Who's been to Nashville?

[Dixie]

Nashville - honky tonks, good restaurants, country music, the Opry, and Cowboys. It sounds like my kinda place. Plus, I'm stuck in a rut, so I'm there June 18-22.

So, who's been there? Have any tips to share?

[Cajundaddy]

We were there in 2021 during covid. As a result the scene was attenuated from it's usual wild. Several musician friends have passed through and said that the live music is pretty great in any of the places along the main strip. Often A-list country players will be spotted sitting in with the local bands. The vibe has been compared to Austin TX in the 80s or Sunset Strip in the 60s. If you love country music check out the very well done Hall of Fame Museum. Lotta history in this place.

[Paul T]

Been there a couple times, it's a fun place especially if you love music. Tons of great music there, every bar has someone who would be the star of the show in any other town. Just incredible music scene. Definitely check out the Ryman Auditorium, beautiful place. We stayed at the Joseph hotel which is right across the street from a great BBQ place (Martins) and in a quieter area, but still close enough to walk down to the craziness of Broadway when you are in the mood. The Bridgestone arena is also a great place to catch a band if you can (saw Zach Brown there). I'm hoping to get back this fall when the Eagles play the Titans, just waiting for the NFL schedule to come out. Sorry, I don't have a lot of great food recs, I usually just bounce between bars listening to music and eating whatever. I'll save fine dining for another town, although I'm sure there are some great restaurants around.

EDIT: Cajun reminded me, definitely check out the country music hall of fame, that's a can't miss!

[jhynesrockmtn]

We were there most recently in 2017. I had been for work many times earlier in my career. A work buddy who I've stayed in touch with since the 90's played host for us and we had an amazing time. There is live music everywhere. One night we just went from bar to bar listening to amazing musicians I've never heard of. Such a fun couple of nights.

[David]

It's gotten a little pricy. Bar hopping is the name of game. Been a couple times and enjoyed it.

My favorite Nashville story: we were sitting in a little bar watching a country band with some rather attractive female musicians (just had to add that ) when an older couple walked in and sat near the stage. During a break, I saw the old man (late 70's to early 80's) go up to the band and say something. After the break, the band announced that so and so was going to join them on his trombone. Wholly cow, the old man rocked that trombone!!!

[IROC]

I go every once in a while. Was there for a week-long conference last May. For me it is kind of crazy. Walk the strip at night and there are a million things to do. Live music coming from everywhere - just pick what you want.

We were eating at a Spanish Tapas place about a block off the strip and heard Louis Armstrong singing "What a Beautiful World" very loudly. I assumed it was a recording, but he kept repeating parts unlike the original. When we left the restaurant we saw that it was actually a white guy standing on a street corner. Sounded exactly like Louis Armstrong.

Lots of talent in Nashville.

[ben parrish]

Always have a blast there. We were there last August and then again in January. Phenomenal live music everywhere, great dancing, solid food and a big diversity of people and ages. As we approach 60, my wife and I are always happy we aren't the oldest ones on the dance floor!

[speeder]

Originally Posted by IROC

I go every once in a while. Was there for a week-long conference last May. For me it is kind of crazy. Walk the strip at night and there are a million things to do. Live music coming from everywhere - just pick what you want.

We were eating at a Spanish Tapas place about a block off the strip and heard Louis Armstrong singing "What a Beautiful World" very loudly. I assumed it was a recording, but he kept repeating parts unlike the original. When we left the restaurant we saw that it was actually a white guy standing on a street corner. Sounded exactly like Louis Armstrong.

Lots of talent in Nashville.

Here’s some trivia; my friend’s dad wrote that song! It’s actually, “What a Wonderful World,” his name was Bob Thiele, (same name as his son), I was just with him Friday night. My friend is a very talented musician but his dad was a legend in music. Search him online for a good read…a giant of mid-20th century recording industry.

As for Nashville, it’s completely true about the abundance of musical talent everywhere and it seems like there are no lousy musicians on stage anywhere but the main drag of downtown Nashville has become quite the tourist trap with loud, drunken idiots braying in the streets at all hours. At least that’s what I always luck into there. My friends who used to live there in the old days call it, “Nash Vegas.”

If you actually know someone who lives there and can show you the beautiful area away from downtown, that’s a different ballgame. I do.

