Looking for adventure, plenty of romance and lots of good ol’down-home Southern hospitality? Then consider spending your honeymoon in sizzling Nashville, Tennessee, country music capital of the world. Everywhere you turn in Music City, there’s rhythm! Country. Jazz. Rock. Blues. Catch the beat in over 150 live music venues. You won’t want to miss the rocking Honky Tonk Highway, lined with bars that pump out free live music 24/7, or the Bluebird Café, an ever-popular venue for up-and-coming singer-songwriters.
A trip to Nashville wouldn’t be complete without taking in a performance at the renowned Grand Ole Opry, where the greatest country music stars have performed for over 90 years. You never know who might hop on stage for a few tunes! Another must-see is the Ryman Auditorium, once home to the Grand Ole Opry, now a beautifully restored concert venue.
Stroll hand-in-hand through Hillsboro Village, 12 South and East Nashville; each neighbourhood features a variety of eclectic shops, cafés and restaurants. The city boasts a flourishing culinary scene, from hot fried chicken shacks, BBQ joints and Meat Three restaurants, to excellent gourmet establishments. Experience Music City’s famous creative artisan cocktails, handcrafted brews and unique art of cocktail pouring.
Escape the bustling music scene and spend a peaceful afternoon in Cheekwood Botanical Garden, the perfect spot for a lovers’ picnic by the water. Or snuggle up in a private booth with gauzy curtains for an intimate and memorable evening at Cabana.
There’s no shortage of romantic lodging in Nashville. Enjoy true Southern hospitality at one of many charming B&Bs, or pamper yourself at The Hermitage Hotel, the only 5-star, 5-diamond hotel in the state.
Called the coolest, tastiest city in the South by Bon Appétit magazine, Nashville is the ideal destination to begin your lifelong journey together.
5 Things to Know About Nashville
1. Nashville is home to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
2. The Bluebird Café (featured in the TV show Nashville) has received worldwide acclaim as an intimate performance space for singer-songwriters.
3. The Country Music Awards (CMAs) are hosted in Nashville every November – plan accordingly.
4. Elvis Presley recorded more than 250 songs at RCA’s Studio B on Music Row.
5. Nashville’s famous Hot Chicken was created when a woman suspected her husband of cheating, so she put extra pepper in his chicken.
Originally published in Today’s Bride Magazine, Spring/Summer 2017.
