An opportunity popped up recently to see a show at a bucket-list venue for me: The Ryman. Nashville is one of my favorite cities in the US and I couldn’t pass up a quick weekend away in Music City. Nashville is known for its rich music history, delicious cuisine, free-flowing drinks, and friendly locals and it is the perfect destination for a weekend trip.

It’s Not Just for Bachelorettes

A game I like to play when I’m in Nashville is “Count the Bachelorette Parties.” My record on Broadway is 22 in 5 minutes. Having been to several Nashville bachelorette parties myself, I understand the appeal– it is fun to get dressed up, go to a honky-tonk, dance, drink, and wakeup to do it again the next day. However, you’re definitely missing out if your only experience in the city is for a bachelorette (or bachelor) party. Nashville has a unique blend of southern charm and big city energy that will keep you busy and entertained from the moment you arrive. Whether you’re a fan of country music or not, you can’t help but be drawn in by the sounds of the city, which can be heard everywhere from honky-tonk bars to street performers– even in the airport!

Get Some Rest

I wanted to stay in a boutique hotel, within walking distance of Broadway and the Ryman. There were a couple options but ultimately the price and amenities at The Fairlane Hotel won me over.

The moment you step into the lobby, you’ll be greeted by a chic and stylish interior that blends contemporary design with vintage touches. The staff at the Fairlane Hotel are incredibly friendly and accommodating, ensuring that your stay is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. During our stay there was a popup bar on the top floor, with a “Nash Vice” theme– neon and plastic flamingos EVERYWHERE.

The rooms at the Fairlane Hotel are spacious, beautifully decorated, and equipped with modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi, and luxurious bedding. Each room has a unique layout and design, so you can choose the one that best suits your preferences. You’ll also find all the little touches that make a stay feel special, like high-quality toiletries and plush bathrobes (I love a cozy hotel bathrobe). Our room was furnished in peak Art Deco style and we had a nice view over the city.

Music City

As I previously mentioned, this trip brought me to Nashville for a show at the Ryman Auditorium— call it going to church, if you will. The Ryman Auditorium is a historic music venue that has played an important role in the development of country music. Originally built in 1892 as a church, it was converted into a performance space in 1943 and became known as the “Mother Church of Country Music.” The Ryman has hosted countless legendary performers over the years, including Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, and Dolly Parton, and continues to be a popular destination for music lovers from all over the world. The seats are pews and there is still stained glass surrounding the building. I saw my favorite band, Hanson, play a full set in this sacred space and you could tell that even they were having a religious experience on that storied stage.

You Won’t Leave Hungry

The food scene in Nashville is not to be missed, with its famous “Nashville hot chicken” and barbecue, as well as trendy new restaurants popping up all the time. No matter what you’re in the mood for, you’re sure to find something delicious to eat in this city.

We landed in Nashville about 4 hours before the concert started, so to save time we did a quick Google search on places to eat around the Ryman and came up with Assembly Food Hall. Assembly Food Hall is a multi-level dining and entertainment destination that offers a diverse range of culinary options from some of the city’s most popular chefs and restaurants. The food hall features over 20 vendors spread across three floors, each offering its unique dining experience– seriously, it was overwhelming to choose what to eat. The offerings run the gamut from Italian to Mexican to Korean and much more. We ended up choosing our own adventure and getting dishes from several places including dumplings from Steam Boys and an Egg Cream from The Farmacy. The food hall also has several bars and lounges, including the L.A. Jackson rooftop bar, which offers stunning views of downtown Nashville. Visitors can enjoy craft cocktails, beer, and wine while taking in the city’s skyline. One of the best things about this place (and most of Nashville) is that there was constantly live music– it’s such a treat to hear people living out their dreams on stage.

I went to college not far from Nashville, so I have a few restaurants that I like to visit when I’m in town. The most unique meal experience you can have in Nashville, in my opinion, is at Monell’s. Monell’s at the Manor serves their meals family-style. The menu changes daily (for all 3 meals) and features southern classics. While you don’t choose what you eat, everything that comes out of the kitchen is hot and delicious– so, sit back, relax, and feast.

Nashville hot chicken is fried chicken that packs a punch. The chicken gets a hefty dose of spice thanks to hot sauce and cayenne in the coating as well as a spicy sauce drizzled over the top. It’s typically served on white bread with pickles to help balance out the spice. I’ve hit a lot of the hot chicken spots in Nashville but for me, Hattie B’s and Prince’s are the best. There is a reason they became so popular– they are good.

A great hangover breakfast can be found at Pancake Pantry. There is always a line but it moves quickly and you’ll forget all about it when your fluffy puffs of joy land in front of you. On the flipside, if you are looking for a little hair of the dog, I’ve spent many a bachelorette morning at Party Fowl. They have obscene bloody marys– think the whole pantry as a garnish– and the perfect greasy food to soak up the mistakes from the night before.

On this trip, we decided to try a new spot for dinner on our last night before our flight home, Puckett’s Restaurant. Puckett’s is in downtown Nashville and specializes in southern food. The décor reminded me of a slightly more upscale Cracker Barrel and the menu had all the southern hits– chicken and dumplings, country-fried steak, shrimp and grits, etc. They also had a full bar with an impressive selection of local craft beer. We tucked into our meals, David ended up choosing a BBQ platter and I couldn’t resist the country-fried steak. Both meals were delightful and we had to practically roll ourselves to the airport for our return flight.

A Quick Run Through the Town

While I have explored Nashville quite a bit in the past and can gladly pass on some recommendations, this was a short visit and we decided to pop into some new places. First up, the Johnny Cash Museum. The museum is dedicated to the life and legacy of the legendary country music singer and songwriter, Johnny Cash. The museum features a vast collection of artifacts, memorabilia, and interactive exhibits that showcase Cash’s life, career, and impact on American music. We saw can see items such as Cash’s guitars, handwritten lyrics, stage costumes, and personal letters, among many others. The museum also hosts live performances, special events, and educational programs that celebrate Cash’s enduring legacy and influence on music and culture. This was a great stop because it didn’t matter if you knew nothing about Johnny Cash or were a die-hard fan, there was something for everyone. The price a little steep at 24.95 +tax, but the experience is worth it if you are looking for a little music history lesson.

Our last stop before grabbing dinner and heading to the airport was accidental. We stopped by the Goo Goo Cluster store for some airplane treats. Created in Nashville in 1912, the Goo Goo Cluster is round mound of caramel, marshmallow nougat, fresh roasted peanuts and real milk chocolate. In the store you can find the treats in their original flavor or a variety of others– you can even create your own Goo Goo Cluster! As we were leaving the Goo Goo Cluster store, I looked to my left and saw the word “brewery,” and you know you don’t have to threaten me with a good time and we headed into Big Machine Brewery & Distillery.

We walked into Big Machine expecting to grab a beer but David’s eyes caught the glint of a copper still and before I knew it, we were joining a tour of their distillery and subsequent spirit tasting. The program was very informative and we had a fair number of samples ranging from a Tennessee corn whiskey, to vodka, spiked coolers, and moonshine. The tour lasted 45 minutes and was $25 per person.

Even a whirlwind trip to Nashville like this can be an unforgettable experience filled with incredible music, delicious food, and Southern hospitality. From the historic Ryman Auditorium to the vibrant nightlife of Broadway, Nashville offers a unique blend of old and new that is sure to captivate any visitor. Whether you are a country music fan or just looking for a fun and exciting getaway, Nashville has something for everyone. If you find yourself with a free weekend and a thirst for adventure, don’t hesitate to book a trip to Music City and discover all that Nashville has to offer.