From Food Lovers to Swift Fans: America's Music Capital Awaits Your Perfect Getaway

Entering the Grand Ole Opry – an essential stop for all aficionados of country music – you're greeted with vibrant energy. This historic site, which hosts a weekly live radio broadcast, stands out as one of the premier venues for performances in the genre. Nashville -- if not globally.

One of my primary reasons for organizing a visit to this iconic city was to watch a show there. Tennessee .

Before the show starts, I get settled in the Circle Room as part of an exclusive VIP package available to only 100 attendees each evening. From there, I observe Bill Anderson perform. American Idol star Lauren Alaina ignited the audience, who held onto each other while dancing in the aisles.

For decades, Nashville has served as the vibrant center of America ' live music scene has seen some of the best in the industry make their mark here.

Boasting over 30 venues with no cover charge that feature live music, Lower Broadway stands as the heart of Nashville's night life scene. People wearing cowboy hats move from one place to another, joining in the song performances. Dolly Parton and drinking a beer called Pabst Blue Ribbon, with many artists happy to accept drinks in lieu of cash tips.

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Despite numerous excellent options such as Tootsie’s and The Stage, Robert’s stands out above all. Offering the 'recession special,' which includes a fried bologna sandwich, chips, and a can of beer for only $6/£5, it makes an ideal spot to conclude your evening.

Nashville has served as a launching pad for several of America’s most recognizable celebrities, with many of them being spotlighted in various forms. Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum The vast space is filled with an extensive collection of country music artifacts, featuring guitars, concert costumes, and golden records.

I likewise explore the Historic RCA Studio B, the recording studio where many notable sessions took place. Elvis Presley , Roy Orbison, and the Everly Brothers. Our energetic tour guide indicates the location where Elvis positioned himself during recordings of many of his iconic hits, such as "Heartbreak Hotel."

I start my day by visiting the National Museum of African American Music, which features interactive displays tracing the evolution of Black music in America. There’s also a chance to create your own remix in a small recording studio booth.

Modern celebrities such as Reese Witherspoon, Taylor Swift, and Jack White The White Stripes have likewise made their imprint on the city.

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Swift composed several of her initial chart-toppers while perched on a bench at Centennial Park, which has since become a favored spot for her admirers. In contrast, White has established Third Man Records, along with The Blue Room — among Nashville’s most sought-after live music spots.

Ben Blackwell, the singer’s nephew, takes me around the studio where I get to see the renowned 1947 Voice-o-Graph recording booth. This quaint enclosure, similar to an antique telephone kiosk, can capture up to two minutes of sound and then produces a distinctive six-inch phonograph record as a keepsake.

In Nashville, nothing rivals the quality of the cuisine except for perhaps the music.

Hattie B’s Hot Chicken restaurant could easily compete with the top chicken joints in South London, while Biscuit Love offers Southern-style biscuits—somewhere between a sausage roll and a scone—that come smothered in gravy.

In my view, the best cuisine can be found at Bad Idea, an innovative Laotian-themed eatery located in the trendy part of East Nashville. This place offers delicacies like truffled potato dumplings alongside premium options such as New Zealand rack of lamb. Their extensive wine selection complements their menu perfectly, making it perfect for a leisurely dinner experience. The pricing here ranges from approximately $16 to $28 for smaller portions and around $49 to $94 for main courses.

Given the abundance of eating and imbibing options, I opt for staying at the W Hotel, conveniently situated in downtown Nashville and just steps away from Broadway’s vibrant nightlife scene. The accommodations are modern and roomy, offering breathtaking vistas of the illuminated urban landscape. Additionally, this property boasts the biggest hotel swimming pool in town, extending around the exterior of the building—an excellent spot for an early-morning dip to alleviate those post-nightlife blues.

The Ryman Auditorium — once the longtime residence of the Grand Ole Opry — seems like an appropriate last destination for my journey. Initially built as a place for revivalist services, it gradually transformed into a globally renowned musical hub, featuring appearances by legends such as Hank Williams, Elvis, and Johnny Cash.

During my short stay in Nashville, I found out that each activity comes with its own musical backdrop. Whether it’s daytime or nighttime, melodies pour out of pubs, coffee shops, and street corners—simply heavenly sounds for me.

How to do it

The starting price for rooms at the W Nashville hotel is approximately $365 per night; visit w-hotels.marriott.com For additional information about the city, please visit the The Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp website .

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