By Shelly Fulks
British Airways announced last year that it would be launching direct flights from Heathrow to Nashville this May. As a native Tennesseean, trust me when I tell you that this is the perfect reason to take the trip across the pond to Music City.
Nashville is known as the country music capital, but it is so much more than that. If you take the trip, here are some things you might want to do.
1. Country Music
The obvious reason for a trip to Nashville is the country music. The city is known for it, and you can’t walk around downtown without hearing someone singing on the street as they try to become the next big thing.
Where to go: The Ryman Auditorium, Downtown Nashville, and The Country Music Hall of Fame
*The Country Music Association Festival 2018 will be from 7-10 June this year. If you’re a country music fan, this is the time to visit!
2. The Food
Nashvillians love to eat, and the quality of their restaurants show it. While you’ll have to wait to feast at the iconic Nashville spots, it is absolutely worth it.
Where to go: The Pancake Pantry (They even have a 24 hour CCTV line cam linked directly to their website so you can suss out the best time to go to avoid the long queues), Pharmacy Burger, Prince’s Hot Chicken, and Loveless Café. The dessert in Nashville is amazing too, so don’t forget to save room for the sweets!
3. Pinewood Social
This is a great place to spend your afternoon or evening. You can bowl, eat, drink, and even spot Nashville’s celebrities here if you’re lucky!
4. Hatch Show Print
This printing press is iconic in the south for their handprint on the Country Music industry. You can see the various posters from the past century, compare them to those of today, and even take one home as a souvenir of your trip!
5. The Parthenon
Nashville received one of its many nicknames, Athens of the South, thanks to this size accurate replica of the Athenian Parthenon. Placed in a beautiful park, this is a beautiful place to spend a sunny southern afternoon.
6. Murals
Nashville is full of artists that paint their love for their city as well. You can see the famous I believe in Nashville mural, a pair of angel wings, a fun floral mural, and so much more while you’re here.
Where to go: 12 South, House of Blues Studio, and the Gulch.
7. Smashville
Nashville gained official hockey town status last summer when the Predators made it all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals. Hockey season lasts from October until June so there are plenty of opportunities to catch a home game to see what the sport is all about. Nashvillians take hockey seriously, and the atmosphere is great!
This just touches the surface on all the fun there is to have in Nashville. You’ll just have to take a trip to truly see it all!