All the music and nightlife you can handle, Nashville is the new center of the music scene. What Hollywood is to the screen, Nashville is to music, eclipsing LA. Though centered on country music for over a century, it’s become the place to record and perform over the past few decades by almost every genre of music. Located on the Cumberland River, a fairly compact city of roughly 500,000 (including surrounding suburbs), it’s a favorite for music and history buffs from around the world. SFG’s Jennifer Specter recently visited Nashville, TN and shares her experience with Music City:

Did I say nightlife? Broadway goes 7 days a week into the wee hours, bars and restaurants competing with multiple floors, numerous rooftops and bands at almost every stop. With the number of party tours and seemingly endless bachelorette parties, this place makes Bourbon Street feel like a convent! Country is the main flavor, but you’ll also find rock, top 40 and blues (our favorite being Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar in Printer’s Alley). Just like LA where everyone’s an actor, here, everyone’s a musician (including our Uber driver, an LA transplant!). Certainly no lack of musical talent as showcased by the endless number of bands playing from noon til well after midnight. Most of the bars stay packed, but with open windows onto the street, you can just walk from place to place and enjoy the bands. One of the best view spots is the roof deck of the Acme Feed and Seed, located at Broadway and 1^st St, right on the river. Great views back up Broadway or across the river to Nissan Stadium where the Titans play. Decent drinks and menu here, as well.

For the gastronaut, BBQ and Nashville’s own Hot Chicken are 2 top food choices here. Martin’s is the go-to spot for some of the tastiest BBQ around. A close send is Jack’s on Broadway. A Nashville original, Hot Chicken is just that: spicy, hot chicken. The first and arguably the best is Prince’s located on the back patio of the Yee Haw Brewery and Distillery. Operated out of a food truck, this family operated business has been serving Thorton Prince’s hot chicken for nearly a century. There’s a funny story behind how it came about. If interested, CLICK HERE.

For music history buff, nothing beats a tour of the Ryman Auditorium. Operating for well over a century, this once house of worship has become the center of the country music scene. The tour starts with an entertaining video history of the building, providing the basics for your self-guided tour. Through additional videos, displays and a photo op on the famous stage provides an intimate tour of one of the world’s most famous stages. Check out the wall that names all the performers who have played there, from every corner of the music world.

A few blocks away is the Johnny Cash museum. Even if you’re not a country fan, this place pays tribute to an artist that has touched most every music fan and artist alike. Plan to spend a couple of hours, as there is so much to see and hear. The real man in black!

Every country fan should put the Country Music Hall of Fame on their bucket list. Through exhibits, videos and events, you could spend your day here. Again, this place is for everyone who appreciates music and nothing is more to the roots of our musical culture than country (except maybe the blues, but that’s a Memphis trip!).

If you’re tired of the Broadway scene or it’s just not for you, there are numerous day trips outside of Nashville that are worth the journey. One of the hidden gems is the town of Franklin, about half an hour south of town. Primarily known as the site of a key Civil War battle, the area is steeped in history. The number of tours and locations provide in-depth details of this once war-torn area, some of the older buildings still showing signs of gun and cannon fire. It has a quaint Main Street, plenty of shopping and food choices, including the original Martin’s BBQ about a 10 minute drive away.

Whether here for business or holiday, there is something for everyone to enjoy including the warm southern hospitality. Plan a few extra days, as the amount of activities are surprising. Urban hiking is highly recommended to walk off the additional calories you’ll no doubt collect during your stay!

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