Went back to my hometown of Nashville, Tennessee (USA) this week, and wanted to share with those of you who have never been to Nashville, some of my favorite stops to visit. Some have been around for long time, and some are new favorites.
Centennial Park – Nashville’s first public park started in 1897, after the 1987 Tennessee Centennial Exposition, which started the Nashville’s park system. It features a replica of the Parthenon. I’ve visited the Parthenon at the Acropolis at Athens Greece, and the Nashville replica is very impressive. Park is a favorite for families to walk, or have a picnic under one of the many large magnolia trees. Address: 2500 West End Ave., Nashville, TN 37203
The Broadway Historic District (and Ryman Auditorium), downtown Nashville.
Printer’s Alley (Bars and Restaurants, and live music). This is a famous alley in downtown Nashville, Tennessee (USA). It is located between Third and Fourth Avenues, running from Union Street to Commerce Street. The portion of the alley between Union and Church Street. Home of a nightclub district that dates back to the 1940’s.
The African American Music Museum. Downtown Nashville on Broadway and John Lewis Way. The museum is fairly new (opened in 2021) and has African American music from various genres.
Other Nashville Favorites of mine:
– Prince’s Hot Chicken – the ORIGINAL Nashville Hot Chicken. Several locations including Broadway, and the Nashville Int’l Airport. Click for locations. African American owned.
– Bootlegger’s Inn (my favorite bar that has different flavored Moonshines)
– Belle Meade Mansion tour (recommend touring the mansion, and also doing the Jubilee tour on African American History at Belle Meade). Viator has some guided tours of the Belle Meade Mansion. You can also go there in person and get tickets, but if it is during peak season may be best to buy your tickets in advance.
– Christie Cookie Company – the best cookies you have ever tasted. You have to try every cookie variety.
– Goo Goo Chocolate Company (Goo Goo Candies are found at the airport and other stores in Nashville. Cholate Company is located at 116 3rd Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37201. The original Goo Goo Cluster was created originally in 1912. It has real milk chocolate, caramel, peanuts and marshmallow nougat. Growing up there was a painted mural on a brick building downtown that had a toddler in it, and the ad read “Baby says Goo Goo for Candy.” Whenever, I’m somewhere and see a Goo Goo Candy cluster being sold, I get a little homesick for Nashville and smile.
– Johnny Cash Museum – interested in finding out more about the man in black. Check out his museum. It is located at 119 3rd Ave. South, Nashville, TN 37201
– Uncle Buds (some good home cooking)
– Swett’s Restaurant – a famous soul food restaurant. Location: 2725 Clifton Avenue, Nashville, TN. African American-owned.
– Mary’s Old Fashioned Pitt BBQ – This place is famous. Everyone in North Nashville grew up eating Mary’s Pitt BBQ. 1106 Jefferson Street, Nashville, TN. African American-owned.
Two short daytrips from Nashville:
– Jack Daniel’s Whiskey Distillery – in Lynchburg, Tennessee (may want to book tours in advance)
– Arrington Vineyard – in Arrington, Tennessee (suggest booking appointments for wine tastings)
