Culture & Art

Musical Minication

No longer considered just the “Music City,” Nashville has become a destination for the romantically inclined, foodies and historical buffs. In short, Tennessee’s little darling is the place to set your sights on next.
Text by Francesca Cruz | May 17, 2018 | Culture & Art

You can’t say you’ve visited Nashville without going to the entertainment phenomenon established in 1925 known the world over as The Grand Ole Opry. A historical establishment that showcases up-and-coming singers and country music greats, it’s a piece of Americana. But the shinning crown of the city is the Country Music Hall Of Fame & Museum. It’s the largest research center dedicated to honoring and preserving the history of country music. Also, in the department of musts, is a tour of the Honky Tonk Bars on Honky Tonk Highway. Located on Lower Broadway, it’s a row of bars where you’ll find live music, plenty of cold brews and infinite good times.

When it’s time to grab a bite, Biscuit Love is worth the long line that wraps around the small building on Saturday and Sunday mornings…even if it’s just to savor the incredible biscuits swimming in gravy and the bonuts (a half biscuit, half donut concoction). Places like Silo and City House in Germantown offer laid-back atmospheres and farm-to-table cuisine. Lockeland Table and Holland House in East Nashville serve up a variety of southern dishes; and for some of Nashville’s famous hot chicken (chicken smothered in hot sauce), there’s no place like Hattie B’s Hot Chicken.

Once you’ve gobbled up enough time-tested favorites, head over for a quick history lesson at The Hermitage. It was President Andrew Jackson’s home away from the White House, and it served as his sanctuary, his office and a gathering place for entertaining friends and family. Jackson was a controversial figure, both revered and loathed in his time. The mansion has been carefully restored and contains most of his original belongings. The home consists of the main mansion that was expanded after the death of his beloved wife, Rachel, the gardens and a cotton plantation, as well as the former President’s final resting place.

From The Hermitage, you can head over to the Johnny Cash Museum to get back into the groove before nightfall. The quaint, modern space is dimly lit, with a large collection of Cash’s personal stage costumes and attire as well as never-before-seen historical documents, letters, instruments and awards. The museum takes you on a 3D journey through the legendary musician’s life with interactive technology. Visitors are also given an extensive look into Cash’s non-entertainer life, including his childhood and early adulthood experiences as well as his service in the U.S. Air Force; VisitMusicCity.com.