 1800s. It is also the location of Nashville's historic red light district. Today there is a fun mix of restaurants, bars, and adult entertainment. Considered an after hours hot spot in the city.
Regularly changing exhibits and live performances make this Nashville landmark someplace to visit often. The original Country Music Hall of Fame was built in 1967 and lasted until 2000 when they moved into their new $37 million dollar location. Ticket packages for guided or audio tours also available, as well as combining a tour with the RCA Studio B and the Ryman Auditorium. Since 1972, the Country Music Awards have attracted fans from around the world to Nashville. CMA Music Festival packages are among the most popular CMA attractions.
*Pictures and memorabilia from the life of Johnny Cash.
* Revealed in 2003, Musica is a 38 foot tall sculpture featuring 9 nude dancing figures created by Alan Lequire and is in a roundabout in the heart of Music Row.
Featuring the mansion built in 1853 and restored, as well as the carriage house from 1890 and one of the oldest log cabins in Tennessee, built in 1790. There is a great deal of history associated with the plantation starting from before the American Civil War. Excellent, highly interesting guided tours of the plantation mansion are offered by the local heritage society.
*The largest urban land reclamation in the US undertaken when it was created in the 1990s. A fascinating state park stretched out in front of the state capital building. Features a giant map of the state, monuments recounting the history of the state since prehistoric times, a carillon, and more. In the summer, the fountains are often filled with splashing kids. The park is located right next to the farmers market, which includes a food court, fish market, nursery, as well as the expected vendors hawking fruits and vegetables. The Nashville Business Journal's Book of Lists ranks Bicentennial Capital Mall State Park as Nashville's #1 Tourist Attraction.
* An approximate one hour guided tour of 16 rooms in the mansion. Also walk the grounds to examine the marble statues and cast iron ornaments in the gardens.
* A civil-war era fort partially reconstructed by the Works Progress Administration in the 1930s. Taken by Union forces early in the war, Nashville quickly became second most fortified city in the U.S. during the Civil War because it was seen as crucial to supplying troops engaged on the war's western front. The 1864 Battle of Nashville -- a failed attempt by the Confederate army to retake the city -- raged throughout what are now the residential and commercial districts on the fringes of the city. Much of the work on the fort was done by slaves and freed blacks who were rounded up and forced to work on the structure. The fort was closed for years (allegedly because it reminded many Nashvillians of the Union occupation), but reopened in 2004 with new boardwalks and interpretive signs.
* A recreation of the original settlement of the city. Located on the banks of the Cumberland River, just behind the Second Avenue entertainment district. A riverwalk on both sides of the river is adjacent.
* The former home of U.S. President Andrew Jackson is full of his family's personal possessions, and is adorned with much of the furniture that they personally purchased. It was one of the first historic preservation projects in the state of Tennessee. This was accomplished by the Ladies' Hermitage Association which was modeled after the Mount Vernon Ladies Association that had restored George Washington's home. Plan for a two hour tour with a moderate amount of walking. No cameras, video cameras, food, or drink are allowed within the Hermitage or the exhibit gallery. Security precautions are taken and the Hermitage asks that all backpacks or large bags be left in your vehicle.
*Architect William Strickland created this masterpiece of Neoclassical architecture. Completed in 1859, it took 14 years to build. During the course of the project Strickland died. Strickland considered it his finest project and he is buried within the building. The capitol was renovated in the early 2000s and clearing years of smoke stains revealed magnificent ceiling paintings. A must-visit.
* With over 70,000 square feet of exhibit space, this is one of the nation's largest state museums. Its permanent exhibits are split into several categories, including: Prehistoric, Frontier, Age of Jackson, Antebellum, Civil War, and Reconstruction.
Yazoo Brewing Company is brewed and bottled in downtown Nashville. The Brewery offers tours ONLY on Saturdays, when they're not brewing. You'll get to walk through all parts of the brewery and learn how the beers are made. With your admission you'll also receive a Yazoo pint glass and samples of beers during the tour.
* Formerly the Cumberland Science Museum, it's been remodeled recently. You should be able to get in for under ten bucks, and they have a lot of interesting exhibits which change every few weeks.
* Get a meal and a show on this classically styled 300 foot long paddlewheel boat. Midday cruises, including buffet and show, $38.95 plus tax for adults and $21.95 for kids 4-11. Dinner cruises range from $44.95 to $74.95 for adults and $27.95 to $42.95 for kids. Shows and schedules vary throughout the year.
* Displaying a variety animals and hosting activities for the family, including a enormous playground with two-story netting that you can swing onto (off a rope), or just jump and roll around on. The zoo is getting bigger and better every day. Two recent additions include an aviary where you can feed lorikeets nectar by hand, and an amazing hand-carved wooden carousel.
* Providing helicopter tours, charter services, and flight instruction in Nashville and the surrounding area. Come see Nashville like you never have before, from the best seat in the house, the air.
. The Grand Ole Opry is a weekly country music radio program and concert broadcast live on WSM radio in Nashville, Tennessee, every Friday and Saturday night, as well as Tuesdays from March through December. It is the oldest continuous radio program in the United States, having been broadcast on WSM since 5 October 1925. Located in the Music Valley area adjacent to the Gaylord hotel and Opry Mills mall.
