Curious things to do in Nashville

1. Comfort food

If you like southern comfort food, you’ll love Arnold’s Country Kitchen

Make room for hearty dishes in Nashville, from spicy fried chicken to butter-loaded biscuits and barbecue that’ll make you consider ditching all your table manners. ‘Meat and three’ is one southern staple meat eaters must try, and Arnold’s Country Kitchen is the place to fill your plate. This family-owned eatery has been dishing up home cooking that helps locals feel like they’re in their grandma’s kitchen since 1982. Get in line, grab a tray and give into all your food temptations. First, choose your protein: fried chicken, brisket or catfish? Then load up with three sides like cornbread, collard greens, mash or creamy mac and cheese. All that’s left to do is add a slice of pie for dessert and dig in.

Top tip: Plan for lunch here. Arnold’s Country Kitchen is only open from late morning until around 15:00. It’s also closed on Sundays. Check opening times on the website.

2. Shopping

If you like shopping for unique souvenirs, you’ll love Hatch Show Print

Buy yourself a gift you can’t get anywhere else at Hatch Show Print, located in the lobby of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. This legendary letterpress print shop helped define a unique look for country music advertising, designing posters for Grand Ole Opry members like Bill Monroe as well as Johnny Cash and Elvis. Even today, many items are still printed by hand here[NE1.1]. Browse for a print to hang on your wall – whether it’s a restrike of an old music poster or a new design sporting Nashville imagery (broncos included) – or pick up smaller souvenirs. T shirts, beer koozies, playing cards and tea towels telling you to ‘wash yer dang dishes’ will likely catch your eye.

Top tip: Book a tour of the print shop for the full experience. It’s a unique look into Nashville’s history as Music City and you’ll get to print your own keepsake poster.

3. Nashville’s music history

If you like Nashville’s music history, you’ll love the National Museum of African American Music

In the heart of downtown, step into the NMAAM to learn more about music created and inspired by African Americans. This is the only museum in the United States dedicated to celebrating genres that wouldn’t exist without African American musicians, including gospel, blues, jazz, R&B and hip hop. Interact with galleries and wander around timely exhibits. Your ticket will include an RFID wristband, which you can tap on touchpoints to create a personalised digital playlist. That’s the soundtrack to the rest of your trip, sorted.

Top tip: Entry to the National Museum of African American Music galleries (excluding Jubilation!) is free on the first Wednesday of every month.[NE1.1] RFID wristband not included.

5. Cool cafes

If you like The Bluebird Cafe, you’ll love the Station Inn

Nashville’s known for its ‘on your boot-clad feet’ parties, no doubt, but it’s also dotted with listening rooms where you’re encouraged to simply sit down and let the live music wash over you. At the Station Inn, bluegrass and roots music rule. Take a seat at one of the lined-up tables and sip a Yazoo beer beneath fairy lights. Expect no fuss, just a chorus of guitars, fiddles, mandolins, basses and banjos. Seven nights a week. Just remember, you’re here to appreciate the music. Let the instruments do all the talking.

Top tip: Visit during the weekly Bluegrass Jam. Everyone’s welcome, from living legends to novices, as local musicians gather for a relaxed session. The jam is free to attend and the bar is open so you can order a drink and listen in.

6. Line dancing

If you like honky tonks, you’ll love line dancing at Nashville Palace

Okay, so you’ve spent a night sat in a listening room, now it’s time to do the opposite: get up and two step, Tennessee style. Nashville Palace, with its neon-lit dance floor just across from the Grand Ole Opry, should be your first port of call. Open since 1977, this is, apparently, ‘where you go to experience Nashville the way it used to be’. Put on a pair of cowboy boots and shuffle over for a lesson in rock stepping, grape vining and having a top-notch time. Learn the basics at a beginner class before the open floor in the evening – that’s your chance to show off everything you’ve learnt, even if you’ve only managed to master your ‘yeehaw’ so far.

Top tip: Be prepared to pay a cover fee. It’s usually about $10 for entry.

7. Country music

If you like Nashville’s Broadway, you’ll love Robert’s Western World

Speaking of traditional honky tonks, Robert’s Western World is the place to be on Broadway. Step inside and see for yourself if this is really, as the sign says, ‘honky tonk heaven.’ From the cowboy boots wall to the hanging guitars, there’s absolutely no denying where in the world you are here. This is Nashville through and through. Order a ‘Recession Special’, which includes a fried bologna sandwich, crisps, a MoonPie and a PBR beer for $6, and fuel up for a night of live country music and lively dancing.

Top tip: You won’t be charged an entry fee, but you should tip the musicians and servers.

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