Mike’s Travelogue: Hold Titan to a Tennessee Good Time

SPONSORED – There are certain cities in the United States that you have to visit. You just have to. They have something unique, something that sets them apart, something that makes them just a little more fun than everywhere else. And this year, the schedule-makers are giving Seattle fans a chance to sample one of those spots: Nashville.

You’ve seen the party scenes, the music venues and the hot chicken from afar. This year, it’s time to finally partake yourself.

Usually, I like to start with the food. But not this time. Nashville is known for one thing above all else: music. So let’s start with the legendary music scene. You may think that Nashville is only about country music. Yes, there is plenty of twang to go around. But while there are too many venues to count, there’s something for everyone. The key is to know where you’re going.

Let’s start with the Ryman Auditorium. Known as the “Mother Church of Country Music,” this historic venue has hosted countless iconic performances since its opening in 1892. It offers a mix of country, bluegrass, folk, and Americana concerts. Then you’ll obviously need to see the Grand Ole Opry. As the home of the longest-running radio broadcast in U.S. history, it’s an absolute must-visit for country music fans.

For non-country fans, try Exit/In which focuses on rock, alternative and indie music. Or the Bluebird Café which is a small and intimate venue and a haven for singer-songwriters. It offers a unique listening experience with a focus on the art of songwriting. Try the Station Inn for bluegrass or the City Winery for some live music and wine pairings. There are dozens of options so check the schedule for that weekend and choose wisely!

And if you want to really experience the city at its best, make sure you get to a rooftop bar. Nashville has several that provide stunning views of the city skyline. Check out places like L.A. Jackson, UP, and Rare Bird for cocktails, music, and a great atmosphere.

All that music will make you hungry so you’ll need to start thinking about where you want to eat! Hot chicken and southern food dominate the landscape so make sure you do your cardio before you go! Hattie B’s Hot Chicken is one of the best places to try hot chicken or, if you want even more spice, get to Prince’s, which features multiple levels of heat.

Indulge in Southern comfort food like biscuits and gravy, fried chicken, and hot homemade preserves at Loveless Cafe. Or enjoy delicious Tennessee barbecue in a laid-back setting at Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint. The Pharmacy Burger Parlor & Beer Garden has gourmet burgers and a wide selection of craft beers. And you can experience farm-to-table Southern cuisine in an elegant setting at Husk. I went to the original Husk in Charleston and it is one of the best dining experiences of my life!

As for where to stay, there is nothing quite like the Gaylord Opryland Hotel. It’s massive (over 2,800 rooms) with an ambience reminiscent of a tropical rain forest. It’s a little slice of Vegas in Tennessee!

If you are willing to take a little drive, think about the National Corvette Museum. It’s just over an hour away in Bowling Green, Kentucky and it features an extensive collection of Corvette cars, spanning various generations and models. Visitors can see rare, vintage, and concept Corvettes, as well as limited-edition and special performance variants. The exhibits often change, so there’s always something new to explore. The museum also offers guided tours of the nearby GM Corvette Assembly Plant, where you can witness the fascinating process of building these iconic sports cars.

With all that done, you are ready to check out the game at the home of the Music City Miracle!

Stadium: Nissan Stadium
Stadium Food: Hot chicken (duh) at The Coop and Party Fowl.
Seattle haunt: Noble’s Kitchen

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