Destination Spotlight: Nashville
As we head into fall and leave this long, way-too-hot summer behind us, let’s tour of one of our favorite cities, where the fall colors are spectacular, along with world-class entertainment, accommodations, and dining experiences. As someone who spent the better part of a decade calling Nashville home, yours truly can attest firsthand to its beauty and vibrant culture. I left a part of me there when I departed Tennessee to plant my deeper roots back here in Texas.
If Nashville is the heart of Tennessee, country music is its heartbeat, but Nashville is more than country music’s world headquarters; it's a hub of spectacular fall foliage and Southern charm. As the leaves turn, Nashville unfolds into an array of experiences, perfect for the discerning traveler. From swanky accommodations to elite golf experiences, let’s look at some of Nashville's fall offerings.
Where to Stay:
The Hermitage Hotel
The Hermitage Hotel, located in Nashville, Tennessee, is one of the city's most iconic and historic landmarks. Having hosted a variety of guests from politicians to celebrities since its opening in 1910, The Hermitage Hotel is renowned for its luxurious amenities and timeless elegance. Here are some highlights and features of the hotel:
Historic Significance: Opened in 1910, The Hermitage Hotel has played a significant role in Nashville's history for over a century. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and has been a central fixture in many important events and moments in the city's past.
Awards & Recognition: Over the years, The Hermitage Hotel has received numerous awards and recognitions, solidifying its place as one of the premier luxury hotels not only in Nashville but in the United States.
Events & Functions: With its elegant ballrooms and meeting spaces, the hotel has been a preferred choice for hosting a variety of events, ranging from lavish weddings to important business meetings.
Role in Women's Suffrage: The hotel played a significant role during the women's suffrage movement. In 1920, the hotel became a headquarters for both suffragists and anti-suffragists, making it a focal point during the campaign for the ratification of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote.
Hospitality & Service: Renowned for its impeccable service, The Hermitage Hotel has long been recognized for its commitment to ensuring that guests have a memorable and comfortable experience during their stay.
Visiting The Hermitage Hotel is like taking a step back in time, offering guests a chance to experience the opulence and charm of the early 20th century while still enjoying modern comforts. Whether you're staying as a guest or just stopping by for a visit, the hotel stands as a testament to Nashville's rich history and tradition of Southern hospitality.
The Joseph
Part of Marriott’s Luxury Collection, The Joseph is located in downtown and stands as a sophisticated addition to the city's roster of premium accommodations. The hotel brings a unique blend of art, Southern hospitality, and luxury to Nashville's SoBro district. Here are some key features and highlights about The Joseph Hotel:
Art and Design: One of the standout elements of The Joseph is its emphasis on art. The hotel's design and interiors are influenced by a curated collection of more than 1,000 art pieces, making it a haven for art enthusiasts. The hotel also collaborates with local artists and institutions to promote Nashville's vibrant art scene.
Luxurious Accommodations: The hotel boasts elegant rooms and suites, all designed with contemporary aesthetics and equipped with upscale amenities to ensure guest comfort.
Location: Situated in the SoBro (South of Broadway) neighborhood of Nashville, The Joseph is conveniently located near some of the city's most popular attractions, including the Country Music Hall of Fame, Bridgestone Arena, and the famed Broadway entertainment strip.
Dining: The hotel offers exceptional culinary experiences. The signature restaurant, Yolan, is an Italian fine-dining venue helmed by the renowned chef Tony Mantuano. There's also Denim, a rooftop lounge offering panoramic views of the Nashville skyline, craft cocktails, and a curated wine list.
Rose Spa: The Joseph's spa, Rose, provides a tranquil retreat for guests. With its luxury treatments and serene ambiance, the spa is designed to offer relaxation and rejuvenation.
Event Spaces: The hotel offers versatile spaces for hosting events, ranging from business meetings to weddings. The spaces are sophisticated and come equipped with modern technology to cater to diverse event needs.
Cultural Connections: Beyond just being a hotel, The Joseph serves as a cultural hub, often hosting art exhibitions, music events, and other cultural programs that reflect Nashville's rich heritage and creative spirit.
Modern Amenities: In addition to its artistic and luxurious design, the hotel provides a range of modern amenities, including a state-of-the-art fitness center, a rooftop pool, and high-speed internet access.
Personalized Service: The staff at The Joseph are trained to offer personalized service, catering to the specific needs and preferences of each guest, ensuring a memorable stay.
Architectural Beauty: The hotel itself is an architectural marvel, with its sleek and contemporary design making it a standout structure in Nashville's skyline.
