In the Neighborhood: Your ultimate guide to Nashville’s Music Row
Whether you’re a fan of country tunes or prefer the latest pop hits, visiting Nashville’s Music Row — and its historic recording studios — is a must for music lovers.
By Kitty Bean Yancey | February 15, 2024
Anchored by 16th and 17th avenues, this cradle of the music business is where hit songs in multiple genres have been written and recorded. Today, Music Row also boasts chart-topping attractions, restaurants and watering holes, plus plenty of shops.
EAT
Whether it’s signature Music City fare, cocktails or cutting-edge, chef-driven creations, you’ll find restaurants in all price ranges, here. Try:
- Patterson House and The Catbird Seat: To craft curated cocktails in this speakeasy-like setting, the bartenders here use house-made tinctures and syrups. Order light bites or head upstairs to perch at the U-shaped counter of The Catbird Seat to sample a seasonal tasting menu.
- TailGate Brewery: Tap into dozens of homemade lagers, ales and stouts as well as TailGate’s hard cider in a lively, informal setting. Devour a Nashville hot chicken pizza topped with coleslaw while listening to live music.
- Sadie’s: Once anointed the best new restaurant in Nashville, Sadie’s showcases Mediterranean favorites served in an industrial-chic setting. Drop in for daily happy hour specials, including the especially popular Frosé Friday’s.
- Image courtesy of Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp*
SEE
Walk in the footsteps of music legends like Elvis Presley while hit songs play 24/7 from speakers that line the sidewalks. Don’t miss:
- The Musica statue: This 40-foot-tall bronze sculpture in a 16th Avenue traffic circle depicts nine nude figures who appear to be dancing. It’s a popular Instagram background, especially when the figures sport costumes for holidays, celebrations and record releases.
- RCA Studio B: Hallowed ground for music fans! Tour the small, unpretentious recording venue where the signature “Nashville Sound” was born. It’s also where Elvis Presley made gospel and pop hits followed by many other musical greats.
- Owen Bradley Park: Dedicated to the late legendary music producer who worked with Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty, this mini patch of green features a statue of Bradley at his grand piano.
- Image courtesy of Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp*
SHOP
Music Row’s retail offerings showcase homegrown creativity and locally sourced wares. Browse:
- Any Old Iron: Get your music star threads where big-name acts score theirs. Named for the olden street call of a scrap metal collector, this shop (founded by a celebrity stylist and designer!) sells sassy T-shirts, punk leather jackets and glittery sequined suits.
- The Bubblery: Pick up a scented bath bomb, artisanal soap (lemon and lavender is popular) or all-natural potions and lotions — handcrafted in Nashville, of course.
- The Moose Men’s Grooming Lounge: Billed as a vintage barber shop with a modern edge, this spot offers everything from a straight-razor shave to scalp massages and multi-treatment packages that come with a cigar. Buy homemade products including beard balm, mustache wax and after-shave splash.
- Image courtesy of Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp*
Whether you’re into the inner workings of the music business or seeking eclectic dining and shopping options away from the party-hearty honky-tonk downtown, Music Row hits all the right notes.
Kitty Bean Yancey is an award-winning former USA TODAY travel writer who freelances for AARP Magazine and AAA publications, among others.
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