* Completed in 1892 as the Union Gospel Tabernacle as commissioned by riverboat Captain Thomas Green Ryman, a newly converted southern evangelist and lovingly called the "Mother Church" of country music. The Ryman has earned its mark in history by hosting the Grand Ole Opry from 1943 to 1974 and is now a fantastically intimate setting for concerts of all genres. It has been named Pollstar's "America's Theatre of the Year" for two years in a row, as well as one of CitySearch's top ten "Best Places to Hear Live Music."
*With its unlikely location in a strip mall in Green Hills, has long been the destination of choice for local and national songwriters, fans of songwriters, and label scouts. Expect schmoozing, sets in-the-round, and lines around the block. Keep in mind, though, that quiet is requested at all times during a performance. This is where Taylor Swift first performed and got discovered by Scott Borchetta and Big Machine Records.
*The Nashville Symphony is in the newly built Schermerhorn Symphony Center and offers a variety of concerts throughout the year. For those on a budget be sure to visit the Free Day of Music offered by the Center in early October.
*Every Monday night, a free show in Midtown at Winner's Bar & Grill. Big name artists & songwriters are known to play here as well as some of the best up and comers in Nashville.
*Mercy Lounge hosts local and touring acts, including rock, indie, folk, dance, and occasionally, country musicians. Every Monday night is a free showcase that features 8 up-and-coming locals. The building houses Mercy Lounge's two sister venues: smaller club The High Watt and larger venue The Cannery Ballroom. All shows are typically 18+ or 21+.
, Nashville offers 113 different park properties on over 10,570 acres, and seven municipal golf courses. These parks offer something for everyone, including both passive and active recreation. Activities include: senior programs, special population programs, cultural arts classes, dog parks, a variety of trails, nature programs, sports leagues, art galleries, and much more.
:Some of the highlights of Nashville Parks and Recreation:
:*Features a nice duck pond, where you can get up close with the ducks and feed them, as well as a real steam engine train, dating back in the 1800's and a fighter jet on a large, metal stand, to give the appearance of flight.
::* Originally created for Tennessee's Centennial Exposition, this monument was such a well-received attraction that a permanent form was constructed. It maintains the dimensions of the original Athens Parthenon to within a quarter of an inch, though constructed mainly of concrete as opposed to marble. Inside stands a replica of the statue of the goddess Athena thought to have existed in the original Parthenon.
:* Metro Parks offers seven golf courses. All courses are open seven days a week through Labor day- 7AM-dark on week ends, and 8AM-dark on week days. After Labor Day new hours will go into effect. Check courses for details. The seven golf courses are:
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*Often called "Nashville's Walden," Radnor Lake was formed when the railroad companies dammed up a small stream to provide a reliable water source for their railroad yards. Although it is in the heart of a residential suburb south of town, hikers on the miles of trails around the pond feel like they are in the heart of the wilderness.
. Located in Centennial Park. Featuring two indoor ice skating rinks, two pools, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, and a fitness room. Call or check online for the schedules, as they vary from month to month. The Sportsplex is also a practice location for the Nashville Predators professional hockey team.
* The local NHL hockey team plays their home games at Bridgestone Arena (previously Gaylord Entertainment Center and Sommet Center), which is on Broadway in the heart of downtown. In May of 1998 the Predators were named the 27th franchise in league history and their first playoff game came in 2004.
* The local minor league baseball team received a new stadium in 2015 after playing at Herschel Greer Stadium since 1978.
*The local NFL football team plays their home games at Nissan Field (once known as LP Field and Adelphia Coliseum), which is located across the river from downtown (it's big). Formerly the Houston Oilers, the team was reborn as the Tennessee Titans in 1999.
*The Vanderbilt Commodores, the teams representing Vanderbilt University, are one of Nashville's great sports attractions. As members of the Southeastern Conference they compete with a wide range of colleges and universities throughout the southeast United States. The Commodores consistently hold their own in the SEC despite being perennial underdogs in most sports, as Vanderbilt is the SEC's only private school and easily the conference's smallest school by enrollment. The best-known Vanderbilt sports venues are Vanderbilt Stadium, home to the football team, and Memorial Gymnasium, home to the men's and women's basketball teams and one of the most unique settings in the sport.
* Three other NCAA Division I sports programs are in the city of Nashville, and two others are in the extended Nashville area:
** Teams representing Belmont University, another private school located within 2 miles (3 km) of Vanderbilt. The Bruins play in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC); like Vanderbilt, Belmont is the only private school in its conference. Although the OVC sponsors football in the second-level FCS, Belmont does not have a football team.
** Teams representing Lipscomb University, another private school. The Bisons play in the Atlantic Sun Conference, a conference that does not sponsor football, which had also been home to Belmont before that school's 2012 departure for the OVC. Belmont and Lipscomb, less than 3 miles (5 km) apart, have a heated men's and women's basketball rivalry. Even though they are no longer in the same conference, the men's and women's teams still play one another twice each season.
