Things to do in Rural Hill

Bridgestone Arena may just be one of the most convenient urban stadiums in America, sited right near most of Nashville’s biggest attractions. That means it’s easy to slip in a hockey game on a whirlwind tour of the city, or hit the bars of Lower Broad after catching a sold-out stadium concert. Come to see some of the biggest acts in folk and country, like Mumford & Sons or Kasey Musgraves, or get a completely new perspective on the human body with the death-defying feats of Cirque du Soleil.

Beginning in 1925 as a "barn dance," the Grand Ole Opry is the longest running radio show in American history. The two-hour program is broadcast live on Friday and Saturday nights, and on Tuesday nights March through December. Each show features a number of artists, from country music legends to budding artists, performing bluegrass, gospel, folk and country.

There’s never a quiet moment on Nashville’s Broadway, whose famous bars and cultural institutions keep the party going all day and all night. Affectionately referred to as the Honky Tonk Highway, the bars and clubs here are defined by the presence of live music, long hours, and a lack of cover charges. With a musical culture that encourages big stars and unknown acts alike to hit the stage, no matter how small, that means that bar-hopping is the way to go. There’s more than parties though, with the Frist Art Museum and other places offering respite from crowds and noise.

Opened in 2013, the Music City Center aims to be one of the most convenient convention centers in the United States. Created by an Atlanta-based firm, TVS design, in partnership with the Nashville-based Tuck Hinton Architects, the center harkens to the classic Nashville look while being thoroughly modern and definitely eco-friendly. Stop by its central location, in an area that was, until the 1950s, nicknamed Black Bottom for its periodic floods, just to appreciate the sheer size of the building. Spreading out over 2.1 million square feet (195,000 square meters), it is no surprise it has quickly become the city’s biggest spot for conventions and celebrations of all sorts.

Delve into over 100 years of entertainment history in Nashville at the Ryman Auditorium. Browse museum exhibits, peak inside the dressing rooms and cut your own record in the recording studio. Watch performances by both emerging and internationally famous artists, ranging from bluegrass and country to hip-hop and soul genres.

This multi-million dollar institution celebrates and preserves every conceivable genre of country music. From bluegrass to swing, from Cajun to contemporary, there’s something for every ear. As you approach the building, pause to look for symbolism within the architecture, including the piano key-styled windows.