In essence, The Joseph provides an immersive experience, blending Nashville's vibrant culture with upscale luxury. Whether you're an art lover, a food enthusiast, or someone looking for a lavish stay in the heart of the city, The Joseph promises a unique and enriching experience.
The Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
Commonly referred to as the Opryland Hotel or simply Opryland, is one of the most iconic and expansive hotels in the United States, located in Nashville, Tennessee. Renowned for its vast indoor gardens, water features, and entertainment options, the resort is a destination in and of itself. Here are some key details and features of the Opryland Hotel:
Size and Scope: The Opryland Hotel is among the largest hotels in the world when considering the number of rooms and overall size. It boasts over 2,800 guest rooms and a large convention center.
Indoor Gardens: The resort is perhaps best known for its three massive indoor garden atriums – the Delta, the Conservatory, and the Cascades. These spaces encompass several acres and feature thousands of tropical plants, waterfalls, and even a river.
Riverboat Ride: Within the Delta Atrium, guests can take a boat ride on a quarter-mile-long indoor river, offering a unique perspective of the gardens and architectural features of the hotel.
Dining and Entertainment: Opryland offers numerous restaurants, cafes, and bars, catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences. The resort also has entertainment venues, including regular live music and seasonal shows.
Location: The resort is located near the Grand Ole Opry, one of the country's most famous live music venues, making it a popular choice for country music fans. The Opry Mills shopping mall is also nearby, offering a range of shopping and dining options.
SoundWaves: A relatively recent addition, SoundWaves is an upscale indoor/outdoor water attraction unique to Opryland. It spans four acres and features a range of water slides, a lazy river, rapid and serene rivers, activity pools, private cabanas, and more.
Convention Center: The attached convention center is vast, with numerous ballrooms and meeting spaces, making it a popular choice for large conferences, conventions, and trade shows.
Spa: The resort also houses a full-service spa, providing a range of treatments for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Holiday Festivities: The Opryland Hotel is particularly renowned for its holiday celebrations, especially the annual "A Country Christmas" event, which transforms the resort with millions of holiday lights, ice sculptures, and seasonal performances.
Historical Perspective: While the current resort is a modern marvel, its roots trace back to the early 1970s when it first opened adjacent to the former Opryland USA theme park. Over the decades, the resort has expanded and evolved to become the sprawling destination it is today.
Visitors to Nashville often find the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center to be more than just a place to stay—it's a destination on its own that encapsulates the spirit of the city with a mix of southern hospitality, entertainment, and grandeur. Whether staying for business or leisure, guests are sure to find plenty to see and do within the resort's vast grounds.
Where to Shop:
Nashville has a growing high-end shopping scene, with a variety of stores to choose from, including both luxury brands and unique boutiques. Here are a few of the best places to shop for high-end goods in Nashville:
The Mall at Green Hills:
This upscale mall is home to a variety of designer brands, including Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel, and Tory Burch. There are also several luxury department stores, such as Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue.
Hill Center Green Hills:
This outdoor shopping center features a mix of high-end retailers and boutiques, as well as several restaurants and cafes. Some of the popular stores here include Anthropologie, Pottery Barn, and West Elm.
Five Points Alley Shops:
This unique shopping complex is located in the Five Points neighborhood and features a collection of small, independent shops selling everything from clothing and jewelry to art and home goods.
In addition to these specific shopping destinations, there are also a number of high-end boutiques and specialty stores located throughout Nashville. For example, the Gulch neighborhood is home to several high-end clothing stores, such as Vince and Theory. And the 12 South neighborhood is known for its unique selection of boutiques, including Draper James (owned by actress Reese Witherspoon) and Kittenish (owned by country singer Jessie James Decker).
Here are a few more specific recommendations for high-end shopping in Nashville:
For clothes: Billy Reid, H. Audrey, Hemline, Draper James, Kittenish, Imogene + Willie
For jewelry: Diamond Cellar, David Yurman, Peacock Jewelers
For home decor: Pottery Barn, West Elm, White's Mercantile
For art: Rymer Gallery, David Lusk Gallery, Tinney Contemporary
Shopping Tips:
Events: Nashville hosts several annual events like Nashville Fashion Week, which can be a perfect time for shopping enthusiasts to explore the city's high-end fashion scene.
Local Treasures: While exploring branded boutiques, don't miss out on local designers. Nashville's fashion scene is evolving, and many local talents offer unique pieces that blend traditional Southern style with contemporary trends.
No matter what you're looking for, you're sure to find it in Nashville's high-end shopping scene. With its mix of designer brands, luxury department stores, and unique boutiques, Nashville has something to offer everyone.