** Teams representing Tennessee State University, a historically black public school. The Tigers play alongside Belmont in the OVC; unilke Belmont, TSU has a football team.
** Teams representing Middle Tennessee State University, located in Murfreesboro. The Blue Raiders play FBS football in Conference USA.
** Teams representing Austin Peay State University, popularly called "Peay", located in Clarksville and a member of the OVC alongside Belmont and TSU. Like TSU, Peay has a football team.
Formerly the city's main post office. Built in 1934, it is a masterpiece of art deco architecture. Featuring 24,000 sq. feet of gallery space with exhibits from local through to regional and all the way to international artists. The Frist strives to be a family friendly museum and as such has created ArtQuest, a colorful space with 30 interactive stations.
*TPAC, as it is known, is home to HCA/TriStar Broadway at TPAC, Nashville Ballet, Nashville Opera, Tennessee Repertory Theatre, and other special engagements. TPAC consists of three theaters: Andrew Jackson Hall, James Knox Polk Theater and Andrew Johnson Theater.
* A 55-acre estate built by the founders of Maxwell House coffee on the fringes of the city featuring an art museum and a large breathtaking botanical garden. The art museum features American and Europeans exhibits.
*Visit this traditional printing shop that uses letterpresses to create posters for entertainment events to see them prepare some posters. As the Hatch brothers allegedly put it, "Advertising without posters is like fishing without worms."
::* Mall at Green Hills, [url=http://www.themallatgreenhills.com].]I-440 exit 3 (Hillsboro Pk), located in Green Hills. This mall contains several high-end vendors. Nordstrom, Gus Mayer, Dillards, Neiman Marcus (opens 2016) and Macy's are the anchor department stores. Other stores include Betsy Johnson, Apple, Gap, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Burberry, Sephora, BCBG Max Azria, bebe, Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware, Tiffany & Co. and Swarovski. Levy's, a Nashville-based menswear department store for over a century, is nearby.
::* Global Mall at the Crossings, [url=http://www.globalmallatthecrossings.com/[/url].]I-24 exit 59, located in Antioch. Formerly the Hickory Hollow Mall. Currently being repositioned with a focus on "international" aspect.
::* Opry Mills, [url=http://www.oprymills.com[/url].]Former location of the Opryland USA Theme Park, includes mostly outlet stores, specialized clothes shops like Brooks Brother, Coach, Michael Kors, H&M, Vera Bradley and Forever 21, and a Regal Cinemas and IMAX. 'Opry Mills closed in 2010 due to flood damage but reopened in March 2012.
::* Rivergate Mall, [url=http://www.rivergate-mall.com[/url].]Located in Goodlettsville.
::* Bellevue Center Mall, [url=http://www.bellevuesquare.com/[/url].]Located in Bellevue. This mall has been demolished and is being transformed into One Bellevue Place, a mixed shopping mall and residential development that will include a Hilton hotel, and will open in late 2016.
::* 100 Oaks Mall, I-65 near exit 78. Formerly a mall, 100 Oaks's shopping options are the street level vendors. The building now houses new clinic facilities for Vanderbilt Medical Center. Remaining shops remain open.
For a less generic shopping experience:
::* 12 South District. Several fun (though pricey) vintage stores, including Draper James (a Reese witherspoon flagship store), Savant, and Local Honey (on a side street, also has clothing by local designers). Also home to the Art House gallery.
::* East Nashville/5 Points, [url=http://www.eastnashville.org/directory.php[/url].] Head to Hip Zipper [url=http://www.hipzipper.com/[/url]]& HUMANKIND thrift store [www.humankind-nashville.com[/url] for vintage clothing, The Turnip Truck [url=http://www.theturniptruck.com/]]for health food, or Art and Invention Gallery [url=http://www.artandinvention.com/[/url]]for fine art and handmade jewelry.
::* Hillsboro Village, [url=http://www.hillsborovillage.org/[/url].] Short section of 21st Ave. just south of Vanderbilt. Home of Nashville's most popular used bookstore, BookMan/BookWoman; A Thousand Faces (jewelry and local art); Pangaea (quirky gifts); and a well-stocked kitchen goods and coffee store.
:::* Peabody Shoe Repair Located in quaint Hillsboro Village, this shoe repair shop offers great deals on secondhand cowboy boots. Great place to find a bargain. It has recently been relocated to the 100 Oaks area.
::* Grimey's, [http://www.grimeys.com/[/url]. The best independent record store in town. Cramped, but has a good selection of vinyl and "pre-loved" music. Hosts free in-store performances by both local and nationally-known bands, usually in the afternoon or early evening.
::* Cool Springs Galleria, [url=http://www.coolsprings.com/].]I-65 South exit 69. Nashville's second most upscale mall currently undergoing expansion (rebuilding former Sears space for smaller luxury tenants), and now includes unique stores such as The Cheesecake Factory, Sephora, American Girl, Apple Store, H&M, Kona Grill and Kings Bowl Entertainment Center.
