With more than 20 million reviews and opinions, TripAdvisor makes travel planning a snap for the 31 million travelers visiting our site each month.

Think before you print. And if you do print, print double-sided.

NASHVILLE

The best places to eat, sleep and play in Nashville this spring and summer

SPRING & SUMMER GUIDE 2009

tripadvisor.com 2

From the Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium to the numerous nightclubs where many celebrated country crooners got their start, Nashville is teeming with opportunities for country western fans to experience live music. But it’s not all boots and cowboy hats in the Tennessee capital. Plantation homes, the State Capitol building, completed in 1859, and the Hermitage, once the home of President Andrew Jackson, provide rich history alongside the honky-tonks.

Nashville’s moderate climate avoids temperature extremes. Winter and spring do have the highest precipitation, but it shouldn’t interfere with your travel plans.

Families can spend a grand day out at the Adventure Science Center or the Nashville Zoo. Sports junkies can take in farm club baseball with the Nashville Sounds or an adrenaline-filled trip to the Nashville Superspeedway. Abundant colleges and universities add a cultural twist to the mix. Take some time to look beyond the twang. In “Music City,” there’s a tune for all tastes.

Inside

TripAdvisor, the most trusted source for where to eat, sleep and play in thousands of destinations around

the world, has collected the best insider tips from its 31 million monthly visitors to produce a unique

series of travel guides. In addition to the best hotels, restaurants and attractions for every type of traveler,

you’ll get great advice about what to pack, how to get around and where to find the best views. Be sure

to check out the guides at www.tripadvisor.com.

1. Bring “a lightweight jacket that can stop any chill in the evening.”—TripAdvisor Member, Memphis, Tenn.

2. “Nashville is hilly, so wear comfortable walking shoes.”—TripAdvisor Member, Franklin, Tenn.

3. Pack “jeans, sweaters, tops, shorts. Whatever you would wear in any other city is fine in Nashville. The country-western look is way out of the norm here.”—TripAdvisor Member, Gallatin, Tenn.

PACKING TIPS

INTRODUCTION

NASHVILLEYou’ll find reviews for more than 270,000 hotels, 78,000 attractions and 469,000 restaurants on TripAdvisor.com. Learn from other travelers what to expect before you make your plans.

tripadvisor.com 3 Call an Expedia Travel Specialist now 877 633 3716

VIEWSTop

Where

to PLAYTOP 10 Attractions

1. Tommy’s Tours, 615 335 2863

2. NashTrash Tours, 900 Eighth Ave. N., 615 226 7300

3. The Hermitage, 4580 Rachel’s Lane, 615 889 2941

4. The Doyle and Debbie Show, 402 12th Ave., 615 887 5680

5. Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, 222 Fifth Ave. S., 615 416 2001

6. Grand Ole Opry, 2802 Opryland Dr., 615 871 6779

7. Ryman Auditorium, 116 Fifth Ave N., 615 889 3060

8. The Parthenon, Centennial Park, 2600 W. End Ave., 615 862 8431

9. Belle Meade Plantation, 5025 Harding Road, 615 356 0501

10. Bluebird Café, 4104 Hillsboro Pike, 615 383 1461

NASHVILLE’S BEST VIEWSThe Shelby Street Bridge, a pedestrian walkway over the Cumberland River,

“offers a lovely nighttime view of the downtown skyline.”—TripAdvisor Member, Nashville

Shelby Street Bridge, links downtown and East Nashville

Grab a bite or a drink at Rippy’s, a barbecue joint with “a great upstairs deck that not many people know about, which offering a good view of downtown.”—TripAdvisor Member, Nashville

Rippy’s Smokin’ Bar & Grill, 429 Broadway, 615 244 7477

“General Jackson’s River Cruises have drinks and dancing on the top deck. Nice views of the river.”—TripAdvisor Member, Atlanta, Ga.

