A lesser-known fact about me, I lived in Nashville for a summer a few years ago. When I arrived, I didn’t know what to expect. All I really knew was that the city was famous for country music. I lived near Music Row; a neighborhood that’s the heart of the country music industry. I learned so much just by walking past the record studios that produced Dolly Parton and Elvis Presley. Even though the summer was so much hotter than I expected, I left loving this Southern city. In a few months, I saw major country artists perform (Carrie Underwood and Luke Combs), bought cowboy boots, attended brunch with live soul music, and had the best barbeque of my life. This past week, I visited Nashville again and wanted to give you my definitive guide to the city.

What Nashville Does Best:

• Food: If you want Southern cuisine, Soul food or Barbeque, you can find it in Nashville. The hush puppies, brisket, hot chicken, banana cream pie, and whiskey are all some of the best I have had. Nashville is branded as a fun, party city but I think it’s a not-so-secret foodie destination.
• Music: There is a reason Nashville is known as “Music City.” From country to soul to bluegrass to gospel music, Nashville produces many kinds of music. Because there are so many talented artists, there’s an abundance of live music. You can go into any bar on Broadway and hear up-and-coming artists. More established artists are constantly playing shows and concerts as well because Nashville is their home base.
• Southern Hospitality: As someone from the East Coast, I am used to being polite but formal towards strangers. What I love about Nashville, and by extension, the South, is how outwardly kind strangers are. Taking an Uber? The driver will help you with your bags and have a genuine conversation with you. Walking down the street? Strangers will say hello. I have relatives from this part of the country, and I have learned that not greeting your neighbors is a faux pas. As a visitor, it is refreshing to experience this type of warmth and camaraderie.
• The Fourth Of July: The fourth is typically not a “destination” holiday in the United States. It’s the holiday where you gather with friends and family to eat, drink, and watch the fireworks. In Nashville, though, the fourth is an EVENT. Think a patriotic explosion of live music, fireworks timed to the Nashville symphony playing live, drinking a cold beer.
• A Party Bus: The city is arguably the bachelorette capital of America (second only to Miami). Because of this, it is a common sight to see groups of women dressed in matching wigs, shirts, costumes, tutus, or blow-up cow outfits. A necessary part of Nashville bachelorette is a fun party vehicle, and the city does not disappoint. There are party buses of all sizes, boozy off-road tours, and my favorite, traveling party counters that are pedal powered. I can’t understand how more people don’t fall off these rides more often. Instead of people watching, the thing to do is watch for party buses and bachelorette outfit themes.

Carly’s Must Visit Places:

• The Grand Ole Opry: An iconic Nashville venue, the Grand Ole Opry is an institution of country music. I didn’t understand the culture around the venue’s stage until I went for the first time. For many country artists, being invited into the Opry (a group of artists who are consistently invited to perform) is a bigger honor than a Grammy Award. The venue regularly hosts the biggest artists in country, soul, gospel, etc. music. If you want to see a live music performance, I highly recommend getting tickets. I have seen some of the best singers of my life here. Even if you are not a country music fan, I promise the Opry is an experience where you sit and think “holy sh*t” listening to how talented some people are.
• Hattie B’s Hot Chicken: I can’t tell you how many different people recommended this hot chicken sandwich to me when I lived in Nashville. Locals are very proud of the spicy, decadent sandwich that’s perfectly balanced with their house made pickles. My pro tip is to order ahead so you don’t have to wait in line.
• Martin’s Barbeque: I love an old school barbeque joint. What does that mean? You order at the counter, the heat from the smoker’s makes the restaurant hot and it smells like hickory. There are neon signs, paper towels by the roll, and pie sold by the slice. Martin’s is my go-to place for a brisket sandwich with coleslaw that melts in your mouth.
• Broadway: The iconic street in downtown Nashville is known for the nightlife and live music. Day or night, Broadway is lit up with neon lights, lined with bars blasting country music and filled with men and women in Southern going out attire (daisy dukes, cowboy boots and cowboy hats or trucker hats with cowboy boots). If you want to “go out” in Nashville, this is where you go. Is it touristy, loud, and completely overstimulating? Absolutely, and that’s part of the fun. Cowboy boots recommended (don’t worry, you can also buy them on Broadway).
• Dolly Parton: The Queen of country music and an amazing philanthropist, Nashville LOVES Dolly Parton. I felt like I saw murals, pictures, and homages to Dolly all over the city. I recommend keeping an eye out for this when you visit because she’s an icon in Nashville. Super fans of Dolly can visit her hotel (SongTeller) or restaurant (White Limozeen) for fancy, girly cocktails.
• Centennial Park: This park is the perfect location for a hot girl walk if you want a bit of nature. The park isn’t just adorable, but it also has a full replica of the Parthenon in the center. The first time I visited, I went for the duck ponds and ended up on a tour of the building staring at a 42-foot statue of Athena. If anyone enjoyed Percy Jackson as a child, this is where they filmed the original movie. It gives the energy of: “ancient temple, we have this at home.”
• Vanderbilt University: If you want a break from all of the neon lights, honky tonks, and parties, take a walk through Vanderbilt University. The campus is beautiful with gray stone buildings, grass-lined walkways, and a distinct, academic feel. Located in the West End neighborhood, this area is right across from Centennial Park and a number of high-end restaurants by the campus.

Nashville is such a vibrant city with live music, great food, Southern hospitality, and a fun, carefree energy. If I had to pick one city that embodies the “work hard, play hard” energy, it’s Nashville. Whether you are visiting for a bachelorette, sporting event, or to check out the local culture, I’m pretty sure Nashville will surprise you with everything it has to offer.