What Is Nashville Known For?
Nashville is widely known as Music City–and for good reason. But music is not the only thing that makes the city famous. Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, or simply looking for a fun vacation destination, Nashville offers exciting experiences for all ages and interests. Here are some of the things Nashville is best known for.
MUSIC
What is Nashville known for? Music! Visitors flock to the city year-round to listen to live music in the honky-tonks of Broadway and see the famous recording studios on Music Row. With such influence across musical genres, music is a part of the fabric of Nashville.
Country
When you think of Nashville, you think of country music. Famous for the Grand Ole Opry, America’s longest-running radio show which propelled country music into homes across the US, Nashville has been the launching site for countless country megastars, like Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, and Roy Acuff. Today, it’s the home of a whole new generation of country artists, like Luke Combs, Lainey Wilson, and Carly Pearce. From the honky-tonks to the big stage, country music is part of Nashville’s heartbeat.
Bluegrass
Bluegrass music was popularized in Nashville, right on the stage of Ryman Auditorium, when Bill Monroe and his Blue Grass Boys introduced a new sound to the Grand Ole Opry audience. Today, fans from around the world can see live performances around the city, from Broadway’s honky-tonk row to the Station Inn, a cozy and historic venue in the Gulch.
Rock
Nashville has always had a thriving rock scene. Rockers like The Byrds and Bob Dylan have spent time in Music City. Today, well-known rock artists, like The Black Crowes and Jack White, and up-and-coming Indie rock groups can be spotted throughout Nashville
R&B
In the 1960s, Nashville’s Jefferson Street was a hub of music and entertainment in the rhythm and blues genre. R&B legends, like Little Richard, Etta James, and Jimi Hendrix, were frequent performers at the area’s clubs and bars. Today, the R&B scene is still strong, with both famous and local artists performing each week throughout the city.
FOOD & DRINKS
Hot chicken is arguably Nashville’s most famous dish, but the city is known for other iconic food and drinks, too. Whether you’re seeking classic southern cooking or a decadent desert, Nashville’s got you covered.
Hot Chicken
When you think of food in Nashville, you probably think of hot chicken, and understandably so. Hot chicken is so spicy, it’s hard to forget! Prince’s Hot Chicken is home to the original recipe of chicken coated with a thick layer of cayenne pepper and other spices, fried crispy, and served with pickles and white bread. Each hot chicken restaurant in town–and there are many–gives it its own unique flair. Not a chicken fan? Try hot fish instead.
Meat & Three
Before hot chicken, Nashville was known for another iconic meal: the meat and three. With a choice of entrée, like meatloaf, ham, or country fried steak, and three sides, like mac and cheese, collard greens, or creamed spinach, the meat and three is a comforting southern meal that leaves you full and satisfied. Visit Arnold’s or Puckett’s for this classic plate.
Goo Goo Clusters
Nashville is the home of Goo Goo Clusters, a chocolate candy invented in the early 1900s. Expect layers of marshmallow nougat and caramel piled high with peanuts and smothered in milk chocolate. Goo Goo Clusters have been incorporated into ice cream, cakes, or can just be eaten the way they were intended, like a delicious, round candy bar. To get your hands on your own Goo Goo Cluster, visit the Goo Goo Shop just off Broadway.
ART & CULTURE
If you appreciate art, Nashville’s got something for you, too. Whether it’s a walking tour of the city’s many murals or a day spent at a world-renowned music venue, there’s plenty of beauty to take in around the city.
Grand Ole Opry
The Grand Ole Opry has been the home of country music since 1925. The show performed from the stage of Ryman Auditorium for over 30 years before moving to its permanent home, the Opry House, in 1974. Touring the Opry is one of the top must-do things in Nashville for any country music fan.
Murals
It seems like a new mural pops up every day in Nashville. Whether it’s “What Lifts You–Wings” in the Gulch, or the famous “I Believe in Nashville” in 12th South, each Nashville neighborhood offers unique and photo-worthy murals. Bring a camera, ask a friendly passerby to snap your photo (or more realistically, someone behind you in line), and capture your Music City memory in front of the city’s many, many murals.
Tomato Art Fest
The Tomato Art Fest happens each summer in the Five Points area of East Nashville. The festival is a celebration of all things Nashville, with live music, events, food and drink, and local artisans. A highlight of the summer, the Tomato Art Fest is a favorite of locals each year.
