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Nashville Travel Resources

Nashville Travel Resources

Nashville Tennessee, USA Travel Guide

Digital Resources

Essential Apps for the Destination

  • WeGo Transit App:

    For public bus system navigation, real-time tracking, route planning, and digital buying tickets.

  • Uber / Lyft:

    For ride-sharing, especially when public transit is not as direct or for late-night travel.

  • Google Maps / Apple Maps:

    For comprehensive navigation, directions for walking, driving, public transit, and real-time traffic.

  • Yelp / OpenTable:

    For exploring restaurants, reading reviews, and making reservations. Also covers other local businesses.

  • Visit Music City App:

    The official guide from the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. It covers attractions, events, dining, accommodations, maps, and itineraries.

Digital Music & Learning

  • Spotify / Apple Music:

    Create a Nashville-themed playlist featuring country music, bluegrass, blues, and other genres.

  • Online Learning:

    Explore courses on Skillshare for photography or creative skills related to travel.

  • Visit Music City:

    The official tourism website for Nashville, with comprehensive information on attractions and events.

  • WeGo Public Transit:

    Detailed information on bus routes, schedules, and fares for public transportation.

  • Nashville Guru:

    A favored local guide offering insights into Nashville's restaurants, events, nightlife, and neighborhoods.

Useful Websites for Additional Planning

Official Tourism Site

The official tourism website for Nashville. It covers attractions, events, dining, and accommodations.

Public Transit Information

Detailed information on bus routes, schedules, fares, and service alerts for Nashville's public transportation.

Local Guides & News

A popular local guide offering insights into Nashville's restaurants, events, nightlife, and neighborhoods. Also covers local news.

Social Media Accounts to Follow

Official Tourism Accounts

  • @VisitMusicCity (Instagram, Facebook, X) for official tourism.
  • Visual inspiration, event updates, and local tips.
  • Stay connected with official Nashville tourism.
  • Follow for daily updates.

Local News & Lifestyle Accounts

  • Follow @wsmv, @newschannel5, @WKRN on X for current events and alerts.
  • Weather warnings and breaking news.
  • Search for popular Nashville food bloggers or lifestyle accounts on Instagram.
  • Discover dining recommendations and hidden gems.

Print Resources

Recommended Guidebooks and Maps

  • Fodor's Nashville with Franklin & Day Trips
  • Local Maps: Obtain free physical maps at the Nashville Visitor Center or your hotel.
  • Valuable for orienting yourself and marking places of interest.
  • Handy for offline navigation and detailed city overviews.

Books about the Destination

  • Nashville: The Music Story by Robert K. Oermann.
  • The Hot Chicken Cookbook: The Fiery History & Folkloric Recipes of the Nashville Classic by Timothy Davis.
  • Discover local stories and dive into Nashville's unique culture.
  • Explore the origins and development of signature Nashville elements.

Local Publications Worth Picking Up

  • Nashville Scene: A free weekly alternative newspaper.
  • Nashville Lifestyles Magazine: A monthly publication.
  • Detailed event listings, music schedules, and local news.
  • Emphasizes local culture, fashion, dining, and events.

Emergency & Medical Information

Emergency Contacts

Emergency Numbers

  • All Emergencies (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 911 (Universal throughout the U.S.)
  • Lost Document Procedures: Report to local police immediately (non-emergency: (615) 862-8600).
  • Contact your country's embassy or consulate for assistance.
  • Natural Disaster Protocols: In a tornado warning, seek sturdy interior shelter on the lowest floor, away from windows.

Hospital Locations

  • Vanderbilt University Medical Center: 1211 Medical Center Dr, Nashville, TN 37232
  • Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital Midtown: 2000 Church St, Nashville, TN 37203
  • TriStar Centennial Medical Center: 2300 Patterson St, Nashville, TN 37203
  • For non-emergency health concerns, investigate immediate care centers near your accommodation.

Consulate Information

  • International travelers: Consult your home country's foreign affairs website for U.S. Embassy/consulate contacts.
  • Most embassies are in Washington D.C.
  • Some countries have consular offices in larger Southern cities.
  • These offices assist with lost passports or other consular services.

Local Publications

Nashville Scene

  • A free weekly alternative newspaper.
  • Detailed listings of events and music schedules.
  • Provides local news and cultural commentary.

Nashville Lifestyles Magazine

  • A monthly publication concentrating on local culture.
  • Covers fashion, dining, and events.
  • A good resource for finding unique local happenings.

Book Recommendations

Music History

  • Nashville: The Music Story by Robert K. Oermann.
  • An in-depth look into the history of country music.
  • Covers Nashville's role in its development.

Local Cuisine

  • The Hot Chicken Cookbook by Timothy Davis.
  • A fascinating read for foodies interested in the origins.
  • Covers the preparation of Nashville's signature dish.

Online Communities & Forums

TripAdvisor Forums

  1. A platform to ask questions.
  2. Read reviews from other travelers.
  3. Obtain advice from other travelers and locals.
  4. Specific forums for Nashville discussions.
  5. User-generated content for insights.

Reddit's r/Nashville

  1. The local subreddit for Nashville.
  2. Provides current discussions and local knowledge.
  3. Recommendations directly from residents.
  4. Discover what's new and popular.
  5. A society perspective for your trip.

Language & Film

Language Learning

Not required for English speakers, but for fun, explore Southern colloquialisms or regional accents using online resources or dialect guides.

Documentaries

Country Music (PBS documentary series by Ken Burns) explores country music history and Nashville's pivotal role.

Films

Nashville (1975 film by Robert Altman) presents a traditional satirical look at the Nashville the music community.

Safety First

Always keep emergency numbers and hospital addresses readily available during your visit.

Further Reading & Exploration

Deepen your appreciation for Nashville's culture and history before or after your visit.

Documentaries & Films

Music Documentaries

  • Country Music (PBS by Ken Burns):

    Extensive series explores country music history, focusing on Nashville's pivotal role.

  • Impact on Genre:

    Highlights artists who shaped the genre and their connection to Music City.

  • Historical Perspective:

    Provides a rich historical backdrop to the city's musical legacy.

Narrative Films

  • Nashville (1975 by Robert Altman):

    A classic satirical film presenting the Nashville music scene.

  • Fictional Insights:

    Offers a fictional yet insightful look at the city's entertainment world.

  • Setting the Scene:

    A cinematic experience to set the mood for your visit.

Online Communities

TripAdvisor Forums

A platform to ask questions, read reviews, and get advice from other travelers and locals about Nashville.

Reddit's r/Nashville

The local subreddit offers current discussions, local insights, and recommendations from residents.

Language Exploration

While not required for English speakers, explore Southern colloquialisms or regional accents for fun with online resources.

Music & Art Immersion

Prepare Your Playlist

  • Immerse yourself in classic country, bluegrass, and blues music.
  • Listen to iconic Nashville artists like Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson.
  • Create playlists to arrange the mood for your trip.
  • Let the acoustics of Music City accompany your planning.

Visual Arts and Creativity

  • Explore works by Nashville-based visual artists.
  • Consider online courses on Skillshare for photography or creative expression.
  • Find inspiration in the city's artistic community.
  • Discover local galleries and art installations.

Digital Travel Tools

Planning Resources

Ticketing & Navigation

  • Ticketmaster / AXS / Live Nation: For major live music and venue shows.
  • Google Maps / Apple Maps: Navigation for walking, driving, public transit.
  • Uber / Lyft: Convenient ride-sharing services.
  • Visit Music City App: Official guide with maps and itineraries.

Planning Your Trip

Leverage these resources to craft an informed and engaging Nashville experience.