Nashville
I visited Nashville on my cross-country road trip. This part of the trip was with my dad. We were so lucky that our cousins live here and showed us around!
Nashville, TN has much to offer in its downtown area, including the Country Music Hall of Fame and the famous Broadway street filled with bars/restaurants and live music. Vanderbilt University is also downtown, across the street from Centennial Park. At this park is an identical building to the Parthenon in Greece. A little farther outside of downtown is Brentwood Tennessee where you can spot Dolly Parton’s house.
What to Do
Lower Broadway
At 1st Avenue and Broadway starts a few blocks of bars and restaurants with live music. There are also dessert spots, shops, and hotels. One such bar is Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, named for its owner Hattie Louise “Tootsie” Bess, who purchased it in 1960. She served many famous customers who were up-and-coming at the time, including Willie Nelson. This is a really fun and historic area to experience.
Country Music Hall of Fame
This Hall of Fame showcases special moments that made history in country music. There are several exhibits and events that you can participate in. It is just one block from Lower Broadway.
The Parthenon
Centennial Park is across the street from Vanderbilt University. This park is home to the Parthenon, or an exact replica of the iconic building in Greece. It was designed by architect William Crawford Smith and was built in 1897, as Nashville is considered the “Athens of the South.” This term comes from the designation that Nashville centered itself around higher learning and the fine arts, just as Athens had in the past.
The Gulch
This is a hip, urban, higher-priced neighborhood that has nice shops, restaurants, and places to take pictures in front of murals. One such mural is the artist Kelsey Montague‘s wings. These murals of wings went viral after Taylor Swift posed in front of them in NY. Nashville’s wings feature guitars and music notes.
Stadiums
In downtown Nashville are both the Nashville Predators ice hockey and the Tennessee Titans football stadiums. There are also many concert venues that are worth checking out!
WSM-AM Radio Tower
WSM-AM Radio Tower was built in 1931. It was the tallest radio tower in the U.S. at the time. It broadcasts the Grand Ole Opry to 40 states.
Where to Eat
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken
This Nashville-based family-run restaurant chain is known for its hot fried chicken dish. This location was in the Melrose neighborhood.
Sam and Zoe’s
Just outside of downtown is a cute place to go for coffee/brunch called Sam and Zoe’s. It is near a street full of music studios.
*Road trip route from here: Prior to Nashville, my dad and I were in Pigeon Forge. After Nashville, I dropped my dad off at the airport and picked up my Uncle Richard. We headed to Memphis.