A Nashville Itinerary Packed With Rowdy Music, Cutting-Edge Creative Culture, and Top Tier Restaurants

1 Hotel Nashville is proof that sustainability can be chic. The largely paperless hotel has an ivy-draped façade and potted plants in seemingly every corner, as well as thought-provoking local art and a sublime spa. Its relaxation room features a spacious balcony with open-air vistas overlooking the city. From $413

After more than a century in operation, the historic Hermitage Hotel has been completely renovated. Admire the preserved painted glass ceiling in the ornate lobby while appreciating the modern touches, like a restaurant from chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten that serves a solid number of plant-based dishes. From $499

The skyscraper housing Conrad Nashville rises over Midtown with gleaming windows, views in all directions, and impeccable service inside. The lobby, with its high ceilings and two-story winding staircase, is one of the city’s best places to sip and be seen. From $399

The city’s creative culture is reflected on the walls of Four Seasons Hotel Nashville, which include hundreds of works of art, inside a gleaming new 40-story downtown tower. Ask the concierge to schedule a private session with a local songwriter. From $725

In the picturesque town of Franklin, just south of Nashville, sits Southall, a 325-acre oasis with an inn, a spa, hiking and biking trails, and a restaurant helmed by chef Tyler Brown. Experiences like outdoor painting classes and falconry offer a balance to downtown’s honky-tonks. Its proximity to the city lets you enjoy both. From $839

Hit the road

For centuries, the historic Old Natchez Trace has offered a way for people—from ancient Native American communities to Kaintuck boatmen and soldiers en route to the Battle of New Orleans—to travel between Nashville and the Mississippi River. These days it is known as the Natchez Trace Parkway, a scenic 444-mile road stretching between Natchez, Mississippi, and Nashville that is more oasis than thoroughfare. Devoid of billboards, gas stations, or commercial enterprises, the parkway is protected and managed by the U.S. National Park Service. The Trace, as locals call it, is a designated bike route. Rent a two-wheeler from Trace Bikes on the far west side of town or explore the miles of countryside by car. Make sure to check out the asymmetrical concrete Double Arch Bridge (milepost 438) and Jackson Falls (milepost 404.7) along the Duck River before heading back for a night on the town.

The insider

Musician turned milliner Gage Speas on where to shop—after a visit to his own Daisy May Hat Co. to pick up a handcrafted chapeaux, of course.

Bespoke boots
“Make an appointment at Bowen Bootwear. Dustin Bowen used to be a designer at Lucchese, and he’s fantastic. He’ll make you any custom boot you desire. You want hot-pink snakeskin? He can absolutely do it.”

One of a kind
“Danielle Kress and Christine Visneau, who run Keep Shop in the lobby of the Noelle Hotel Nashville, are masters of finding regional artists who make cool jewelry, patterned scarves—things you don’t need but really want.”

Casual threads
“I go to Forts for flannels and old Harley T-shirts. They also sell throwback trucker hats and sneakers. Plus, I like that they’re in the residential part of the Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood; it’s surprising.”

Good jeans
“Imogene + Willie is known for denim that lasts, and I love that their jeans are made locally. You can buy them online, but if you go into the shop you can get properly fitted for a pair and see co-owner Matt Eddmenson’s rad art.”

This article appeared in the December 2022 issue of Condé Nast Traveler. Subscribe to the magazine here.