Bridal Guide: Why is Nashville so great for honeymooners, bachelors and bachelorettes?
Maneet Chauhan: There is a fantastic live music culture and many types of entertainment offering a little bit of everything for everyone. Country music isn’t the only game in town; Nashville is a total melting pot. It’s a blossoming city that is growing by the minute. Nashville still has the warmth and welcome of a small southern town, but it’s progressing swiftly in the nightlife and culinary scenes. And have I mentioned the hot chicken? It’s spicy fried chicken, and a marquee meal of Nashville. It’s so delicious!
BG: Do you have a top spot to enjoy this dish?
MC: Hattie B’s is one of the city’s signature restaurants and their hot chicken is excellent. I could go and eat there every day.
BG: In addition to your eatery do you have any other favorite restaurants?
MC: There are so many incredible spots for dining in this town. City, House, Etch, Rolf & Daughters, The Catbird Seat and Kayne Primes are just a few. For lunch/brunch try The Loveless Café, which offers southern food at its finest in a quaint little place that feels like it could be an hour away from the main road. Dinner at Margo Café & Bar in East Nashville, with its fabulous French/Italian cuisine, never disappoints. And for romantic drinks you can’t go wrong with the Patterson House — it has a dark and dreamy, yet sleek and sexy speakeasy vibe.
Photos courtesy of Nashville Convention & Visitors Corporation
Next: More romantic must-dos ►
BG: What other romantic must-dos are there in Nashville?
MC: It is next to magical to walk through the garden conservatory in the Opryland Hotel or to take a ride on the indoor Delta River Flatboat. I also love a relaxing stroll through the Cheekwood Botanical Gardens. They have Japanese, herb, perennial and wildflower gardens, as well as an art and nature sanctuary, a sculpture trail and a museum.
BG: Where do you like to stay?
MC: The Union Station Hotel is a restored 100-year-old railway station that is a stunning time machine (room rates start at $279 a night; unionstationhotelnashville.com). Open since 1910, Hermitage Hotel, downtown, has both a rich Nashville history and the ultimate luxury accommodations (room rates start at $299 a night; thehermitagehotel.com). And the nearby Hutton Hotel offers boutique elegance with a sleek and modern design (room rates start at $249 a night; huttonhotel.com).
BG: Is there a spa that you prefer?
MC: I love Relache Spa at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center for its serenity and attention to details such as water with fresh strawberries, cucumber and mint and iced towels for use in the sauna. And with candlelight everywhere, it really has a Zen-like presence.
BG: How about a top pool — do you have one?
MC: Pinewood Social just added a pool along with a fabulous vintage bowling alley. Who wouldn’t want a tropical cocktail poolside? I can’t think of a more relaxing idea.
Photos courtesy of Nashville Convention & Visitors Corporation
Next: Where to see live music, go shopping and more ►
BG: Where do you like to see live music?
MC: The Country Music Hall of Fame is a fabulous place to really get to know the stories behind this fine town. At the Station Inn, country and bluegrass legends can walk in and play a session at any moment. And The Nashville Symphony at Schermerhorn Symphony Center is one of the city’s best-kept secrets.
BG: And now the important question — shopping. What are your favorite items to take home?
MC: My list includes vintage cowboy boots, a custom pair of jeans from Imogene and Willie in the Twelfth South area, a record from Ernest Tubb Record Shop and a print from Hatch Show Print. Also, try a bushwacker at almost any bar — it’s a booze-filled milkshake.
BG: And lastly what do you suggest a visitor pack?
MC: Your autograph book — you’re bound to see someone famous at any moment — and high expectations, because Nashville will meet them!
Photos courtesy of Nashville Convention & Visitors Corporation