Nashville, the liberal city making more than just music

Travel Talk with Ed Finn

Saturday, 11 March 2023 - 7 minutes

The heartbeat of American country music and a beacon of Southern hospitality, Nashville is a charming city that has a lot to offer. From its world-renowned music scene to its delicious food, there’s something for everyone in Music City. Heather Middleton, Senior Vice President of Marketing at the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corporation, dropped in to chat to Travel Talk this week. Famous for its tantalizing Southern fare, with a reputation for wild partying and contrasted by a long and rich history, and you’ll find that the Tennessee capital can deliver a huge variety of activities to keep you entertained.

Nashville is synonymous with country music, but there's more to the city than just honky-tonks

From the ever-buzzing Downtown area to the quieter neighbourhoods that line the Cumberland River, Nashville delivers a far more diverse experience than its music-centric reputation might have you believe. Outside of the infamous music scene, adventure and nature lovers can rejoice; the Tennessee State capital is within striking distance of some of the most picturesque hiking trails and outdoor adventure activities in the area – from the Cheatham Wildlife Management Area and Harpeth River State Park on the west to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park a few hours drive east, there’s plenty of opportunities to get off the beaten path and explore.

Historic Ryman Auditorium is a must-see for music fans visiting Nashville

Throw in independent museums (The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and the Johnny Cash Museum are both quintessential), a slew of galleries, and the world-renowned Grand Ole Opry, and you’ve got the makings of a perfect city break. Country music enthusiast or not, Nashville is sure to charm and surprise you with its unique blend of history, culture, food, and fun. So whether you’re on the hunt for adventure, food, music, or moonshine, as you’ll quickly find out, there’s by no means a shortage of diverse things to do in Nashville.

Hot chicken is an old-fashioned Nashville dinner staple

Clarksdale is just 75 miles south of Memphis on US Route 61, across the border in Mississippi, and this takes you to the birthplace of the blues, where Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil at the crossroads. Morgan Freeman’s Ground Zero Blues Club and Red’s Lounge are where you’ll hear the blues, while the Delta Blues Museum is a major attraction.

Morgan Freeman’s Ground Zero Blues Club

Tennessee Williams, who grew up here, set some of his searing Southern Gothic plays here and the descendants of Brick and Maggie the Cat live on in Clarksdale.

For lots of info on Nashville go to - Visit Music City

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