Fun Fall Getaways for a Long Weekend

Nashville, Tennessee

You don’t need to be a diehard country fan to have a rootin’ tootin’ time at this iconic southern destination. By Kaitlyn Murray

Ccourtesy of Nashville Cvc/Chris Hollo.; Kaitlyn Murray; Samantha Labrecque; (museum and tootsies) courtesy of Nashville CVC; Courtesy of Ryman Nashville; Biscuit Love by A la Mode Media; Kaitlyn Murray; Courtesy of Nashville CVC.

Clockwise from top left: Experience the “radio show that made country music famous” live at the Grand Ole Opry. Take a snap with the iconic white wings mural in the Gulch. Stroll down lower Broadway at night and see why it’s nicknamed Nashvegas. Dance the night away at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge. Enjoy a scrumptious bonut at Biscuit Love. See legendary country artifacts up close at the Country Music Hall of Fame. Explore the Gaylord Opryland Resort’s scenic indoor atriums.

The Music City. Nashvegas. Athens of the South. Smashville. Just by these nicknames alone, it’s clear that Nashville, Tennessee, has quite the vibrant reputation. If you’re anything like us, you probably have a friend or cousin who’s booked a vacay there recently, and we decided it was about time we took a trip over yonder to see what all of the hubbub is about.

Thursday evening: We touch down at Nashville International Airport around 8 p.m. (CST) to a beautiful, balmy night. A quick, scenic, fifteen-minute drive brings us to the Renaissance where we take advantage of the hotel’s swanky bar offerings before turning in.

Friday morning: Following an early wake up time and a continental breakfast that is exclusive to our upper level hotel floor, we mosey on over to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Now, I’ll be honest: I’m not all that into country music. I’m wary that the institution’s magic might be lost on me but, spoiler alert, it isn’t. While the museum pays homage to the country’s most prolific artists, both old and new, the museum also boasts a Taylor Swift Education Center (complete with a songwriting station), Elvis Presley’s custom gold-plated Cadillac, a wall of gold records, many interactive exhibits and a surfeit of bedazzled stage get-ups. Fashionistas, history buffs and music aficionados alike could easily spend hours in this melodic paradise, so be sure to plan accordingly.

Conveniently, our next activity, a tour of the historic RCA Studio B, leaves straight from the museum’s lobby. On the shuttle ride over, the tour guide explains that Studio B has been hailed by many as the “birthplace for the Nashville sound,” churning out hit records from the likes of the Everly Brothers, Dolly Parton, Carrie Underwood, Chris Stapleton and more since its opening in 1957. During the walkabout, we get an intimate look at the recording room, hear some goose bump-inducing behind-the-scenes tales and, of course, listen to some of the studio’s biggest tunes. My favorite part: getting to sit with the piano that the King himself once tapped. countrymusichalloffame.org; studiob.org

Friday afternoon: After spending the morning enjoying earfuls of delicious sound bites, we head over to Edley’s Bar-B-Que in Nashville’s 12 South neighborhood for some bites to eat. Though there’s an Edley’s located downtown, a RI-native-turned-Nashville-resident friend assures us that this iteration of the popular chain will be less crowded. We only have to wait about ten minutes for a table to open up and then, before we know it, we are munching on walking bird (read: hot) wings and catfish tacos smothered in tartar sauce, slaw and pico de gallo and washing it all down with some authentic sweet tea (or, for some of us, Bourbon tea). Our transplant friend then hauls us over to one of her favorite hidden gems, the Radnor Lake State Park, for a laidback, picturesque hike. Just twenty minutes from downtown, the natural setting is a nice, serene break from the city’s usual hustle and bustle. tnstateparks.com/parks/radnor-lake

Friday evening: Kicking off our night with dinner at the Ainsworth, an upscale sports bar lined with ornate wallpaper and faux greenery, we load up on carbs in the form of goat cheese-stuffed piquillo peppers before I sink my teeth into the buttermilk fried chicken sandwich doused in roasted garlic aioli. Next, we catch a ride share to the heart of lower Broadway where, with more than thirty bars to choose from, we naturally do some bar hopping. Beginning with some pre-gaming (craft cocktails) and gaming (pinball and Pac-Man) at Headquarters Beercade, we eventually cross the street to check out two of Nashville’s more famous, party-hardy bars: Honky Tonk Central and Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row. Each features three stories of music with attached balconies, but we enjoy live music on the first floor of the former and then more of a club-scene on the second floor of the latter. Later, we round off the night with a quick nightcap at Tootsies Orchid Lounge next door, followed by a four-minute trek (okay, stumble) back to the hotel. theainsworth.com; hqbeercade.com; honkytonkcentral.com; dierkswhiskeyrow.com; tootsies.net