Where to Tee it Up
Nashville and its surrounding regions offer premier golfing experiences, especially captivating against the autumn backdrop.
Gaylord Springs Golf Links
Gaylord Springs Golf Links is a public golf course located in Nashville, Tennessee. It was designed by US Open and PGA champion Larry Nelson and opened in 1999. The course is known for its challenging layout, its stunning views of the Cumberland River, and its excellent conditions.
Gaylord Springs Golf Links is a par-72 course that measures 7,000 yards from the back tees. The course features a variety of tee boxes to accommodate golfers of all skill levels. The fairways are wide and forgiving, but the greens are small and challenging. The course also features several water hazards, which add to the challenge and the beauty of the course.
Gaylord Springs Golf Links is a great place to play golf for a number of reasons. First, the course is in excellent condition. The fairways are lush and green, the greens are smooth and fast, and the bunkers are well-maintained.
Second, the course is challenging but fair. The fairways are wide and forgiving, but the greens are small and challenging. The water hazards also add to the challenge, but they are not unfair.
Third, the course offers stunning views of the Cumberland River. The river is visible from several holes on the course, and it provides a beautiful backdrop for the game.
Finally, the course is located in a convenient location. It is just a short drive from downtown Nashville, and it is easily accessible from the interstate.
Here are some additional things to know about Gaylord Springs Golf Links:
The course has a driving range, a putting green, and a chipping green.
The course also has a pro shop where you can purchase golf equipment and apparel.
The course offers a variety of food and beverage options, including a restaurant and a bar.
The course hosts a number of tournaments and events throughout the year.
If you are looking for a challenging and beautiful golf course to play in Nashville, Gaylord Springs Golf Links is the perfect place for you. With its excellent conditions, challenging layout, and stunning views.
Vanderbilt Legends Club
If a more exclusive experience is your speed, Vanderbilt Legends Club is a private golf and country club located in Franklin, Tennessee, about 20 minutes south of Nashville. It is the home of the Vanderbilt University men's and women's golf teams and is considered to be one of the finest golf facilities in Middle Tennessee.
The club features two championship golf courses, the North Course and the South Course, both of which were designed by renowned golf course architect Tom Fazio. The North Course is known for its challenging layout and its stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The South Course is more forgiving, but it still offers a challenging test for golfers of all skill levels.
In addition to the two championship courses, Vanderbilt Legends Club also has a par-3 course, a state-of-the-art practice facility, and a clubhouse with a variety of amenities, including a restaurant, a pro shop, and a fitness center.
Vanderbilt Legends Club is a great place to play golf in the fall for a number of reasons. First, the weather is mild and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to the mid-70s.
Second, the fall foliage in Tennessee is absolutely breathtaking. The trees turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow, and the rolling hills provide a stunning backdrop for the golf courses.
Third, the club is less crowded in the fall than it is during the summer months. This means that members and guests can enjoy the golf courses without having to wait long for tee times.
Finally, Vanderbilt Legends Club offers a number of special events and activities in the fall, such as tournaments, wine tastings, and social gatherings. These events are a great way to meet other members and guests and enjoy all that the club has to offer.
Seasonal Events
Nashville Fashion Week
Experience fashion's finest at this annual event. While it primarily focuses on spring collections, the ambiance, elite parties, and networking events are perfect for the luxury traveler.
Nashville Fashion Week (NFW) is an annual event celebrating Nashville's thriving fashion and retail community and its vast array of creative talent. Launched in 2011, the event aims to foster Nashville's stature as a center for fashion and design and promote local and national creative talent. Here are some highlights and features of Nashville Fashion Week:
Showcasing Designers: Each year, NFW features a diverse group of local, regional, and national designers in runway shows, presentations, and special events. It provides an opportunity for emerging designers to showcase their work alongside established brands.
Events & Locations: NFW is spread out across multiple days, with events taking place at various iconic locations throughout the city. This approach not only highlights the fashion but also showcases the vibrant and diverse venues and areas of Nashville.
Educational Panels: Apart from the runway shows, NFW often hosts educational panels, workshops, and discussions, making it a platform for knowledge exchange in the fields of fashion, design, and retail.
Awards: NFW has the "Nashville Fashion Forward Fund," an award given in partnership with the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. It's granted annually to an individual working in the fashion industry who displays promise in their contributions to the Nashville fashion community.
Community & Philanthropy: NFW is structured as a philanthropic endeavor. It's organized by a community of volunteers, and proceeds from the event benefit the Nashville Fashion Forward Fund.
