Nashville Tops the Destination Charts!


Nashville tops Trip Advisor as the #1 place on the rise – and that’s no surprise considering its culturally diverse and friendly environment has made it a hit destination with guests from across the globe. NAFCU’s Director of Events & Education, Lisa Cox, lived in Nashville for several years and was our go-to person for the best places for music, history, museums, shopping and food. Here’s her short list of favorites.

Listen to the Music

Grand Ole Opry – Known as “the show that made country music famous,” the Grand Ole Opry is the star in the quintessential Nashville experience. A Friday night trip to this amazing concert hall is included in your registration and the spouse/guest program.

Bluebird Café – This is one of the world’s preeminent listening rooms, known worldwide as a songwriter’s performance space where the “heroes behind the hits” perform their own songs – songs that have been recorded by chart-topping artists in all genres of music.

Ryman Auditorium – The Ryman’s acoustics, built to project the voice of Sam Jones so long ago, are among the finest in the world. Today, the Ryman remains true to its diverse entertainment legacy, hosting concerts of all genres.

Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge – The owner's namesake lounge was purchased in 1960, and went on to claim some of country music's most prominent figures, like Willie Nelson and Patsy Cline, among its performers and patrons.

Robert’s Western World – If you long for the soulful sounds of the old-time, honky tonk crooners, you will feel you’ve stepped back in time at Robert’s Western World. And you’ll soon know the reason why Nashville Scene readers voted the establishment as the “Best Honky Tonk” in Music City.

Wild Horse Saloon – The former three-level historic warehouse is now a 66,000 square foot live music and dance destination featuring a full-service restaurant, bar, concert site, dance venue and TV studio.

Historical Landmarks

Belle Meade Plantation – Belle Meade Plantation is a 30-acre historic site six miles west of Nashville. The centerpiece of the property is the Belle Meade mansion built in 1853. The mansion is open for tours daily.*

The Hermitage – The Hermitage was home to President Andrew Jackson and is reputedly our nation’s most authentically preserved early presidential home site.*

Fort Negley – After its capture in 1862, Nashville was developed by Union forces into the most fortified city in North America, second only to Washington, D.C. A series of forts ringed the city, the largest and southernmost being Fort Negley.

Museums Full of History

Country Music Hall of Fame / RCA Studio B – This museum presents a vast collection illustrating country music's story as told through the turns of two centuries. A treasure trove of historic country video clips and recorded music, dynamic exhibits and state-of-the-art design, regular menu of live performances and public programs, the Museum Store, on-site dining, and fabulous public spaces all contribute to an unforgettable museum experience.*

Frist Center for Visual Arts – Unlike any traditional museum you’ve ever visited, the Frist Center for the Visual Arts has become a magnet for Nashville’s rapidly expanding visual arts scene. New art flows through the building every 6 to 8 weeks, so no matter how often you visit, there is always something new and exciting to see.

Areas to See, Eat, Shop and Dance

Broadway Strip – Home to Tootsies, Robert’s and Wild Horse Saloon, the strip is the place for night owls that want to throw on their boots and get down. During the day, check out some of the unique shops like Hatch Show Print.

Hillsboro Village – The village is one of Nashville’s few collections of neighborhood merchants and a great place to congregate with friends for shopping, cocktails, artisan breads and pastries, locally-brewed beer and locally roasted coffee.

Printer’s Alley – Located between Third and Fourth Avenues stretching from Union to Church Streets, Printer’s Alley started before the turn of the century as the location of many of Nashville's first Publishing and Printing Companies. It’s now a hub for nightlife.

Downtown Franklin – From a Civil War battlefield, to a host of museums and antebellum mansions, to the thriving downtown shopping area that includes some of the best antique shops in the state, Franklin has a little something for everyone.

Food for the Soul

Monell’s – Right off Sixth Avenue in Nashville, experience the best of family-style southern food. From the everyday skillet fried chicken to Monday’s chicken and dumplings and meatloaf, you are sure to be satisfied!

CITY HOUSE – On Fourth Avenue, check out chef Tandy Wilson’s CITY HOUSE. Recognized as one of the People’s Best New Chefs of 2011 in Food and Wine, Wilson coordinated the feeding of victims of Nashville’s flood last year and worked with local chefs to raise funds with charity dinners.

Capitol Grille at the Hermitage Hotel – Relaxed, low-key, and loved by Nashvillians “in the know,” the Capitol Grille in Nashville’s Hermitage Hotel is inspired by cultural sustainability. The ingredients are grown at the Farm at Glen Leven, just five miles from the Capitol Grille, by Executive Chef and Farmer Tyler Brown.

* Included in the Spouse/Guest Tour Program.

Affinion welcomes you to Nashville

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