While there’s Day 1 of iFLEX to think about, what to do tonight? You’re in Nashville, aka Music City, USA, with lots to do–after all, some 16.1 million people visited the city in 2019, according to Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. The following aims to offer up some Nashville classics alongside some off-the-beaten-path options.
Ryman Auditorium
116 5th Ave. N.
ryman.com
The Ryman Auditorium is characterized as “a must-see for any Nashville visitor” by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. Opened in 1892 as the Union Gospel Tabernacle, the auditorium was once known as the “Carnegie Hall of the South” before going on to host the Grand Ole Opry from 1943 to 1974. Nowadays, daily tours offer visitors a glimpse of music history via artifacts and video; by night, this National Historic Landmark is all about music. Shows during iFLEX include performances by Primus, Georgia on My Mind, and Olivia Rodrigo.
Nudie’s Honky Tonk
409 Broadway
nudieshonkytonk.com
Nudie’s Honky Tonk is by no means content keeping it lowkey. Housed in an historic three-story building, the bar and venue houses millions of dollars worth of rare country memorabilia, features multiple bars–including the city’s longest at 100 feet–two stages, and a rooftop deck that features some of the best live music in Nashville, according to the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. The eponymous Nudie Cohn tailored costumes for Johnny Cash, John Lennon, Elton John, and Elvis Prestly, being responsible for The King’s iconic gold lame suit. Get out and have a good time surrounded by greatness.
Nashville Ghosts
Tours start nightly outside Skull’s Rainbow Room, 222 Printer’s Alley
nashvilleghosts.com
Those seeking something spookier than a day filled talking about the oil lube business will get their scares with Nashville Ghosts. The nightly tours kick off at 8 p.m. and offer “an unflinching look at the darker side of Nashville, one that is rarely talked about in hushed whispers.” With historically based stories and eye-witness accounts, the one hour, mile-long tours ply Broadway detailing the backstories behind some of the city’s most famous haunts. Learn about the bar where Hank Williams Sr. still grabs a drink and more about the deep history of the legendary Ryman Auditorium, says the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. Tours start at $12 and group discounts are available.
House of Cards
119 3rd Ave. S., Lower Level
hocnashville.com
Described as a “secret bar” located beneath the Johnny Cash Museum, by the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp., House of Cards is all about the art of magic, classic American cuisine, and fine, hand-crafted cocktails. Enter through a secret tunnel then enjoy the work of roving magicians and multiple nightly magic shows. Show up dressed to impress–House of Cards enforces its dress code and has a strict no-photography policy; Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. recommends prospective patrons call ahead so they know what they’re in for.
Brooklyn Bowl Nashville
925 3rd Ave. N.
brooklynbowl.com/nashville
Brooklyn Bowl bills itself as the ultimate night out, according to Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. Featuring live music, 19 bowling lanes, a bar featuring local craft beers, food, and more, this 43,000-square-foot destination is located in the Germantown neighborhood near First Horizon Baseball Park. Open Wednesday through Saturday.
Other resources:
Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.
Tennessee Department of Tourist Development
