In September, 2023, we headed out for five days in Nashville to enjoy the city, and share our experience with our readers. You’ll find some historical and factual information about Nashville in this article, and a short “About Nashville” section at the end of the piece.
Printers Alley - Nashville
One of our favorite spots in Nashville is Printers Alley. Nestled between 3rd and 4th Avenues in downtown Nashville, Printers Alley is a vibrant destination that has become an integral part of the city’s nightlife district. This iconic, off-the-beaten-path location is home to some of Music City’s original establishments. The alley got its name from its early connection to Nashville’s flourishing printing industry. Today, it is a must-see spot for anyone planning a visit to Nashville, offering a unique blend of history and entertainment.
This historic alley is packed with notable spots such as the AllSaints at 210 4th Ave N, Adeline Roz Luxury Jewelry and Piercing at 304 Church St., and the Karma Shop at 200 4th Ave N. One of the standout experiences is the Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar, a music club that offers live music seven nights a week, evoking the spirit of Mardi Gras. Another must-visit venue is Skull’s Rainbow Room, where visitors can enjoy fine food, craft cocktails, live music, and sparkling burlesque performances.
Skull's Rainbow Room
One of the highlights of our trip was dinner at Skull’s Rainbow Room. This intriguing restaurant in Printers Alley is a gem that offers an unforgettable experience for all who walk through its doors. It’s a place where the past and present converge, creating an atmosphere that’s both nostalgic and contemporary. Founded by David “Skull” Schulman in 1948, Skull’s was an instant hit and has since hosted legendary performers such as Elvis. Today, it continues to be a beacon of Nashville nightlife, with live music, sparkling burlesque performances, and an outstanding menu of fine food and craft cocktails.
Skull’s Rainbow Room isn’t just about entertainment – it’s about providing an exceptional dining experience as well. The venue has received high praise from patrons, earning a 4.5 out of 5 rating on TripAdvisor and glowing reviews on Yelp. From delectable dishes to handcrafted cocktails, every element of the Skull’s experience is meticulously curated to ensure utmost satisfaction. Add to this the allure of live jazz, the thrill of nightly burlesque shows, and the charm of a gorgeously renovated historical speakeasy setting,
The Ryman Auditorium
The centerpiece of our trip was a daytime tour of this historic auditorium, as well as a nighttime concert that same day. The Ryman stands as a testament to the city’s vibrant music scene. Celebrated as one of the most prestigious venues in modern music, this 2,362-seat live-performance venue is a must-visit destination for both music lovers and history buffs. The Ryman, also known as the “Mother Church of Country Music”, is a world-renowned concert hall and a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame landmark, having once served as the home of the legendary Grand Ole Opry.
As you step into the Ryman Auditorium, you’re not just attending a concert – you’re immersing yourself in an experience that echoes through the annals of music history. Despite the rise of towering skyscrapers around it, the Ryman has stood the test of time, retaining its charm and allure over the years. It continues to host a plethora of concerts and events, providing audiences with unforgettable experiences that resonate with the heart and soul of music.
The Parthenon
We thoroughly enjoyed a half-day at The Parthenon in Nashville. An iconic fixture in Nashville’s Centennial Park, the Parthenon stands as a full-scale replica of the original Parthenon in Athens, Greece. This architectural marvel is not just a nod to classical Greek culture but also a testament to Nashville’s moniker as the “Athens of the South”. Designed by architect William Crawford Smith, the Nashville Parthenon was created from brick, stone, structural reinforced concrete, and cast concrete aggregate. Constructed in 1897 for the Tennessee Centenary Exposition, it exhibits a stunning re-creation of the 42-foot statue Athena, making it the centerpiece of Nashville’s premier urban park.
Walking through the towering columns of the Nashville Parthenon, one can’t help but marvel at the painstaking attention to detail that went into creating this world’s only exact-size and detailed replica of the original temple in Athens. The Parthenon also serves as the city’s art museum, presenting an array of exhibits and collections that captivate the eyes of art enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. With a history spanning over a century, the Parthenon is not just a building – it’s a living symbol of Nashville’s rich cultural heritage.