Frist Art Museum
The Frist Art Museum hosts world-class exhibits, including works by Picasso and Frida Kahlo. Frist Art Museum offers fun for all ages, including a kid-friendly in-house art studio where visitors can make and take home their own works of art.
SPORTS
Nashville has sports covered, too. Whether you’re a fan of football, hockey, baseball, or soccer, there’s a team for every fan.
Nashville Predators
The Nashville Predators are the city’s NHL hockey team. A member of the Central Division, they’ve played at Bridgestone Arena since 1998. In June 2017, the team made it as far as the Stanley Cup Finals. Attend a game when you’re in town and get your fang fingers ready.
Tennessee Titans
Titan up! Tennessee’s NFL football team, the Tennessee Titans, plays at Nissan Stadium in downtown Nashville. The open-air stadium also hosts concerts and other events throughout the year.
Nashville Sounds
Nashville's Minor League baseball team, the Nashville Sounds, also reside in downtown Nashville. Located at First Horizon Park in Nashville’s Germantown neighborhood, the stadium offers open-air seating, fun amenities, and even delicious boozy slushies.
Nashville SC
Nashville’s Major League Soccer team, the Nashville SC Coyotes, play at Geodis Park—the largest soccer-specific stadium in the United States. Located in Nashville’s trendy Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood, the stadium is within walking distance of many popular restaurants and bars. There are even “official neighborhood pubs” where SC fans can always catch a game.
ARCHITECTURE
Nashville may be the hot city of the moment, but it’s got a long history. And with that history comes a unique architecture all its own. Whatever your taste–historical venues, unique attractions, or iconic skyscrapers–Nashville offers it all.
Ryman Auditorium
The Ryman is one of the most famous music venues in the world, in part because of its acoustically perfected auditorium. Built in 1892 as a church, the Ryman was crafted to surround its audiences with full sound. Apart from its acoustics, Ryman Auditorium is famous for its original church pews and iconic stained-glass windows, all of which are still present today.
Nashville’s Parthenon
Another nickname of Nashville is The Athens of the South. So, it makes sense that the city would also feature another piece of Ancient Greece: A full-scale replica of the Parthenon. Located in Centennial Park, Nashville’s Parthenon was constructed in 1897 as part of the Tennessee Centennial Exposition. Today, the structure stands as a centerpiece in the park and is available for tours.
The Batman Building
The most recognizable building in the city skyline, the AT&T Building is more commonly known as the Batman Building because of the large pillars on either side of the structure that make it look like, well, Batman. Located in downtown Nashville between 3rd and 4th Avenues, the AT&T Building stands 33 stories tall and is the tallest building in the state of Tennessee.
Ole Red Nashville
While the honky-tonks downtown might be named after a hot new country star, most of the buildings are older than you think. Blake Shelton’s Ole Red, for example, dates back to the 1880s. The building was originally a peanut cleaning factory and later became the Broadway National Bank in 1910. When Ole Red took over the building, they kept the bank’s name on the exterior as a nod to the history.
FUN!
With its array of activities, delicious food, and southern hospitality, there’s always fun waiting to be had around every corner. Here’s what to do in Nashville if you’re looking for extra fun.
Bachelorette Parties
When it comes to bachelorette parties, Nashville is one of the most popular destinations in the country. The honky-tonks, live music, delicious cuisine, and sheer number of unique hotels make the city the perfect spot for a girls’ weekend. There are many party rentals, from bikes to limousines to party busses, that add an extra element of fun to any bachelorette weekend. Book a table at one of the city’s many rooftop bars, like Blake Shelton’s Ole Red or Dolly Parton’s White Limozeen, and you’re in for a guaranteed good time.
Line Dancing
Grab your boots! One of the top must-do things in Nashville is to go line dancing. It’s part dance, part workout, and all-around good time. You’ll learn a set of steps, then keep the rhythm going as you turn to face each wall of the room. Luke Combs’ Category 10 on 2nd Avenue and Broadway, which boasts the biggest dance floor in downtown Nashville, offers free line dancing lessons throughout the day. And if you’ve never danced before, don’t worry—the pros are there to walk you through the moves, then let you loose on the floor.
Family Vacation Destination
Nashville offers plenty of fun for all ages. There are many tours to choose from, like a tour of Ryman Auditorium, the Grand Ole Opry, or an open-air trolley tour all around the city. The city also offers great spots for kids, like the Adventure Science Center and the Nashville Zoo.
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