Saturday morning: Due to the late night out, we get a bit of a later start this morning but, happily, some locally roasted coffee paired with a farm egg spinach and feta omelet from nearby Frothy Monkey are the perfect pick-me-up. The energy boost allows us to appreciate a self-guided tour of the Ryman, former home to the Grand Ole Opry and past-and-present host to countless household names. Now part music venue, part museum and part architectural beauty, the Ryman is a can’t-miss attraction for music junkies (plus, a nice precursor to our evening plans.) frothymonkey.com; ryman.com

Saturday afternoon: We return to the hotel for noon check out and leave our bags with the front desk before Ubering over to the Gulch, a.k.a. Nashville’s “premier urban neighborhood.” A popular destination in and of itself due to its many boutique shops and eateries, the Gulch is also home to the iconic Biscuit Love. Though the queue to get in wraps around the building, the hour’s wait also allows us to people-watch as rowdy Nash bashes (read: bachelor/ette parties) whisk by on pedal taverns. Once inside, we savor the scrumptious buttermilk-biscuit-meets-French-toast concoctions. Pro tip: do not pass on their signature bonuts — a portmanteau of biscuit and a doughnut. We cap it off with a mural photo-op (because did you really go to Nashville if you didn’t get an Instagram with the famous white wings?). explorethegulch.com; biscuitlove.com

Saturday evening: We drive to our next stayover: the Gaylord Opryland Resort. We schedule a light dinner at on-site restaurant Jack Daniels — consisting of some good ole shrimp and grits and a delightful local IPA called Hopry — and then make it to the Grand Ole Opry, the “radio show that made country music famous.” We see several performers, including an enormously talented young woman making her Opry debut. When the show ends, we take a backstage tour where we not only see the dressing rooms and a secret star entrance, but also stand on stage. Back at the hotel, we end the night with some gelato on our room’s balcony overlooking the lush gardens. marriott.com/gaylord/opryland; opry.com

Sunday morning: We take a leisurely walk around the resort, absorbing the breathtaking sights, ultimately winding up at a little café where we order coffee and bagels and sit by one of the indoor waterfalls.

Sunday afternoon: We devote the entire afternoon to SoundWaves, the resort’s latest addition. Waterproof chipped wristbands give us access to the indoor/outdoor waterpark, where we lounge in the adults only swimming area with a pineapple drink in hand, brave the winding waterslides and take a few laps in the lazy river. soundwavesgo.com

Sunday evening: We set out to an uncommon Nashville-newbie destination: a vegan eatery. My vegetarian travel partner finds Graze Nashville during her pre-trip research. Not only are the straightforward veggie options (like the Szechuan Brussels sprouts) delish, but the chorizo con papas (made with seitan chorizo and cashew cheese) are enough to make me, an unapologetic meat and dairy consumer, consider going all green. grazenashville.com

Monday morning: Though we’d love to enact a Southern Goodbye (read: leave hours later than intended), our return flight leaves at 7 a.m. sharp. Until next time, Nashville!

Nuts & Bolts
Travel Time: Approximately three hours
Miles: About 1,072
How to Get There: While you can snag a connecting flight from TF Green to the Music City with Delta, your best bet for a nonstop trip is to head to Boston and fly out with JetBlue. delta.com; jetblue.com
Best Season to Go: They don’t call it Nashvegas for nothing; there’s always something happening all year round. But for optimal temperatures, we’d recommend early fall or late spring.
When You Stay Over: Take advantage of all downtown Nashville has to offer at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel. Its modern digs are comfortable, affordable and within walking distance of countless attractions. 611 Commerce St., Nashville, Tenn., 615-255-8400, marriott.com
For the second half, opt to stay at the Gaylord Opryland Resort. Not only is it right next door to the Grand Ole Opry, but it’s a destination in and of itself, comprising nine acres of indoor gardens and waterfalls, multiple fine dining eateries and a waterpark. 2800 Opryland Dr., Nashville, Tenn., 615-889-1000, marriott.com
Bucket List for Next Time: We have our fair share of woulda, coulda, shouldas. These include a tour and tasting at the historic Belle Meade Plantation (because who doesn’t love wine) and a visit to the Johnny Cash Museum (because who doesn’t love “Ring of Fire”). All the more reason to come back now, ya hear. bellemeadeplantation.com; johnnycashmuseum.com
Worth a Detour: If you’re up for renting a car, take a drive to Jack Daniels Distillery in Lynchburg for a flight or two.
For a list of more things to do while in Nashville, visit visitmusiccity.com.