::* The Factory Franklin, [url=http://www.factoryatfranklin.com/[/url].]Innovative shopping mall. Former bed and stove factory from early 1900s converted into luxury mall with artists, antiques, day spa, restaurants, and other retail space.
::* Ovation at Cool Springs, [http://www.ovationcoolsprings.com/[/url] will be Tennessee's largest mixed use mall and development, and include two hotels and thousands of square feet of retail and office space and will include a residential component. The first phase is expected to open in late 2016.
::* Stones River Mall, [url=http://www.stonesrivermall.com/].]I-24 East exit 78b.
::* The Fountains at Gateway', [http://www.fountainsatgateway.com/[/url] is a planned mixed use mall and development that will be open beginning in 2016. Plans call for upscale retailers such as Tiffany and Company, Louis Vuitton and Rolex to operate stores here.
::* Governers Square Mall, [http://www.governorssquare.net/]. I-24 West exit 4.
James Beard award winning meat in three that is a Nashville staple. Open for lunch only.
*What began as a legendary food truck, this charming brick and mortar "hole in the wall" location can be found at 732 McFerrin St, in East Nashville. Cult following trek to feast on the chicken, fish or pork taco's but the restaurant shines with it's authentic and homemade Mexico City Style Tortilla Soup! Sunday brunch features spicy Mexican Hot Chocolate and Mexican pastries. Bring cash and be willing to share a table and a glass of aqua fresca with some hipsters!.
*They may not be the original Nashville Hot Chicken but Hattie B's has become one of the most popular destinations for fiery fowl in the city. Two locations, Midtown and West Nashville.
*It's an open-air 2-level arcade that runs between 4th Avenue North and 5th Avenue North. The Arcade primarily caters to the local downtown workers during the work week, but many great lunch restaurants can be found here, including Manny's House of Pizza, Phillip's Deli, and others. There are also several hairstylists, jewelers, florists, and other businesses. Be sure to visit the historic Peanut Shop.
*An endearingly dingy 50s ice cream stand on Charlotte Ave., recently revived into a popular summer mainstay that's popular with every demographic. Their hamburgers, hot dogs, and fries are some of Nashville's favorites, and the strawberry shortcake's great. New location opened downtown on 4th Avenue.
*The birthplace of Nashville Hot Chicken, a dish that demands national attention for its spicy kick and delicious flavor. Prince's started it all with the owner's famously hot chicken drawing the attention of crowds not just in Nashville but across the entire country.
*Established in 1993, La Hacienda Taqueria has continually been making statements and catching the noteriety as Nashville's finest authentic Mexican restaurant.
*This diner-coffeeshop is divey, friendly, cheap, greasy, and as southern as white gravy on fried chicken. Perfect if you're drunk or a night owl, which most of the other customers here are (except at breakfast, which draws a mix of polite older couples and hungover kids). An ancient cigarette machine and a well-stocked jukebox.
*Located in historic Germantown, Monell's is a Nashville tradition. They serve different meals every day and the good ol' home cookin' is sure not to disappoint! Seating and serving are done family style, 13-14 per table. More than likely you will sit with people you don't know. It is expected that you enjoy the company and meet new friends. First come, first serve. No reservations and no cell phones allowed.
*A pretty good Mexican place. You can get a nice filling meal here for under ten bucks. There are several locations:
2615 Franklin Pike, +1 615 292-1902.
1905 Hayes St, +1 615 322-9588.
15560 Old Hickory Blvd, +1 615 831-0432,
Ste 105, 6688 Nolensville Rd, Brentwood, +1 615 941-4756,
5511 Charlotte Pike, +1 615 352-0313
* Save room after your Mexican meal for Las Paletas' homemade popsicles in exotic flavors! The Paz sisters ate them often when growing up in Mexico and have now brought us their own take on the treats. Hibiscus, basil, chocolate jalapeno, and rose petal are all delicious; so are the tamer versions, like mango, raspberry, chai tea, chocolate chip cookie, and Mexican caramel.
*Fabulous pizza, quite simply. Nashville isn't much of a town for pizza, but this place more than makes up for it. The plain slices are great, but even the fancier ones (like the Fantasy) don't gild the lily. Free liva jazz Thursday nights at the 21st Ave. location (between Vandy and Hillsboro Village); there's another smaller shop on Granny White/12th Ave. across from Lipscomb.
*An old, friendly neighborhood joint whose hamburger and milkshake are consistently voted the best in Nashville. Get the grilled version of the cheeseburger -- basically a grilled cheese with a hamburger in it.
*They have a basic menu that would satisfy most any Indian food craving and at $6.49 for a plate FULL of food, you won't go wrong.
*Amazing southern Indian food. Very long menu, but the servers are helpful. The specials are a good sampler.
Blackstone Restaurant & Brewery, 1918 West End Avenue, Nashville, +1 615 327-9969, [url=http://www.blackstonebrewery.com].]In the heart of Nashville's Midtown at 19th Ave & West End, one mile from central downtown area. Hours: Friday & Saturday 11am - 1am; Monday - Thursday 11am - midnight; Sunday Noon to 10pm. Nashville's first Microbrewery and full menu and bar. Local award winning beers.
