Country music, world class barbecue and civil war history are three things you’ll find in downtown Nashville, Tennessee. Visit sights where Hollywood stars filmed some of the nation's favorite flicks, and see new stars being born at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge. For a break from the noise, go see some one-of-a-kind vehicles at the Lane Motor Museum.
Since 1960, Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge in downtown Nashville has been a well-known stepping stone to stardom. Famous artists who have played at Tootsies include Willie Nelson, Roger Miller, Tom T. Hall, Hank Cochran, Mel Tillis, Webb Pierce, Waylon Jennings and Patsy Cline. It’s also a Hollywood hot spot: numerous films and TV segments have been shot here, including “The Coal Miner’s Daughter” and “The Nashville Rebel.” Today there are 20 regular up-and-coming artists performing at Tootsies, all trying to bag the best record deal. Stop by Tootsies, have a drink and hear one of them play for a true Nashville experience.
Tootsie's Orchid Lounge
422 Broadway
Nashville, TN 37203
615-726-0463
tootsies.net
The Wildhorse Saloon is a newer establishment that has been in business since 1994. On their opening night, Reba McEntire led a herd of cattle through the streets of Nashville. Ever since the bang opening, Wildhorse has been a Music City nightlife center. In between ushering through country music acts such as Shane Stockton and Trick Pony, Wildhorse becoma a hot nightclub. The menu here is southern barbecue, and with awards from national competitions, you won't want to miss it. Wildhorse often hosts private events, and the kitchen provides an off-site catering service. A billiards room is tucked away on the third floor, with 10 pool tables for the shark in you, as well as plasma screen TVs.
Wildhorse Saloon
120 2nd Ave. North
Nashville, TN 37201
615-902-8200
wildhorsesaloon.com
History lovers will gravitate to this 1817 museum on Deaderick Street in Nashville. The museum features art, history, textiles, crafts and culture, with displays of furniture, silver, weapons, quilts and paintings. It is one of the largest museums in the country; the exhibits here take you through history all the way back to 15,000 years ago. The Civil War exhibit is extensive and displays uniforms, weapons and battle flags. See one-of-a-kind items from Andrew Jackson and Davy Crockett, among many other famous figures of U.S. history. The museum frequently hosts changing and traveling exhibits such as “Hoofbeats in the Heartland: Civil War Cavalry” and “Bagels and Barbecue: The Jewish Experience in Tennessee.”
Tennessee State Museum
505 Deaderick St.
Nashville, TN 37243
615-741-2692
tnmuseum.org
Come and see over a hundred different European-designed vehicles that aren’t typical in the United States at the lane Motor Museum. Cars and motorcycles built in interesting and amusing fashions grace the 132,000-square-foot bakery that houses the museum. Cars built between 1950 up to 2000 will take you through an automotive timeline of European Design. See micro-cars, amphibious vehicles, alternative fuel users, competition vehicles, military vehicles and one-of-a-kind cars and motorcycles. The museum also regularly sells cars and parts, such as a 1955 Fiat 500C or a 2001 Dallara Red Bull IRL Race Car.
Lane Motor Museum
702 Murfreesboro Pike
Nashville, TN 37210
615-742-7445
lanemotormuseum.org
