While Nashville has and will always has live up to its nickname Music City, in recent years the Southern charmer has undergone a dramatic urban renaissance. Hotels and restaurants, in particular, have experienced a major boom here – giving travelers even more reasons to escape to Tennessee’s capital. And because the city’s climate is mild this time of year, getting there and getting around is a breeze. So pack your bags, and refer to this handy guide on how to plan a perfect winter weekend in Nashville.
Where To Stay in Nashville
Opened a few months ago in the trendy Gulch neighborhood, W Nashville doesn’t resemble the W hotels most of us are accustomed to – and that’s a good thing. “Our clientele has grown up, and so has our brand,” explains General Manager David Cronin. So instead of cheeky branding and a rambuntious party vibe, guests are welcomed with a warm, minimalist design, accents that nod to the local community, and restaurants led by celebrated chefs. There’s also a whopping 26,000 square feet of outdoor spaces, including a Secret Garden – something “you don’t expect in an urban hotel,” says Cronin.
The 286 rooms and 60 suites sport floor-to-ceiling windows for lots of natural light, a muted palette, contemporary furnishings, and thoughtfully-curated art including a colorful silkscreen of a slumbering young woman (representing hopeful musicians coming to Nashville to get their big break) encountering a wolf (representing the entertainment industry that can help or hurt the naive artists).
While signature amenities like the WET Deck – complete with a sleek, L-shaped pool and private cabanas – and Living Room Bar remain the same, W Nashville’s priority is tying in the local community. “It’s important that guests have a sense of place here,” says Cronin. “So we worked a lot on how our hotel would fit into the city.” That means you’ll pick up on thoughtful nods to Nashville’s musical roots everywhere, from the lobby’s acoustic ceiling panels to the original Jim Marshall rock 'n' roll photographs at the rooftop bar Proof.
Another thing you’ll notice? All the enticing spots to eat and drink. “There’s more emphasis on food,” Cronin explains of the eight bars, two swanky restaurants (The Dutch and Carne Mare) by New York-based chef and restaurateur Andrew Carmellini, and Barista Parlor, the first hotel outpost of the beloved, ethically-sourced local coffee shop by Andy Mumma.
Where To Eat in Nashville
Led by James Beard Award-winning chef RJ Cooper, Germantown’s Saint Stephen is the kind of spot every urban neighborhood needs and deserves. It’s approachable enough for a casual hang – the happy hour, with an irresistible house burger and fried chicken, remains one of the city’s best kept secrets – yet refined enough for celebrating something special. For those occasions, book the restaurant’s Secret Society, a boundary-pushing multi-course dinner served on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Within easy walking distance of W Nashville, Chauhan Ale and Masala House by chef and television personality Chef Maneet Chauhan offers a dining experience like no other with refined riffs on traditional Indian cuisine, like Hot Chicken Pakoras, Short Rib French Onion Naan, and Gulab Jamun Monkey Bread.
And while hot chicken might be Nashville’s claim to fame, the city’s BBQ scene is absolutely worth checking out, too. Martin’s BBQ, in particular, with its convenient downtown location and diverse, made-from-scratch menu (including the famous whole hog BBQ), makes it an easy choice for a quick bite or a full-on feast.
What To Do in Nashville
Situated downtown at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Broadway, the newly-opened National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) honors the diverse music genres, from spiritual hymns to hip-hop, created and influenced by African Americans and their global impact. Inside the moving 56,000-square-foot museum, you’ll discover interactive galleries – where you can curate your own playlist with a wristband – tracing the historical movements that shaped African American music, such as the Great Migration and the Harlem Renaissance.
And a few blocks away is the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Home to over two million artifacts (including Elvis Presley’s 1960 gold Cadillac) and rotating exhibits, it follows country music’s rich history from its nineteenth-century roots to its vibrant presence today.
