Heading to Nashville? Here's where the locals hang out
Summer in Music City means Indian-spice lattes and mooching in the sunshine at farmers’ markets, then natural wine and bluegrass jam sessions come nightfall.
Music City earns its nickname in summer, when the rhythms of country, rock and blues flow out of the open windows of bars lining Downtown Broadway and numerous outdoor festivals take over various parts of the city. But this year it’s not just the music that’s set to attract visitors — the headline event takes place on 4 July. Expect yet more live music, family activities and the largest fireworks and drone show in the Nashville’s history over the Independence Day weekend, marking the 250th birthday of the US.
Feast in style at Junior
Junior, the sister restaurant to perennial local favourite Rolf & Daughters, opened last summer and its interior lands somewhere between elegant French bistro and Mad Hatter’s tea party. To add to the theatrics, chefs sometimes appear tableside with finishing touches or to introduce their proudest gastronomic creations. Don’t miss the golden chicken with chanterelles and sauce forestière. The soundtrack glides from Lily Allen to laid-back funk and soul, adding to the polished-yet-playful atmosphere.
Wander 12 South
One of Nashville’s coolest neighbourhoods, this half-mile stretch of 12th Avenue South is best explored on foot. Spend some time dipping in and out of eclectic boutiques like denim specialist Imogene + Willie or hunting for one-of-a-kind pieces at Savant Vintage. Alternatively, embark on a self-guided mural tour — a photo in front of the wall declaring ‘Nashville looks good on you’ is practically compulsory. The street’s vibrant energy hits its peak on farmers’ market Tuesdays. Refuel with a pit stop at Fast Times coffeeshop, inside the Buck Mason store.
Chase caffeine highs at Babu
In the ever-evolving neighbourhood of Wedgewood-Houston (known as WeHo), Indian-Greek cafe Babu is popular around the clock. By day, locals might grab an iced latte infused with homemade cardamom syrup; by night, they’re sipping wine to the sound of live jazz.
Work up a sweat with Melt
Melt is quite literally turning up the heat in its Pilates classes. Local devotees come to its infrared-heated mat studio, where options range from 32C weighted circuits to sweltering 40C flow sessions. The space is showstopping, too; walls are the colour of a deep-red wine, and backlit arches add a sleek feel.
Feel the blues at the Station Inn
No trip to Nashville is complete without catching a Sunday evening bluegrass jam at the Station Inn, in the Gulch area. Local musicians, from child prodigies to seasoned veterans, take to the floor together and the atmosphere is both wholesome and, occasionally, electric.
Get Sauced
Pulling up to natural wine bar Sauced, behind an understated exterior in Germantown, feels like arriving at a stylish friend’s townhouse. The wine list has something to suit every pocket, making it easy to while away an evening ordering small plates, listening to vinyl and playing pool in the backroom.
Have a singsong at Santa’s Pub
A night at unpretentious dive bar Santa’s Pub is something of a Nashville rite of passage. Its no-frills frame — a double-wide trailer — is permanently hung with Christmas lights and festive graphics, an homage to former owner Elmer Denzel Irwin, who resembled Saint Nick. Once inside, beer is the only drink on offer and karaoke is a nightly and largely communal experience, with everyone coming together to belt out the chorus. You might even spot a country music star like Kacey Musgraves or Kelsea Ballerini in your midst.
To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here (available in select countries only).
