Many of America’s cities can claim a title or two for their signature attraction. Nashville on the other hand can and has won accolades for a huge variety of achievements. “Most affordable”, “Friendliest city”, Top 5 best places to visit”, “Tastiest city”, “Best music scene city” are all awards won in the last couple years and with good reason. The food, the music and the attractions are all top notch. Close together, all the following can be enjoyed in one weekend if you rock and roll.
Want to start the day with a possible celebrity sighting? Plan on breakfast at Taylor Swift’s favorite coffeehouse. Fido offers a range of fantastic coffees,teas, bakery items as well as cooked-to-order specialties.
After breakfast, wander the streets of the Hillsboro neighborhood. Fantastic wall murals add a dash of color to a wonderful neighborhood of specialty shops. Be sure to check out Bookman Bookwoman, voted best used book store. Try Davis Cookware & Cultery Shop for exotic coffees.
The Union Station Hotel is part of the Autograph Collection by Marriott at 1001 Broadway. This fantastically preserved 100-year old rail station offers 125 guest rooms and a picture worthy atrium. How come the railroads always built the most beautiful properties?
No, you didn’t get teleported to Greece. This is a life-sized replica of the Greek Parthenon, built to commemorate the city’s centennial. It houses a 45-foot tall statue of Athena and an extensive art collection.
The city of Franklin, has a trio of historic homes with unique Civil War connections. We toured the Lotz House, built by hand, without the help of slaves, by German immigrant and master woodworker Albert Lotz in 1858. Taking three years to build, it took four years to repair after the war.
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is located right downtown at Demonbreun & 4th Avenue South. Rewind history as you browse performing and recording artifacts from all the country greats. This is also one of the two main stops for the Hop On/Off Music City Trolley Tours.
A view of the Tennessee State Capital across the grounds of Bicentennial Park. This building is notable as one of the oldest antebellum capitals still in daily use. The interior is free to tour Mondays through Fridays.
Hop On/Off Music City Trolley Tours offers a reasonably priced tour of the city highlights in under two hours. With 10 different stops, you get ample chances to hop off,explore the city’s multiple attractions and then jump back on a later trolley to continue on. Tickets are good for 24 hours.
Boot Country is a must-stop location for those who need to update their “country” wardrobe. With their famous “Buy One – Get Two Free” deal, you could walk out with three pair of hip leather boots for as low as $150.00.
For a fabulously prepared meal by Executive Chef Kristin Beringson, head to The Holland House in East Nashville. With a wide variety of artisan cocktails, fine wines and dinner entrees, it will be a sinful pleasure for the palate. Shown here is the smoked brisket sausage with napa kraut and red potato hash.
For more information, check out the Visit Music City website: http://www.visitmusiccity.com/