Welcome to Nashville, y'all! Known for being the capital of all things country music, this city is loaded with Southern charm and country quirk. From its antebellum plantations, to the incredible live music scene to the endless list of delicious restaurants serving up Southern specialties, 48 hours in Nashville promises an epically good time.
Live music, good Southern cookin', a rustic general store look, and tasty cocktails make Puckett's Grocery & Restaurant a great stop for dinner. Go for staples like fried green tomatoes, catfish, chicken and waffles, or their "Piggy Mac": mac and cheese with pulled pork in it.
As you can tell by the name of this joint, the bands here at Layla's Bluegrass Inn tend to lean more towards bluegrass/rock. A great selection of cold beers, energetic and friendly performers and a laid-back atmosphere with loads of character make this one to add to your list of places to hit up on Broadway.
By this point, you've hopefully had enough to drink that you'll appreciate the party atmosphere and dancing of the multi-leveled Honky Tonk Central, which also features live music (naturally).
Located in a refurbished, 1900's train station, Union Station Hotel is the perfect place to spend the night while in Nashville. The lobby is absolutely stunning, with a 65-foot-tall stained glass ceiling. The rooms complement the Gilded Age vibes, as well, so it's just as comfy as it is historic and beautiful.
Located a little ways outside Nashville, the Loveless Cafe is a little Southern diner that has become something of an institution. You can grab some lemonade and explore the gift shops (located in little cottages across the property) while you wait (and you will have to wait, sadly, because this is a very popular eatery). The fried chicken and golden biscuits (with a huge selection of jams and preserves) make it all worth it, though.
There are tons of great places to eat in the trendy neighborhood of East Nashville, but The Pharmacy Burger Parlor and Beer Garden is absolutely worth a visit. It's located in what was once an actual pharmacy, so it's got a fun menu offering German fare and bier as well as burgers, phosphates, malts, and more. The food is awesome, but the real reason to come is to sit out back in the garden.
Ryman Auditorium is where the Grand Ole Opry was located from 1943-1974, when it was finally coming into its own as an establishment. This is pretty much where bluegrass music was born, and if you'd rather, you can catch a show or a tour here instead of at the Opry.
Nashville doesn't just specialize in chicken shacks and BBQ joints, they have an incredible foodie scene that can also be super refined. Josephine is one of those refined spots. The simple, classically-composed dishes and drinks, like their Nashville hot scrapple, their Brussels sprouts, and more, all have a farmhouse flair.
Save the best for last! If you can, make a reservation for a show at the Bluebird Cafe, because ever since it's gotten shout-outs from the TV show Nashville, this hidden gem is a lot less hidden now. The coolest thing about Bluebird that makes it worth the hype is that everyone there is performing their own songs. Garth Brooks played here before he was signed to a label and got huge, and on any given night, there are sure to be industry professionals looking for the next big thing here.
The best time of year for a 48-hour getaway to Nashville: Nashville's weather is mild most of the spring and fall, and even though it gets hot during the summer, the risk of cold and snow in the winter make the warmer seasons the better times to visit. And, if you're into star-spotting, time your visit to coincide with the Country Music Awards, the CMT Awards, or a big concert or festival.