Fifty years ago, tourists rarely traveled to downtown Nashville except for perhaps a trip to the Grand Ole Opry at the Ryman Auditorium. People who worked downtown commanded the sidewalks. Today it’s a mecca for visitors–especially for those venture beyond Broadway for its music venues, restaurants, and other attractions.
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.
Printers Alley Yes, it’s an alley and it’s loaded with entertainment options, most with legit dining:
Hit Parader Formerly Bowie’s, it’s been the home of rock’n’roll for years. Currently closed and I’m wondering it that’s the final word.
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.
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.
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.
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:
Varallo’s The only restaurant downtown welcoming hungry diners since 1907. This family comes through with short-order options including breakfast served anytime, burgers, chicken, catfish, and their legendary chili. Open Monday-Friday, 6am-1pm.
Puckett’s Popular with both locals and tourists, it offers an expansive Southern menu including barbecue. Live music most nights starting at 7pm.
Tiny spot with no indoor seating but delivering big flavor in their selections. Build your own salad, wrap, or sandwich. I can recommend the chicken salad and queso soup. Will come back for more. 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.
Following extensive renovations, The Arcade which runs between 4th and 5th Avenue, N. is making a return. A forerunner to malls, this lovely atrium structure dates back to 1902. It’s worth a walk-through even if you don’t want visit the shops, art galleries, or food vendors.
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.
Walgreens Need sundries? Souvenirs? Medicine? This chain is one of the few places downtown to get everything from Tylenol to TicTacs.
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.
Corner Market This little convenience store at 300 Church Street is absolutely crammed necessities of all sorts. It’s sort of visual overload until you find that thing you really need.
12South