General Jackson’s River Cruises, Cumberland River, 615 458 3900

FAMILIES“Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park is awesome…and free!” Highlights include the

“floating globe” and the Rivers of Tennessee Fountains, “31 vertical fountains that shoot water in the air without warning.”—TripAdvisor Member, Tustin, Mich.

Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, 600 James Robertson Pkwy., 615 741 5280

It’s easy to spend several hours at the Adventure Science Center, where “there are tons of interactive exhibits to teach kids.”—TripAdvisor Member, Chicago, Ill.

Adventure Science Center, 800 Fort Negley Blvd., 615 862 5160

“The Nashville Zoo is small, but it’s beautiful. Best of all is Gibbon Island, where you can see the siamangs swinging from the trees.”—TripAdvisor Member, Illinois

Nashville Zoo, 3777 Nolensville Road, 615 833 1534

ROMANCEGet cozy at The Belcourt Theatre, a historic venue that “is great for indie/art films and concerts.”—TripAdvisor Member, Atlanta, Ga.

The Belcourt Theatre, 2102 Belcourt Ave., 615 383 9140

“Take a 15-minute Delta Flatboat ride through the Gaylord Opryland Resort’s beautiful, lush, five-acre indoor gardens. As you wind your way through, you’ll see an 85-foot fountain and waterfalls.”—TripAdvisor Member, Paris, Tenn.

Tour the Delta, Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, 2800 Opryland Dr., 615 889 1000

“Each of the singers was amazing and delightful in different ways” at the Bluebird Café. “Food and drink aren’t primary; it’s about the music in a comfortable and intimate setting.”—TripAdvisor Member, Wayne, Pa.

Bluebird Café, 4104 Hillsboro Pike 615 383 1461

“…a comfortable and intimate setting”

tripadvisor.com 4 Call an Expedia Travel Specialist now 877 633 3716

Discover Nashville’s spooky history with the Haunted Ghost Tour. “The tour took about 90 minutes and was a leisurely walk. The tour guide is dressed in period clothing and carries a lantern.”—TripAdvisor Member

Nashville Ghost Tours, 615 884 3999

“There’s a great park about 10 miles from downtown called Radnor Lake State Park, with several hiking trails.”—TripAdvisor Member, Nashville

Radnor Lake, 1160 Otter Creek Road, 615 373 3467

Get active at the Centennial Sportsplex, where “you can play tennis, swim in an Olympic pool or ice skate.”—TripAdvisor Member, Nashville

Centennial Sportsplex, 222 25th Ave. N., 615 862 8480

ADVENTURE

“The Belle Meade Plantation is a lovely old house with a fascinating history that should interest horse enthusiasts, Civil War buffs and anyone who enjoyed Gone With the Wind.”—TripAdvisor Member, Nashville

Belle Meade Plantation, 5025 Harding Road, 615 356 0501

Legendary country music hall Ryman Auditorium “was a very interesting and beautiful place” with “lots of history.” Don’t miss the backstage tour with the stars’ dressing rooms.—TripAdvisor Member, Buckeye Lake, Ohio

Ryman Auditorium, 116 Fifth Ave. N., 615 889 3060

“Beautifully restored interiors and a knowledgeable guide make for a wonderful tour” at The Hermitage, former home of President Andrew Jackson. “There are even carriage rides.”—TripAdvisor Member, Knoxville, Tenn.

The Hermitage, 4580 Rachel’s Lane, 615 889 2941

EDUCATIONAL/HISTORICAL

“Any stay in Nashville is not complete without going to the Grand Ole Opry House. See and hear the tradition that has been in country music for many years.”—TripAdvisor Member, Lexington, Ky.

Grand Ole Opry, 2802 Opryland Dr., 615 871 6779

“Spring at Cheekwood Botanical Gardens and Museum of Art is so beautiful with spectacular flowers all around. The wildflower garden is not to be missed.”—TripAdvisor Member, Nashville

Cheekwood Botanical Gardens and Museum of Art, 1200 Forest Park Dr., 615 356 8000

Take in the entertainment at the Texas Troubadour Theatre, which presents the Midnite Jamboree with Opry stars, a long-running Elvis tribute show and the Sunday morning Nashville Cowboy Church.

