Tennessee's Iconic 'Music City' Is A Bustling Capital Full Of Rich Culture And Cuisine

There are few cities that boast the incredible musical heritage of Nashville, Tennessee — a place that has produced some of the most notable artists of the 20th century and beyond. A bustling state capital with a rich culture that reflects its history, Nashville is also home to a thriving food scene, and this unique combination is exactly what makes it a worthwhile destination for a fun-fueled city break.

The history of music in the city dates back to the 1700s thanks to Nashville's famous Congressman Davy Crockett, who was notable for being an accomplished fiddle player. Moving through the 1800s, the city became a hub for music publishing firms that helped cement it as a music capital. Later, well into the 20th century, Nashville became known as the home of some of the best music venues in the country. Plus, with a heritage that spans everything from huge country stars such as Dolly Parton and Keith Urban to pop sensations Taylor Swift and Justin Timberlake, Nashville's musical influence is undeniable.

Today, major attractions in Nashville include Studio B — where artists such as Parton, Elvis Presley, and Johnny Cash recorded some of their greatest songs — and the weekly "radio barn dance" recording at the Grand Ole Opry. If you're looking to deepen your musical education further, you can't do better than Nashville thanks to two great resources: the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, which has been telling the story of country music and its major artists since 1961, and the Johnny Cash Museum, which focuses on the life and career of one of the most famous sons of "Music City."

When it comes to enjoying great food and drink in Nashville, music remains an important factor. One of the most popular nights out for visitors is a ride on a "showboat." The General Jackson, for example, offers gorgeous views of the famous Nashville Skyline from the Cumberland River, as well as a full entertainment calendar with exceptional dinner options for guests to enjoy as they soak in the atmosphere.

Back on dry land, Nashville is blessed with a plethora of even more fantastic restaurants and eateries serving top class food. At the top of the list is Peninsula, which focuses on expertly-made tapas-style dishes that feature a rotating range of seasonal ingredients. There's also an exquisite Spanish wine and gin selection. On the more casual end of the scale, Joyland is known as one of Nashville's best burger joints. You may even recognize chef Sean Brock from his stint as the host of Season 2 of the Anthony Bourdain show, "Mind of a Chef." Thirsty? You'll be happy to hear that Nashville is also home to some excellent wineries.

And, of course, you'll want to make sure to stop by the city's famous honky tonks, where many of Nashville's stars first cut their teeth. These historic bars remain lively nightspots where you might get lucky with a chance to experience the next big name on the Nashville music scene.

The city of Nashville is served by its own travel hub, the Nashville International Airport, which currently operates a flat rate of $30 plus $2 for each extra passenger traveling into downtown Nashville or Opryland. Beyond that, there are also various shuttle buses that can take you into elsewhere in the city smoothly and easily.

When it comes to deciding where to stay, you have a whole host of options. There are plenty of well-reviewed budget hotels throughout the city, such as the Fiddler's Inn and the Sleep Inn — both of which have pool facilities. If you want comfort just a stone's throw from Music Row, you can book a suite in one of the historic houses nearby, which leaves you within walking distance of the heart of the city's music scene.

Once you've had your fill of music and food, the wildly underrated city of Spring Hill — located just a 40-minute drive outside of Nashville — makes for a great day trip. Alternatively, to truly disconnect from it all, we recommend taking a trip into the heart of the Smoky Mountains, where the charming town of Wears Valley is waiting to be explored.