* Cafe Nonna, 4427 Murphy Rd, +1 615 463-0133, [url=http://www.cafenonna.com/[/url].] Another well-liked Italian restaurant, this intimate neighborhood place keeps its menu small and its dishes impeccably prepared. With the fresh ingredients and simple preparation, you might as easily be in some Tuscan hill town. Located in Sylvan Park.
* Demos', 300 Commerce St, +1 615 256-4655, [url=http://www.demosrestaurants.com[/url].]Located in Downtown Nashville, this steakhouse is named the best in Nashville by Reader's Choice. A 6-ounce with any side or a bowl of a special spaghetti is around $10, and 10 & under meals are around $4. Drinks $1.80. Comes with unlimited bread refills. No special dress code.
* Don't miss this authentic Tennessee barbecue joint right beside the Ryman Auditorium. Located on Lower Broadway -- just look for the neon sign featuring flying pigs! Also at 334 West Trinity Lane, +1 615 228-9888.
* Maggiano's Little Italy, 3106 West End Ave, (a few blocks south of Vanderbilt University), +1 615 514-0270 (fax: +1 615 514-0271, carryout: +1 615 514-0275, banquet: +1 615 514-0280), [url=http://www.maggianos.com/[/url].] A busy Italian restaurant, serving Southern Italian meals, most famously in "family style", portions that are more than large enough to share. Reservations recommended for parties of any size. Open for lunch and dinner, seven days.
* Pancake Pantry, 1796 21st Ave S, +1 615 383-9333, [url=http://www.thepancakepantry.com[/url].] A Nashville landmark and basically the best place in town for breakfast, anytime before 3PM. The frosted haired waitresses will call you "honey," and the pancakes will be better than you'd ever realized pancakes could be. Don't be daunted by the line snaking around the block on weekends; it moves quickly, and you get free coffee while you wait.
* Rosepepper Grille and Cantina, 1907 Eastland Ave, +1 615 227-4777, [url=http://rosepepper.com/[/url].] A neighborhood favorite for several years now, this popular and upbeat nouveau Mexican place is in East Nashville, a bit off the tourist's beaten path.
* San Antonio Taco Company, or SATCO, 416 21st Ave S, +1 615 327-4322, [url=http://thesatco.com/[/url].] Always a favorite with Vandy kids, offering reliably so-so Tex-Mex food (very little meat on the tacos, and the guacamole has tons of pepper) and cheap buckets of beer. Right off the Vanderbilt campus. Stop by Ben & Jerry's next door for dessert. Caveat: Towing in this area can be ruthless. Check the signs wherever you park. If you go, get the queso and chips for around $3. It's the best thing on the menu and is enough for 2.
* Sole Mio, 311 3rd Ave S, +1 615 256-4013, [http://solemionashville.com/[/url]. Long considered one of Nashville's best Italian restaurants, this place excels even in its new, viewless location on 3rd Ave - and, impressively, manages to keep its prices low. Subtle variations on traditional dishes keep things interesting, and the service is great. Seafood dishes and homemade ravioli are great.
Margot. [url=http://www.margotcafe.com/]]This quirky local restaurant at Five Points in East Nashville is considered by many to be Nashville best local chef owned restaurant. It features a seasonal menu that is changed daily. Don't miss the seasonal hot chocolate topped with a homemade marshmallow for an after-dinner treat.
* Saffire. [url=http://saffirerestaurant.com/[/url]]Relaxed, upscale, and well worth the fifteen minutes on I-65 South, this restaurant in the Factory shopping center in Franklin has a reputation for excellent food. It's not too expensive, either, and often has live music.
* Rolf and Daughters. [url=http://rolfanddaughters.com/[/url]]Named as the 3rd best new restaurant in 2013 in America by Bon Appetit magazine and a top 25 new restaurant by Esquire. Located in the redeveloped Werthan Mills in historic Germantown.
* Husk. [url=http://www.husknashville.com/[/url]]A new sister restaurant to the James Beard awarded Husk of Charleston. In a wonderful restored historic house in the Rutledge Hill neighborhood. Excellent "new Southern" cuisine
* Etch. [url=http://www.etchrestaurant.com/[/url]]Chef/Owner Deb Paquette is a mainstay of the Nashville culinary scene. Etch has won numerous awards and made its way into many lists of top restaurants in Nashville.
* Catbird Seat. [url=https://thecatbirdseatrestaurant.com/[/url]]Celebrated entrant to the city's food scene. Has received accolades from Food & Wine, Wine Enthusiast, Wall Street Journal, and many more. New Southern cuisine at a 32 seat "chef's tasting" table. Usually fully booked a month in advance.
* Capitol Grille. [http://www.capitolgrillenashville.com/homepage.aspx[/url] AAA four diamond awardee. Not a member of the steakhouse chain of the same name. One of the longest standing members of the fine dining scene in Nashville, many of the top chefs in the city got their start here. Located in the Historic Hermitage hotel, you will see many of Tennessee's industry, political, and cultural leaders here. Also remember to check out the famous art deco men's washroom.
Nashville's first Microbrewery and full menu and bar. Local award winning beers.
