DK Eyewitness - Nashville Like a Local: By the People Who Call It Home (Travel Guide)

Music legacies dont come more iconic than Nashvilles its this inimitable heritage that ultimately earned Nashville its nickname Music City. But when it comes to art and originality, Nashville doesnt just stop at music. Creativity really does fuel this place. Youll see it in the hopeful young songwriters and leather-clad veteran pickers harmonizing on live music stages, the pigment-splashed artists painting bright shocks of art across public walls, and the budding chefs turning to their grandmas recipe books to reimagine Southern favorites.

We cant forget that Nashville bears the scars of a painful past, but from the darkness emerged a powerful Civil Rights movement and a progressive, forward-looking community. After all, this is a place thats long existed as a crossroads, bringing together people of every background and passion to create a place thats truly extraordinary. And thats not hyperbole. Nashville is chaotic good. It defies expectations and takes everyone along for the ride. Here, quiet dinners end in headbanging, art gallery tours in karaoke singalongs. And thats where this book comes in. Weve rounded up the places that stay true to Nashvilles creative, energetic, and unpredictable heart, from the quirky rooftop bars that locals will wait all week for to the electric venues that nurture established and new talent. Of course, there are more Nashvillians than these pages can do justice to. Instead, this book celebrates snapshots of local life in a city thats as diverse as its inhabitants.

Whether youre a Nashvillian wanting to dig deeper into your hometown, or a visitor looking to tap into Nashvilles one-of-a-kind tune, this book will help you embrace a lesser known Nashville. Find the rhythm behind Music City, the local way.

Nashville | WELCOME TO THE CITY

Liked by the locals

In Nashville, youre constantly surrounded by dream chasers, whether theyve lived here 20 years or two. You cant help but feel inspired youre in a place where beauty is created all the time in so many different ways. Its a privilege to be part of the audience.

BAILEY FREEMAN, WRITER

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Nashville

THROUGH THE YEAR

Something is always afoot in Music City. Think alfresco concerts in spring and summer (and beyond), football playoffs in fall, and festive fun in winter.

SPRING

OUTDOOR CONCERTS

As things start to warm up, locals have one thing in mind: live music in the great outdoors. Stages pop up across the city, with Musicians Corner, in , the focal point in May.

IROQUOIS STEEPLECHASE

Nashvillians don their finest attire and most flamboyant hats for a day of horse racing and tailgating at Percy Warner Park, where its more about mingling than actually betting.

TIN PAN SOUTH

Captive audiences flock to bars and venues for this songwriters festival, which is all about the art of the writers round.

FASHION FORAYS

Designers show off their new collections at Nashville Fashion Week, while those who cant make it to the runway hit patios in jazzy shirts and sundresses.

SUMMER

AQUATIC ADVENTURES

With the humidity rising, locals gravitate toward the citys lakes for a cooling dip or a bit of leisurely canoeing, drink in hand (also known as cabrewing).

FESTIVAL FUN

It wouldnt be Music City without festival season. In June, country music fans make for the CMA Music Festival and wannabe flower children gather for boho Bonnaroo. Then, in July, hosts Bluegrass Nights before locals wave goodbye to summer (for free) at Live on the Green in early September.

STREET FAIRS

Locals love a summertime street fair. East Nashville celebrates avant garde art at the Tomato Arts Festival; SoBro offers up Music City Brewers Fest; and the whole city is decked out with rainbow flags for Julys Pride celebrations.

FALL