Diverse Representation: The event prides itself on promoting diversity, inclusivity, and sustainability. NFW often makes efforts to include a diverse roster of designers, models, and fashion influencers.
Support for Local Businesses: Apart from designers, NFW also places a strong emphasis on local boutiques, artisans, and businesses, ensuring that the local retail community is highlighted and supported.
Growth & Evolution: Since its inception, NFW has grown in stature and influence, drawing attention not only from the local community but also from national and international fashion enthusiasts, media, and professionals.
Shopping Events: In addition to the fashion showcases and educational panels, there are often shopping events or trunk shows where attendees can purchase the featured designs and other fashion-related items.
Networking: NFW serves as a networking hub, bringing together designers, models, stylists, photographers, media professionals, and fashion enthusiasts. It fosters collaborations and promotes the growth of the fashion community in Nashville.
For the latest details, schedules, and information about Nashville Fashion Week, it's recommended to visit their official website or associated social media channels.
Music City Food + Wine Festiva
A culinary wonderland! Engage in grand tastings, chef demos, and gourmet dinners. The fall edition often celebrates harvest flavors, from wines to artisanal produce.
The Music City Food + Wine Festival is an annual event held in Nashville, Tennessee, that celebrates the culinary arts by bringing together renowned chefs, wine and spirits experts, and industry insiders with food and wine enthusiasts. Here's what you need to know about this vibrant festival:
Gourmet Showcase: The festival is known for showcasing an impressive lineup of chefs, sommeliers, and wine and spirits producers. It highlights both Nashville's local culinary talent and internationally recognized figures in the food and beverage industry.
Tasting Sessions: Attendees have the opportunity to enjoy a vast array of tasting sessions. From artisanal wines, crafted beers, to spirits, there's something for every palate. Local restaurants also set up booths to offer samples of their signature dishes.
Chef Demonstrations: Renowned chefs often hold demonstrations, where they share their expertise, craft dishes live, and provide tips to attendees. It's an interactive way to learn from the best in the business.
Panels and Discussions: The festival includes panels and intimate discussions where industry insiders share their knowledge, discuss trends, and dive deep into various culinary topics.
Harvest Night: One of the signature events of the festival is the Harvest Night, where celebrated chefs cook up unique dishes accompanied by live musical performances. Given Nashville's musical heritage, the combination of gourmet food and live music makes for a memorable experience.
Gospel Brunch: Another highlight of the festival is the Gospel Brunch, which is a Sunday event that combines a classic Southern brunch with soulful gospel music performances.
Location: The festival usually takes place in Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, providing a spacious outdoor venue that is both scenic and convenient for attendees.
Interactive Experiences: Beyond tastings and panels, there are often hands-on activities, like wine and cocktail-making workshops, where participants can learn directly from experts.
Networking and Interaction: The festival offers a great platform for culinary enthusiasts to interact with chefs, vintners, brewers, and other attendees. It fosters a sense of community among those passionate about food and wine.
Local and Global: While there's a strong emphasis on local Nashville culinary talent and Southern cuisine, the festival also brings in flavors and experts from around the world, making it a global gourmet experience.
The Music City Food + Wine Festival not only promotes Nashville's burgeoning culinary scene but also cements its place as a destination for food lovers from all over. For the latest information, dates, and schedules, it's always a good idea to visit the festival's official website or associated social media channels.
Vanderbilt University’s Fine Arts Gallery
Their fall exhibitions often include renowned artists or thematic collections, perfect for art aficionados.
Vanderbilt University Fine Arts Gallery, located in Nashville, Tennessee, serves both the Vanderbilt community and the general public as an exhibition space and a learning environment.
It houses a rich collection of artworks and often showcases curated exhibitions from various historical periods and cultures. Here are some key features and highlights about the gallery:
Diverse Collection: The gallery's permanent collection consists of over 7,000 objects that span a broad range of cultures and time periods. These include European and American paintings, African, Asian, Mesoamerican, Ancient, Native American, and Islamic art.
Educational Mission: While the gallery provides a cultural service to the broader public, it is also deeply committed to its educational mission. The gallery works in close collaboration with Vanderbilt faculty and students, integrating the collections into the curriculum and allowing students to engage directly with original works of art.
Special Exhibitions: The Fine Arts Gallery frequently presents rotating exhibitions that may feature works from its own collection, borrowed items, or a combination of both. These exhibitions often align with the academic pursuits of the university, offering deeper insights into specific subjects or themes.
