Gay Nashville
All of the major record labels - and several independents - have set up shop here in Nashville and the city is the second busiest music production center in the country, after New York. There’s The Grand Ole Opry, which still offers performances several times a week, of course, but also the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the Tennessee Performing Arts Center, and countless local venues, from music clubs to honky tonk bars. The city annually hosts the CMA Music Festival.
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Top Things to See and Do in Nashville
MUST DO: Attractions & Activities
MUST VISIT: Gay-Friendly Bars & Nightlife
Local Expert: Nashville Gay Scene
The “gayborhood” - also known here as - The District - extends along Church Street, with plenty of hopping nightlife! The area is slightly west of Downtown. Nashville Pride, an event that fosters awareness and community for the LGBTQ+ crowd of Middle Tennessee, is held every June.
Check out Kylie Condon's travel journal exploring the lesbian culture in Nashville, Tennessee Lez Explore: Nashville
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Best Time to Visit Nashville
The best time to visit Nashville is from April to October. This will ensure warm weather to comfortably immerse oneself in its fabulous music scene and all there is to do out and about the city.
Top Things to See and Do in Nashville
Nashville’s metropolitan region, sometimes known simply as “Metro” has more than its fair share of college students. Located in the area are Vanderbilt University, Middle Tennessee State University, Belmont University, and about 20 others. Total enrollment in the area is near 75,000. The city also operates 99 parks and greenways - 10,200 acres in all. Warner Parks is home to the annual Iroquois Steeplechase, the only graded horse race currently run in Tennessee. In Centennial Park, you can find a full-scale reconstruction of the Greek Parthenon.
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MUST DO Nashville Attractions & Activities”
The Grand Ole Opry dates back to 1925 and was originally a one-hour radio "barn dance." It's now owned by Opry Entertainment which holds the honor of being the longest-running radio show in the United States. The Grand Ole Opry was founded by George D. Hay whose vision has transcended time with its great country music and entertainment and is now considered "The Home of Country Music." You can tour around or better yet, grab some tickets to the show where you'll see some of the best performers around!
The Johnny Cash Museum will have you tapping your toes and singing the songs of the legend himself!
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is another treasure of American musical history and memorabilia.
The Parthenon - you don't have to travel to Athens, Greece to see a full-scale replica of The Parthenon. It was originally meant to be a temporary exhibit as part of the Tennessee Centennial Exposition in1897 and has remained an integral part of the city's main attractions.
MUST EAT Nashville Gay-Friendly Dining
Along with a thriving music scene, Nashville is also known for some of its famous Southern delicacies. For example, there is the famous Nashville Hot Chicken, fried green tomatoes, and..well…fried anything really! No matter what native Nashville food you give a try, you will be in for a great treat!
Nashville Hot Chicken - This is fried chicken, "Nashville style." Hot Chicken is fried chicken with a spicy coating of chili and drizzled with chili oil or hot sauce. This spicy chicken recipe was created in Nashville and restaurants throughout the city vie for the boasting rights to having "the best hot chicken in the city." So go out and try a couple of hot chicken restaurants and see which one you think rises to the top! Let us know what you determine!
Fried Green Tomatoes - Another fried delicacy in Nashville. Fried green tomatoes are tomatoes that have not quite ripened yet that have been plucked, sliced, and fried. The tanginess and sourness of the tomatoes work perfectly with the fried crust of the batter giving a delicious flavor to the dish. It's often a popular side dish served throughout Nashville and a must-try while visiting.
MUST VISIT: Nashville Gay-Friendly Bars & Nightlife
Nashville has a very vibrant nightlife. Their “gayborhood” is colloquially known as “The District” which extends along Church Street, has plenty of hopping nightlife! The area is slightly west of Downtown boasts inclusive bars, restaurants, shops, and more! Bar-hopping is a pastime as there are so many bars within close proximity of each other.
Travel Safety Tips
Nashville is considered a "liberal oasis" in a generally conservative state. While the state of Tennessee is known for its conservative legislative views, Nashville takes a more progressive point of view in its lifestyle. Nashville is full of artists, musicians, hipsters, and more making it a very fun and safe place to visit. As always, practice common sense travel safety while traveling. Remember to lock up valuables in the hotel safe and lock up your car while parked. Finally, remember how to get back to your hotel room, after bar hoping and a few live shows, you still need to make it back to your bed!
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