Welcome to Nashville, Music City, NashVegas, The Third Coast
This is my love letter to Nashville, my adopted hometown. We are indeed, country music and grits, but we're much more. We are great dining, cool shopping, serene nature spots, colorful internationals, world class symphony, independent arts.
Allow me to give you a tour.
What you will specifically find here is an insider's tour and fun things to do with children in Nashville.
What to do first
Of course you have to Honky Tonk
Let's start with the must-sees first, shall we? These are the places I take my own visiting friends and family to give them a taste of Nashville's traditional flavor -- Country Music, Honky Tonks, and BBQ.
Nashville Musts
- The Ryman Auditorium
- The Mother Church of Country Music and an amazing place to hear everyone from Annie Lenox to Alison Kraus.
- Country Music Hall of Fame
- See the Elvis Car and Dolly's costumes. Awesome musical selection in the gift shop.
- The Blue Bird Cafe
- Listen to music here, often by the men and women who write the Gold Record songs. Get shhshhed.
- The Parthenon and Athena
- An awesome replica of the Greek Parthenon and a 42-foot statue of the Goddess Athena. The surrounding park, Centennial, is a great place to stroll and picnic. It's also across from Vanderbilt University.
- The Frist Center
- Step inside this beautiful Art Deco building, our former Main Post Office, to view an ever-changing collection of art. Visit ArtQuest for children to paint, print and build. Excellent shop and restaurant.
- The Loveless Cafe
- "Praise the Lard and Pass the Biscuits.'' That about says it all. Family-style Southern dining in an historic restaurant, where you can spot celebrities sitting next to tourists. A popular spot for bikers hitting the Natchez Trace. Great shops.
- Tootsie's Orchid Lounge
- On Lower Broadway, the Purple building is an icon -- if a smoky and crowded one. Step back in time here, sip a cold beer and listen to just about anyone sing where Patsy, Willie and Kris did once. A must stop if you're touring downtown Nashville.
Can I tell you my husband bought a 5-foot-long urinal out of Tootsie's at an auction? He bought it because Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson and Patsy Cline all were said to have used it. He actually got interviewed on TV about it. It holds cold drinks at our parties now. - Gaylord Opryland Hotel
- Big, huge, Southern, jaw-dropping. Put your walking shoes on big. Visit the Grand Ole Opry and Opry Mills Mall. Free outdoor concerts in the summer.
And be sure not to miss
- Hatch Show Print on Lower Broadway.
- Music Row, and the nearby restaurants and shops on Demonbreun.
- A look at our universities: Vanderbilt, Belmont, Tennessee State, Fisk.
- A walk over the Cumberland River via the Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge.
- The Bicentennial Mall and Farmer's Market: Excellent produce, flowers, food and a great place to walk and see the Capitol from a great vista. In the summer, let the kids run through the fountains
- Drive down Belle Meade Boulevard to see the mansions and wind your way toward the beautiful and historic Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Art Museum.
See it like a Native
Where to kick back with the locals
If you want local color, head west and east of downtown to explore neighborhoods with unique charm and distinct offerings. You'll find excellent food, quiet spots to sit, good people-watching and shopping.
Where the Natives hang
Hillsboro Village, East Nashville, 12South, The Gulch
- Hillsboro Village
- Just a block from Vanderbilt University, this little 'hood serves up good brew, hot coffee, unique eats and excellent locally-owned shops.
- Historic East Nashville
- Cross the Cumberland River toward the football stadium and into a neighborhood of Victorian charm, eclectic residents and urban style. Eat, drink, shop. And while you are there, take a stroll at Shelby Bottoms Greenway, parts of which run along the Cumberland River.
- Nashville's 12South
- Click the link to a New York Times story from 2003, with good and mostly current information. But, Becker's Bakery is no more and there are new restaurants, and a delightful cheese shop
- The Gulch
- Nashville Gulch is a mixed-use urban neighborhood located near downtown, in the shadow of Union Station. Beautiful people and pricey drinks. Excellence where until recently there was nothing but a train track.
