Nashville - What should I do and not do?

[Bachto]

I am going to Nashville in November for a work conference. I have never been. Of course there is all the downtown bars and live music on broadway. What things are total gimmicks and not worth the time and what are some things that aren't as well known that I should check out?

For example I checked out the Duck Camp flagship store when I was in Austin for work last year and really enjoyed that. I like visiting things like that but am not against some touristy things since this is my first time.

 

[Chris in TN]

I'd say the majority of downtown is touristy and gimmicky by nature but you probably grasp that up front anyway, so....

The Johnny Cash museum is worth seeing if you are in any way whatsoever a fan of his or appreciate the history of that sort of music. Across the road is the little shop where you can buy goo-goo clusters which is sort of a neat way to waste half an hour since you're already there.

If you can catch a show here, it's an absolutely fantastic venue:

https://www.nashvillesymphony.org/about/schermerhorn-symphony-center/

You're also within spitting distance of the Ryman and Bridgestone Arena so I'd check to see who/what would be there when you are around and maybe you can find a decent show.

I have no restaurant suggestions. The last place I like, closed a few years ago (Rodizio).

Other than that, the most watchable thing in downtown, is the other tourists, if you're into that.

 

[Poser]

Lower Broadway is a gimmick in its entirely these days. Its probably worth a stroll just to see the novelty of bridesmaids puking on the sidewalks, dodging pedalbars, street performers and what not. Avoid any of the bars with a country star's name attached to it. Robert's Western World is the Lower Board OG spot, though, its not as if its a secret -its right there on Broad.

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is pretty cool. Not sure what their current exhibit is, but its not a novelty museum.

Restaurants:

Husk Nashville is upscale Low Country cuisine. Definitely need a reservation.

Monell's was always one of my staples. Its family style Southern: Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, cornbread, green beans etc. Its not far at all from down down. Great for lunch. You could potentially walk, its maybe 2 miles from Boradway, but might want to use a Uber or similar if you're unsure.

Of course, you have to get hot chicken: Prince's and Hattie B's are popular. Bolton's Hot Fish should also make the list.

I lived there from 99-2008, but downtown has become almost unrecognizable over the last ~10-15 years.

 

[Timplant]

Wife and I have been going every year for the last 6 or 7 end of February just to get away from the snow here, it's a half day drive for us and normally 55-65 and sunny when we go, It's worth sitting on a bench on broadway for a few hours just to laugh. There are critters of ALL kinds, we don't drink so we usually just get Hattie B's (not the one on broadway) and grab sushi from anywhere and do the broadway thing two nights and hit the CM hall of fame once and hit the basspro just to look. We havn't been impressed by ANY of the higher end food options. But we love to travel and it's worth a weekend too me.

 

[YellCoAR]

I would have to put Robert's Western World on the list.
Get the Recession Special. Fried bologna sandwich piled high, bag of chips, moon pie and an ice cold PBR all for $6.

 

[Duckhunterbrad]

Definitely hit up Bolton's for authentic hot chicken!

 

[Sccritterkiller]

Nudies if you go to Broadway, Skulls rainbow room if you go to printers alley.

Skip the places with a name on them.

 

[Turkeygetpwnd38]

If you do Hattie’s hit the one by Vandy. Monell’s for breakfast.