What I Love About Nashville

What I love so much about Nashville, Tenn. is that it is unique. It isn’t like any other city I have visited. It is a good size city that has never lost its small-town feel. It has lots of neighborhoods, plenty of history, is a college town with a very young vibe and of course, do I even need to mention the music? How about the food?  

When to visit? I have been here in almost every season and the fascination continues. Christmas time is magical, fall is stunning and spring is filled with blooms. Summer can be warm but the days are sunny and long and offer even more opportunities to explore. 

Christmas Tree at the Hermitage Hotel

Nashville has an International airport that is located just outside the city. Most major airlines offer flights so getting here isn’t a problem. What I love is that Southwest used to offer a direct flight from Hartford and who can resist a direct flight? While they no longer offer that flight, they do have one with one stop but no plane change which is almost as good. 

Nashville has lots of hotel choices from all the major chains to such iconic choices as Gaylord Opryland and the Hermitage. Bed and breakfasts offer an opportunity to not only get a great breakfast but visit some of the interesting neighborhoods. 

One of the phrases you need to understand when you come to Nashville is “Meat and Three”. It has to do with choosing your protein and your sides. While good old down home cooking is a mainstay, there are restaurants that cater to every taste and budget.

If you think that Nashville is only about Country Music, you are wrong. It is the “Country Music Capital of the World” but, you can find all kinds of music in Nashville from classical to jazz and of course rock. 

A good way to start your visit is on a guided bus tour. It will give you lots of information, a general feel for the lay of the land and plenty of ideas about where you want to spend more time. The Grey Line Discover Nashville Tour is a good option and even though I didn’t take it on my first visit, I should have. I still enjoyed it a lot and learned many interesting facts about people who have made Nashville what it is today.

Nashville is one of my favorite cities to visit. It is driveable, parking isn't impossible and without being boring can I say the food and music are exceptional.