Business and Pleasure: A Nashville Visitors Guide for Convention Goers
Welcome to Music City, where the rhythms of business and pleasure harmonize seamlessly. Whether you’re a seasoned conference-goer or a first-time visitor, Nashville offers an unforgettable backdrop for blending professional opportunities with our vibrant culture. As the heartbeat of Tennessee’s convention scene, the Music City Center convention center stands as a beacon of innovation and collaboration, drawing professionals from around the globe. But Nashville is more than just a destination for work; it’s a stage where business ambitions meet the soul-stirring melodies of country music, the savory notes of Southern cuisine, and the warm hospitality of its people. Below is the ultimate Nashville Visitors Guide of how to get the most out of the city, through the lens of a conference-goer. Getting to know Music City Center Accommodation Options Dining and Nightlife Around the Convention Center Exploring Nashville Between Sessions and After-Hours Networking and After-Hours Activities Nashville Sites of Cultural Significance Transportation and Getting Around Music City Safety and Practical Tips Nashville Weather by the Season Getting to know Music City Center Completed in 2013, the facilities are state-of-the-art and modern, equipped to accommodate both enormous conventions and intimate gatherings with the latest technological capabilities Taking up an entire city block, this convention center boasts 2.1 million square feet of exhibit halls, conference and meeting rooms, ballrooms and a grand lobby The best part about the Music City Center is the location, making it easy to walk to Nashville’s greatest attractions between meetings: 1 min. walk: Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum 3 min. walk: Bridgestone Arena (where the Nashville Predators hockey team plays as well as hosting top-billing concerts) 4 min. walk: Honky Tonk Highway (aka Broadway, where you can see live music at several bars and restaurants) 6 min. walk: Ryman Auditorium 6 min. walk: Johnny Cash Museum 6 min. walk: Frist Art Museum 11 min. walk: Printer’s Alley (a historic alley now known for its nightlife) The Nashville Visitor Center is a 3 min. walk from Music City Center and is an excellent resource for expert advice, maps and tickets. Accommodation Options There are many hotel options within walking distance of Music City Center, making it a convenient hub for business and lodging. We’ve broken down options based on cost. Budget Hampton Inn & Suites Nashville-Downtown Cambria Hotel Downtown Nashville Embassy Suites by Hilton Nashville Downtown Hilton Garden Inn Nashville Downtown Convention Center Midrange AC Hotel by Marriott Nashville Downtown Margaritaville Hotel Nashville Hyatt Place Nashville Downtown Placemakr Premiere SoBro SoBro Guest House by Black Swan Hyatt Centric Downtown Nashville Luxury 1 Hotel Nashville JW Marriott Nashville The Westin Nashville The Joseph, a Luxury Collection Nashville Omni Nashville Hilton Nashville Downtown Four Seasons Hotel Nashville If you are traveling with a tight-knit team and want to rent an AirBnB OR if conference-goers want to prioritize trendy neighborhoods over proximity to the convention center, check out the Trendiest Neighborhoods to Stay in Dining and Nightlife Around the Convention Center Music City Center could not be in a better location to sample some of Nashville’s best restaurants and get a taste of its authentic cuisine. We’ve broken down both iconic restaurants that are a must-visit for tourists along with local favorites, most within walking distance! Southern/BBQ/Quintessential Nashville options Martin’s Bar-B-Cue Joint Biscuit Love Gulch ACME Feed & Seed Party Fowl Arnold’s Country Kitchen Iconic bars/Honky Tonks Tootsie’s The Stage Robert’s Western World Celebrity Bars AJ’s Good Time Bar (Alan Jackson) Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row Miranda Lambert’s Casa Rosa Kid Rock’s Big A$$ Honky Tonk Garth & Tricia’s Friends in Low Places Bar & Honky-Tonk Jason Aldean’s Kitchen + Rooftop Bar Ole Red (Blake Shelton) Luke’s 32 Bridge (Luke Bryan) Redneck Riviera (John Rich) Local Favorites/Off the Beaten Path/Worth a rideshare Monell’s Loveless Cafe Urban Grub Bluebird Cafe Chef & I Old Hickory Steakhouse at Gaylord Opry Bartaco GreenHouse Nashville Got a big group? No problem! We’ve rounded up some of our favorite Nashville Restaurants for Large Groups Exploring Nashville Between Sessions and After-Hours Whether you have time built into your conference schedule, or you take a quick reprieve to squeeze in some culture, we’ve got you covered. For an overview, check out Places to Visit in Nashville for First Timers Must-see sights within walking distance of Music City Center Walk of Fame – located alongside the Nashville Music Garne, this landmark tribute to those that have contributed to the Nashville music community, like Jimi Hendrix, Ben Folds and Dolly Parton Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge – spanning the Cumberland River, the bridge is one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the world Johnny Cash Museum Nashville What Lifts You Mural – Perhaps one of the most adored and recognizable photo spots in the city with the pair of angel wings, you’ll typically find a short line of tourists waiting to take a pic Frist Art Museum Honky Tonk Highway While downtown Nashville provides a wonderful homebase for conference-goers, it’s only a slice of what makes Nashville, Nashville. There are several notable neighborhoods worth a walk or a short drive from Music City Center that we promise are worth time to explore. The Gulch: A 12 min. walk to this trendy, vibrant neighborhood, you’ll find excellent boutique and upscale shopping with lots of famous murals along the way. Midtown: An 8 min. drive brings you to a neighborhood packed with nightlife options for all, including laid back bars, gay bars and club and raucous rock clubs. SoBro (South of Broadway): A 1 min. walk will bring you to an urban district known for its upscale dining, bustling bars and vibrant entertainment options. East Nashville: An 11 min. drive delivers you to a neighborhood with a quirky vibe known for street art, upbeat bars, and trendy restaurants. Music Row: A 5 min. drive to a neighborhood renowned for its concentration of music-related businesses, including recording studios, record labels, and music publishing houses, making it the heart of Nashville’s music industry. Germantown: An 8
Summer in Nashville: Outdoor Activities, Festivals, and More!
As many will tell you, summer in Nashville is a pretty special time. This is the time of year that Music City’s biggest outdoor festivals and events happen. You’ll always find something fun to do in Nashville during the summer! From brunching on Lower Broad to hitting the lake, your summer in Nashville will be one to remember. Here are our top 20 favorite things to do in Nashville! There’s a good mix of Nashville honky-tonk party and family-friendly activities!