*Decent piano bar, but can be very rowdy at times.
* Located in the Five Points area of East Nashville is the linchpin in a cluster of bars all within a stone's throw of one another: Red Door Saloon, which also has an outpost in midtown; The 5 Spot, a pleasant nonsmoking spot that often books local bands; Beyond the Edge, a large sports bar; the Alley Cat, a popular neighborhood hangout with good food selection; and more.
* 3rd and Lindsley offers loud country- and blues-rock from local and touring performers.
* Isn't a bar, per se, but it does serve beer and remains open 24 hours every day. Expect to find studious Vandy kids, scene-making hipsters, and drunk everybody at night. Located just off Elliston behind the Exit/In.
* Another major venue for songwriters hoping to be discovered as well as established songwriters revisiting their old haunts. Open mic nights every week.
* A standby for mid-level touring bands of all varieties for decades. Check out the names of past performers over the bar.
* Huge assortment of beers available here.
* Initially opened as a lesbian bar, the lipstick lounge now considers itself "a bar for humans."
* A welcome new addition to the bar scene. Its many red pool tables, large deck, friendly vibe, and live band karaoke nights add to its charm. Often hosts nationally-known indie bands.
* Located next to Centennial Park, this is one of Nashville's most reliable dive bars and often hosts underground and noisy local and touring bands. Once a speakeasy, later a hangout for Jimmy Hoffa, now host to a strange mix of local drunks, slumming Vandy kids, and musicians. Pool table, arcade games, good jukebox, good booker, a cheap beer-only bar, and a large screened-in cement block porch. Don't miss its regular Working Stiffs Jamboree.
* A bit of a time warp, especially located in the middle of the now trendy Gulch area of 12th Ave. Its excellent bluegrass and old-time Americana shows have drawn loyal patrons for decades.
* Nashville's Premiere Neighborhood Bar serving the gay community since 2008, but EVERYONE'S WELCOME!"
* Intimate (read: cramped); owner and man-around-town Mike Grimes books everything from country singer-songwriters to young noise bands. Above the venue is Grimey's, his record store that consistently is voted best independent record store in Nashville. A non-smoking, 21+ club.
* Located downown this is a fun place; it sometimes has all-you-can-drink evenings for around $20. Go for their wide selection of beers.
* Located just across from Exit/In, it regularly books reliable indie rock bands, both local and nationally known.
* Good music nightly on the stage at this spacious two-floor honky tonk in the center of downtown Nashville.
* Tootsie's is one of the few denizens of lower Broad that looks like it's been there for half a century - and it has. An old honkytonk where many major country stars got their starts.
* Located downtown, it offers line-dancing lessons during the day. It is conveniently located near quite a few other bars and clubs aimed at country music fans and tourists downtown, most of which tend to be bustling on weekends.
Cafe about a mile south of downtown. Known for its made-crafted coffee creations and their wide selection of baked goods. Wifi friendly. Gets busy on weekends but they now have a large patio to handle the crowds.
*The first and most relaxed in a very successful local mini-chain of quirky coffeehouses, Bongo Java is a meeting place for the young, the arty, and the students at Belmont University just across the street. Linger for hours on the huge porch over several cups of their incredibly strong, flavorful coffee, and take advantage of the free computer, wifi, and chess set use.
*A relatively new coffee house in Germantown, just north of downtown. Known for it's Panini sandwiches and Gelato, as well as smooth, rich espresso. Wifi for you and toys for any kids you might bring.
* Formely a pop-up but now a full on cafe with breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Try the coffee soda which is served on draft.
Music City Hostel, 1809 Patterson St, +1 615 692-1277, [url=http://www.musiccityhostel.com].]Dorm beds at $28, private rooms at $85.
* Nashville Downtown Hostel, 177 First Avenue North, +1 615 497-1208, [http://www.nashvilledowntownhostel.com[/url]. Dorm beds at $32, private rooms at $100.
Alexis Inn & Suites Nashville Airport-Opryland, 600 Ermac Dr, +1 615 889-4466. $50-109. [url=http://alexisinn.com/]]Great amenities, Free Hot breakfast, Free Hi-Speed internet, Airport Shuttle. All non smoking hotel and location.
*[url=http://www.baymontinns.com/hotels/tennessee/nashville/baymont-inn-and-suites-nashville-airport-briley/hotel-overview]Baymont Inn and Suites Nashville Airport/ Briley[/url[/url]' Conveniently located off Interstate 40 and just two miles from Nashville International Airport,2350 Elm Hill Pike,37214-5118,$59-102.
* Best Western - Convention Center, 711 Union St, +1 615 242-4311. Located on the site of James K. Polk's home. Continental breakfast. $87-145. [url=http://www.bestwestern.com/]]
* Best Western - Music Row, 1407 Division St, +1 615 242-1631, [url=http://www.bestwestern.com/[/url].] Located in the heart of "Music Row." Pet friendly, free breakfast. $60-79
* Club-Hotel Nashville Inn & Suites, 2435 Atrium Way, +1 615 883-0500. $50-109. [url=http://clubhotelnashville.com/[/url]] Deluxe Hot breakfast, Free Hi-Speed internet, Airport Shuttle, Fitness Center, great outdoor pool and evening manager's cocktail reception. Meeting rooms available for meetings and training. Fully smoke free hotel and facility.
