Downtown, Nashville vacation rentals

For decades, Downtown Nashville has revolved around the lively Honky Tonks, the name bestowed upon the bars and live music venues that pump tunes out into the streets nearly 24/7. Known locally as Lower Broad, or sometimes Honky Tonk Row, the section of Broadway that stretches between 5th Avenue North and the riverfront is the beating heart of the city’s entertainment scene. But even if burning the midnight oil isn’t your thing, Downtown Nashville has plenty more to offer, such as historic Printers Alley — once home to the city’s thriving newspaper and publishing industry — or the galleries of Fifth Avenue of the Arts, which is where many of the famed sit-ins took place during the Civil Rights Movement. The Witness Walls nearby also pay tribute to that period in Nashville’s history. In addition to housing the state Capitol, Downtown Nashville is home to long-time establishments like the Tennessee Performing Arts Center and the city’s main baseball stadium, which also hosts many special events.

Crowds in Downtown Nashville are at their peak in the summer months, particularly every June, when for four days the CMA Music Fest takes over with stages and free concerts throughout downtown. April is beautiful in the city, when the weather is balmy and spring flowers are in bloom. Spring also brings with it a few major events like the annual St. Jude Rock ’n’ Roll Nashville marathon and half-marathon. If you want to slide in between the busy season and the heat of summer, plan your trip for October, when the hottest weather has subsided. Fall is equally desirable and has a few fun events of its own, including the wildly popular Nashville Oktoberfest in Germantown.

Country Music Hall of Fame

Even the lukewarm country music fan will be impressed by this expansive museum that anchors the downtown scene. The Country Music Hall of Fame pays homage to some of the greats of the early years of country music while rotating in exhibits, costumes, and tour memorabilia from new, up-and-coming artists. Be sure to check out the storied letterpress operation, Hatch Show Print, that’s been around since 1879 and produces its iconic show posters out of the ground level of the Hall of Fame building.

The National Museum of African American Music

This new 56,000-square-foot museum in Downtown Nashville highlights the many genres that were created, inspired, or brought to popular consciousness by African American musicians. In addition to a theater offering immersive experiences, NMAAM’s permanent exhibitions include such galleries as Wade in the Water, chronicling Black religious and spiritual music from the golden age of gospel to R&B and soul.

John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge

This iconic 1909 truss bridge links Downtown to East Nashville, allowing you to cross the Cumberland River on foot for that perfect photo opp. On the other side of the bridge is Cumberland Park, with its well-maintained playground and water features running in warmer months.