Nashville, Tennessee is characterized by its music, and especially music of the country persuasion. Everyone knows that people will literally go there just to hear country legends performing live. If that genre doesn't appeal to you, Nashville probably isn't high on your lists of places to go. But the truth is, Nashville is really a pretty town, filled with magnolia trees, southern hospitality, history and music of all kinds. And while you'll probably get dragged to either the Grand Ole Opry or the Country Music Hall of Fame, you can't let that deter you from seeing everything else the city has to offer.
1. Broadway.
OK, you won't avoid the country sounds if you go downtown, but that shouldn't scare you from looking around. Buy a pair of cowboy boots if that's your thing; walk up the Prisoners of War Bridge; find a music venue that features something you do like (those do exist in Nashville!); eat a sandwich at Jack's Barbecue.
2. Frist Center for the Visual Arts.
Frist Center for the Visual Arts showcases a diverse spread of artwork. They've had exhibits featuring everything from the works of local artists to their current exhibit of Soviet Photography and Film.
3. Centennial Park.
The home of the 1897 Tennessee Centennial Exposition is a lovely place to walk or sit on a swing and read a book from the nearby Barnes and Noble. It also has historical monuments from the Exposition, like the Partheon Replica above.
4. Seafood Sensation.
I know many people don't care for seafood, but I'm definitely not one of those people. So I think the fried tilapia at Seafood Sensations is some of the better fish I've eaten. Aside from the fact that the place is sketchy, they cook their fish to actual perfection, and it's not at all expensive.
5. The Pancake Pantry.
The Pancake Pantry is just a classic that everyone who goes to Nashville must experience. They boast of having 23 varieties of pancakes. Though it's probably best to go early before the lines get absurdly long, the pancakes are worth the wait.
6. Hillsboro Village.
The neighborhood surrounding the Pancake Pantry is what you might call the hipster side of town. So it's literally the total opposite of Broadway, which features live country music and cowboy boot shops. Instead, Hillsboro Village is where you eat pancakes, drink coffee and browse in upscale, trendy boutiques and rare bookstores.
7. Book Man Book Woman.
One of the most important parts of Hillsboro Village is the bookstore, Book Man Book Woman. The little shop carries over 100,000 books of all varieties, according to their website. They also feature lots of rare and used books.
8. Belle Meade Plantation.
I saved the one of best things on this list for last. Anyone who enjoys antebellum/ Civil War-era history, architecture and art needs to tour the house and the grounds of Belle Mead, an early-19th century plantation that once bred thoroughbred horses. It now exists so we can appreciate its aesthetic.
As much as Nashville gets a bad rap for the Grand Ole Opry and that kind of music, a variety of other entertainment options do exist. Everyone should go and experience the city, you never know what you may find.
