Nashville: Broadway & Beyond

Broadway Nashville

Broadway in Nashville, reminds me a lot of Memphis’ Beale Street.  It has the same vibe and even similar look with lots of bars, neon lights, loud music playing simultaneously and crowds, all packed into several blocks. That was not exactly what I imagined Nashville to be. Maybe I thought it would be more ‘country’ and less compact. And in a way it was… beyond Broadway.  

Ryman Auditorium 

Less than a block off Broadway is Ryman Auditorium. This was one of my favorite places in Nashville. We took a tour here and learned so much about the history of the founder-Captain Thomas Ryman, the beginning as a church in 1892, and Ryman Auditorium as a venue.  It became home of The Grand Ole Opry in 1943 for 31 years. After the Opry moved out in the 70s, it was empty and deteriorating until it was, thankfully, restored in the 90s. Ryman Auditorium is a world renowned, award winning venue today because of the efforts of those preserving its building and history. 

From the front it does look like a church and the stained glass windows are just gorgeous. Appropriately, the seats are still pews with seat and row numbers labeled. It’s old and beautiful. 

There are cases of memorabilia from Ryman performers of the past. Hallways are full of history boards and there is a small recording studio inside. Outside you will find statues of famous early country music stars. 

We were fortunate to be able to see a show at Ryman Auditorium one of the nights that we were in Nashville. Packed in our pews, we enjoyed being the audience of a live radio show. Larry Gatlin was the Opry Country Classics Show host and Bill Cody was the radio announcer. There were several guest performers including Jamey Johnson, Wendy Moten, Michael Ray and Jeannie Seely. 

Ryman Alley

Being in an adjoining block and backing up to Broadway, Ryman Auditorium’s back door was just across a narrow alley from the famous Tootsies Lounge on Broadway. This alley has been made famous by all of the Ryman stars who stepped across it to slip in to Tootsies to light on a bar stool from the spot light of the Grand Ole Opry Stage. 

Another very special aspect of Ryman Alley is the back stage door way. With just a simple iron gate separation,  this allows fans to hear and interact with those entertainers who open the stage door to engage. 

Country Music Hall of Fame

Another self guided tour we enjoyed, was of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in downtown. This place is enormous and packed with memorabilia, and even cars, of those who shaped country music from the beginning and forward. There is so much interesting history here on the two floors. The audio guide provided is awesome. 

The last area of the tour is the Country Music Hall of Fame Rotunda. It’s hard to describe the feeling you get when you enter under the ‘Will the Circle Be Unbroken’ sign, into the plaque lined room of all of the highly regarded honorees. Growing up on country music from the 60’s, I had lots of memories of so many of these artists on their journey and wasn’t surprised to see they had made it here. 

Walk of Fame Park

Across from the Country Music Museum is Walk of Fame Park. Just as you would expect, there are embedded stars embellishing the sidewalk with significant country music artist’s names. It’s also a nice green space/venue with a manicured lawn and stage area.

Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge

Accessible from 3rd Avenue downtown, is the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge. Walk across to the other side of the Cumberland River and enjoy views of it, Nashville skyline, Nissan Stadium and the surrounding area. 

Grand Ole Opry Nashville

As mentioned earlier, the Grand Ole Opry Show moved from Ryman Auditorium downtown. It now has its own venue way off Broadway. Here you can see a show, take a tour, visit the gift shop and The Acuff House (as part of the tour). Park at Opry Mills Mall at the Regal Theater end and walk to Opryland and Gaylord Resort. 

Gaylord Opryland Nashville

We walked over to the Gaylord Opryland from the Grand Ole Opry, to check out the hotel. Just follow the path, through the ducks maybe, under the canopy and through the hotel entrance to the atrium. 

It’s like a little town with several different areas to enjoy. There are guided boat rides to learn about the Gaylord and see it’s beautiful tropical landscape. The Conservatory is another gorgeous spot to take in. There are restaurants that provide seating with wonderful views while you dine.

Meandering through the hotel we came to this grand entrance. This shows a more formal side to the hotel than the tropical core. 

Parthenon Nashville

For a little taste of Greece, visit the Parthenon at Centennial Park in Midtown. It is a full scale replica of the Parthenon in Greece, as is the 42 foot Athena statue inside. You will also find art, and plaster casts of the museum-kept marble sculptures that originally adorned the Parthenon.  

Antique Archeology

If you watch American Pickers, you will enjoy this stop. The Antique Archeology store has lots of cool items, but the building is the best part. This old automotive garage has large scale industrial pieces displayed throughout. Very interesting. 

White Limozeen

On top of the Graduate Hotel in Midtown, you will find Dolly Parton’s White Limozeen Bar. The entire place, with inside and outside lounge areas, is so pink and so festive. The upscale whimsical seating vignettes were filled with mostly ladies, but there were a few other good-sport guys besides Bud. 

The lobby of the Graduate Hotel is just as colorful and whimsical as you would expect. I imagine the rooms are too. I need to stay here next time we are in Nashville and share a room tour. 

Union Station

The former Union Station train terminal is now Union Station Nashville Yards Autograph Collection Hotel with a fabulous lobby. We paid the hefty parking fee to check it out. Haha  There is a contemporary bar inside where you can have a drink and admire the beautiful ceiling and architecture. We actually just walked around taking pictures then left via the stairs on the side of the building. This is another place to put on my accommodations list for future Nashville visits. 

What Lifts You Nashville

As we got close to the What Lifts You Mural, we could see the photo-op line, but as we approached, we found that it was actually one big group and they were almost finished taking pictures. Nice! The line has known to be very long here in The Gulch near downtown. 

The details in the wings, by Kelsey Montague, are a unique tribute to Nashville. You will notice guitars, music notes, a cowboy hat and boots in the design. She has painted What Lifts You wings, to encourage people to share what inspires them, in other places as well. Some of those locations include Los Angeles, NYC, Australia and New Zealand. Travel is what lifts me, how about you? 

Dining Highlights Nashville

Some of the dining places we enjoyed, and recommend, include Puckett’s, The Pharmacy and Amerigo Italian Restaurant. Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant downtown has a laid back atmosphere, good food and within walking distance of Ryman Auditorium/Broadway.

The Pharmacy, a popular burger spot with parking mostly in the adjacent neighborhood, has a bar and outdoor seating. The burgers and sweet potato fries were great.

Amerigo is a great Italian place across from Graduate Hotel. The food is fabulous and the atmosphere is really nice.

There are many awesome places to eat in Nashville. I look forward to going back to visit more of them!

12 South Neighborhood Nashville

In the trendy 12 South neighborhood of Nashville, you will find not only plenty of dining and shopping options, but so much more. This walkable 8 block stretch includes coffee shops, taprooms, barbecue, burgers, tacos, fine dining, fitness centers, gift & apparel shops, murals, a park and we even found a pumpkin patch. 

Pfunky Griddle 

Headed out of town we stopped at Pfunky Griddle in Berry Hill for breakfast. This is a fun place. Each table has its own built in grill and you cook your own pancakes, eggs, etc. You order the sides and toppings you want, which come out with the batter, and then you can get creative. Breakfast tastes better when it’s a fun experience!

We had an incredible first visit to Nashville and packed a lot in. I have a long list of things I would like to do on future Nashville trips too, which will probably include Broadway and beyond again!