Texas Troubadour Theatre, 2416 Music Valley Dr., 615 889 2474

RELAXATION

The free Grand Ole Opry Museum “appears very small from the outside, but it’s full of great memorabilia. Be sure to check it out.”—TripAdvisor Member, Ohio

Grand Ole Opry Museum, 2802 Opryland Dr., 615 871 6779

“They have done a wonderful job of restoring The Parthenon,” a replica of the original in Athens. “The sheer size of the Athena statue is breathtaking,” and the park is a good spot to picnic.—TripAdvisor Member, Knoxville, Tenn.

The Parthenon, Centennial Park, 2600 West End Ave., 615 862 8431

“Tennessee has a grand, proud history and much of it can be seen in the artwork in the State Capitol and in the statues on the grounds.”—TripAdvisor Member, Atlanta, Ga.

Tennessee State Capitol, Charlotte Avenue and Seventh Avenue North, 615 741 0830

BUDGET

Where

to PLAY

TripAdvisor members have posted more than 1,380,000 photos on the site. The good, the bad and the very candid. It’s almost like being there!

“…spectacular flowers all around.”

“…a lovely old house with a fascinating history”

tripadvisor.com 5 Call an Expedia Travel Specialist now 877 633 3716

“The pancakes were fabulous at Pancake Pantry, especially the sweet potato pancakes with homemade syrup. The servers were very friendly, and the food was served quickly.”—TripAdvisor Member, Assonet, Mass.

Pancake Pantry, 1796 21st Ave. S., 615 383 9333

“House of Pizza has the best pizza, lasagna and calzones. Anything the owner sells is awesome, with an authentic New York flair.”—TripAdvisor Member, Nashville

House of Pizza, 15 Arcade, 615 242 7144

“Elliston Place Soda Shop isn’t retro, it’s original. The food was delicious—right out of the kitchen, not out of a package.”—TripAdvisor Member, Boston, Mass.

Elliston Place Soda Shop, 2111 Elliston Pl., 615 327 1090

FAMILIES

What’sthe TOUR

How to Get Around

WHERE toeat

“If you enjoy unique flavors and combinations Restaurant Zola is as good as it gets. The menu has a Mediterranean influence from Turkey to Spain to Morocco, and everything from the salad dressings to the sorbets is made from scratch.”—TripAdvisor Member, Nashville

Restaurant Zola, 3001 West End Ave., 615 320 7778

Great service and a view of the downtown Nashville skyline add to the “very, very enjoyable” dining experience at the Germantown Café. “The plum-glazed pork was incredible, and the bread pudding was superb.”—TripAdvisor Member, Nashville

Germantown Café, 1200 Fifth Ave. N., 615 242 3226

“Mambu is a wonderful delight. The service is fabulous, the spinach salad should not be missed and the chocolate crème brulee was to die for.”—TripAdvisor Member, Seattle, Wash.

Mambu, 1806 Hayes St., 615 329 1293

ROMANCE

The Nash Trash Tour featuring the comedic talents of the Jugg Sisters is “an absolute must-do.” Leave the kids at home, and “book it well in advance, as the tour times sell out quickly.”—TripAdvisor Member, Boston, Mass.

