What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear Nashville? Honky Tonk, The Bluebird Café, Johnny Cash? Well, you’re on the right track! Of course, people also travel here to see the Country Music Hall of Fame, the legendary Ryman Auditorium, and the hallowed halls of the Grand Ole Opry, but what if you also want to enjoy some inspired travel during your luxury vacation? How about exploring the walkable neighborhoods for great eats, drinks and shopping? Hold on tight because these Luxury Travel Consultants are two stepping you to Nashville, Tennessee.
The Thompson
Located in The Gulch neighborhood, we first arrive at The Thompson. You can’t beat this hotel’s location just south of downtown in a once-abandoned industrial area that’s gone through a total urban revitalization. Located on the same block as the iconic Station Inn, bluegrass and roots music venue, you will find this contemporary hotel with 224 rooms and suites, boasting floor-to-ceiling windows, hardwood floors and sliding barn doors. Make sure you check out the rooftop bar for some adult beverages and spectacular views of downtown Nashville. This fun and funky area between Music Row and Broadway, is home to boutique hotels, shops, live music venues, breweries and a slew of diverse dining options, whether it’s Nashville’s Hot Chicken or Ramen, you will find it here.
Noelle
Next we head to Printer’s Alley, where, in its earlier days it was a series of posts where men bound for the courthouse hitched their horses. Fast forward to the turn of the twentieth century and the area had become the center of Nashville’s printing industry. After prohibition, nightclubs opened here in the 1940s, and the alley became a showcase for the talents of performers, like Boots Randolph, Chet Atkins, Waylon Jennings, Dottie West, The Supremes, Hank Williams, Barbara Mandrell, and Jimi Hendrix. Located steps from Printer’s Alley is Noelle, Nashville, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, where you can experience elegance amid luxuriously designed rooms and suites with large windows and sweeping views of the cityscape. Originally built in 1929, this beauty has been fully refurbished for the most discerning traveler. We love Noelle’s Little Prints, their art gallery where you can peruse local artist’s work, or get a charcuterie and craft cocktail at Trade Room. Located above the bar, are the Archives that include treasures to be explored from the original hotel.
Hermitage Hotel
In the center of Downtown, a few blocks from Printers Alley, you will find the award-winning Hermitage Hotel, the longest standing Nashville hotel built in 1910. Located across the street from the State Capitol and Legislative Plaza, it is an easy walk to the Nashville Convention Center, the Financial District and the nightlife of historic 2nd Avenue. The Tennessee Performing Arts Center is located nearby, and the Ryman Auditorium, the Tennessee Titans Stadium, and the Bridgestone Arena, are only a few blocks away. In its heyday, Nashville’s grand dame, set next to the State Capitol, hosted everyone from Hank Williams, Jr. to Patsy Cline. Each of the 122 grand guest rooms and suites are elegantly appointed with many of them offering spectacular views of the State Capitol and the Nashville skyline. The overall aesthetic pays homage to the classic beaux arts style, while providing the most fabulous amenities. During its most recent renovation, The Hermitage increased its room size to upgrade the experience. The Presidential Suite, is to die for, designed like a spacious apartment with coveted privacy and a connecting suite, for the ultimate group setting.
The Holston House
We leave Downtown and head over to the SoBro (South of Broadway) neighborhood. This area is known for “all things new”, housing the city’s Convention Center, live music venues, boutique properties, amazing restaurants and bars, and the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Once you hit “lower Broadway”, connecting you with Nashville’s world- famous Music Mile, a mile-long stretch of notable country music attractions, like Country Music Hall of Fame and the Music City Walk of Fame Park, you arrive at The Holston House Nashville. The 191 rooms and suites boast art deco façade paired with modern Nashville style, creating a premier hotel inspired by the Music City's history, charisma, and soul. Sliding barn doors and marble bath tiling meet velvet and leather room accents, with metal detailing, as well as brocade drapery. Kick back at Holston’s rooftop pool before heading out to kick up your boots. TENN, the rooftop bar, is renowned for its carefully selected bourbons, scotches and whiskeys…Yes ma’am!
The Hutton Hotel
Next, we head over to the Music Row District, considered the heart of Nashville’s entertainment. It is chock full of recording studios that have captured everything from Elvis’s “How Great Thou Art” to the Foo Fighters “Congregation”. Here you will find the historic RCA Studio B where Elvis recorded more than 260 songs. Dolly Parton, Roy Orbison, and many other artists have also recorded their music here. Music Row is also home to The Hutton Hotel, totally renovated in 2017, with 250 guestrooms and suites, including three Penthouse suites. All of the accommodations provide luxe comfort spiced up with vibrant Nashville energy. The Hutton has some very innovative creative spaces– the Writers Studios at Hutton Hotel-“Conceptualized by Dierks Bentley and Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic and brought to life by Studio 11 Design, the Writers Studios are fully outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment and offer distinctive Hutton Hotel hospitality”. Not only are you steps away from the history that put Nashville on the map, you are literally in the same building where it might have been recorded. How cool is that?
Lowes Vanderbilt Hotel
Sandwiched between downtown, Music Row, The Gulch and Midtown is an area adjacent to Vanderbilt University. Here in the Midtown/Vanderbilt neighborhood you will find the lovely, Lowes Vanderbilt Hotel. Boasting “Southern hospitality with a modern twist”, these 339 rooms and suites are comfy, chic and outfitted for your enjoyment. We are big fans of the Lowe’s Concierge Level. Here, you’ll have private, key-only access to the exclusive 10th and 11th floors, and the private Concierge Lounge. Start your day with a complimentary, expanded continental breakfast and then look forward to winding down during their evening reception with complimentary wine, beer and hors d’oeuvres.
Music City isn’t just about the music, the local food scene is fantastic! Here is a glossary of Nashville’s most iconic food and drink:
Hot Chicken- If you've never had Nashville’s Hot Chicken, we're talking about an ultra-crispy fried chicken doused with a cayenne-infused glaze…hot and spicy and so worth the extra cardio!
Meat & Three- This is where the customer picks one meat from a daily selection of three to six choices, and three side dishes from a list that may include up to a dozen other options. A meat-and-three meal, is often served with cornbread and sweet tea.
Goo Goo Cluster - is an American candy bar created in 1912 by Howell Campbell and the Standard Candy Company in Nashville, Tennessee. Think marshmallow nougat, caramel, and roasted peanuts covered in milk chocolate.
Fruit Tea – The South has sweet tea, but Nashville is known for its fruit tea. This blend of orange, pineapple and lemonade is sweet and refreshing and goes great with Hot Chicken!
Belle Meade Bourbon- Of course you can find lots of bourbon in Nashville, but we like this charcoal-mellowed whiskey which is signature to old-time Tennessee. In pre-Prohibition days, it was Charles Nelson’s Greenbrier Distillery that Nashvillians looked to for this local flavor. His grandsons, Charlie & Andy Nelson, have resurrected the name in Nashville and have made Belle Meade Bourbon what it is today.
Bushwackers – This is basically a boozy milkshake filled with many types of liquor, but is usually rum based. Its origins are Caribbean, and its popularity spread across the Gulf Coast, mostly in touristy beach locales. Somewhere along the way, Bushwackers have become a party drinking staple in Nashville.
So, now you’ve got the scoop….Nashville is classy, sassy and so much fun!
WIT has very close relationships with these properties, so we can extend exclusive perks and special amenities to our clients. Typically, you will receive complimentary breakfast for two daily, $100 or more resort credit to be utilized during your stay, room upgrade, either at the time of booking or arrival, and early check-in/late checkout, both subject to availability.
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