Accessible to All: One of the gallery's goals is to make art accessible to all. It offers free admission, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, can experience and appreciate the art on display.
Location: The Vanderbilt Fine Arts Gallery is housed in the historic Cohen Memorial Hall, a beautiful Beaux-Arts style building located on the university's Peabody campus.
Interactive Opportunities: The gallery often provides opportunities for interactive learning, including lectures, artist talks, workshops, and guided tours. These events cater to both the Vanderbilt community and the general public.
Student Engagement: Vanderbilt students are given unique opportunities to work directly with the gallery, whether through internships, class projects, or research opportunities. This hands-on experience provides invaluable insight into the workings of a professional gallery and museum setting.
Digital Resources: For those who cannot visit in person or want to explore more about the collections, the gallery provides digital resources, including online exhibitions, digital catalogs, and a searchable database of its collection.
Conservation and Research: Beyond just displaying art, the gallery is also involved in the conservation of artworks and facilitates research. Students and faculty often have the chance to study objects in-depth, contributing to the broader field of art history and conservation.
Collaborations: The gallery frequently collaborates with other institutions, both locally and internationally, to bring unique exhibitions and programs to the Vanderbilt community and Nashville at large.
If you're considering a visit or want to explore current and upcoming exhibitions, it's a good idea to visit the Vanderbilt Fine Arts Gallery's official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information.
The Nightlife:
The town really lights up after the sun goes down. Here's a snapshot of what Nashville nightlife has to offer:
Live Music Venues:
Honky Tonks: Broadway, the main street downtown, is lined with "honky tonks"—bars and clubs that play live music from morning till late at night. Some of the famous ones include Tootsie's Orchid Lounge, Legends Corner, and The Stage. These venues often have multiple bands playing on different floors, covering a mix of modern hits and classic country tunes.
Ryman Auditorium: Once home to the Grand Ole Opry, it's a historic music venue that's been dubbed the "Mother Church of Country Music."
The Bluebird Cafe: An intimate venue where songwriters perform their original material, often explaining the stories behind the songs.
Dance Clubs & Bars: Apart from country music bars, there are numerous dance clubs, rooftop bars, and lounges catering to a variety of musical tastes and atmospheres throughout downtown and the surrounding areas.
Grand Ole Opry: It's the show that made country music famous. Even if you're not a die-hard country fan, the Opry offers a unique live music experience that's deeply rooted in Nashville's heritage.
Cultural Nightlife:
Nashville Symphony: Located at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, they offer classical, pops, and special concert experiences.
TPAC - Tennessee Performing Arts Center: Catch a Broadway show or other live performances.
Night Markets and Festivals: Seasonal events like the "Nashville Night Market" provide food, craft stalls, and live music, offering a different nightlife experience.
Culinary Scene: Nashville's culinary scene is booming. While it's famous for hot chicken, there are numerous gourmet restaurants, food trucks, and dive bars offering Southern and international cuisines that can be a part of your nightlife exploration.
Craft Breweries and Distilleries: The craft beer scene in Nashville is growing. There are several breweries with taprooms where you can sample local brews. If spirits are more your style, a visit to a local distillery might be in order.
Neighborhood Vibes: Different neighborhoods have unique vibes. The Gulch is trendy and modern with chic boutiques, bars, and restaurants. East Nashville is known for its hipster vibe, with eclectic bars, eateries, and shops. Germantown offers a mix of old-world charm and contemporary establishments.
When venturing out in Nashville, especially in popular areas like Broadway, it's essential to be aware of the crowds, particularly on weekends and during special events or festivals. Many venues do not charge a cover, operating instead on a first-come-first-served basis, which can lead to lines outside the most popular spots.
Remember that while the music and cultural offerings are rich and varied, it's always a good idea to check specific venues or events in advance, as schedules, performers, and availability can change.
Tips for the Fall Luxury Experience
Advance Reservations: Nashville's luxury scene in the fall is bustling. Whether it's a private music tour, a suite, or a golf course booking, always reserve in advance.
Local Expertise: Consider hiring a local luxury travel concierge. They can craft bespoke itineraries, ensuring you experience the best of Nashville's fall offerings.
Dress the Part: Nashville in the fall is a mix of Southern charm and urban chic. Pack layers, and don't forget a chic jacket or shawl for the cooler evenings.
Yee-Haw into Fall, Y’all!
As autumn graces Nashville, the city transforms into a fall haven of sorts. The golden hues, the rhythm of country ballads, and the promise of gourmet feasts make it a must-visit for every traveler. So, come fall in love with fall in Nashville. Safe travels!