72 Hours in Nashville

On the road again? Make the most of a business trip

Just returned from a trip to Music City which has me thinking – why not gather business trip highlights to share? Here are a few recommendations for Nashville, the city to which approximately 95 people move per day, according to a 2018 report from the Nashville Chamber of Commerce.

Stay

To mix it up with a boutique hotel that will still earn you loyalty points, stay at The Noelle Nashville (a Marriott Bonvoy property). It’s warm, Southern and edgy, highlighting Nashville’s fusion of new and old. From the property’s top-notch coffee shop – Trade – to its speakeasy or rooftop bar – Rare Bird – with sweeping skyline views, you’ll find yourself immersed in the local scene.

Music

Of course there’s Broadway but if you’re seeking something less touristy (and time’s got you restricted to the city limits), catch some live music at the historic Ryman Auditorium, less than a 5 minute walk from The Noelle. The original Grand Ole Opry, it draws top talent – we saw Mavis Staples & Friends, presented by Newport Folk Festival and complete with guest appearances by Sheryl Crow & Wynonna Judd.

History

Just 15 minutes from the heart of downtown lies Belle Meade Plantation, a self-sustaining non-profit/museum that offers a rare glimpse into the lives of Southern elite & our nation’s complicated past. After a guided tour, enjoy a wine tasting before strolling the rest of the grounds.

 

• 

• 

• 

Eat

Nashville’s burgeoning food scene didn’t disappoint. For a traditional “Nashville” environment & bar, check out Martin’s Bar-B-Que – complete with lines out the door, it’s worth the wait (including a game or two of darts). For a more upscale experience, stroll through Germantown en route to Henrietta Red for a farm-to-table cuisine. Start off with a round of oysters before sharing the snapper & lamb (menu changes regularly).

To experience the city’s growing plant-based cuisine, head to E+ ROSE for breakfast or lunch. Both the Greengo Superfood Bowl & Fig Toast made healthy taste sinfully good and watching the steady stream of young, hip locals gave a good sense of Nashville’s vibe.

For dinner, Graze delivers; there are no sacrifices when it comes to taste, portion size or ambiance. Start with the Szechuan Brussels before digging into the Kimchi Fried Rice and top it off with Jeni’s ice cream, right next door.

Other Eats

While I didn’t make it to the below restaurants, they come recommended from various connections so including them here to consider. Bon Appétit, y’all.

• Pinewood Social
• Lockeland Table
• Lyra
• Cityhouse Nashville
• Nicky’s Coal Fired
• Mop/Broom Mess Hall
• Geist
• Rolf & Daughters
• Liberty Common
• Hathorne
• The Green Pheasant
• Chaatable
• Avo