ADVERTORIAL • January 2020

Seven reasons to visit Nashville in 2020

Landmark celebrations, new openings and secret spots a-plenty, we take a look at what’s cooking in Tennessee’s top city

Travelling for… music

Of course you are: it’s not nicknamed Music City for nothing. Nashville has been exporting music since the 1800s and that creative spirit can still be found today. This year, step inside the lilac façade of one of the city’s most legendary joints, Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, as it celebrates 60 years of getting Nashville up on its feet. Think this town’s all about country? Branch out at 3rd and Lindsley, whose monthly schedule fluctuates from R&B to metal and more.

Travelling for… art

Also celebrating their 60-year anniversary in 2020, the Cheekwood Estate & Gardens – present Chihuly at Cheekwood in the spring, together with the reopening of its acclaimed Carell Woodland Sculpture Trail. Chihuly at Cheekwood will feature large-scale installations in the gardens of the historic estate as well as pedestal works presented in the Cheekwood Mansion art galleries. Want more still? The Frist Art Museum, the city’s largest art-exhibition centre, is dedicated to presenting visual arts from local, state and regional artists, as well as major USA and international exhibitions. Beyond this, local art galleries can be found throughout the city’s abudance of creative neighbourhoods.

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Travelling for… food

The spice of hot chicken, the gooey ooze of a macaroni and cheese, the satisfying taste of collard greens… Nashville is where every meal tastes like it was cooked with love at the family table. However, if it’s southern fare with added artistry you’re after, keep an eye out for award-winning chef Sean Brock’s new East Nashville restaurants for 2020 – Audrey and Red Bird – with menus inspired by Brock’s upbringing in the Appalachian coal country.

Travelling for… culture

The good news is, you’ve come to the right place. With a plethora of world-class museums, art galleries and festivals to keep both locals and visitors occupied, it’s hard to get bored in this city. Soon to land in 2020 is a superb-sounding National Museum of African American Music, as well as a rare Komodo Dragon Exhibit at the Nashville Zoo. The city’s popular Adventure Science Center will be celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, so swing by to catch one of its mind-boggling interactive exhibits.

Travelling for… nature

A sprawling state filled with National Parks, must-see waterfalls and even subterranean caves, Tennessee is big on the outdoors. Fortunately, Nashville delivers, with park upon park in which to kick back and relax. All within a 25-minute drive from Downtown you can be splashing in the beloved Percy Priest Lake (the place to cool off during those sweltering Southern summers), wildlife lovers’ Radnor Lake, and Percy Warner, which is part of the city’s 2,684-acre Warner Parks.

Travelling for… festivals

With its legendary music rep, it’s only right that Nashville would play host to a plethora of festivals. Starting with Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival in March, Musicians Corner then kicks off in May, before the celeb-packed CMA Fest and music/arts festival Bonnaroo take over in June and Let Freedom Sing! Music City arrives in July. Just make sure to book your hotel in advance for stay dates around these times, as rooms get filled quickly.

Travelling for… history

Take more than 40 local organisations, a year-long calendar of events and one feel-good celebration and what do you get? The 19th Amendment Centennial Nashville Commemoration, taking place throughout the city during 2020. The 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution, granting the right for women to vote, will be the talk of the town, especially in August – the anniversary month of the amendment ratification in Nashville. Head to The Hermitage Hotel (which at the time hosted political leaders from both sides) for a historic stay.

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This article has been tagged Advertorial, Destination