Book a cruise, day or night, on the General Jackson Showboat. “Excellent show and food in a clean, friendly environment!”—TripAdvisor Member, West Bath, Maine

“You will need a rental car if you want to visit some of the more far-flung attractions.”—TripAdvisor Member, Nashville

TOP 10 Restaurants 1. Marche Artisan Food, 1000 Main St., 615 262 1111

2. Margot Cafe and Bar, 1017 Woodland St., 615 227 4668

3. Arnold’s Country Kitchen, 605 Eighth Ave. S., 615 256 4455

4. Monell’s Dining & Catering, 1235 Sixth Ave. N., 615 248 4747

5. Las Paletas Gourmet Popsicles, 2907 12th Ave. S., 615 386 2101

6. Loveless Cafe, 8400 Hwy. 100, 615 646 9700

7. Park Café, 4403 Murphy Road, 615 383 4409

8. Morton’s - The Steakhouse, 618 Church St., 615 259 4558

9. Germantown Cafe, 1200 Fifth Ave. N., 615 242 3226

10. Samurai, 2209 Elliston Place, 615 320 5438

Want more information on Nashville? TripAdvisor.com offers free weekly e-mail updates filled with new deals, reviews and articles for Nashville or any other destination you choose.

“It isn’t retro, it’s original.”

tripadvisor.com 6 Call an Expedia Travel Specialist now 877 633 3716

WHERE toeat

“If you love a good hamburger, you must try Rotier’s. It’s served on French bread and is incredible. And their milkshakes are some of the best in town.”—TripAdvisor Member, Nashville

Rotier’s, 2413 Elliston Pl., 615 327 9892

“Go to Jack’s Bar-B-Que for some great pulled pork and fixin’s, including mac and cheese. Afterwards, stroll down the street; there are a number of bars with live music.”—TripAdvisor Member, Chicago, Ill.

Jack’s Bar-B-Que, 416 Broadway, 615 254 5715

“Lots of people laughing and talking and having a good time” makes eating at Monell’s Dining and Catering reminiscent of a trip to grandma’s house. “The food is from scratch and Southern style. It’s delicious!”—TripAdvisor Member, Nashville

Monell’s Dining and Catering, 1235 Sixth Ave. N., 615 248 4747

BUDGET

“The drive to the Loveless Café was gorgeous,” and the reward for the effort is

“preserves with yummy biscuits,” and a “fried chicken dinner with creamed corn to die for.”—TripAdvisor Member, Indianapolis, Ind.

Loveless Café, 8400 Highway 100, 615 646 9700

“For authentic soul food, Swett’s is often on the top of the list. Collard greens, fried chicken, squash—you name it, they fix it. It is so good.”—TripAdvisor Member, Atlanta, Ga.

Swett’s Restaurant, 2725 Clifton Ave., 615 329 4418

Sushi lovers should check out Samurai at Elliston Place. “It’s very small, but the seafood is the best. Get the choo-choo roll.”—TripAdvisor Member, Nashville

Samurai, 2209 Elliston Pl., 615 320 5438

HIDDEN GEMS

“Ellendale’s is such a great place for lunch. The weekday buffet is not typical; the food choices” include many salads and vegetarian offerings.—TripAdvisor Member, Tennessee

Ellendale’s Restaurant, 2739 Old Elm Hill Pike, 615 884 0171

Pastries that “are almost like a trip to France” might make dieters fall off the wagon, but Provence also serves

“unique sandwiches, soups and salads.”—TripAdvisor Member, Nashville

Provence, 1705 21st Ave. S., 615 386 0363

“The salads are great and the chicken is moist at Couva Calypso Café. It’s an excellent choice for a colorful, inexpensive place with a Caribbean flavor.”—TripAdvisor Member, Nashville

Calypso Café-Vanderbilt, 2424 Elliston Pl., 615 321 3878

HEALTH-CONSCIOUS

SPECIAL EVENTSOnly in Nashville can you spend both your Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends at the Celebration! Southern Gospel Festival, featuring award-winning male quartet Legacy Five, The Booth Brothers, Jimmy Travis and many others. (May 22 – 24, September 5 – 7)Celebration! 2008 Southern Gospel Festival, Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, 2800 Opryland Dr., 877 222 OPRY

Listen to live jazz, admire the downtown skyline and sample the wares of the best area restaurants and breweries during the 6th Annual NISSAN Taste of Music City. (June 20)6th Annual NISSAN Taste of Music City, Korean War Veterans Memorial Bridge, 90 Peabody St., http://www.tasteofmusiccity.com

