Scroll down for Downtown Essentials including markets, medical assistance, and other resources.
I call the accompanying photo “Batman and Ryman” because it combines the modern-day AT&T building (known to locals as the Batman Building) with a statue of Captain Thomas Ryman in front of his namesake 130-year-old auditorium.
LIVE MUSIC
You’ll find all the honky tonks and bars on Broadway profiled here and similar venues located north of Broadway are included here. Many downtown hotels offer live music–typically one or two performers–in their lounges.
Ryman Auditorium Those old wooden pews are tough on the tailbone but a concert at the Ryman is an unforgettable experience–the acoustic resonance, the sense of history, and the intimacy of the hall. Insiders know there’s upgrade option in the Ford Lounge which includes complimentary food, premium beverage service, and a commemorative Hatch Show Print.
The Pinnacle Skews toward modern music but check out their calendar to see what’s coming up. FYI, most shows don’t have seating on the main floor. Food trucks onsite if you need a little nourishment pre-show.
Printers Alley Yes, it’s an alley and it’s loaded with entertainment options, most with legit dining:
Sinatra’s Bar & Lounge The sounds of the Rat Pack live on in this speakeasy-style bar decorated with Ol’ Blue Eyes memorabilia. Upscale dining options.
MUSEUMS
National Museum of African American Music Immersive experience that takes you from field hollers to today’s urban sounds. Great interactive displays.
Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum Located in the lower level of Municipal Auditorium, this museum is a deep dive into music-makers across genres–the touring musicians, the studio players, artists who have serious chops.
Museum of Christian & Gospel Music Just around the corner from the Ryman Auditorium, the museum highlights the music’s history as well as today’s popular artists. Artifacts include instruments from the Speer Family, Keith Green, Alan Jackson, Randy Travis, Steven Curtis Chapman, Stryper, Phil Keaggy, and many more.
Ryman Auditorium The Ryman is many things–the Mother Church of country music, former home of the Opry, a stage that has welcomed everyone from Charlie Chaplin to Bruce Springsteen. Take the tour to learn of its glorious past and its near demise before resurrection. (I’d recommend the backstage tour over the self-guided tour.) Trivia: My dad sold souvenirs in the balcony when he returned from WWII.
Tennessee State Capitol It’s not exactly a museum but there’s history in its halls and around its grounds. Completed in 1859, it is a magnificent structure. Free tours available.
ACTIVITIES
First Saturday Art Crawl Head to 5th Avenue N., also known as Avenue of the Arts, for a free-ranging stroll through galleries on and near the street.
June 13, July 11, August 8, September 12, October 10
On the second Saturday of the month, stroll to Riverfront Park where all sorts of vendors will have their creations on display. Food trucks, live music, and cool beverages. Free parking at Metro Courthouse with validation at the market.
Hermitage Hotel The grande dame of Nashville hotels, this five-star hotel opened its doors in 1910, setting the standard for hospitable elegance. The mens restroom is legendary (and women are known to take a peek). Stop by for high tea, a cocktail, enjoy a sophisticated Italian-influenced dinner at Drusie & Darr, or just stroll through the lobby.
Main Library It’s a treasure trove of history with special collections on the Civil Rights Movement and Nashville’s musical legacy. Kids will love the indoor playscapes, story times, and world-class puppet shows. Grab a to-go box from a lunch spot and have a picnic upstairs in the courtyard.
The Escape Game Choose from three challenges. Come with others or join a group to solve a series of puzzles.
♦♦♦ Also, check out the Nashville Downtown Nashville Partnership‘s excellent calendar of events.
There’s a little bit of everything downtown including national chains (Starbucks, Burger King, Taco Bell, Subway, Rise Biscuits). Almost every prominent hotel offers dining; many tall office buildings are also home to street-level restaurants.
For a wealth of choices in one destination, head to Fifth + Broadway, home to the two-part Assembly Food Hall. These food courts offer more than two dozen options: hot chicken, barbecue, crepes, poke’ bowls, burgers, and much more. There are also self-contained restaurants including:
Fleet Street Pub Located in Printers Alley, it’s an authentic but locally owned English pub that’s a really palate pleaser. I’m a huge fan of their $7.50 lunch specials including excellent fish’n’chips. I like them so much I’ve yet to try the shepherd’s pie, lamb burger, or veggie burger. Things get appropriately lively when there’s soccer on the telly. Note: because they serve alcohol, they’re 21+.
The Standard A stand-out for refined dining downtown, it’s located in The Smith House, a handsome residence built in the 1840s. Only open for dinner, entrees including steaks, chops, and salmon. In addition to the restaurant and lounge, it is also home to a ballroom and private club.
Puckett’s Popular with both locals and tourists, it offers an expansive Southern menu including barbecue. Live music most nights starting at 7pm.
Ty’s Soups and Sandwiches Tiny spot with no indoor seating but delivering big flavor in their selections. Build your own salad, wrap, or sandwich. I’ve loved everything I’ve ever tried including their chicken salad and chicken queso soup. Open 10:30am-2:30pm Monday-Friday.
Food Truck Thursdays You typically have at least a dozen lunch options for grab-and-go dining. Look for them lined up on Deaderick Street between 3rd and 4th Avenue, N.
Shipley’s Donuts I don’t usually include national chains but y’all, it’s Shipley’s. And you might want to try one of their special Nashville Hot doughnuts just to say you did.
Puckett’s on Church Street
Following extensive renovations, The Arcade which runs between 4th and 5th Avenue, N. is making a return. Inspired by the Galleria Vittoria Emanuele II Arcade in Milan, this lovely atrium structure celebrated is grand opening in 1903. It’s worth a walk-through even if you don’t want visit the shops, art galleries, or food vendors. Upstairs are studios where you might catch artists at work.
The hub for downtown shopping is the Fifth + Broadway complex with more than two dozen retailers including national brands Ray-Ban, Ariat, Buck Mason, Sephora, Tecovas, Garage Sale, and Carhartt. Also downtown: AllSaints, Agora International Jewelry and Gifts, Freebird. You’ll find gift shops in many of the hotel lobbies as well.
Beyond that, individual stores including:
French’s Boots and Shoes Don’t miss the bargain basement. Not just footwear; you’ll find a variety of western-style hats and clothing.
Swaggie Records. Duck into the basement of this building on 3rd Avenue, N. for surprisingly deep collection of well-organized music.
Modiste Women’s apparel.
Swipe Right Contemporary art gallery featuring Tennessee artists.
Peanut Shop Roasting peanut daily since 1927. A variety of other snacks also available.
Leon’s Candy Indulge your sweet tooth with these handmade delicacies.
Market Street Mercantile Floor-to-ceiling souvenirs.
Music City Wine & Spirits Standard selections as well as beverages with a wow factor.
The Library Fine Wine and Spirits A narrow store with a wide selection.
When you need more than a Honky Tonk
In addition to the first aid centers at CMA Fest staffed by teams from Vanderbilt University Medical Center, here are your options:
For after-hours care, the closest ER facilities are St. Thomas Midtown and Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Another option is GetWell Health, a mobile medical practice that comes to you for basic care, IV infusions, and such.
Read what downtown police officers recommend to stay safe and be smart downtown.
