Top Reasons to Visit Nashville

Is Music City at the top of your bucket list? There’s so much to see and experience in this historic city. When you visit Tennessee’s capital city, you can hear live music, eat delicious food, take photos with colorful murals and much more. This big city has a blend of Southern charm and vibrant nightlife that draws visitors from worldwide. 

Nashville has something for everyone to enjoy, whether you love music, the outdoors, history or whiskey. This city’s blend of options is unique — you won’t find another place in or out of the U.S. like Nashville. Keep reading for highlights and must-see destinations! 

Immerse Yourself in the Live Music Scene

Nashville is a mecca for music lovers. This city is well-known as a music industry hub, and you can hear live bands playing every night of the week. Here are a few ways to soak up Nashville’s vibrant music scene. 

• Visit the Grand Ole Opry: The Grand Ole Opry is the world’s longest-running radio show and now a weekly concert celebrating American country music. You can see the show or take a backstage tour to learn more about the history of music in Nashville. 
• Tour the Ryman Auditorium: The Grand Ole Opry broadcast from this historic building for 30 years before moving to its new custom-built home in the Opryland area in 1974. Originally built as a church, this venue still hosts nationally touring concerts and comedy shows and serves as a museum. 
• Spend the day on Lower Broad: In downtown Nashville, the neon lights beckon you to Lower Broadway. This walkable strip has one live music venue after another. It’s easy to find the entertainment you love with this variety! 

Though downtown Nashville has tons of bars, a few consistently stand out. Check out these locations if you enjoy a late night out:

• The Stage on Broadway 
• Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge
• Nudie’s Honky Tonk
• AJ’s Good Time Bar(A Dr. Brought favorite)

Another thing to look for is live events. Because Nashville is a storied live music destination, up-and-coming and established artists dream of playing at venues like the Ryman. If you have your heart set on seeing your favorite band or musician, consider researching their tour schedule and planning your trip around a specific concert. 

Savor the Flavors of Southern Cuisine

In addition to music, local life in Nashville is well-known for its delicious restaurants, breweries, coffee shops and more. If you like chicken, biscuits and top-quality whiskey, you’ll love eating in Nashville. 

Hot chicken is Nashville’s most famous dish and has become virtually synonymous with Music City’s culinary scene. Two of the city’s best places to get hot chicken are Hattie B’s and Prince’s Hot Chicken. You can order your meal in varying spice levels, so you can try this local dish without exceeding your heat comfort level. 

One of Dr. Brought’s go-to spots while attending a Nashville Predator’s Hockey game at Bridgestone Arena, a concert at the Ryman Auditorium, or hanging out a honky-tonk on Lower Broadway, is Assembly Food Hall.  This innovative culinary and entertainment destination in the heart of downtown Nashville “brings together an unrivaled collection of the best sights, sounds and tastes of Music City under one roof.”

Here are a few other fun places to visit. 

• The Goo Goo Chocolate Co.: Did you know the first combination candy bar was invented in Nashville in 1912? Here, you can learn about the history of the Goo Goo Cluster, made from an irresistible combination of caramel, marshmallow, nougat and peanuts, all covered in milk chocolate. You can also try your hand at candy making and sample spirits and wines from some of Tennessee’s best distilleries and vineyards.
• Nashville Farmers’ Market: Get seasonal produce and artisan foods here daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Browse through the indoor and outdoor market, try locally owned restaurants and immerse yourself in Middle Tennessee’s farming community. 
• Jack Daniel’s Distillery: Though this location is about an hour and a half from downtown, it’s an incredible way to learn more about the history of Tennessee whiskey and its economic importance. 
• Leipers Fork(A hidden gem recommended by Dr. Brought): Approximately 40 minutes from downtown Nashville and just outside downtown Franklin is a mix of countryside surroundings, unique finds, and sweet Southern music. The small village is packed with world-class talent, favorite southern dishes, and, of course, plenty of laid-back charm. Visit the local distillery, artisan shops, and enjoy live music from top artists in the industry. You never know who you might run into.

You can also find James Beard Award-winning restaurants throughout the city. Your only difficulty may be in choosing where to eat, since there are so many delightful options!

Discover Nashville’s Shopping Scene

Music City’s shopping and restaurant scene go hand in hand. When you find your energy flagging after visiting specialty stores, refuel with brunch, lunch or an early dinner right next door. It’s easy to while away a morning or afternoon exploring the city’s best shopping areas. 

• The Gulch: This high-end neighborhood is a fantastic place to shop, find unforgettable dining and enjoy nightlife. There are also many fun murals in this area!
• 12 South: Another option is 12 South, a less expensive but still picturesque area where you can enjoy boutiques, coffee shops and restaurants. 
• Germantown: If you’re more interested in food, head to Germantown. You’ll find cute shops and high-quality restaurants in this area. Germantown is also close to the Nashville Farmers’ Market.

If you enjoy specialty boutiques, you should check out several additional parts of town. Exploring North Nashville, you will find handcrafted items and unique artisan pieces. You can also shop until you drop downtown, in Green Hills and in other areas across the city. 

Explore History and Art in the Area

The first white settlers established Fort Nashborough, a permanent settlement along the Cumberland River, in 1779. Since then, the city has seen historic growth and is a national leader in the health care, publishing and higher education industries. If you enjoy museums and historic sites, Nashville has virtually endless attractions for you to choose from. Here are just a few to consider: 

• Country Music Hall of Fame: This museum has priceless artifacts like costumes and instruments and can take several hours to explore. Across the street, you can visit the Music City Walk of Fame, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
• National Museum of African American Music: NMAAM is the only museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating the music genres created, influenced and inspired by African Americans. 
• Frist Art Museum: The Frist Art Museum on Broadway features traveling exhibits and educational events in the city’s former main post office. The Art Deco building dates back to the 1930s.
• Nashville murals: Artists have painted stunning murals all over Nashville. You can catch them on a self-guided tour or book a Jeep tour. 
• Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery: This historic home dates back to the early 1800s and was known for breeding thoroughbred racehorses. You can tour the facility, explore the grounds and enjoy a wine tasting. 
• The Hermitage: Tour Andrew Jackson’s former plantation, purchased in the early 1800s to produce cotton. 
• The Parthenon: Built for Tennessee’s 1897 Centennial Exposition, the Parthenon is a full-scale replica of the Greek temple in Athens. Don’t miss the 42-foot gilded sculpture of Athena, goddess of wisdom. 

This list is only the beginning — there are multiple Civil War historic sites, museums and art exhibitions to enjoy in Nashville. 

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Every client case starts with a comprehensive consultation, and we pride ourselves on giving honest feedback about whether plastic surgery is the best choice for you. To reach Dr. Brought at SPRSI and schedule an appointment, call 615-724-9818. You can also reach out through our online contact form!