NASHVILLE WEEKEND GETAWAY: TRAVEL GUIDE
Who knew Nashville was the bachelorette party capital of the world? Well, maybe you did, but I had no idea.
Always a late bloomer, I just started watching the old ‘Nashville’ series on Hulu, and now I’m obsessed. I’ve been to Nashville a few times, but just not in recent years. After watching the TV show and being a long-time country music lover, I knew I wanted to see the Grand OIe Opry and the Ryman. I grew up listening to Charlie Pride, Patsy Cline, Lynn Anderson, and Barbara Mandrell, along with the oldies of the 50s and 60s.
The Grand Ole Opry
It wasn’t intentional, but we booked a show at the Grand Ole Opry on the 20th anniversary of September 11. It was patriotic, beautiful, and didn’t disappoint. And…Charles Eston was the host. I couldn’t believe it. Yes, I’m also Charles Eston (Deacon) obsessed. Vince Gill sang that night, and we enjoyed Jeannie Seely as well.
We toured both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Ryman. The chronological history exhibits and memorabilia in the hall of fame were interesting, colorful, and well done. Also, as a Dolly fan, I love the ‘Coat of Many Colors Collage’ art exhibit near the entryway. The Ryman is beautiful and intimate, and it felt almost holy. Next time I’m in Nashville I’d like to see a concert there. Even South Carolina was represented, with Darrius Rucker wearing his Gamecock hat in the intro video.
We did a LOT of walking. From where we stayed at the Omni Nashville Hotel, almost everything we wanted to see was within walking distance. So we walked to Broadway, where all the honky-tonks are, and around the Vanderbilt campus, where my hubby went to college.
DINING OUT IN NASHVILLE
Food, You know I don’t’ miss a meal…
Husk for a birthday brunch (fried chicken for me) and bloody marys. We love the Charleston location, so we knew we wanted to try this one too.
The Hampton Social overlooks the river and the stadium and is one of the prettiest restaurants I’ve seen. It was full of cute young girls having brunch.
Adeles. A celebrity chef, seasonal comfort food in a remodeled auto repair shop.
Jane’s Hideaway. Live music at brunch. Chicken and waffles and a bloody mary for me.
Merchants. 30 years of fine dining in the heart of Broadway. Chicken fried chicken and mashed potatoes for me. Are you starting to see a trend?
Yolan. We went to The Joseph to view their art collection, which features a curated collection of one-of-a-kind pieces throughout the hotel. Afterward, we had a cocktail on the rooftop and then enjoyed an Italian meal from a James Beard award-winner and Michelin-starred chef. Not inexpensive, but delicious.
Acme Feed & Seed. Made-from-scratch family specialties, craft beer, and a constant stream of artists appearing on their stage and Acme Radio Live.
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken. Hot chicken. Never had it and didn’t know what all the fuss was about. Now I do. And wow. And while you are indulging, have the homemade banana pudding too.
TO SEE & DO
White’s Merchantile. A curated general store owned by Hank William Jr’s daughter Holly Williams.
The Bluebird Café. 40 years of acoustic music performed by its composers, all in a 90-seat venue. Do not miss this! However, you must buy tickets ahead of time.
Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery. Thirty-two acres of a historic property, wine tastings, and bourbon tastings.
Frist Art Museum. Art museum with rotating exhibits in the heart of Nashville.
The Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center is something to see, a spectacular display of greenery, glass, and shopping.
Lastly, the music. Oh, the MUSIC. I love some live music, and of course, when in Nashville, you have to hit the honky tonks. The whole area was really, really crowded with people, party buses galore, and dancing bridesmaids and bachelorettes. Usually in the back of a moving truck, bus, or tractor. All this mama could think was, ‘ boy, that looks dangerous.‘ I must be getting old.
NASHVILLE ENTERTAINMENT
Robert’s Western World. Live music seven days a week.
Jason Aldean’s Kitchen + Rooftop Bar. Great views of the city from the rooftop.
Ole Red. Blake Shelton’s restaurant and bar. We enjoyed the dance floor.
Tootsie Orchid Lounge. It was nothing like either of us remembered, super-crowded but still fun, and a piece of history.
Legends Corner. Classic dive bar, live music, and dancing.
It was a crazy wonderful unexpected good time. I’ve spent a little time in Austin – the ‘live music capital of the world’ and Nashville could give Austin a run for its money. It’s clean, bustling, and a whole lot of fun.
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