Nashville with Kids
From funny Lorikeets at the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere to winding, wooded trails and art-making at a premier museum, there is plenty to entertain the children in Music City. Where the locals go to inspire and tire their kids
Parks, zoo, art-making
- Nashville Zoo
- Just a few minutes south of downtown Nashville, the zoo is a delightful place to spend the day. Be sure to visit the meerkats and the Lorikeets.
- Nashville Public Library
- Free weekday story times and weekend marionette shows at the Main Library downtown. Our beautiful, classically designed library also has an extensive historical collection in the Nashville Room. A cafe and courtyard -- complete with tempting fountain -- make a great rest stop.
- Cheekwood Botanic Garden and Art Museum
- Every Saturday morning from 10 to noon, the kiddos can play with art supplies to make seasonal and crafts. Classes are free and no reservations are required. Once at Cheekwood, adults and kids can enjoy the glorious gardens and beautiful art exhibits. Free with admission to Cheekwood.
- ArtQuest at the Frist Center
- Cut, color, collage, paint, print all in The Frist Center's specifically designated kid's zone. To be sure, even the 'rents will have a good time making art here, whether it is before or after you've toured the galleries. The Frist also has a great spot for sitting -- or hopping and running -- in the courtyard by the restaurant. Free with museum entrance fee.
- Warner Park Nature Center
- About 15 minutes west of downtown Nashville is the serene Warner Park Nature Center. Inside, kids can play in a tree, dress up as woodland animals, and touch and explore bones, feathers, wood and seeds. Outside, winding and easy trails, offer a place to walk. The center has a wide back porch and grassy field, a perfect spot for sitting, or having a snack. If you explore nearby, there are other trails and playgrounds and a few hidden away benches for quiet reflection. Free.
- Bicentennial Capitol Mall
- This outdoor park/mall is downtown, next to the Farmer's Market, where you can buy fresh produce, Tennessee preserves and everything from BBQ to Jamaican food to Gyros. Grab some food and sit in a shady spot at the Mall and then let the kids run through the Mall's fountain, which shoots out of the ground. It is designed to symbolize each of Tennessee's 31 main Rivers. (See picture above) If your kid is into trains, be alert that trains pass right above the fountain area. There are bathrooms nearby for changing into dry clothes and the park rangers ride around on horseback. Oh, and there's also a weekend craft market at the Farmer's Market. Fabulously free entertainment.
And wait, wait there's more for kids and families
- Seasonal festivals and fairs abound -- from the Celebration of Cultures to the State Fair. Be sure to check the calendar listings online at The Tennessean and Nashville Scene, as well as the Convention and Visitors Bureau.
- Visit Las Paletas on 12th Avenue South for mind-blowingly good Mexican popsicles and then walk across the street to Sevier Park's playground.
- Feed the ducks at Centennial Park on West End, just past Vanderbilt University
- Storytime at Davis-Kidd Booksellers at The Mall at Green Hills, a shoppers delight.
- A trip back in time at Bobby's Dairy Dip, 5301 Charlotte Avenue, just 10 to 15 minutes from downtown. And while you're here, check out the area's Mexican, Vietnamese and Korean restaurants and groceries that provide good food and new color.
Eat your way through Nashville
Whether you want to spend $$$$ or $, Nashville provides ample opportunity to feast well. From hip and fancy restaurants to casual coffee houses to sidewalk taco trucks, we have it all. Seriously, we make good biscuits, but so much more. Here are a few recommendations from a local's perspective...you can get others from your fancy guidebooks.
Insider's Dining Guide or "No, you don't have to eat biscuits today too.''
- Watermark
- Elegant and sophisticated, the Watermark has what may be the best view of downtown. A foodie friend said this place offers "exquisite treatment of familiar dishes.'' Can't go wrong here. Watermark is in the hip and clubby Gulch.
- Flyte World Dining and Wine
- Fun, adventurous and hip. Seriously, how could you go wrong with this item: "Twice Cooked La Belle Farms Duck with sumac, chanterelle mushroom risotto, fall squash, cocoa nib jus.'' And a dessert of this of Johnny Apple Pie with goat cheese, pine nuts, wild Tennessee dark honey, vanilla ice cream. Flyte is just a few minutes from downtown.