Celebrate Independence Day at the free 2009 Music City Hot Chicken Festival, a distinctly Nashville tradition. The whole brood can enjoy entertainment, activities and free chicken. (July 4)2009 Music City Hot Chicken Festival, East Park Community Center, 700 Woodland St., http://www.musiccityhotchickenfestival.com

One of the top beer festivals on the calendar, the 8th annual Music City Brewer’s Festival is a barrel of fun. This hopping festival offers more than 30 breweries’ wares to sample, beer-brewing information and a slew of local bands to enjoy. (July 25)Music City Brewer’s Festival, Hilton Park, Hilton Nashville Downtown, 121 Fourth Ave. S., http://www.musiccitybrewersfest.com

Every year, the Nashville Farmers’ Market hosts the Ugly Tomato Festival, where tomatoes are judged by taste, not their looks. Try an heirloom tomato or just stick around for the music and demonstrations. Visitors are invited to bring their ugliest tomatoes for all to see. (August 1)Nashville Farmers’ Market, 900 Eighth Ave. N., 615 880 2001, http://www.nashvillefarmersmarket.org

Entertainment and education get equal billing at the Tennessee State Fair. Midway rides, racing pigs, grilling competitions and the nostalgic Volunteer Village are just some reasons to trot along. (September 11 – 20)Tennessee State Fair, Tennessee State Fairgrounds, 625 Smith Ave., 615 862 8993, http://www.tennesseestatefair.org

tripadvisor.com 7 Call an Expedia Travel Specialist now 877 633 3716

At the elegant Loews Vanderbilt Hotel, “the staff seemed willing to meet any need. The hotel is very well-maintained, the bed was comfortable and the linens were soft and luxurious.”—TripAdvisor Member, Florida

Loews Vanderbilt Hotel, 2100 West End Ave., 615 320 1700

“Treat yourself to a pampered existence at the Hermitage Hotel. This grand old dame has been redone to its original grandeur. The room was enormous, and the bed felt like a cloud.”—TripAdvisor Member, West Virginia

Hermitage Hotel, 231 Sixth Ave. N., 615 244 3121

The Renaissance Nashville Hotel delivers “spectacular views of Nashville.” Plus, “room service was top-notch, and the front desk staff was super-friendly.”—TripAdvisor Member, Evansville, Ind.

Renaissance Nashville Hotel, 611 Commerce St., 615 255 8400

LUXURY

“Rooms were nice and clean at the Drury Inn and Suites Nashville Airport, and the snacks in the evening were a huge hit. Breakfast included biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs, sausage, Belgian waffles” and more.—TripAdvisor Member, Indianapolis, Ind.

Drury Inn & Suites Nashville Airport, 555 Donelson Pike, 615 902 0400

“I got a very good price and I was VERY happy with the Alexis Inn. Large, very clean room, quiet and a great staff. The front desk couldn’t have been nicer.”—TripAdvisor Member, Chicago, Ill.

Alexis Inn, 600 Ermac Dr., 615 889 4466

For a “luxury stay at a discount price,” try Best Western Suites Near Opryland.

“The suite we had was very nice, clean and had a beautiful in-room spa tub. The bed was very comfortable, and the staff was very helpful.”—TripAdvisor Member, Indianapolis, Ind.

Best Western Suites Near Opryland, 201 Music City Circle, 615 902 9940

BUDGET

“Nashville is great for the whole family” and the Wyndham “is a very classy place, too. They had lots of activities for the whole family, and our son really enjoyed the pools.”—TripAdvisor Member, Port Republic, Md.

Wyndham Nashville, 2415 McGavock Pike, 615 871 4666

“Hampton Inn & Suites Nashville is in a great location close to the West End, Vanderbilt and downtown. The staff was friendly, and the rooms were clean and quiet.”—TripAdvisor Member, Memphis, Tenn.

