With their first loss in 15 matches in MLS on Saturday, Philadelphia looks to regroup as they hit the road against newly crowned Supporters’ Shield winner Nashville SC on Wednesday evening at Geodis Park.
If you’re heading to Nashville, I’ve put together a few recommendations to check out while you’re in town before or after the match. If you’d like additional suggestions, feel free to reach out to me.
Things to do
Beyond the music, Nashville offers visitors a wide variety of attractions including a bustling, innovative culinary scene full of creativity and experimentation. Whether you’re traveling on a budget or looking for unique experiences, there are plenty of free things to do in Nashville.
Closer to downtown, Riverfront Park along the Cumberland River is a peaceful way to enjoy the city. If you’re looking to escape the urban pace, head just north to Marrowbone Lake for a day of fishing, relaxing by the water, or exploring the outdoors.
The District
Located in the heart of downtown, The District is a vibrant and fun-filled neighborhood. You’ll find countless bars and restaurants, many of which are devoted to country music. Long-standing stores selling western wear, vintage vinyl, cafés, ice cream, and candy shops are also part of the experience.
The District is home to the Johnny Cash Museum and the Patsy Cline Museum, and the stretch of Broadway from the Ryman Auditorium to the riverfront is known as the Honky Tonk Highway, where live music plays nightly until 3 a.m. — all without a cover charge. This festive atmosphere is definitely worth checking out.
Grand Ole Opry
Known worldwide as “The Show That Made Country Music Famous,” the Grand Ole Opry began in 1925 as a one-hour radio “barn dance” on WSM. It’s now the longest-running radio broadcast in U.S. history.
Website: www.opry.com
The Nashville Zoo at Grassmere
The 188 acres zoo with global animal habitats, a large playground, and a historic plantation home is a great destination for anyone to check out.
Website: https://www.nashvillezoo.org/
Johnny Cash Museum
This museum honors the life and legacy of the legendary Johnny Cash, also known as “The Man in Black.” A must-visit for Cash fans and music lovers in general, it houses the world’s largest and most comprehensive collection of Johnny Cash artifacts including handwritten lyrics, clothing, instruments, and stage props.
Be sure to recharge at the museum’s café, which serves artisanal coffee, breakfast, and lunch.
Website: www.johnnycashmuseum.com
Music City Walk of Fame
Located across from the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Music City Walk of Fame celebrates musical legends who have lived, worked, and played in Nashville. The star-studded sidewalk also borders the beautiful Nashville Music Garden, paying tribute to all genres of music and the artists behind them.
Website: www.visitmusiccity.com/walkoffame
Country Music Hall of Fame
Since 1967, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has served as the home of American country music. The museum showcases two centuries of music history through dynamic exhibits, video clips, recordings, live performances, and more.
Website: countrymusichalloffame.org
Cheekwood
A historic estate, botanical garden, arboretum, and art museum in Nashville. Set on a 55-acre former private estate, it is one of the city’s premier cultural attractions.
Website: https://cheekwood.org/
Places to Eat
Nashville’s creative spirit is found not only in its music but also in its food. The local cuisine blends Southern traditions with global influences for a flavorful and exciting dining scene.
Here are some of the best places to try:
Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack
Founded in 1945 by James Thornton Prince, Prince’s is the birthplace of Nashville hot chicken. From mild to XXX hot, their chicken is a beloved local tradition. Stop by their main location in south Nashville, swing by their outpost in The District, or catch their food truck.
Website: www.princeshotchicken.com
City House
This chef-owned restaurant combines Italian roots with Southern flavors. The menu features antipasti, pizza, pasta, meats, and more — all served with curated wine, bourbon, and cocktails. Don’t miss their desserts, like the butterscotch panna cotta or espresso icebox cake.
Website: cityhousenashville.com
Burger Up
Burger Up stands for “thoughtful consumption,” offering a menu of locally sourced ingredients from sustainable farms. Their house fries, burgers, and appetizers are always a hit. The warm, rustic vibe with reclaimed wood décor makes it even better.
Website: www.burger-up.com
12 South Taproom
This funky neighborhood favorite is filled with retro posters and local flair. The menu features hot, made-to-order meals and a long list of craft drinks — from beer and wine to sake. Live music rounds out the experience.
Website: 12southtaproom.com
Robert’s Western World
Located in the historic Lower Broadway District, Robert’s Western World is one of Nashville’s top honky tonks. Grab a cold beer, enjoy some fried pickles, and listen to live music from local legends.
Website: www.robertswesternworld.com
Monell’s Dining & Catering
Monell’s best known for its family-style, all-you-can-eat dining served in a restored Victorian home. Rather than ordering individual entrées, guests share large platters of classic Southern dishes at communal tables
Website: https://monellstn.com/
The Loveless Cafe
A historic Southern restaurant in Nashville, Tennessee, best known for its scratch-made comfort food and longstanding reputation for biscuits and Southern hospitality perfect for breakfast.
Website: https://lovelesscafe.com/
That’s it for today’s travel article. I hope you have a safe and enjoyable trip to Nashville. If you have any any recommendations from your travel to the city make sure to let me know so they can be featured in a future article.
Main Article Photo Courtesy of the Philadelphia Union
Leave a Reply