Welcome to Nashville!

As two Nashville enthusiasts – Brandyn as an alumnus and Analisa as a faculty member – we are thrilled to welcome ASHEcon to Music City! Whether you are a first-timer or returning for your fifth visit, we are excited to help you make the most of your Nashville experience with recommendations for places to eat and things to do to make the most out of your Nashville visit.

Breakfast

Nashville has several fantastic breakfast options. If you are looking for a modern take on a classic southern breakfast, stop by Biscuit Love, famous for its fluffy biscuits and hearty breakfast plates. Milk & Honey is another great option for homemade biscuits, fresh fruit juices, and craft coffee. For donuts that are worth the hype, stop by Five Daughters Bakery, known for its 100-layer donuts in a variety of classic and creative flavors. If you are willing to travel a bit from the conference hotel, Pancake Pantry in Hillsboro Village is a Nashville staple known both for its delicious pancakes and lines stretching around the building. Arrive early or be prepared to wait! Finally, Mockingbird offers a diverse menu of breakfast classics with a modern twist, though you should be sure to make reservations!

Lunch

Craving some Nashville hot chicken? Prince’s Hot Chicken and Hattie B’s have locations within a short walk from the conference hotel. Both offer great options, regardless of your spice preference. For a casual environment with a broad range of options, check out the nearby Assembly Food Hall featuring everything from tacos and bánh mì to gourmet grilled cheese and salads. Looking for a quick, satisfying bite? Check out Daddy’s Dogs where creative toppings take hot dogs to a whole new level. If you are craving BBQ, head on over to Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint, famous for its whole-hog smoked meats.

Dinner

Nashville’s dining scene is as lively as its music. Gray & Dudley offers delicious, locally sourced dishes and craft cocktails. Similarly, Husk prides itself on using Tennessee purveyors to offer a forward-thinking approach to southern cuisine. For a lively night out and award-winning food, check out Skull’s Rainbow Room whose checker-board stage continues to host some of the biggest names in music. Over in East Nashville, Peninsula serves modern Spanish and French dishes alongside an impressive wine list. Finally, those looking for a more magical experience should check out House of Cards where you can enjoy mesmerizing performances alongside dinner and drinks (note that they do have a dress code).

Drinks

Nashville is known for its breweries, craft cocktails, and (of course) whiskey. Those looking to stay near the conference hotel have no shortage of honky-tonk bars, including Robert’s Western World and Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge. At the end of Broadway, Acme Feed and Seed has a spacious rooftop with views of the Cumberland River. For craft cocktails, Patterson House recently moved to a new location in the Gulch, while Attaboy in East Nashville will whip up a cocktail based on your own tastes and preferences. If you want to check out some breweries, Barrique, Jackalope, and Monday Night are local favorites. Looking for a distillery tour? Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery is only a mile from the conference hotel – though we do not recommend visiting before you present! Other options for enthusiasts open to traveling a bit farther include the Jack Daniel’s Distillery and George Dickel Cascade Hollow Distillery.

Activities

Nashville offers something for everyone: music, history, outdoor fun, and family-friendly activities. Take a tour of the Grand Ole Opry, the Ryman Auditorium, or the Country Music Hall of Fame to dive into the city’s musical legacy. For outdoor lovers, stroll along the Cumberland River in Riverfront Park or hike in Radnor Lake State Park. Culture vultures will enjoy the Frist Art Museum and the East Nashville arts scene. Other fun activities include:

Nashville Zoo: Fun for all ages with over 3,700 animals representing more than 350 different species.
Bluebird Café: Intimate in-the-round music venue featuring acoustic performances.
Pinewood Social: Bowling, pools, and bocce ball with food and drink.
Adventure Science Center: Engaging learning experiences with hands-on, interactive exhibits.

Links:

https://www.biscuitlove.com/
https://www.milkandhoneynashville.com/
https://fivedaughtersbakery.com/
https://thepancakepantry.com/
https://www.mockingbirdnashville.com/
https://www.princeshotchicken.com/
https://www.hattieb.com/
https://www.assemblyfoodhall.com/
https://www.daddysdogs.com/
https://www.martinsbbqjoint.com/
https://www.grayanddudley.com/
https://husknashville.com/
https://www.skullsrainbowroom.com/
https://peninsulanashville.com/
https://www.hocnashville.com/
https://www.robertswesternworld.com/
https://www.tootsies.net/
https://www.acmefeedandseed.com/
https://www.thepattersonnashville.com/
https://attaboy.us/visit-us-1
https://www.barriquebrewing.com/
https://jackalopebrew.com/
https://mondaynightbrewing.com/location/preservation-co/
https://greenbrierdistillery.com/
https://www.jackdaniels.com/en-us/vault/jack-daniel-distillery-tour
https://www.georgedickel.com/visitus
https://www.opry.com/
https://www.ryman.com/
https://www.countrymusichalloffame.org/
https://nashvilledowntown.com/go/riverfront-park
https://tnstateparks.com/parks/radnor-lake
https://fristartmuseum.org/
https://freetoursbyfoot.com/east-nashville-street-art-tour/
https://www.nashvillezoo.org/
https://bluebirdcafe.com/
https://pinewoodsocial.com/
https://www.adventuresci.org/