GoSouth: Nashville

Music is the universal language, so it’s no surprise the city of music has something universal to say to everyone. It’s a world-stage fave that keeps the lights on 24/7/365, but the time of year it’s most in bloom is spring, figuratively and literally with a Cherry Blossom Fest to rival Portland and DC.

Plan a spring fling during “the perfect time to visit Nashville” – so perfect there’s a whole micro-site devoted to what’s up in tunetown as you march forth into may day: VisitMusicCity.com/

Spring introduces you to scores of spring trip tips from 14 Family Adventures, “Spring Break in Music City” packages, and 13 Spring Events in the “Athens of the South.” It is exactly that – an eclectic mecca you can imagine as the cultural hub of the old world, especially in the warming months and elongating days that bring you three major fests (Cherry Blossom,CMA, Bonnaroo Music and Arts), N’ville Fashion Week, and the city’s rite of spring since 1941, Iroquois Steeplechase, just a few of the sweetest seasonal spotlights coming to you “Straight Outta Cashville.”

Photos / Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Country Music Hall of Fame
Founded in 1964 by the state of Tennessee to preserve artifacts linked to American country music, the Country Music Hall of Fame stands proudly in downtown Nashville. With over 350,000 square feet of multi-use space in the building, exhibitions rotate often and guests can even step into and produce their own work at the 140-year old Hatch Show Print letterpress shop. There’s even fun for the whole family at the Taylor Swift Education Center where guests will find interactive exhibitions and youth art installations to envelope everyone in the culture of country music.
countrymusichalloffame.org

Photos / Graduate Nashville

Graduate Nashville
Pops of bright color and patterns galore, the Graduate Nashville is a party in and of itself. A mix of luxe and funky, this hotel will cheer any traveling curmudgeon. Each room is styled to reflect elements of Music City, including portraits of well-known names like Dolly Parton and headboards in the shape of guitars. Pop in to Poindexter Coffee for a caffeine fix to start the day and end the day singing karaoke with animatronic backup dancers at Cross-Eyed Critters Watering Hole. For some fun in the sun, quirky drinks, and small bites, head to the rooftop to experience the profusion of pink at White Limozeen.
graduatehotels.com/nashville

Photo / Nashville Flyboard

Nashville Flyboard
Water skiing is so last year. To try the latest and take to the skies with flyboarding! Strap in and hover over the water or even fly high enough to do flips and tricks. But don’t worry if you’ve never done this before. The professionals at Nashville Flyboard are there to guide you through the entire process, from instructions on how to operate the board to how to feel comfortable on it to soaring as high as the birds.
nashvilleflyboard.com

Photo / Brenda Black

Iroquois Steeplechase
Steeped in history, level up in advance of this year’s race day in May. Steeplechase central (included with every ticket) will include vendor shops and an art gallery. Hillsdale and Hunt Club tix get you all-day track side viewing and the Royal 615 tent, lounge seating including a VIP invite to the afterparty. Record crowds expected. Fight your FOMO and place your bets; digital ticketing now available.
iroquoissteeplechase.org

Photos / Johnny Cash Museum

Johnny Cash Museum
In the heart of downtown Nashville lives a museum honoring one of the most iconic musicians of all time. With photographs, records clothes, costumes, and instruments, take a tour and revel in quintessential music history. Shop their store for exclusive merchandise from t-shirts and hoodies to hats and housewares. And if that leaves you hungry, head next door for some ribs, brisket or Nashville hot chicken at Johnny Cash’s Bar & BBQ.
johnnycashmuseum.com

Photo / Noko

Noko
An intimate Japanese farmhouse-style restaurant with Asian-inspired cuisine inspired by wanderlust and simplicity. Classic comfort food undergoes an elevated twist with dishes like Wagyu brisket, smoked Gochujang hot wings, to rotating crudos and tartares. Noko also has a seasonally inspired beverage menu, from non-alcoholic cocktails with toasted garnishes to Wagyu-fat washed Old Fashioned’s made with Japanese whiskies.
nokonashville.com

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