I spent 16 years calling Nashville, Tennessee, home and have seen it grow into the popular destination it is today.

It is often called the top spot for bachelorette parties in the country and has earned many other honors in recent years. Observers frequently note its welcoming atmosphere and strong food scene.

While the Southern hospitality of Music City remains strong and residents enjoy offering suggestions, a few pointers can help make any trip smoother.

There's so much more to eat beyond typical Southern food.

Enjoying classic Southern dishes is essential, and the award-winning meat and three plates at Arnold's Country Kitchen should not be skipped.

At the same time, Nashville offers a wide range of global cuisines prepared with skill.

Head to a strip mall on Charlotte Pike for rich bowls of jjigae and fresh bibimbap at Korea House. Travel east for tender beef tibs served on injera at Gojo Ethiopian or flavorful lamb shank at the nearby House of Kabob.

Be sure to sample the coconut custard at The Smiling Elephant, a favorite Thai restaurant, or the lengua tacos at La Juquilita.

These choices not only delight the palate but also let you discover parts of the city beyond busy shopping areas and honky-tonks.

Consider renting a car. Driving in this city may not be as bad as you think.

Exploring beyond the downtown core is worthwhile, yet getting around requires some thought.

Public transit has sparked debate in Nashville for years, with ambitious plans often stalled by funding issues.

The purple WeGo buses have limited routes, and while some areas are easy to walk, the city's layout makes relying on buses or walking impractical for full coverage.

Rideshares suit quick hops, yet renting a car gives more freedom to discover hidden spots.

Although city driving can seem stressful, Nashville motorists tend to stay calm and avoid unnecessary horn use, and parking is usually straightforward to locate.

Having a vehicle also opens the door to nearby countryside, which leads to the next suggestion.

It's worth stepping outside of Nashville to explore Tennessee's beautiful countryside.

Nashville itself is appealing, yet its proximity to Tennessee's scenic rural areas adds extra appeal.

For a longer drive, allow a few hours to reach Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Closer options include a short trip down Hillsboro Road to see open fields with hay and horses. If a relaxed drive appeals, aim for Leiper's Fork.

This historic spot features antique shops and galleries, but the real draw is relaxing on a porch at Puckett's with sweet tea while the scent of smoked pork drifts by.

Please be chill about celebrities.

Leiper's Fork and nearby spots have attracted musicians such as Justin Timberlake, Chris Stapleton, and Brad Paisley.

Nashville also hosts stars like Dolly Parton and Nicole Kidman.

One local value is respecting privacy, and residents take pride in treating celebrities as neighbors rather than spectacles.

I have crossed paths with Taylor Swift at a bakery and offered Steven Tyler advice on peanut butter at the grocery store.

So if you spot Reese Witherspoon at her boutique or Blake Shelton at his bar, a polite approach is best.

Take some time to treat yourself to food from Nashville's celebrity chefs.

While many affordable eateries exist, it is worth splurging on the city's notable chef-driven restaurants.

Try Indian-inspired dishes such as tandoori chicken poutine at Maneet Chauhan's Chauhan Ale and Masala House. Dine at Adele's, led by Jonathan Waxman.

Sample spots like Henrietta Red, where chef Julia Sullivan earned early acclaim, or Etch, where Deb Paquette creates inventive flavor combinations.

Do not overlook the pork ragu or chicken with preserved lemon at Rolf and Daughters, run by Philip Krajeck.

Reservations are essential, as tables book quickly.

Be sure to support local musicians and venues

Numerous options exist for enjoying Nashville's music offerings.

Plan an evening on South Broadway, known locally as SoBro, where lively bars feature bands playing country-rock covers.

Check schedules for shows at outdoor spots such as Ascend Amphitheater or FirstBank Amphitheater, or historic stages like the Grand Ole Opry and the Ryman.

Smaller venues also shine. The Bluebird Cafe is renowned for intimate songwriter performances.

Station Inn offers classic bluegrass in the Gulch, while Basement East and The 5 Spot highlight East Nashville talent. Marathon Music Works and Exit/In deliver distinctive live shows.

Tip generously wherever you go.

If you're going to try the city's famous hot chicken, do it right - and learn some of the history first.

Beyond music, hot chicken stands out as a Nashville signature.

Variations appear on menus citywide, yet the dish carries deep roots in Nashville's Black community and reflects broader patterns in Southern cuisine where credit has sometimes shifted.

Accounts trace its origin to the Prince family, when a late return led to an extra helping of pepper on fried chicken that proved unexpectedly tasty.

Segregation kept the specialty largely within Black neighborhoods for decades before wider recognition.

Owner Andre Prince Jeffries of the original Prince's Hot Chicken Shack welcomes new spots but encourages visitors to recall the dish's creators.

Making the journey to Prince's for the authentic version is highly recommended.

This story was originally published on November 15, 2024, and most recently updated on June 5, 2026.