- Zola
- Zola has been often named Nashville's "Best Romantic Restaurant'' and it is deserved. The cuisine is inspired by the Mediterranean foods of Spain, France and Italy, as well as Greece and Morocco. Add in a New South twist and you have an excellent evening to remember. Zola is just off of West End Avenue, near Vanderbilt University.
- Marche Artisan Foods
- Cross the Cumberland to East Nashville for a European cafe experience. Sunday Brunch is the star here, but every other meal celebrated as well.
- Rumours Wine and Art Bar
- Wine, food and art, all in a cool space with a great outdoor patio. Great neighborhood spot in the 12South district. A new location has recently opened in East Nashville.
- The Yellow Porch
- Casual, lovely, cozy. Popular with the regular locals, and the bigwigs too. Don't leave without having the bananas Foster bread pudding.
And you may want to consider:
- Las Paletas, which I have mentioned already, has outstanding all-natural, hand-made, gourmet Mexican popsicles. Get the kids a fruit-flavored one and get yourself the avocado or chocolate chili.
- In Hillsboro Village, there are several dining options, including the casual but cool Provence and Fido and the famous Pancake Pantry, if you don't mind the wait.
- In East Nashville, The Eastland Cafe, casual yet upscale. And, also in the 'hood is the always great Cafe Margot.
- Pick up some food at the Farmer's Market and dine outside an the Bicentennial Mall. (See entry under things to do with kids.)
Global Nashville
We are international
Believe it or not, Nashville is a city with global spice. Immigrants and refugees from all over the world -- primarily from South East Asia, Iraq, Africa and Latin America -- live in Music City and surrounds, offering up the flavor of their home culture to the local.Here are my favorite international eats and treats.
Drive south on Nolensville Road, off of I-440, see a Taco Truck. Stop. Eat. Any one will be a winner...or at least an interesting experience.
La Hacienda Taqueria, 2615 Nolensville Road: Hands down the best Mexican restaurant for the money, service and cheer. A great place to take the kids. Order their traditional tacos with extra avocado and lime. A bargain and a mood-enhancer. Seriously. Best of all, the place started as a few scattered tables inside the grocery store. A decade later, they rule as King of Mexican Food. Then, go next door to Phonoluxe and buy some used CDs.
Hang locally. Eat globally.
- Anatolia
- Turkish. Fun. Delicious.
- Koto Sushi Bar
- Local hangout, especially for downtown workers at lunch. Excellent sushi.
- Sitar Indian Restaurant
- I've loved this place for a dozen years. It gets so-so reviews from some people, and my own husband complains that his food is never spicy enough, but the bread is great, the samosas I adore, the lamb is my favorite, and the lunch buffet is quick and filling. Sitar is off of West End, near Vandy and the Loews hotel.
- Aurora Bakery and Cafe Papillon
- Tasty and beautiful Mexican breads, pastries,and cakes. Be sure to have the Tres Leches cake or a smiley face cookie. La Aurora is just up the road from the Nashville Zoo, making it a convenient spot to grab a treat and a coffee, before or after.
- Las Americas
- Go for the Pupusas. Have many. Who cares if you don't speak Spanish. Just point. Then eat. Enjoy.
- Kien Giang
- Kien Giang Vietnamese restaurant in West Nashville, is in the same shopping plaza as the K&S World Market, which sells Asian and Mexican groceries, as well as live fish and none-too-common on this continent animal parts. And, just up the road from both is the McKay's Used Books store, worth the trip.
Happenings: Music, art, festivals and fun
What to do in Nashville and Middle Tennessee
- Now Playing Nashville.com
- A comprehensive and up-to-date guide to concerts, festivals, art exhibits, sports, community events, and family activities.
Supreme Nashville singers and songwriters
See these people if they're playing when you are in town.
Writer's Night
A Nashville tradition
If you want a true music experience, spend an evening, or two, at a Writer's Night or Open Mic Night. Aspiring songwriters and performers play local clubs, sharing their music and spreading their hope. Some performances can be soul-changing and you'll end up wondering why some of these people are not famous too. Some, of course, will send you right out the door, or holding your nose to keep from laughing.
