Are you planning on staying in Nashville for the first time?
If so, here are some key things you need to know before visiting.
You Should Find Out Which Music Stars Are Performing Before You Arrive
While Nashville has lots to offer any visitor, its main pull is of course its thriving country music scene. Nashville isn’t called Music City for nothing. So, you’re sure to want to check out some live music during your stay.
It’s a good idea to look at different venues and see who is performing before you arrive. While it’s always fun to head into a honky-tonk venue to catch whoever might be playing, if you want to catch a performance by big names, it’s best to book in advance. You’ll probably want to catch a world-famous Grand Ole Opry show, which is tethered to the rich history of country music. And there are rows of honky-tonks that line the city streets and provide live music both day and night. So, you’ll never be short of fun things to do in Nashville.
Nashville Has the Best Country Music Museums in the World
Music City is also home to multiple fascinating music museums, so it can be worthwhile deciding which ones you want to visit before you leave home. At the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, you can learn more about the history of country music. But Nashville’s smaller museums are every bit as good as the larger ones.
If you’re a fan of Patsy Cline, who was undoubtedly one of the most influential vocalists of the twentieth century, you can learn about the country legend’s life and view many of her personal artifacts at the Patsy Cline Museum. And if you love the music of The Man in Black, you don’t want to miss out on the top-rated Johnny Cash Museum.
Other museums you might want to check out include the Parthenon, Glen Campbell Museum, the Willie Nelson & Friends Museum, and The Gallery of Iconic Guitars.
There’s a Thriving Culinary Scene in Nashville
You won’t have to worry about finding a good place to eat in Nashville. The city has a thriving culinary scene with cuisines to suit every, literal, taste. The best food can be found among the neighborhoods of Nashville. Each neighborhood has something a little different to offer. Some of the city’s best restaurants, cafés, and bars are located in the Midtown/Vanderbilt, Belmont/Hillsboro Village, and Berry Hill neighborhoods.
Also, vegan dining has become a growing trend in Nashville, so if you don’t eat meat, you’ll easily find some scrumptious vegan or vegetarian food. One of the best spots for local vegan food is The Southern V.
You Can Get Around Nashville in a Variety of Ways
The neighborhoods of Nashville are quite spread out, so if you’re planning on traveling to lots of different areas, it could be worth hiring a car or using your own to get around. But the city also has excellent public transport.
As a first-time visitor to Nashville, it’s a good idea to do a guided bus tour to see the famous sites and understand the lay of the land. Cabs are available day and night, but if you want to make a short trip, hiring a golf cart is one of the easiest ways of getting around. It’s also one of the most fun ways! You can also hail pedicabs around the downtown area.
Furthermore, there’s a free bus service called the Music City Circuit, which makes stops at key destinations like the Bridgestone Arena, the Nashville Farmers’ Market, and the Country Music Hall of Fame. You could even travel around Nashville by helicopter!
