Nashville – First-Timers’ Guide

Nashville is the country music capital of the world and has been the starting point for countless country artists. Because of this, it’s on many music fans’ travel bucket lists.

Live music, plenty of bars, and delicious food are just a few of the things that draw so many people to Music City. There’s a lot to do in Nashville, and the guide below is the perfect place for first-time visitors to start.

Honky Tonk Highway

Honky Tonk Highway is a neighborhood in Nashville that’s full of bars and music venues, making it the perfect place for live entertainment. A “honky-tonk” is a music venue that contains at least one stage and a bar for patrons to enjoy. Honky Tonk Highway is filled with these venues, creating an enticing party atmosphere.

During the day, Honky Tonk Highway is a family-friendly destination to explore while learning about the musical history of Nashville. You can snap a picture with an Elvis statue, admire the colorful neon lights, and check out some gift shops.

One of the most interesting attractions on Honky Tonk Highway is Legends Corner. This establishment sits at the corner of Broadway and 5th Avenue and is packed with thousands of vintage album covers. You’re likely to find almost any famous artist represented on the walls.

Once the sun goes down and the night approaches, most spots on Honky Tonk Highway become a 21-and-over establishments. That’s when you’ll get down with friends, listen to live music, and enjoy some drinks in the heart of Nashville.

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum should be on the bucket list of every country music fan. This establishment is one of the largest music research centers in the world and is referred to as the “Smithsonian of country music.” This is due in part to their massive collection of country music artifacts.

The 350,000-square-foot museum gives a thorough look into the music industry with its galleries, archives, audio experiences, video clips, and artifacts. The museum focuses on the history of the music industry, with exhibits about artists like Willie Nelson, Waylon Gennings, and Johnny Cash.

In addition to plenty of exhibits, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has two theaters, an education center, and multi-purpose event spaces. It even created a music program for local schools, a record label, and a book publishing department. You can spend hours going on a self-guided tour of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

Johnny Cash Museum

One of the most famous country artists in history is Johnny Cash, known as “The Man in Black.” He had such a stellar career that there is an entire museum solely about his life’s work, starting from humble beginnings to his lasting impact on the music industry.

The Johnny Cash Museum opened in 2013 and, according to U.S. News & World Report, houses “the world’s largest collection of Johnny Cash artifacts and memorabilia.” These include costumes, handwritten documents, personal items, and even a wall once part of Johnny Cash and June Carter’s home.

The Johnny Cash Museum is one of only six Nashville tourist destinations that has earned the AAA Gem Rating, ensuring that it’s of the utmost quality. The entire museum takes about two hours to go through, and you’ll leave feeling as though you knew Cash personally. Fans of Johnny Cash will be in their glory, and those unfamiliar with him will develop an appreciation for his contributions to the music world.

Nashville Hot Chicken

While you’re traveling around the city seeing some iconic spots, you’re surely going to work up an appetite. This is when you should try one of the most famous dishes in the city: Nashville hot chicken.

Legend has it that years ago, Nashville local Thornton Prince angered his wife with disrespectful behavior. To get revenge, his wife coated his chicken dinner in hot sauce and fiery spices. Instead of being burned and unable to eat, he absolutely loved the dish.

That was the start of Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack, which has been in operation for more than 70 years. Prince’s even won a James Beard Award in 2013. The chicken is seasoned with a secret blend and ranges from mild to extra hot.

Ever since Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack opened, restaurants have popped up around Music City claiming that they have the most delicious hot chicken. Bolton’s Spicy Chicken & Fish is one of those restaurants. Bolton’s created their own interpretation of hot chicken and was even featured on the Netflix series Ugly Delicious.

Another place to try Nashville hot chicken is Party Foul. There you can get one of the hottest chicken dishes in the city. They are relatively new on the scene and offer a wide spectrum of spiciness.

The hot chicken debate in Nashville is as classic as the cheesesteak debate in Philadelphia. With this in mind, you’ll have to check a few before deciding for yourself.

The Bluebird Cafe

Nashville is known for having more than 100 music venues that host live performances almost every night of the week. One of these venues is the iconic Bluebird Cafe. This 90-seat club was founded in 1982 and has welcomed over two million guests in its lifetime. This spot features seasoned stars as well as up-and-coming performers. It’s one of Nashville’s most popular spots, which is why you should make a reservation and line up an hour before the show.

The Bluebird Cafe is packed every night, but it’s still an intimate venue that creates an enjoyable viewing experience. They even host open mic nights, so music hopefuls can test their talent by performing at one of the most iconic music venues in Nashville. If you’re lucky enough to get inside The Bluebird Cafe, grab a beer and enjoy the show!