The District is a historic area at the heart of Nashville, Tennessee, known for its iconic live country and Southern rock music and thriving nightlife. The area includes the famous Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline museums, as well as the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and the Ryman Auditorium, sometimes referred to as the “Mother Church of Country Music." The combination of Broadway, Printer’s Alley, and Second Avenue-Riverfront that make up The District teems with all kinds of activity at all times, whether it’s a daytime festival or a nighttime concert.
Shopping options consist largely of places like the Ernest Tubb Record Shop and Hatch Show Print, supplying vintage music, photographs, posters, and every other music-related trinket imaginable, with many items available at affordable prices. A similar option is Robert’s Western World, which provides cowboy souvenirs and live country music. Everywhere you go in The District, there’s local music, food, and culture to enjoy.
The District in Nashville - one of the highlights of 9 Real Country Music Experiences in Nashville and 10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Nashville (Read all about Nashville here)
What are the highlights of The District in Nashville?
Excellent temporary exhibits, instrument and sound demonstrations, and concerts with a more personal setting often pop up at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. The Ryman Auditorium, previously the Grand Ole Opry House, is a designated National Historic Landmark that seats 2,362 people and continues to organise concerts and guided backstage tours. The auditorium is known for being the venue for the performances of famous musicians such as Johnny Cash and Louis Armstrong.
Among The District’s many clubs, renovated warehouses, and bars that regularly host live music, Wildhorse Saloon and Legends Corner stand out. Wildhorse Saloon is a popular source of music, dancing, and good Southern food, having had stars such as Lady A and Darius Rucker perform there. In addition to attracting legendary names such as Kid Rock and Cowboy Troy, Legends Corner is also known for its high-quality liquor.
Where to eat and drink in The District in Nashville?
Besides being one of The District's top spots for music, Wildhorse Saloon is also a favourite dining establishment known for its Southern delicacies, including dill pickles deep-fried in their special buttermilk spice blend and served with herb ranch. Tootsie’s Orchid Bar is a historical spot that's easy to find due to the rich purple colours on its exterior. An additionally vibrant and Southern bar in a former brick showroom is Bowie’s Nashville. For fondue lovers, The Melting Pot’s heated pots of cheese, chocolate, and broths will be a heavenly delight.
The Hard Rock Cafe is a famous eatery and burger chain in The District, rife with musical options to accompany the American classics on the menu. Lively music and affordable American food abound in Robert’s Western World, and The Stillery is another American-themed joint with a more modern atmosphere, serving unique Mason-jar cocktails.
What else is good to know about The District in Nashville?
While you can reach the area by city bus, the best way to get to The District is by car, and you'll find free and paid parking in the area. Taxis and rideshares are also available to get you around town. Once you've arrived, The District is walkable, but you can also opt for a trolley or pedicab ride.
In addition to the honky tonks and restaurants popular in The District, you'll find other notable points of interest, such as the National Museum of African American Music, which preserves the musical genres created and influenced by African Americans, celebrating their legacies, accomplishments, and contributions to history. Other museums include the Frist Art Museum, housed in Nashville’s original post office, and the Glen Campbell Museum, which holds many of the star’s artefacts and celebrates his musical career.
The District in Nashville
Location: Nashville, TN, USA
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Where to stay in Nashville
Comfort Inn Downtown Nashville - Music City Center
Embassy Suites by Hilton Nashville Downtown
Hyatt Place Nashville Downtown
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
Knights Inn Nashville
Holiday Inn Nashville Downtown Stadium, an IHG Hotel
Comfort Inn & Suites Nashville Downtown – Stadium
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Best Western Downtown Plus Music Row
