Big City Weekender: Nashville
- Editorial Staff
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
redefinING mUSIC CITY WITH culture, creativity, and curated insider picks
Nashville has long been known as Music City, but today it’s also a destination for design lovers, food enthusiasts, and art-minded travelers. The city hums with creativity rooted in tradition, yet constantly reinventing itself. A weekend here offers equal parts culture, comfort, and discovery—where heritage and modernity share the same rhythm. Enjoy these picks from our Editor-in-Chief, Rebekah Iliff, and our Style Editor, Suzanne Kopulos.
Where to Stay
For a refined, centrally located stay, Hutton Hotel delivers understated luxury with a strong sense of place. Its Midtown location makes it easy to explore both downtown’s energy and Nashville’s quieter creative corners. Thoughtful design, nearby dining, and a calm, welcoming atmosphere make it ideal for a well-paced weekend.
For something more intimate and character-driven, Urban Cowboy Bed & Breakfast offers a distinctly Nashville experience. Set inside a historic Victorian mansion, Urban Cowboy feels equal parts frontier romance and modern hideaway. Each room is uniquely styled, inviting guests to slow down and settle in—perfect for travelers who value story as much as comfort.
Where to Gather
Nashville’s dining scene has matured beautifully, offering depth and diversity beyond its famed hot chicken. For an off-the-beaten-path cocktail bar, ELEVEN11 delivers a polished yet approachable menu that works equally well for celebratory dinners and relaxed evenings. The Finch, attached to the iconic Union Station Hotel, offers upscale American fare with a neighborhood feel—warm, thoughtful, and reliably excellent.
In Germantown, Italian-inspired Pelato brings bold flavors and a convivial spirit, making it a favorite for long dinners that stretch into dessert and espresso. Founded by Shivani Darsinos, Cafe Babu blends Indian and Greek influences into a warm, community-driven café experience. By day, it’s a haven for chai, espresso, and light bites; by night, it transforms into Bar Babu, offering organic European wines and thoughtfully crafted cocktails in an intimate, welcoming setting. Every detail encourages guests to linger.
Where to Play
Beyond the Broadway honky-tonks, Nashville’s art scene is quietly compelling. CASS Contemporary is a must-visit for those drawn to contemporary work with purpose. Founded by Cassie and Jake Greatens, CASS brings art into communities through exhibitions, murals, and large-scale projects. Opening its Nashville space in September 2025, the gallery quickly positioned the city as an emerging art destination, showcasing globally recognized artists like Tristan Eaton, whose Lately marked his first Nashville solo show.
If music history is your thing, The National Museum of African American Music delivers an immersive, essential look at the profound influence of African American artists on every genre of American music. For a laugh-forward evening, catch a show at Third Coast Comedy Club, where improv-driven performances feel intimate, smart, and refreshingly local. And for off-Broadway music, try The Listening Room or 3rd & Lindsley.
If you’re looking for a dose of sweet Nashville history, a visit to the Goo Goo Clusters store is a must. Go beyond the gift shop and book a Goo Goo making class, where guests get hands-on with the city’s most iconic confection—equal parts nostalgic, indulgent, and surprisingly memorable.
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