The Frist Art Museum
After touring The Parthenon, we headed over to The Frist Art Museum. Established in April 2001, the Frist Art Museum has since become a significant cultural focal point for Nashville. Housed in an impressive Art Deco building that was once the city’s main post office, the museum is a non-profit art-exhibition center dedicated to presenting the finest visual art from local, state, regional, and international artists. Over the years, it’s hosted touring exhibitions from some of the world’s most prestigious collections, earning a reputation as a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts.
The Frist Art Museum isn’t just for the seasoned art connoisseur. It also boasts a highly family-friendly environment, featuring the Martin ArtQuest Gallery with interactive stations that invite exploration and creativity. With its ever-changing exhibits and engaging activities, the Frist Art Museum offers a unique experience every visit, inspiring people to look at their world in new ways.
Sinatra Bar & Lounge
We visited a number of Nashville’s watering holes, but none was enjoyable as the Sinatra Bar & Lounge, which is located just outside of Printers Alley.
According the their website, “Sinatra Bar & Lounge is an intimate and elevated dining experience located on the first level of the historic Southern Turf Building, offering a Manhattan meets Palm Springs ambiance featuring classic Italian dishes, craft cocktails and live music daily. An homage to Ol’ Blue Eyes, the restaurant serves prime steaks along with some of Sinatra’s favorite Italian recipes.
Featured drinks include martinis with three olives, Tom Collinses, Manhattans, and of course, Sinatra’s drink of choice, Jack Daniel’s Whiskey (Old No 7 as he called it), along with Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select. Sinatra Bar & Lounge is also the only restaurant in the world to ever serve Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Century – the 100-proof bourbon created in 2015 for the centennial of Sinatra’s birth – by the drink, a nod to the legendary singer’s role in elevating the Jack Daniel’s brand.”
Tootsies Orchid Lounge
No trip to Nashville would be complete without a visit to Tootsies on Broadway.
Tootsies is a legendary honky-tonk bar that has become synonymous with Nashville’s vibrant country music scene. Located strategically across the alley from the historic Ryman Auditorium, Tootsie’s has been a favorite haunt for locals and visitors alike, offering an authentic slice of Nashville’s music culture. With its distinctive orchid-purple exterior, three floors, three stages for live daily performances, and three bars, Tootsie’s stands as a beacon of Nashville’s rich musical heritage.
Over the years, Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge has seen countless artists grace its stages, contributing to its reputation as one of Nashville’s most famous honky-tonks. Despite the surge of modern establishments around it, Tootsie’s has held on to its rustic charm, offering patrons a unique experience steeped in music history.
About Nashville
Nashville, the capital of Tennessee, is a city that pulses with life, music, and culture1. Known as the “Music City,” it’s a place where storytellers and dreamers gather to create melodies that resonate around the world. With a population of 689,447, Nashville offers a unique blend of small-town charm and big-city excitement that draws visitors from every corner of the globe.
A City Steeped in Rich History and Culture
Nashville’s rich history is as captivating as its vibrant music scene. As the seat of Davidson County, the city’s roots run deep into the annals of American history. But Nashville isn’t just about the past; it’s a city that constantly evolves while maintaining its historical charm. It’s a place where the old and the new coexist harmoniously, creating a unique cultural tapestry that’s truly one-of-a-kind.
Experience the Best of Nashville
There’s so much more to Nashville than just country music. The city boasts a plethora of attractions and activities that cater to a wide range of interests. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a foodie, or a history buff, Nashville has something for everyone. From its world-class museums and art galleries to its scenic parks and delectable culinary scene, Nashville offers a diverse array of experiences that promise to make your visit unforgettable.
Nashville: A City on the Move
Despite its laid-back Southern charm, Nashville is a city that’s always on the move. Recent news highlights the city’s ongoing efforts to improve local services and strengthen community ties. From initiatives like ‘Operation Music City Missing’ which successfully located 12 missing children, to the approval of the new Invictus charter school, Nashville continues to make strides in creating a safe, inclusive, and progressive community for all its residents.
