Nashville is more than just Music City. It’s a place where you can experience the best of Southern culture, cuisine, and history – either as a visitor or a future resident.
Whether you’re a fan of country, rock, blues, or soul, you’ll find something to love in Nashville.
Reasons To Go To Nashville Just Once
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum: This is the ultimate destination for any country music lover. You can explore the history and evolution of the genre, see memorabilia and artifacts from legendary artists, and even record your own song in the museum’s studio. The museum also hosts live performances, workshops, and special exhibits throughout the year.
Lower Broadway or Honky Tonk Highway: what we realized is that Nashville isn’t just country music. Musicians from all music genres gather in Nashville to write music and collaborate. As a result, many of them are playing in music venues such as Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, Robert’s Western World Legends Corner, and The Stage. You can listen, drink, and dance all night long to whatever hits you. It’s also a great place to shop for souvenirs, cowboy boots, and western wear.
The Parthenon: That’s right a piece of ancient Greece in the middle of Nashville. The Parthenon is a full-scale replica of the original temple in Athens, built for the 1897 Tennessee Centennial Exposition. Inside, you can admire a 42-foot statue of Athena, the goddess of wisdom, and a collection of American paintings from the 19th and 20th centuries.
Hot Chicken: Nashville is famous for its hot chicken, a spicy fried chicken dish that will make your mouth water and your eyes tear up. There are many places to try this local specialty, but some of the most popular ones are Hattie B’s, Prince’s, and Bolton’s. You can choose your level of heat, from mild to extra hot, and enjoy your chicken with sides like coleslaw, mac and cheese, and cornbread.
Grand Ole Opry: The Grand Ole Opry is the longest-running radio show in history, and a must-see for any music fan. You can catch live performances by some of the biggest names in country music, as well as newcomers and legends. The Opry also offers backstage tours, where you can see the dressing rooms, the green room, and the famous wooden circle on the stage.
Ryman Auditorium: The Ryman Auditorium is a historic venue that was once the home of the Grand Ole Opry. It’s also known as the Mother Church of Country Music, because of its acoustics and its role in shaping the genre. You can take a self-guided tour of the auditorium, see exhibits and memorabilia, and even record a song in the Ryman Studio. You can also catch live shows by various artists, from country to rock to comedy.
Become A Tennessean
Those are great reasons to visit. But let’s add some reasons – to that list — about why you should also consider moving to Nashville if you’re looking for new scenery. You’ll be surprised at the range of interests Nashville can bring to your tastes. Just like everyone thinks it’s a country music town. It is. But more.
Education: Nashville is a great place to relocate if you are looking for quality education, whether for yourself or your children. Nashville has several prestigious and renowned universities and colleges, such as Vanderbilt University, Belmont University, and Lipscomb University. Nashville also has a variety of public and private schools, as well as charter and magnet schools, that offer excellent academic and extracurricular programs for students of all ages and levels.
Business: Nashville is a booming and dynamic city, with a strong and diverse economy. Nashville is the headquarters of several Fortune 500 companies, such as HCA Healthcare, Dollar General, and Tractor Supply Company. Nashville also has a growing and innovative tech sector, with companies like Asurion, Eventbrite, and Lyft having offices in the city.
Cost of Living: Nashville also has a low cost of living, compared to other major cities in the US, and a favorable tax climate, with no state income tax and low property taxes.
Climate: We hear of so many people fleeing the Deep South because of the summer heat. Nashville has a temperate and humid subtropical climate, with four distinct seasons. The average annual temperature is 59.4°F, with highs of 89.4°F in July and lows of 28.4°F in January. Nashville gets about 47 inches of rainfall and 6 inches of snowfall per year. Nashville also has plenty of sunshine, with an average of 208 sunny days per year. Nashville is a great place to enjoy the outdoors, with parks, trails, lakes, and rivers that offer recreational activities for all seasons.
Nashville Resembles Vegas?
Is Nashville perfect for you? Find out. The worst that happens: you go on a trip, you explore and learn, and you like where you are.
Watch our segment here as we explore Nashville as a tourist spot but also a new place to live. We found so many comparisons to Las Vegas — no income tax, for one. Take a look and tell us what you think.
John Daly and Susan Anzalone are the Co-Creators and Co-Hosts of Undercover Jetsetter, a show on travel, food, wine, mixology and, of course, golf. They show you how to jet set the world and at home. They also co-authored the book, The TV Studio In Your Hand: How to Shoot, Edit & Deliver the Easy Way on Your iPhone. Join them for tips and hacks on the road, at home, or in the kitchen. Yes, as you will see, all on the iPhone.