Seltz Posted January 1, 2008 Share Posted January 1, 2008 I'm headed to Nashville to see Wilco at the Ryman (from Philly). I've never been to Nashville and was looking for some good advice on where to stay and where to drink/hang out (the info I've found online is rather unhelpful). We're heading down for the weekend, so proximity to the Ryman is not essential, as we'd prefer to stay in the area of the city where we'll be hanging out at night (which may be the area of the Ryman - I just can't tell). Also, if you're willing, I'd love some bar recommendations. Thanks in advance and my apologies for the borderline "Just a Fan" topic post. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BigWheeledWagon Posted January 1, 2008 Share Posted January 1, 2008 Well, if this is your first trip to Nashville, you'll probably want to spend some time downtown, so you might as well stay near the Ryman. You can check out some of the honky-tonks, etc., if that's your thing -- I'd recommend Tootsie's for that sort of thing. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
hawthorne Posted January 1, 2008 Share Posted January 1, 2008 you would probably enjoy any time spent on broadway street. like the above poster said, tootsies is a cool place, and it is only "37" steps from the ryman. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Seltz Posted January 2, 2008 Author Share Posted January 2, 2008 Thanks for the recommendation. I've heard a bit about The District, but can't really discern whether it's the same thing as "downtown". Is there a famous guitar shop down there, or one that anyone knows of that sells nice used and new guitars? Thanks again for anyone that can chime in here and provide some suggestions. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
darkstar Posted January 2, 2008 Share Posted January 2, 2008 Thanks for the recommendation. I've heard a bit about The District, but can't really discern whether it's the same thing as "downtown". Is there a famous guitar shop down there, or one that anyone knows of that sells nice used and new guitars? Thanks again for anyone that can chime in here and provide some suggestions.  You are thinking of Gruhn Guitars. It's at 400 Broadway, but isn't open on Sundays......gruhn link. When they say district they are talking about lower Broadway. Pretty much 2nd through 4th aves. That is considered downtown as far as the sites to see goes. There are other areas of interest however. The West End area (about a mile or two down south on Broadway) is where Vanderbilt University is, there are some good places to eat and drink there. Green Hills is further south of downtown and is an upscale area with some good eateries. Belle Meade is the ritzy part of town and there are some interesting neighborhoods (if you dig looking at big houses) but not a lot of bars and places to eat. East Nashville is kind of fun. There are really cool artisan shops and pubs and such, but there are also some dicey areas in that part of town. I would suggest sticking to the lower broadway-west end-green hills parts of town as they are fairly close together and on the main roads. There isn't a whole lot of touristy places in other parts of town such as Madison, Antioch and such. Check out East Nashville if you have time, but as I said there are some less than stellar neighborhoods there. You can easily have a great time from 2nd ave up to 8th ave...Broadway is the main N-S road through this area and there are many, many joints right on Broadway or off on the numbered aves. You can easily walk the whole area, and it would probably be better to do so as parking can be a problem, though there are a lot of large garage type lots around as well as some smaller lots, but they can be a bit pricey. I would suggest staying in that area (lower broad) there are a lot of hotels and you may get a deal as March is not exactly a big tourist time. Hope this helps! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dondoboy Posted January 3, 2008 Share Posted January 3, 2008 Don't stay at the Showbiz...please Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BigWheeledWagon Posted January 3, 2008 Share Posted January 3, 2008 Gruhn Guitars is indeed a fine, fine guitar shop. Check it out if you get a chance. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Seltz Posted January 3, 2008 Author Share Posted January 3, 2008 Thanks for the suggestions. Is the Broadway area kind of touristy and cheezy, whereas the West End area is a bit more hip, etc.? Are they close enough to walk to each other and to the Ryman? We'd like to avoid the main tourist part of town, but still be kind of in the thick of the city? Thanks again. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BigWheeledWagon Posted January 3, 2008 Share Posted January 3, 2008 Thanks for the suggestions. Is the Broadway area kind of touristy and cheezy, whereas the West End area is a bit more hip, etc.? Are they close enough to walk to each other and to the Ryman? We'd like to avoid the main tourist part of town, but still be kind of in the thick of the city? Thanks again. No, you couldn't walk between Broadway/2nd Ave. area and West end comfortably. Broadway is pretty touristy (as a Nashvillian, I rarely spend much time there other than to go to the Ryman or sports events), but it's worth checking out as a first-time visitor and there are several places in that area that aren't just tourist traps. A while back, a friend of mine lived downtown, and we spent time downtown without dealing with the tourists too much. Now we mostly hang out around West End or Green Hills (mostly because I live nearby there). West End is indeed a little hipper, but it's pretty standard college campus-type stuff. Thanks to Vandy, it can get a little frat-tastic, but there are some great restaurants, bars, etc. Anyway, have fun on your visit to Nashville -- it's a great town, and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else. If the Ryman show is even half as great as the last one, you (and me too since I will be at the show as well) will be in for a great night. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
darkstar Posted January 4, 2008 Share Posted January 4, 2008 Exactly what BWW said......I hardly ever go downtown anymore except for events and it is kind of cheezy, but it's a fun kind of cheezy especially if you have never been and it's worth a look. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
lindquistador Posted January 4, 2008 Share Posted January 4, 2008 I think it depends what kind of time you are looking to have. I absolutely love occasionally going downtown on the weekends. The honky tonks can be a lot of fun if you've had a few to drink and like to let loose a little. Tootsies and the Stage are great and if you are looking for some awesome karaoke then head to Lonnie's in Printer's Alley. If you are looking to keep things a little more low key, then I would suggest some of the West end area bars as mentioned. The Red Door, Broadway Brewhouse, and the Corner Pub are all pretty close together and are my favorites. As for a hotel, I'd recommend staying downtown since the West End area is just a short cab ride away (maybe 2-3 miles). Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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