Approaching the city at dusk, I am welcomed by an amber sunset that seeps between the skyline, a silhouette of the developing city.
As Nashville draws nearer and taller, I am overwhelmed by how much it pays homage to its own story. It is a place that prides itself on its steep musical history.
Welcome to Dream Hotel
To truly grasp the richness and vibrancy of this musical city, you must delve into Nashville's rich community, and it's not hard to do so, from the moment you arrive. For a musician or any visitor, Nashville feels like an invitation into a warm household, offering a home-cooked meal and a soft pillow to rest on at night.
A reservation at Dream Hotel and an Old Fashioned on the rocks upon my arrival is where it all begins.
Boasting 168 art deco-inspired rooms with high ceilings, this urban retreat offers guests lofty ceilings and a colourful palette of deep crimson and blue jewel-toned interiors. Dream has been reimagined to bring together two historic landmarked buildings steeped in a rich and colorful heritage, maintaining the celebrated history of Printer’s Alley.
Situated on 4th Avenue North, the hotel is a short walk from the core, conveniently located near the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Ryman Auditorium, the Frist Art Museum, Bridgestone Arena, Nissan Stadium, and the Broadway strip to name but a few.
With it also being just a short 15-minute drive from Nashville International Airport, Dream Nashville is suitably located in the best part of town.
The rumble of Broadway is something no one can really prepare you for.
Music and the sound of dancing and drinking punters resonate along the strip, each venue playing as loud as possible to entice passers by and distract from the competition of other brightly lit bars.
As Dream sits only a couple of blocks away from the main strip, it strikes a comfortable balance of being near enough to the action, but not too near that it would disturb your stay.
See more at: dreamhotels.com/nashville
Welcome to to the Music City...
Nashville, with its rich legacy of industry icons, boasts a dynamic culinary landscape and exudes Southern charm. The city's tight-knit community prioritises unity, and fosters a supportive and creative environment.
Locals enthusiastically rally behind musicians performing in every bar, keeping the spirit and history of Nashville alive.
A journey to Studio B, where legends like Elvis and Dolly Parton left their mark, transports visitors to a bygone era of 20th Century music production. The studio's walls witnessed the creation of an astounding 35,000 songs, offering a mind-blowing glimpse into Nashville's musical heritage.
Embracing another Nashville tradition, the Bluebird stands out for its intimate showcase of four songwriters seated in the round. Its reputation as a listening room for immersive entertainment stems from the caliber of artists, including Taylor Swift and Willie Nelson, who have graced its stage. Many artists catapulted to success after performing here.
Savoring a Yazoo beer, guests are encouraged to uphold the venue's "Shhh" tagline. The no filming and pictures policy creates an exclusive, in-the-moment experience. The round format brings together emerging and established songwriters, offering a unique platform for musical expression.
Nashville's authenticity as a hub for musicians to find their artistic identity is palpable. It serves as a place of both tough love and acceptance.
In a city where 26 letters and 12 notes yield a myriad of possibilities, artists in Nashville wield the power to create a million different songs.
Arnold’s Country Kitchen
The question of where to sample Nashville’s best meat-and-three restaurant is uncontentious.
Lunch at Arnold’s Country Kitchen is a no-brainer.
The options at this laid-back country diner are all delightfully shareable. A world class meat-and-three opened by Jack and Rose Arnold in Nashville in 1982, is still run by the Arnold family to this day, as son Kahil Arnold serves as the lead cook.
The restaurant was also put on the map with its major features on Southern Living, Bon Appetit and as one of the must go locations on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
This has meant that come lunch time, customers queue in droves just to get through the door. Load up your order and try the fried chicken, fried catfish, creamed corn, fried okra, collard greens and mac and cheese.
They say that New York is the city that never sleeps, but Nashville is truly the city that never stops singing.
People here are hustling hard, trying to turn their musical talents into memorable songs that will top the Billboard charts or earn them a space in the Musicians Hall of Fame.
The collaborative, cooperative spirit keeps this town ticking and is something I have rarely witnessed in other cities. The community comes out in force to support its musicians.
Music is more than just present here, it is the DNA of the city.
Checking out of the hotel, loading my cases in my ride to the airport and with a new cream brick hat atop my head, I can confirm Nashville really is a ‘Party In The USA’, and should be on your list of places to visit in 2024.
British Airways flies from London to Nashville from £498 return including taxes/fees/carrier charges.
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