If you’re planning a trip and haven’t quite decided on a location, check out five cool things to do in Nashville, Tennessee! I never had much interest in visiting Nashville for some reason, even though it’s only a short flight for me. But after hearing multiple people rave about their experience, I decided it was time to give the home of country music a chance — and boy, I am glad I did!  What a fun town with great food, music and an amazing energy.

1. Experience The Honky Tonk Highway

Location: Broadway, Nashville, TN
Website: Broadway Venues
Live music venues, bars, museums, the crazy bachelorette party buses… what could go wrong?  A staple and definite “must-see” on a trip to Nashville, head down to Broadway — day or night — and enjoy some of the best people watching and excitement you’ll find anywhere.  Music venues line both sides of the street, with doors and windows open so you catch the sounds of the music city just wandering around outside.  It can get crowded at night, but it’s worth venturing down in the evening to experience the colorful glow from the giant neon signs that grace each venue.  It’s a happy place to be.

2. Live Music at Robert’s Western World

Location: 416B Broadway, Nashville, TN
Website: Robert’s Western World
Nestled among some newer names and venues, Robert’s Western World is a gem of a place.  I’m a big fan of authentic experiences in cities I travel to and this place fits the bill.  From the art on the walls to the neon signs inside, this place screams “Nashville!”  If you only have one evening to experience Broadway and live music in Nashville, this is the place to be. The throwback feel and the country and bluegrass bands that play are a load of fun. Spend the evening here and you will definitely not regret it.

3. Baked Mac & Cheese topped with Nashville Hot Chicken at The Stillery

Location: 113 2nd Ave N, Nashville, TN
Website: The Stillery
When in Nashville, you have to try the Nashville Hot Chicken. Or so they say. There are the staples around town that you can always hit (Hattie B’s, Bolton’s, Prince’s), but based on multiple recommendations from the locals, I decided to head down to The Stillery and try the iron skillet baked Mac & Cheese topped with Nashville Hot Chicken.  Just look at it! If pictures are really worth a thousand words, that’s enough said.

4. Tennessee Waltz Cake at CityHouse

Location: 1222 4th Ave N, Nashville, TN
Website: CityHouse
A little outside of the main downtown area of Nashville, CityHouse is worth the trip.  I had my first taste of Tennessee Waltz Cake, a 7-layer cake with cream soda buttercream, topped with nuts, toffee, caramel and other goodness.  And the pizza!  Belly Ham, Mozzarella, Grana Padano, Oregano, Chilies!  It’s every bit as good as it looks.

5. Brunch at The Fairlane Hotel – Mile End Deli

Location: 401 Union St, Nashville, TN
Website: Mile End Deli @ The Fairlane Hotel
Full Disclosure: I partnered with the Fairlane Hotel on this trip to Nashville. 

When I sat down in the Fairlane Hotel bar area and ordered breakfast upon arrival, I asked the waiter what his recommendation was.  He immediately said, “The Smoked Brisket Hash”, which first, was appreciated because he actually gave a recommendation (most tell me everything on the menu is good, which is not why I am asking).  Secondly, this is something I would never have ordered in a million years on my own, so I decided to give it a try. Much like my initial trip to Nashville, I’m so glad I did. It was truly amazing. The eggs were cooked perfectly.  The potatoes had a slight crispyness to them while being soft enough to melt in your mouth, in the best way possible.  And the smoked brisket… wow.  This is one of the best breakfast dishes I have ever had in my life.

Photo by@beyond_contentatThe Fairlane Hotel