They say there’s a first time for everything, right? Well, if this will be your first trip to Nashville, just know that it won’t be your last! But for the sake of first time's sake, we’re going to tell you everything you need to know about Nashville, how to get there, and where to go for your first visit.
Getting Around
Parking
- If you choose to drive around the city yourself, whether you have your own personal vehicle or a rental car, there are a few things you’ll want to know about parking to avoid towing:
- If you park in one of the lots downtown, pricing can range from as low as $3 per hour up to $20 for all day parking. Privately-owned lots can be a bit more expensive, but you’ll be required to put in your payment information as well as your license plate number. Once you put that information in, you’ll receive a parking pass that you want to be sure to put on your car’s dashboard. If there is an event happening, the prices can also change.
- If you opt to park at a meter, you can expect rates to be $2.25 per hour in the Central Business District and $1.75 per hour at all other parking meters. Remember, parking meters are meant for short-term parking. However, if you happen to get out after 6 pm Monday through Friday, parking meters are absolutely FREE (that’s if you can find a parking meter)! On Sundays and all government holidays, parking meters are free all day. And don’t worry, if you can’t remember the times of the meters, the time limits are listed directly on the meters.
- Drivers with handicap license plates or placards can park at any meter for free.
These are just a few of the major tips and tidbits on parking in the downtown Nashville area. As you make your way downtown, be sure to read any parking-related signage as it pertains to regulations and enforcement of any sort; it will save you any potential headaches later.
Transportation
Again, if you’re driving yourself, the biggest thing to worry about is parking. However, if there’s anywhere you need to go that’s located downtown, hitch a rideshare if possible (traffic tends to get a little hectic there, especially during rush hour); it’s going to be in your best interest. First, it’s pretty safe to say that Broadway and 2nd Ave are well-known for their Honky-Tonks, live music, and booze. Catching a rideshare is going to prevent any unsafe driving. Plus, it will alleviate any anxiety or stress you may have about driving around an unfamiliar area amid bumper-to-bumper traffic.
Now, if you’re going anywhere outside of the downtown area, the city will be a lot easier to navigate. The downtown area has one-way streets and roundabouts that can be a little confusing to newbie drivers. But if roadways don’t scare you, then, by all means, hit the mean streets of downtown Nashville! And if you’re wondering about the bus system, yes, Nashville has a city bus system. However, the bus system has delays and sometimes runs a little slow. So, the bus will likely cut into your travel time, especially if you’re trying to pack a lot into a weekend trip.
Live Music
Honky-Tonks
If you did a search of “live music near me,” you’re likely going to get pages after pages of live music venues in Nashville, and you honestly shouldn’t expect anything less. However, no live music venue here in Nashville is created equally; each venue has its own piece of Nashville history that makes it so unique. If you’re looking for some of the best bars on Broadway, then Legends Corner is hands-down the best. But, of course, there are other famous bars in Nashville as well that offer live music but the best one will be found on Broadway and 2nd Ave.
Concert Venues
Venues like the Grand Ole Opry, The Ryman Auditorium, Bridgestone Arena, and Ascend Amphitheater are wonderful places to attend concerts and the sound quality is amazing! As a friendly reminder, these venues can hold hundreds to thousands of people. The Bridgestone Arena holds 19,891 people. So, if you’re looking for more of an intimate setting for live music, you’ll want to attend a country music bar downtown.
Good Eats
Restaurants
The restaurants here in Nashville are so abundant. From Southern comfort foods to fine cuisine, no matter what your tastebuds crave, you’ll be able to have a taste of a little bit of everything. Places like Prince’s Hot Chicken and Hattie B’s chicken are where you’ll get some of the South’s best fried and hot chicken! Pancake Pantry and Biscuit Love will have you waking up craving breakfast all day. And STK and Eddie V’s Prime Seafood offer some of Nashville’s finest dining experiences you will have in the entire city! Nashville is what you can consider as a smorgasbord of flavors that will make your tastebuds do the happy dance!
There’s so much more to Nashville than the few things listed above, which is why you will need to make more than one trip to this iconic city of music. However, the points listed are ones that you indeed need to know once you arrive, parking and transportation especially. But the main takeaway about Nashville is that you arrive as a guest, and you’ll leave as family. So, just know, upon your first visit, you’re always welcome to come back! When you do, be sure that every time you come to stop by Legends Corner! Contact us for information about hosting private parties or events.