Either way, you'll have a true Nashville moment at any Writer's Night. And hey, most are free.
Below are my favorite spots for listening.
Check the local papers -- the Tennessean and the Nashville Scene -- before your trip for show listings.
Either way, you'll have a true Nashville moment at any Writer's Night. And hey, most are free.
Below are my favorite spots for listening.
Check the local papers -- the Tennessean and the Nashville Scene -- before your trip for show listings.
- Douglas Corner Cafe
- On 8th Avenue South in the antique district, and just a few minutes from downtown.
- Blue Bird Cafe
- Just sitting down in this historic place is worth the trip to Green Hills, about 10 to 15 minutes south of downtown. Green Hills, by the way, is home to our fanciest mall and shopping district.
- The Family Wash
- This East Nashville eatery is a rockin' good time.
- Commodore Hotel Writer's Night
- Long time writer's night in the Holiday Inn next to Vanderbilt University.
Reviews from Yelp
Here's what Yelpers have to say about Hotels & Travel in 37203
- The Hermitage Hotel (Nashville)
- "Older hotel completely remodeled and in top shape. Beautiful lobby and especially the ceiling, from times past. . Rooms were very well furnished - jacuzzi..." more
- Union Station Hotel (Nashville)
- "I haven't stayed here yet, but this place is a must-see for anyone with a strong affinity for stained glass. It's a stunning hotel...I'd even say bad-ass. I..." more
- Capitol Grille (Nashville)
- "My friend recommended the Hermitage as a "must see" on my weekend away in Nashville. Upon checking out the Capitol Grille's menu online, I felt hesitant to..." more
- Hilton Nashville Downtown (Nashville)
- "For the business traveler, it does not get much better: super clean, large, lovely two room suite. All the basics: fridge, microwave safe, iron, hair dryer..." more
- Nashville International Airport (Nashville)
- "I have spent a lot of time in many airports. Nashville ranks high on my favorites list for several reasons: 1) Small airport. I can get from my gate to..." more
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Reviews from Yelp
Here's what Yelpers have to say about Local Flavor in 37203
- Nashville Sounds Baseball (Nashville)
- "Okay, so the stadium is falling apart and the nachos are stale, but where else can you go see a ballgame for $6? Even a minor league game. There is..." more
- Tomato Arts Festival (Nashville)
- "This is the most prominent festival hosted in East Nashville every year and serves as the areas culmination of the summer. It's a little weird to me to..." more
- Graceland Mansion (Memphis)
- "The Graceland visit felt a little like a religious experience. We came to take this road trip across America in search to find out what is the real America..." more
- Movies in the Park (Nashville)
- "This is my favorite thing to do on a Wednesday night in the summer. The best part is figuring out what movies are playing. Granted, the scene usually puts a..." more
- Full Moon Pickin' Party (Nashville)
- "If you enjoy bluegrass music, go. If you *have* an instrument, bring it (even if you don't plan on playing), as it reduces the price of your ticket by $10..." more
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Nashvegas on Amazon
Read about us, come explore. We do rock. And twang too.
Talk, habla, love, suggest...
kiwisoutback wrote...
Great job on this lens...I added it to our US Roadtrip lensroll!
Posted April 24, 2008
Lensmaster
Marcia Truitt wrote
Cade and I have lived in Nashville for over a year but haven't been to half of these places. I'm going to print this out and start checking them off, one by one! =) Thanks!!
Feliz Navidad!
Posted December 28, 2007
Lensmaster
Ellen M. wrote
A fine lens indeed! You put a lot of work into this page and it shows. I love it. I especially love that travellers will now know we're not JUST twangy music and meat 'n' threes... not that there's anything wrong with those. Love ya baby!
Posted December 27, 2007
by Carrie_in_TN
Howdy, Hello and Hola. I am a veteran newspaper reporter with a deep love of her adopted hometown: Nashville. Combine that with my tour guide-like nat...
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