Field Guide: Downtown Nashville

A day in downtown to please everyone from food lovers to CMA Fest fans—and even pleasantly surprise locals who might need to be reminded of the true magic of Nashville.

by Andrea Lucado

June 7, 2016

5:00 AM

9 a.m.

Begin your downtown adventure at Steadfast Commons in the Encore building. Sister property of Steadfast Germantown, the Commons are known for their cocktail and coffee creations. Since it’s early, try the brûléed latte and savory porridge for a sweet-and-savory start to your day. Latte in hand, stroll the Broadway strip before the real heat and crowds arrive. Pop into a store, like the Ernest Tubb Record Shop if you’re into vinyl, or simply enjoy the calm before the storm.

11:30 a.m.

Now that you’re fueled up, grab a B-cycle, Nashville’s adorably inexpensive rent-a-bike, and cycle west to a cultural experience at The Frist. The visual arts center has just unveiled its latest exhibit, Bellissima!—an impressive display of post–World War II Italian collector cars and possibly the closest you’ll ever be to a 1962 Ferrari.

1 p.m.

Hop back on the B-cycle and make your way to The Southernaire Market on Demonbreun Street for lunch. This charming corner store and butcher does made-to-order paninis and kale salads to-go. Meander down to Riverfront Park and lay out your spread on a neon-painted picnic table. It’ll be good to put your feet up before your next stop: the Johnny Cash Museum, whose new Walk the Line exhibit showcases costumes worn in the film. (Mind the construction on the Patsy Cline Museum, which will eventually open directly above the Johnny Cash Museum.) After all, you can’t spend a day downtown and not pay homage to country music.

4:30 p.m.

As you leave the museum, the Goo Goo Shop’s new dessert bar will be calling your name. A Honky Tonk Blonde sundae, made with a blondie instead of a brownie, is a delicious way to escape the afternoon slump. It’s also big enough to share—but you won’t want to.

6 p.m.

Time for another downtown Nashville classic: live music. You can find it anywhere around here, but just north of Broadway, The Stillery offers great music and craft cocktails in mason jars. Take a seat at the second-floor bar while sipping a blueberry smash, made with blueberry vodka and mashed berries.

8 p.m. and beyond

You can’t go wrong with dinner at the established Broadway eatery Merchants, whose upstairs dining room keeps the menu seasonally fresh. This summer’s special? A crisp tomato watermelon salad with burrata cheese. After dinner, head down the street to late-night favorite Acme Feed & Seed. Order a mule kicker (moonshine and frozen lemonade) and trek upstairs to the open rooftop bar, which boasts one of the best views of Nashville in its full nighttime glory. Take it all in and make a toast to an epic day of downtown discovery.

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Field Guide: Downtown Nashville

It wasn't so long ago that downtown Nashville boasted a few honky-tonks and a barbeque joint, reminiscent of a dusty saloon town in an Old Western film. To anyone who still thinks of downtown that way, it's time to fast-forward. Broadway and its sister streets now house as many modern and edgy establishments as classic Southern ones. A day in the neighborhood will please everyone from food lovers to CMA Fest fansand even pleasantly surprise locals who might need to be reminded of the true magic of Nashville.