[onewhippedpuppy]

I’ve been there for work the last two years, it’s a blast. As others have said, Broadway is live music everywhere, we often walk until we hear somebody that sounds good and pop in for a beer. Lots of roof top bars, if the weather is nice that’s fun too. Most of the Broadway bars are multi-story with different bands on each level, so the more you explore the more you’ll see.

If you want a little more chill, there are an abundance of bars and restaurants within a few blocks of Broadway. Less of a party vibe but still amazing music and food to be had. I’d strongly recommend staying somewhere in the Broadway area, at that point you really don’t even need a car. Ubers are everywhere so it’s still easy to get around, and the entire area is very walkable. Also parking can be a real hassle and pretty expensive.

[MBAtarga]

I know we've got other threads about these circumstances, but several hours ago after browsing this thread - but not making any reply post, I go update my facebook feed as I'm expecting a response to a marketplace ad. What do I see? A post about getting a discount for drinking at a bar in Nashville!

[Alan A]

Was there last year visiting Vanderbilt with #1.
Stayed at the Hampton Inn in midtown. Closest place we could find to the school.

It’s a detour - but pertinent - I was driving the VW SUV because it got better mileage than my GW and we were driving a lot.

Came out in the morning to walk across for the tour and the Mercedes next to where I’d parked had its window smashed. The BMW straight across from the VW had a window smashed and there was glass in one other nearby empty space. Our VW was untouched.

The only other place I’ve seen stuff like that is near Georgia Tech, which is known to be in a quite lovely area.

Didn’t have time to look at the sights, but #1 hated Vanderbilt and when hotels have crime like that I’m not rushing to go back.

[Dixie]

I know I'm conflatin' TN with TX, but I spent today having cowboy daydreams!

[matthewb0051]

Originally Posted by Dixie

Nashville - honky tonks, good restaurants, country music, the Opry, and Cowboys. It sounds like my kinda place. Plus, I'm stuck in a rut, so I'm there June 18-22.

So, who's been there? Have any tips to share?

Drugstore cowboys. Pretty sure you won't find an actual cowboy there, just like Austin.

I've been there many times since the 70's. Way back then, lower Broad was a scary place. Now I'd tend to agree with the woman that was running for political office in Nashville recently: it has been ruined. All the stuff is still there but the hipsters, bachelorette parties, pedal bar things, and other stuff are just too touristy.

Over the Christmas Holidays in 1987, I drove to Nashville to pick up my then fiancé (now wife) from the airport. We went to lower Broad and went into the Ryman, which was open without any charge and no attendants. Well before it became what it is today, it had been forgotten after the new Opry was opened on the Opryland property. We were able to get up on the stage and no one bothered us. No way you can replicate that today.

[Dixie]

Originally Posted by matthewb0051

...it has been ruined. All the stuff is still there but the hipsters, bachelorette parties, pedal bar things, and other stuff are just too touristy.

That's the beauty of going new places. You don't know they're already ruined.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Boots and cowboy hats are buy one get one free, so there’s that!

[speeder]

Originally Posted by Dixie

I know I'm conflatin' TN with TX, but I spent today having cowboy daydreams!

You're such a girly girl...like over the top.

[Dixie]

Originally Posted by speeder

You're such a girly girl...like over the top.

I have no idea why you randomly pop up to harass me. Instead, please put me on your ignore list.

[speeder]

I don't have an ignore list and you have as much right to express yourself as anyone else here, just maybe give it a rest once in a while? An old lady that wants to ride a cowboy? Jesus, Edith...

[vash]

I would love to visit Nashville!! I love music, and crowds.

soon. real soon.

[matthewb0051]

Originally Posted by Dixie

That's the beauty of going new places. You don't know they're already ruined.

Oh, they were ruined decades ago, just a different ruin. Back then a trip to Lower Broad might just get you stabbed, shot, or offered the chance to buy illegal drugs.

Serious revitalization but then it went too far, like the following: Jason Aldean's Kitchen + Rooftop Bar, Dierks Bentley's Whiskey Row, Blake Shelton's Ole Red, Miranda Lambert's Casa Rosa, Luke Bryan's 32 Bridge.

But still not as far gone as Pigeon Forge TN or Gatlinburg which are 'family' friendly but uber gross (think bumper boats and way past has been Country star theaters, sort of like Branson).

But at least they have Morgan Wallen throwing chair off of a roof.