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In the Neighborhood: Your ultimate guide to downtown Nashville

Country music, top eats and a scenic riverfront make this walkable neighborhood the city’s beating heart.

By Tanvi Chheda | February 22, 2023

From the iconic Ryman Auditorium, sometimes called the Mother Church of music, to the neon lights along Honky Tonk Highway, there’s an energy and verve to downtown Nashville that’s palpable. In recent years, several hotels and restaurants have arrived in the district, confirming that this is the place to be when visiting Music City.

EAT

Whether you’re seeking artfully plated global cuisine or gastropub fare at one of the lively honky-tonk bars along Lower Broadway, downtown Nashville caters to all palates. Try:

- Elixr Coffee: With fresh pastries, coffee beans from a specialty roaster and unique flavors like the strawberry milk latte made with strawberries and beets, this quaint coffee shop is the perfect morning fix.

- Etch: Award-winning chef Deb Paquette brings a globally inspired menu to this upscale restaurant with two chic dining rooms. The roasted cauliflower with truffled pea puree, and the pear hazelnut tart are can’t-miss dishes.

- Husk: Step into this historic-house-turned-restaurant for a memorable Southern meal. With a focus on using ingredients unique to the South, expect traditional dishes like shrimp and grits alongside creative twists on the classics like deviled eggs with okra.

SEE

The legacy of country music is one of Nashville’s biggest draws. Often overlooked, the visual arts scene is also thriving here. Check out:

- The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum: Learn about the legends and lesser-known stars of country music. This museum houses a collection of more than two million artifacts, including instruments, stage wear and Elvis Presley’s gold-embellished Cadillac.

- Ryman Auditorium: Originally built as a church, this theater was saved from being torn down and later became one of the most celebrated live performance venues in the world. Take a daytime tour or attend a concert to experience the incredible acoustics of this space.

- Frist Art Museum: Once the city’s main post office, the art deco building was repurposed into a center for visual arts. Now, you’ll find rotating exhibits highlighting multiple artistic mediums.

Image courtesy of Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp

SHOP

From boots, concert posters and music memorabilia to home goods and luxury skincare, downtown Nashville has it all. Browse:

- Boot Country: Whether you’re looking for a fashion statement, Western or work boots, this store has thousands of embroidered and bedazzled leather styles. Can’t decide which one you like best? Get three with the store’s long-running “buy one pair get two pairs free” offer.

- Keep Shop: Find jewelry, scented candles, ceramic vases, Stetson hats and more at this well-curated concept store that showcases regional makers and creatives.

- Hatch Show Print: Open since 1879, this letterpress print shop is known for creating limited run posters and prints. The store also hosts occasional workshops where you can make your own prints, T-shirts, tote bags or tea towels from hand-carved image blocks.

Image courtesy of Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp

No matter how you choose to spend your stay away, one thing is certain: Thanks to jam sessions with rising star songwriters and a recent boom of food and drink offerings, Nashville is the city to visit.

Hero Image courtesy of Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp

Formerly an assistant editor at Travel + Leisure, Los Angeles-based Tanvi Chheda has been freelancing for 15 years. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, AFAR, Virtuoso Life, Four Seasons magazine, Qantas, Inspirato, Invited, Pasadena magazine and OLTRE and Ciao Bambino, among others. She writes mostly about lifestyle and travel, which often spills into arts & culture, food, design and more. With two young children, family travel is also a passion of hers. Given her South Asian heritage, she writes about India quite frequently as well (she was born in India and speaks three Indian languages). When not traveling or writing, she enjoys reading, cooking and spending time outdoors.