*[url=http://www.daysinn.com/hotels/tennessee/nashville/days-inn-nashville-west/hotel-overview]Days Inn Nashville West[/url[/url]',269-271 White Bridge Pike,37209, Phone +1-615 356-9100, $55+
* Days Inn Downtown-Nashville West Trinity Lane, 1400 Brick Church Pike, +1 615 228-5977, $55+.[http://www.daysinn.com/hotels/tennessee/nashville/days-inn-downtown-nashville-west-trinity-lane/hotel-overview].
* Days Inn Nashville- Airport, 821 Murfreesboro Rd, +1 615 399-0017, $55+.[http://www.daysinn.com/hotels/tennessee/nashville/days-inn-nashville-airport/hotel-overview].
* Holiday Inn Express Nashville Airport, 1111 Airport Center Dr, +1 615 883-1366, $107+.[url=http://www.hiexpress.com/hotels/us/en/nashville/bnaex/hoteldetail].] $107+ nightly. Great amenities, including an outdoor pool, 24-hour Fitness Center, free 24-hour shuttle service to the BNA Airport. You can start the day with the free, hot Express Start Breakfast Bar.
*
* Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Nashville, 100 Coley Davis Court, +1 615 662-0004, $60+.[http://www.microtelinn.com/hotels/tennessee/nashville/microtel-inn-and-suites-nashville/hotel-overview[/url].
* Days Inn - Coliseum, 211 N 1st St, +1 615 254-1551, $65-120. [http://www.daysinn.com/]
* Days Inn - Opryland, 3312 Dickerson Rd, +1 615 228-3421. $58-65. [http://www.daysinn.com/]
* Suburban Hotel - South, 3910 Central Pike, +1 615 871-0678, [http://www.suburbanhotels.com/hotel-hermitage-tennessee-TN522]. $49+ nightly or $180+ weekly.
Best Western Suites - Opryland, 201 Music City Cir, +1 615 902-9940, [url=://nashvillebrentwood.place.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html" checkin="" checkout="" price="$119-199" lat="" long="">Located towards Brentwood, this Hyatt Place features comfortable, studio-inspired hotel rooms and free hot breakfasts.
*Hyatt Place has studio-style suites complete with separate living and sleeping areas, free hot breakfasts, an on-site Coffee to Cocktails Bar, a 24/7 Stayfit Gym and 24/7 Gallery Menu offering fresh food any time of the day or night, everything you need for a comfortable short or extended stay.
* Loews - Vanderbilt, 2100 West End Ave, +1 615 320-1700, [url=http://www.loewshotels.com/hotels/nashville[/url]url=http://www.bestwestern.com/].] All-suite hotel with refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker in rooms. Free breakfast, pool, sauna and fitness center. Approx $100.
* Comfort Inn Downtown Nashville, 1501 Demonbreun St. Pet-friendly downtown Nashville hotel with microwaves, refrigerators, coffeemakers, and free wireless high-speed internet in all rooms. $79-100. [http://www.comfortinnnashville.com/[/url]
* Country Inns & Suites - East Nashville, 3423 Percy Priest Dr, +1 615 277-1099[url=http://www.countryinns.com/].]Clean and quiet hotel just 10 mins from almost everything. Across the road from the beautiful Percy Priest lake. Free breakfast, pool, fitness center. Approx $80.
* Courtyard Nashville Airport, 2508 Elm Hill Pike, +1 615 256-0900, [url=http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/bnaca-courtyard-nashville-airport/[/url].] Renovated hotel 2 miles from Nashville International Airport (BNA). Complimentary airport shuttle service.
* Courtyard Nashville Downtown, 170 Fourth Ave North, +1 615 883-9500, [url=http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/bnadt-courtyard-nashville-downtown/[/url].]Century-old high-rise hotel in downtown Nashville. Located within walking distance of the entertainment district and near the Grand Ole Opry and Bridgestone Arena.
* Courtyard by Marriott - Vanderbilt/West End, 1901 West End Ave, +1 615 327-9900, [url=http://marriott.com/courtyard/[/url].] Free high-speed internet and complimentary shuttle service. $170-210.
* Guest House Inn and Suites, 1909 Hayes Street, 615 329-1000, [url=http://www.nashvilleguesthouseinn.com/[/url].] Located off of West End Ave. convenient to downtown, Vanderbilt, West End area restaurants and hospitals. Free shuttle, 108 rooms and suites.
* Hampton Inn and Suites - Nashville Downtown, 310 4th Ave S, [url=http://www.hamptonnashvilledowntown.com[/url].]Located across the street from Country Music Hall of Fame and Music City Convention Center. Complimentary breakfast, high-speed internet, 154 rooms and suites, Walk to everything!
* Holiday Inn Express - Downtown, 920 Broadway, [url=http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/hi/1/en/home[/url].] Located right in the center of the action in downtown Nashville. Complimentary breakfast, high-speed internet. Approx $110-150.
