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.

 

[Crowmangler]

There was a thread of this exact subject a while back but I'd highly recommend Martin's BBQ downtown location (410 4th Ave South)

 

[benconfused]

I live here. What are you into, what do you like? Foodie? Type of food, etc? Give us more details and we can better steer you into a good experience.

 

[tony]

Hit up the Ryman, I'm no country music fan but the tour was pretty cool.
There was an up and coming banc doing a sound check and they ended up doing a mini concert for us doing the tour. Name escapes me now of the band.
Also took in a show at the Grand ol' Oprey

There's a burger joint in "regular Nashville" called the pharmacy. Yeah its an old pharmacy.
Every bar has the next big country act playing music to check out.

 

[highcountrymuley]

Tootsies Orchid lounge and the aforementioned Robert's western world are the real old school places. Gruhn guitars

 

[highcountrymuley]

The Station Inn usually has a good bluegrass band

 

[Dos XX]

3rd & Lindsley. Never saw a bad band there and didn't know who some of them were when I went.

The Time Jumpers used to play there every Monday night. If that is still going, I would try to make that show.

 

[ODB]

I'd go fondle some Gibsons if I were you

 

[NB7]

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

Skip the places with a name on them.

Nudies definitely has a damn good burger

 

[Tilzbow]

Grand Ol Opry, see a show at the Ryman, Nashville Hot Chicken and be careful with this, medium was too hot for me (it’s really hot!) Country Music Hall of Fame was worth the visit.

 

[pacoalcracker]

See the Parthenon. The grounds around it are nice to sit and have a bite to eat. The best bar was John Rich's...it's small and you are right in front of the band..it's very close and you can get personal with the band. Nothing like the others. There is a hard cider place there in town thats pretty cool...the still is right there and you can sample the varieties. Lots of great places to eat outside of the main part of town, off the beaten path. The Uber and Lyft guys know all the great places and times to be there. Using them for our week there was cheaper than renting a car, fueling it up and paying to park or trying to find a place to park. Rent a kayak and drift the river thru the city. Johnny Cash Museum and the bar next to it for decent food. Others covered great places.