Guide To: Nashville, TN
Visitors may flock to Tennessee’s capital city for the honky tonks, bachelorette parties, arena shows, and ball games; but we know there’s more than meets the eye in Music City. As its nickname “Music City” suggests, Nashville is known locally and around the world for Music Row – recording studios, music execs, producers, record labels and more – as well as the countless celebs who call the city home. Peel back a few layers, however, and you’ll find a city with a long and rich history, outdoor oases around every corner, and thriving industries spanning healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and more.
The locals know that there are two Nashvilles: the one tourists visit on pedal taverns and another one. It’s fun to visit Broadway for a late night or to jump on an e-scooter and cruise around Printer’s Alley; but there’s so much more to tap into when you live here.
On a Saturday, you might start with coffee from any one of a dozen local spots, like Barista Parlor, Elegy Coffee, or Frothy Monkey. Pick up your favorite seasonal latte or a perfect pour over, and head to the Nashville Farmers Market where local farmers and producers sell their goods – from mushrooms to milk, pumpkins to pasture raised meats. Shop for a special meal at home or a week of groceries and, after dropping off the goods at home, find your favorite outdoor spot. We love Shelby Bottoms Greenway for cyclists and dog walkers, Radnor Lake for birders and hikers, and the Warner Parks for adventure. If the open air isn’t your thing, Nashville has oodles of shopping from Green Hills Mall to the boutiques on 12th Avenue South, 4th Avenue North or Fatherland Street. We love White’s Mercantile, Gift Horse, and Apple & Oak. For lunch, Nashville has it all. Feeling Greek? Gyros at Greco! Craving barbecue? Wings and ribs at Edley’s! Burgers and fountain drinks? Ask for horseradish mustard at The Pharmacy. In the afternoon, plan to see a show at any number of places around town from the famous Bluebird Café to a backyard pickin’ party and everywhere in between. Our favorite is the Ryman Auditorium, home of the original Grand Ole Opry and the birthplace of bluegrass.
The neighborhoods in Nashville are incredibly distinct, and yet they flow together seamlessly. Most areas of the city include some historic structures or homes and, in many cases, protection for that status. Across town, you’ll find architecture spanning everything from newly dubbed “tall-and-skinny” modern condos to French Colonial mansions to ranches, bungalows, craftsmans, and everything in-between. Part of the charm is understanding your own neighborhood and its background. For example, did you know that West Meade and Belle Meade don’t just sound alike, they are related! They are each built around a historic home owned by two sisters. Germantown and East Nashville were streetcar communities that originally brought suburbanites into the downtown corridor, and Oak Hill was the home of horse breeders! No matter where you lay down roots, there’s a meaningful and storied past to help you better understand the context of your place.
Step just outside of Nashville, and it’s easy to find dozens of waterfalls, hiking at the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, music festivals, small town charm, and so much more. It’s hard to believe, but Nashville is only a day trip to the Gulf Coast beach and a day trip as far as Chicago, IL; so if you’re craving sand in your toes or a Cubs game, you can get there easily. Its accessibility and relative affordability may be why an increasing number of corporations – such as Amazon and Oracle – flock to Nashville to set up shop.
Whether you’re young and just starting out, a professional looking for a new adventure, raising a family, or retiring, you won’t be alone in Nashville. The city has something for everyone.
If Nashville were a song, it would be…
“Running Down A Dream” by Tom Petty
Athletics:
Major League Hockey: The Predators
Major League Soccer: Nashville Soccer Club
Major League Football: The Titans
Minor League Baseball: The Sounds
Education:
Vanderbilt University
Belmont University
Fisk University
Lipscomb University
Tennessee State University
Trevecca Nazarene University
Nashville State Community College
Primary Industries:
Health Care Management
Automobile Production
Finance
Higher Education
Insurance
Music Production
Printing & Publishing
Technology Manufacturing
Tourism