* Holiday Inn Select - Vanderbilt, 2613 West End Ave, +1 615 327-4707, [url=http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/sl/1/en/home[/url].] Located across the street from Centennial Park and only 2 miles from the city center. 300 rooms, pet friendly, outdoor pool and high-speed internet. $110-145.
*Located in the historic Doctor's Building, right in the heart of downtown Nashville. An all suite property with full functioning kitchens, free high speed internet, and complimentary hot breakfast bar. Beautifully restored in 2007 and only upscale, extended stay in downtown area.
*Located just 1.5 miles from the airport and 11 miles from downtown Nashville.
* The Inn at Opryland, A Gaylord Hotel, 2401 Music Valley Drive, +1 615 889-0800, [http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/bnagi-the-inn-at-opryland-a-gaylord-hotel/[/url]. Full-service hotel owned by Gaylord and located across the street from Gaylord Opryland Resort. Complimentary shuttle to the resort, as well as Grand Ole Opry, Opry Mills, and other nearby attractions. Approx $125/night average.
The Hermitage Hotel, 231 Sixth Ave N, 1-888-888-9414, [url=http://www.thehermitagehotel.com/index.cfm].] The grand dame of Nashville's hotel scene. AAA 5 diamond hotel that regularly ranks among the greatest in America. Beautiful lobby and rooms, as well as fantastic dining. The men's washroom adjacent to the restaurant is considered one of the best preserved art deco interiors in the world. $300.
* Omni Hotel, 250 Fifth Ave S, (615) 782-5300, [url=http://www.omnihotels.com/FindAHotel/Nashville.aspx[/url].]An 800 room convention center hotel located in the fast-developing SoBro district. But don't let that scare you, tasteful local accents can be found throughout the hotel. Fantastic 4th floor outdoor pool with large bar/lounging area. Hotel restaurant features a biscuit bar. Suites have floor to ceiling windows which face directly towards downtown Nashville. Also directly connected to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. $300.
* The largest non-casino hotel in the world. Rooms around $200 but if you get the special for the shows sometimes you can get a Room for $99. If you really want to splurge ask for the Cascades' or the Delta's Presidential Suite which has a rack of $3500.
* Hilton Garden Inn Nashville Vanderbilt, 1715 Broadway, +1 615 369-5900, [url=http://www.stayinnashville.com[/url].]Located close to Music Row in downtown Nashville. Close to The Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame. $260.
* Hilton Nashville Downtown, 121 4th Avenue South, +1 615 620-1000, [url=http://www.hilton.com/Downtown-Nashville[/url].]A AAA Four-Diamond hotel in the trendy SoBro district, 1 block off Broadway and adjacent to the Bridgestone Arena. An all-suite hotel with a restaurant that has great American cuisine. $230.
* The Hutton Hotel, 1808 West End Ave, +1 615 340-9333, [url=http://www.huttonhotel.com[/url].]A new boutique 4-Star hotel in Nashville's West End district. The on-site restaurant serves new American cuisine with an emphasis on sustainable seafood entrees and farm fresh produce from local growers, and an expansive wine list. $225.
* Marriott - Vanderbilt, 2555 West End Ave, +1 615 321-1300, [url=http://www.marriottvanderbilt.com/index.php[/url].] Overlooking historic Vanderbilt University. Vanderbilt's football stadium is next door and the state's most historic public park, Centennial Park, is across the street with a full-scale replica of the Parthenon. High-speed internet available. $200.
* Renaissance Nashville Hotel, 611 Commerce St, +1 615 255-8400, [http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/bnash-renaissance-nashville-hotel/[/url]. Newly renovated, located in the business district, and connected to the Convention Center. $170.
* . A masterpiece of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture. Built in the late 1800s. Formerly the train station for the city. A grand lobby, interesting rooms, and great location between the Frist art museum and hip Gulch neighborhood.
When booking in the next few years, look for new accommodation options as many new hotels are opening around the city as a result of the economic boom. Some new choices include a Kimpton Hotel across from Vanderbilt University in midtown, a Thompson Hotel in the Gulch operated by Commune Hospitality, a 34 story Westin across from the Music City Center, a Tribute Starwood portfolio hotel near TPAC, a 21c museum hotel next to that hotel, a 35 JW Marriott approved for construction next to the Westin, and a possible Virgin hotel and Hard Rock Hotel opening in the near future.
The Tennessean, [url=http://www.tennessean.com/].] The main daily newspaper.
* Metromix, [url=http://www.nashvillerage.com/[/url].] Formerly known as All the Rage, A free weekly entertainment guide for Nashville.
* Nashville Scene, [url=http://www.nashvillescene.com/[/url].] Nashville's oldest and largest weekly, now run by the Village Voice, [http://www.villagevoice.com/[/url]. Excellent entertainment news and reliable features, plus useful special issues (Annual Manual, Dining Guide, You're So Nashville If..., College Guide, Best of Nashville, etc.).
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* A consulate for the People's Republic of China will open in 2016, more info will be given when publicly announced.