Best Time to Travel
Spring and summer offer the full force of Nashville’s musical highlights, with a packed season of outdoor festivals and concerts. It’s also a great time to get out and about to see the city, thanks to the pleasant temperatures. Yet, in many ways, this is a city which sparkles in the winter. Prices are low and crowds are few, but Nashville goes all out for sparkly fairy lights and festivities, giving every entertainment venue a magical atmosphere.
Not to Miss
Nothing can quite compare to standing in the very studio where every country music great you can name recorded their best hits. From Elvis Presley to Dolly Parton, some of the most recognizable music in the world was recorded in RCA Studio, and you can take the tour as part of your visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame. There are also regular, intimate concerts held at the studio, offering some of the highest quality in country music you’ll find anywhere.
Getting around
Nashville’s international airport is located about 10 miles east of Downtown. It receives flights from all over the US, making it a very convenient entry point for the city. Nashville is still very much a driving city, with many venues and hotels offering free parking, so hiring a car can be the best option for getting around. There’s also a citywide bus network – route 18 runs direct from the airport and takes about 25 minutes. To get around the main attractions, there’s a free Music City Circuit bus which runs around the center.
Cuisine
Though it’s famed for music, Nashville is increasingly a foodies’ city too. You can start the day at a great neighborhood brunch spot, or if a full eggs-and-pancakes breakfast is too much, hit one of the hip coffee houses for a caffeine fix. For dinner, choose traditional Southern fare, with highlights such as Nashville-style spicy chicken, or trendy farm-to-table restaurants, where they do innovative things to local ingredients. Just make sure to leave room for dessert – Nashville boasts some of the best ice cream parlors in the country.
Customs and etiquette
Since it’s home to such a large and diverse artistic community, Nashville is open-minded and welcoming to anyone who appreciates music. During music festivals, keeping your cool - literally, with plenty of water, and in terms of patience – is essential for navigating the crowds and enjoying the show. Fast Facts
• Population: 610000
• Spoken languages: English
• Electrical: The USA runs on 120V, 60 Hz current
• Phone Calling Code: +1 615911
