Nashville – What’s Hot In “Music City USA”

 

Often referred to as “Music City USA” – Nashville is a sophisticated metropolitan city, which plays home to nearly 1.2 million people!  But what most “Music City USA” fans don’t know is that Nashville’s music scene is more than just country and bluegrass.  Nashville is also home to jazz, rock, alternative and classical.

Located on the Cumberland River in the north-central part of Tennessee, Nashville is the state capital and a major hub in many regards – particularly music and publishing.  It is also one of the fastest- growing cities in the nation – boasting a very diverse social fabric.

Some of the city’s must-see’s include: Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum (not just a museum, but an experience!), Grand Ole Opry (what began as a simple radio broadcast in the early 1920’s is now a live-entertainment venue dedicated to honoring country music’s rich history – past and present), the Parthenon (the world’s only full-scale reproduction of the famous Greek temple and the tallest indoor sculpture in the Western world), the Ryman Auditorium (a National Historic Landmark built in the late 1800’s, which now serves as a premier performance hall), the Belle Meade Plantation (an original 1700’s log cabin and now a renowned thoroughbred horse farm), The Hermitage (the former home of our nation’s 7th President, Andrew Jackson), and for all you “Gone With the Wind” fans… the Belmont Mansion (often recognized as one of the most elaborate and unusual homes in the South belonging to Adelicia Acklen – long-rumored to be one of the real-life inspirations of the Scarlett O’Hara character.)

 

Nashville is also recognized for it’s Tennessee Titans NFL team, the Nashville Predators NHL team, the Main Branch of the Metropolitan Public Library, and its sixteen colleges and universities – including Fisk, Belmont, Lipscomb, Meharry, Tennessee State, Trevecca and Vanderbilt.

We think Nashville has got the right stuff – and we’re sure y’all will agree after you’ve had the opportunity to check out some recommended neighborhood hotspots!

Nashville and it’s Metro area is filled with dozens of different communities and neighborhoods – each one featuring it’s own unique character, style and location. 

Follow journeyPod along as we profile some of these here:

The Gulch

Agave Tequila Bar – Known for its array of tequila options, this 12th Avenue, Mexican-themed establishment also offers other great drinks and a selection of creative small plates, tapas and dips.

Watermark – Offering a luxurious dining experience with a beautiful, chic setting and a wonderful view of downtown Nashville, Watermark features American food with Southern-style ingredients that give this modern restaurant a local flavor.

Sambuca – Known for its eclectic dining and nightly live music, Sambuca is the place to dine, drink and dance the night away.

Ru Sans Sushi and Seafood – Featuring an upbeat vibe with its techno music and bold colors highlighting the dining area, Ru Sans has over 500 sushi selections, as well as a menu of traditional teriyaki dishes.  The restaurant has become one of Nashville’s favorite sushi spots.

Radius 10 – Offering a sleek and modern décor that includes floor-to-ceiling walls that take in the Gulch, Union Station and downtown area, the menu at Radius 10 was inspired by Chef Jason Brumm’s love for seafood and Southern-inspired dishes.  The restaurant brings a unique taste of eclectic modern American cuisine to the dining scene here.

Bar Twenty3 – Voted one of the top 100 clubs in the nation, Bar Twenty3 lets its guests sip on one of their signature drinks like the Blue Martian or Pink Diamond and relax in their über chic lounge or dance along to the DJ’s techno mix.  And, you may even spot a celeb or two…

Station Inn – The city’s foremost home for authentic bluegrass, Station Inn offers live acoustic music nightly. A far cry from its trendy neighbors, Station Inn keeps it simple with pizza, beer and some of the best Americana and bluegrass music around.

Downtown

Schermerhorn Symphony Center – This neoclassical revivalist concert hall that opened September 2006, it is Music City’s newest musical gem and one of the only major concert halls in North America to utilize natural light. The 5,700-square-foot hardwood, ballroom floor can be transformed from tiered seating to into cabaret-style seating with full food and beverage service during concert for events such as pops and jazz concerts.

Honky Tonk Highway – Located on Lower Broadway Avenue are some of Nashville’s world famous honky tonks including Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, Robert’s Western Wear and Legends Corner. Come see where many country music legends got their start.

Arpeggio Restaurant, located in the East Lobby of the Center, features a sumptuous four-course buffet – which includes appetizers, a soup station, entrée with chef’s station and dessert. 

Frist Center for the Visual Arts – A 24,000-square foot visual art exhibition center and educational facility located downtown in Nashville’s art-deco, former U.S. Post Office building has an ever-changing schedule of exhibitions from local, regional, national and international sources. The Frist offers several entertainment events including:

Frist Friday: One of city’s most popular summertime events, Frist Friday takes place the last  Friday of each month, May through October and offers live entertainment, great art, cash bars, and complimentary hors d’oeuvres.

Music in the Lobby: On Thursday and Friday evenings from6:00 to8:00 p.m., the Frist Centerfeatures free music fromuniversity students and facultyandvarious area performersin the Grand Lobby. A cash bar is also available. 

Friday Night Artini: Unwind at the Frist Center for the Visual Arts with stimulating conversation about great art! Join a Frist Center curator, educator or guestspeaker in a fun, informal conversation about one or two works of art in the galleries. Complete your evening with music in the Grand Lobby, martinis at the cash bar, and a visit with friends.

First Saturday Art Crawl– Check out Nashville’s emerging art scene on the first Saturday of each month. The Nashville Downtown Partnership provides a free shuttle between galleries. Galleries taking part in the April Art Crawl include: Andrew-John Gallery, Art Rogue, Digigraph Design, Fov Studio, Studio 66, TAG, Tinney+Cannon Contemporary, Twist, Visual Impact Photography, The Arts Company, Tennessee Arts Commission, The Rymer Gallery, Dunn Bros. Coffee, Take 121 Arts, Estel Gallery, Tennessee Art League, International Art Gallery.

12th & Porter – A local favorite, this music venue showcases the up n’ comers in the rock, pop, country, indie and R&B scene.

Lot 7 Restaurant and Lounge – This hotspot provides the ultimate lounge experience for those seeking a trendy night out.

Hillsboro Village

Sunset Grill – A great spot in the area, Sunset Grill offers a great wine menu, inspired entrees and a cool atmosphere.  The place also happens to be a favorite of the Music Row execs and their celeb clients!

Cabana – Boasting a versatile restaurant and bar, Cabana morphs into an upscale hot spot with live music and DJs in the evenings.

Jackson’s Bar and Bistro – Specializing in French bistro-style food as well as eclectic European fare, this neighborhood bistro encourages patrons to come as they are and be themselves.

Fido – This funky coffeehouse is the heart and soul of Hillsboro Village, draws a mix of Vanderbilt students, Music Row execs, musicians and neighborhood locals. Though coffee is the main attraction at Fido, large sandwiches and all-day breakfasts are crowd pleasers too.

Pancake Pantry – A Nashville breakfast tradition, the Pancake Pantry features a menu with 21 pancake selections. Combining some surprising ingredients with family flapjack recipes, the ending results are pancakes that melt in your mouth. We suggest the chocolate chip or sweet potato flavors. Saturday and Sunday mornings are especially popular at the Pantry, and the waiting line usually wraps around the building down 21st Avenue – so be prepared!  And, you may even find yourself waiting for a spot, alongside Eva Longoria, Jessica Simpson, Garth Brooks, Kevin Costner, and Vince Gill!

 

Check out Part II of Nashville – What’s Hot in “Music City USA”