If all of our local readers react to all of the latest “things to do in Nashville” lists the way I do, it’s usually with a groan. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen a list written by someone I’ve never heard of that seems to just be some light Googling tossed into a list format and published. And, hey – I get why people do it. We have our own list here on SoBros Network, and it performs pretty well every time I share it. People gotta pay the bills, and in the content game, evergreen stuff like lists and guides are always easy money. But, man…they can all run together. That’s why I wanted to stop and give a quick shout out to Jessica Booth of Country Living for this comprehensive list of the best things to do in Nashville.
Usually, I cringe when I read these things because it’s the simplest, most common stuff, and this list does cover the bases – your Ryman, your Grand Ole Opry, your Hattie B’s. I get it – but one thing I commend Jessica for on this list is getting outside-the-box and listing some stuff that you don’t see on every list. That’s why I wanted to pass it along to readers of SoBros Network. There’s shit on this list that I didn’t even know existed, so hell, y’all might find something new that you want to check out in your own hometown here. And, maybe that speaks more to my status as a native Nashvillian who has been passed by by New Nashville than anything else. Nonetheless, take ya a gander here.
I love the Nashville Farmers Market and the Nashville Flea Market getting some love. Those are two excellent ways to spend a slow weekend morning. I grew up going to the flea market damn near every month, so that’s fond childhood memories. Obviously, this isn’t going to move the needle for the tourist that comes to Nashville to just drink themselves into oblivion for a week, but for those who want a more authentic taste of Nashville, and a little change of pace from the frenetic scene down on Broadway, these are both excellent ways to slow Nashville down and savor some more of what it has to offer. Same with all of the parks around town – what a great addition to this list.
I wouldn’t have thought to have added The Hermitage Hotel to a Nashville to-do list, but since I saw it on the list, I stopped and thought, “hmmm…yeah, I guess it is an industry-important spot on top of just being a super nice luxury hotel.” I’m hesitant to put this out there into the world, but I do know that a lot of big names stay here when they roll through town, yet, we don’t typically discuss it among the Music City hotbeds. Then, there’s the Vanderbilt’s Dyer Observatory, which I had never even heard of before reading this list – so, hell…maybe this is another example of me being out of touch…but ya got me, Country Living. I still haven’t been to the National Museum of African American Music, but my wife has been and was absolutely floored by it. I’m happy to see that it’s beginning to pop up on these Nashville tourist guides too.
Finally, I just want to close this analysis by saying The Grilled Cheeserie fuckin’ rules! Is it the best place in town? No. Would it be my first recommendation? No. I’m kind of laughing that it’s on this list, but hell – I love it, and I’m begging tourists to hit some of the lesser-known spots like it. Maybe this is inspiration for a piece on off-the-beaten-path restaurants to try when you’re in Nashville. Then again, you could probably write that entire piece in a single sentence saying “just spend some time out East.”
All in all, I say “well done.” This is a good, extensive, and different kind of Nashville list *tips cap*.
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network, and a Dogs Playing Poker on velvet connoisseur. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD, #BeBetter, and ‘Minds right, asses tight.’ “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Nashville, Yankee Candle, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley. Image courtesy of Cody Lannom on Unsplash!
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