Hampton Inn & Suites Nashville, 2330 Elliston Pl., 615 320 6060

“We stay at GuestHouse International all the time—for business, pleasure, doctor visits, you name it! They are such a family-friendly place to stay.”—TripAdvisor Member, Somerset, Ky.

GuestHouse International Inn & Suites Music Valley, 2420 Music Valley Dr., 615 885 4030

FAMILIES

STAYWhere

to

ROMANCE“The Hilton Nashville Downtown is new and clean, exactly as it appears in pictures. They even had a jazzy saxophone player in the lobby. It was very classy and elegant.”—TripAdvisor Member, Burbank, Calif.

Hilton Nashville Downtown, 121 Fourth Ave. S., 615 620 1000

“Accommodations were immaculate, the beds were unbelievable and the bar area was run efficiently and pleasantly” at the Sheraton Music City.—TripAdvisor Member, Jackson, Tenn.

Sheraton Music City, 777 McGavock Pike, 615 885 2200

“My husband and I spent two nights at the Courtyard for our 10-year anniversary, and it was lovely. It reminded me of glamorous old hotels, with lots of marble and wood and great valet and bell staff.”—TripAdvisor Member, Lexington, Ky.

Courtyard by Marriott Nashville Downtown, 170 Fourth Ave. N., 615 256 0900

“…classy and elegant.”

“Treat yourself to a pampered existence”

Have questions about Nashville? Get insider advice from local experts in our forums. The majority of questions are answered within 24 hours.

tripadvisor.com 8 Call an Expedia Travel Specialist now 877 633 3716

TripAdvisor is the largest travel community in the world with 31 million monthly visitors and featuring more than 20 million reviews and opinions of 348,000 hotels and attractions. TripAdvisor.com is the most trusted source for travel recommendations about where to go, where to stay and how to play for 61,000 destinations around the world. TripAdvisor.com also provides easy access to the major online travel sites to make booking your next vacation, your best vacation, easier than ever.

AboutTRIPADVISOR

This brochure and its contents are copyright © 2009, TripAdvisor, Inc., all rights reserved. TRIPADVISOR, the owl logo and all other marks displayed herein are registered and/or common law trademarks of TripAdvisor and/or third parties. Representations made in this brochure are current as of its publication date. This brochure contains reviews, comments, photographs and other content regarding destinations, accommodations, airlines and other travel products and services submitted by users of tripadvisor.com. Reviews and ratings represent the opinions of such users. TripAdvisor does not sponsor or endorse any user content and therefore is not liable for any statements, representations or other information contained in such user content.

Further, reference to any products, services, processes or other information of any third party does not constitute or imply endorsement, sponsorship or recommendation of or affiliation with, such third party by TripAdvisor. Such third parties are owned and operated by independent retailers or service providers, and TripAdvisor cannot ensure that you will be satisfied with their products, services, business practices or provided information. TripAdvisor recommends that you pursue any and all investigation you feel necessary or appropriate before transacting with any third party.

STAYSuperlatives roll off the tongue for 1501 Linden Manor Bed and Breakfast. “The best part of the day was sitting on the large front porch, drinking coffee and admiring the beautiful neighborhood.”—TripAdvisor Member, Huntsville, Ala.

1501 Linden Manor Bed and Breakfast, 1501 Linden Ave., 615 298 2701

“Hillsboro House Bed and Breakfast is a very quaint little yellow cottage-style home in a convenient location. Breakfast was very good, and the surroundings were comfortable.”—TripAdvisor Member, Denver, Colo.

Hillsboro House Bed and Breakfast, 1933 20th Ave. S., 615 292 5501

“There are a lot of great little boutique touches at the Hotel Preston, such as a pillow menu, a fish in your room and a lava lamp. The rooms were cute, and the beds are super comfortable.”—TripAdvisor Member, Stamford, Conn.

Hotel Preston, 733 Briley Pkwy., 615 361 5900

HIDDEN GEMS

Edited/compiled by LoAnn Halden

Where

to