To quote legendary country music singer, Keith Urban, “Nashville is not a city, it’s a vibe.” And what a vibe it is! Music, of course, history, great food, and southern hospitality on steroids. In addition, Bourbon aficionados (or those looking to become) can sample over 60 distilleries on the world-renowned Bourbon Trail.
So, grab your two-steppin’ boots and a cowboy hat to experience Nashville in three easy steps: Music, Food, and a shot of Bourbon.
L.A. feels like the music industry, and Nashville to me feels like the music community. —Sheryl Crow
With its deep, deep roots in musical heritage and influence, it comes to no surprise that Nashville earned the nickname of “Music City.” If you’re into live music, just about every bar on Broadway, Nashville’s “honkytonk highway,” offers music around the clock. And, in many of the bars, no cover charge is required.
One of Broadway’s most famous music establishments — Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge. As a Nashville landmark since 1960, this loud and lively joint offers music all day across multiple floors. According to Alex Hawker, creator of the Nashville To Do website, “If you're hitting Broadway, Tootsie’s is basically non-negotiable.”
After a night of music and imbibing, you may want to spend a day taking in Nashville’s rich history of music. Start with the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, where you’ll find the world’s largest collection of country music artifacts and memorabilia. For example, you’ll see costumes, instruments, and song manuscripts from legends like Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton. Across the park, check out the Walk of Fame stars exhibit.
In addition, a visit to the Ryman Auditorium — formerly known as the Grand Ole Opry — is a requirement! Whether you book a tour or actually attend a concert, this historic music institution has to be on your To Do list. Imagine viewing the stage where Elvis, B.B. King, and other legends once performed.
Other Nashville museums worth mentioning include the Johnny Cash Museum as well as the newly opened National Museum of African American Music.
Well, butter my butt and call me a biscuit; I’m in Nashville! Anonymous
Although Nashville offers an array of international food ranging from Thai to Mexican, when in the Music City, eat some Southern comfort food — chicken, grits, and barbecue. For over 100 years, Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack has been frying up spicy chicken sandwiches, wings, tenders, or quarters available at all spice levels from plain to XXX HOT — and they mean HOT!
Nashville also has quite a barbecue tradition. Not a vegetarian’s dream come true, but the whole-hog barbecue is a West Tennessee culinary icon. In Nashville, Martin’s Bar-B-Que is known for serving slow-cooked meats. Other southern comforts include Fried Green Tomatoes, fried hot Catfish, and custardy Chess Pie.
Taylor Swift Fan? Rumor #1 has it that one of her favorite Nashville breakfast options is the Pancake Pantry’s sweet potato pancakes. And to wash it down, Rumor #2 takes you to another Swifty favorite — Fido Coffee Shop for organic coffee and a cinnamon roll.
If I cannot drink Bourbon and smoke cigars in Heaven, then I shall not go. Mark Twain
When it comes to exploring the world of bourbon, one of the most popular destinations is the Bourbon Trail. Nestled in the heart of Kentucky, this iconic route takes you on a journey through historic distilleries, picturesque landscapes, and, of course, the opportunity to sample some of the finest Bourbon in the world.
In less than a 2 1/2-hour drive north from Nashville, the world-famous Bourbon Trail begins in Shepherdsville, Kentucky. Even if you are not a Bourbon fan, the experience and history are memorable. If you are a Bourbon fan, then you may find yourself in whiskey heaven with over 68 distilleries to imbibe from. To be exact, 18 distilleries on the trail offer big-name products like Buffalo Trace, Maker's Mark, Four Roses, and Jim Beam. The remaining 50 offer smaller, craft producers who may yield fewer than 100 barrels a year. In the smaller distilleries, you get a homier feel by actually meeting the distiller him/herself and tasting experimental mash bills (recipes) that may never get wide recognition.
Bourbon aficionado, Eric Newman, thoroughly enjoys The Bourbon Trail experience —absorbing the tastes and sharing the experience. Newman explains, “Sitting with other groups of people you've befriended during the day, you settle in for the experience. You pick up the first class, and you breathe it in deeply, sometimes repeating if you like the smell. Then take a nice sip, swish around your mouth for a few seconds, and swallow. Feel the warmth and think about the flavors, discuss them and maybe take another sip before the next one.”
When is the best time to take to the trail? September hosts the five-day Kentucky Bourbon Festival. However, the roads and hotels are crowded and hectic. Wait one month, crowds thin out, and you can enjoy the fall foliage and its amazing colors in addition to the Bourbon. If you don’t mind the iffy weather, March prices are at their lowest, and distillery staff have time for less harried conversations and attention to your questions.
Regardless of which distilleries you select to visit, get yourself a Passport issued by the Kentucky Distillers' Association to mark off where you have been — a souvenir to remind you of the places, tastes, and experiences you enjoyed on your Bourbon Trail experience.
For help with your next trip, consult with our travel expert Donna Peterson
