A Weekend in Nashville
Friday:
There are many fabulous hotel accommodations in Nashville to make you feel comfortable for your busy weekend getaway. To be at the center of it all downtown, consider the quirky boutique Bobby Hotel that has curated treasures from from Paris, Amsterdam, New York, London, Marrakech, and Rome. Traveling musicians are drawn to this hotel get a modern vintage Nashville experience with a touch of luxury. Head up to the rooftop lounge for a live music party under the stars in a 1956 Scenicruiser bus overlooking 4th Avenue. During the humid summer, enjoy chilled champagne from the bar while dipping your feet in their coastal rooftop pool. Then in the winter, relax in your own heated igloo while sipping spiked hot chocolate. All of this is a convenient short walk or Uber to the hottest spots in Nashville.
Nashville is not only known for its music, but its food, so be prepared to eat. Tonight dine at Liberty Common, a classy French café and bar on Riverfront Park. The “poetic” and vibrant European dining room has been raved about from locals since opening in December. Executive Chef Jeffrey Chambless Rhodes curated delectable recipes of brasserie favorites such as steak frites, cast iron lobster cake, and duck cassoulet. Staying true to Nashville, it also has its own fried chicken section. Pair it with some wine and you have the perfect meal. Not to mention, Liberty Common offers outstanding service.
Saturday:
Sleep in a little and then brunch at Chef Maneet Chauhan's contemporary diner The Mockingbird where mimosas are called “WoooHooo Tang.” You’ll need your energy to explore downtown all day. There are endless possibilities and the most notable Nashville gems are found beyond Broadway.
Something you don’t want to miss is a day tour of the famous Ryman Auditorium, also referred to as the “Mother Church of Country Music.” The first concert was held in 1892 and this year popular artists such as Brothers Osborne, Maren Morris, and Hozier will be performing on the historic stage. During the tour, the Soul of Nashville theater will explain the history and significance of the Ryman more in depth. There’s been hundreds of renovations since it was the original Grand Ole Opry theater from 1943 to 1974. Then take a guided backstage tour where you get to stand on the actual stage and go through the dressing rooms where your beloved artists get ready. Each room is adorned with local art, rare vintage photos, and memorabilia to honor the stars of the past. For the ultimate souvenir, record a song of you singing “Friends in Low Places” by Garth Brooks their in-house recording studio. If you loved the Ryman tour and have time for more, consider the Johnny Cash Museum or Country Music Hall of Fame.
Make dinner reservations at Kayne Prime in the Gulch where the steak is unbelievable. Unless you have a concert to attend, end the night with flawless craft cocktails from the best mixologists in the city at The Patterson House in Music Row. This upscale speakeasy has an intimate candlelit ambiance.
Sunday:
RH Gallery Cafe is a must for a delicious Sunday breakfast. The atrium boasts crystal chandeliers galore! It is so intricately decorated with olive trees and fountains you can’t tell it is a furniture store. Make sure you make your way up to their breathtaking rooftop patio and garden before you leave to go shopping in the designer shops of Green Hills Mall. Many celebrities reside in Green Hills because of the extraordinary mansions.
You’re last stop is the Parthenon in Centennial Park. It is a full-scale exact replica of the Athenian landmark. Nashville called itself the “Athens of the South” and so the building was created in 1897. It’s historically accurate and the attention to detail, especially in the plaster replicas of the Parthenon Marbles, is amazing. Inside, the stunning golden 42 foot Grecian Goddess Athena towers over you. The museum also holds a permanent collection of 63 paintings by 19th and 20th century American artists. In the summer, you can watch classic Greek theater performances on the outside steps.
Nashville is a destination for history, fashion, and food lovers alike. It’s an old yet up-and-coming city with unique neighborhoods and gorgeous real estate. By the time you start planning your next visit, more local restaurants, murals, and intriguing places will be on the map. Three days go by fast, but you’ll be thrilled with the memories you take back home.
