Nashville, Tennessee, is known as “Music City” for its rich musical heritage and thriving music scene. While the city is home to numerous music venues, studios, and landmarks, one street stands out as the epicenter of Nashville’s nightlife: Broadway. This iconic street is lined with honky-tonk bars, live music venues, and cowboy-booted revelers, earning it the nickname “Honky Tonk Highway.” In this article, we’ll delve into the history of Broadway, explore its attractions, and uncover the secrets that make it the fun street in Nashville.
A Brief History of Broadway
Broadway’s origins date back to the early 20th century, when it was a bustling commercial district filled with storefronts, restaurants, and hotels. However, it wasn’t until the 1940s and 1950s that the street began to transform into the honky-tonk haven it is today. During this period, country music legends like Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, and Johnny Cash frequently performed at venues like the Ryman Auditorium and Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge.
In the 1970s and 1980s, Broadway experienced a decline in popularity, but a resurgence in the 1990s saw the street undergo significant revitalization efforts. The city invested heavily in restoring historic buildings, and entrepreneurs opened new bars, restaurants, and live music venues. Today, Broadway is a thriving entertainment district that draws millions of visitors each year.
Attractions and Activities
Broadway is a sensory overload in the best possible way. The street is lined with neon signs, boot-scootin’ bars, and restaurants serving up Southern comfort food. Here are some of the top attractions and activities to experience on Broadway:
Live Music Venues
- Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge: This iconic bar is a must-visit for any country music fan. With multiple stages and a rotating schedule of live performers, Tootsie’s is the perfect spot to discover new talent or catch a impromptu performance by a music legend.
- Ryman Auditorium: Known as the “Mother Church of Country Music,” the Ryman is a historic venue that has hosted legendary performers like Johnny Cash, Emmylou Harris, and Loretta Lynn.
- Robert’s Western World: This dive bar has been a Broadway staple since 1949 and is famous for its fried bologna sandwiches and boot-scootin’ live music.
Bars and Nightclubs
- The Stage on Broadway: This massive bar features multiple stages, outdoor seating, and a rooftop patio with stunning views of the city.
- The Second Fiddle: With its intimate setting and exceptional acoustics, The Second Fiddle is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
- Nudie’s Honky Tonk: Named after the legendary country singer and fashion designer Nudie Cohn, this honky-tonk bar features live music, a massive dance floor, and an impressive collection of Nudie’s iconic suits.
Food and Drink
- Ace of Cups: This trendy coffee shop serves up expertly crafted coffee drinks and offers a quiet respite from the chaos of Broadway.
- Merchants Restaurant: This upscale eatery offers creative Southern cuisine and an impressive cocktail menu.
- Jack’s Bar-B-Que: With multiple locations on Broadway, Jack’s is a local institution serving up mouthwatering barbecue and sides.
Insider Tips and Secrets
While Broadway can be overwhelming, especially for first-time visitors, there are a few insider tips and secrets to help you make the most of your experience:
- Get there early: Avoid the crowds by arriving on Broadway before 5 pm. You’ll have a better chance of scoring a seat at popular bars and enjoying a more relaxed atmosphere.
- Explore beyond the main strip: Venture off the main drag to discover hidden gems like the iconic Cowboy Arms Hotel and the historic Hermitage Hotel.
- Take a guided tour: Join a guided tour to explore the history and secrets of Broadway. Many tours include behind-the-scenes access to famous venues and insider knowledge from local experts.
- Be prepared for crowds: Broadway can get rowdy, especially on weekends and during peak tourist season. Be prepared for crowds, long lines, and potential waits for popular bars and restaurants.
Special Events and Festivals
Throughout the year, Broadway hosts a range of special events and festivals that attract visitors from around the world. Here are a few highlights:
- CMA Music Festival: This four-day festival in June brings together country music’s biggest stars for live performances, autograph signings, and fan events.
- Nashville Film Festival: This annual festival in April showcases independent films, documentaries, and music videos, often featuring live performances and Q&A sessions with industry experts.
- Nashville Pride: This vibrant festival in June celebrates the city’s LGBTQ+ community with live music, food vendors, and a colorful parade down Broadway.
Accommodations and Transportation
When planning your trip to Nashville, consider staying at one of the many hotels and accommodations within walking distance of Broadway. Here are a few top picks:
- The Hermitage Hotel: This historic hotel has been fully restored to its former glory and offers luxurious rooms, a rooftop lounge, and exceptional service.
- The Fairlane Hotel: This stylish boutique hotel features modern rooms, a rooftop pool, and a prime location just steps from Broadway.
- The Omni Nashville Hotel: This upscale hotel offers luxurious rooms, a rooftop pool, and access to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
As for transportation, Broadway is easily accessible on foot, and many attractions offer free or valet parking. If you plan to explore beyond the main strip, consider using public transportation or ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft.
Conclusion
Broadway is the heart of Nashville’s nightlife, a vibrant and eclectic street that embodies the city’s music heritage and cowboy spirit. Whether you’re a country music fan, a foodie, or simply looking for a unique adventure, Broadway has something for everyone. So saddle up, grab your cowboy boots, and mosey on down to Honky Tonk Highway – you never know what kind of memories you’ll make on the fun street in Nashville.
What is Honky Tonk Highway?
Honky Tonk Highway is the nickname for Broadway in downtown Nashville, Tennessee. It’s a famous street lined with bars, clubs, and live music venues that showcase the city’s vibrant music scene. The term “honky tonk” refers to a type of bar that features live music, often country or western swing, and a lively, rowdy atmosphere.
From the 1940s to the 1960s, Honky Tonk Highway was the hub of Nashville’s country music scene, with famous venues like Robert’s Western World and Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge hosting legendary artists like Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, and Johnny Cash. Today, the street is still home to many historic venues, as well as newer bars and clubs that keep the spirit of honky tonk alive.
What kind of music can I expect to hear on Honky Tonk Highway?
Honky Tonk Highway is all about live music, and you can expect to hear a wide range of genres, from traditional country and western swing to rockabilly, blues, and Americana. Many of the bars and clubs feature up-and-coming artists, as well as established acts, so you never know who you might stumble upon. You might catch a solo singer-songwriter performing an intimate set, or a full band rocking out to a packed house.
Some venues also offer line dancing, karaoke, or other interactive music experiences. And, of course, you can’t walk down Broadway without hearing the sounds of guitars, fiddles, and pedal steel drifting out of the doors and into the street. Whether you’re a country music fan or just looking for a lively atmosphere, Honky Tonk Highway has something for everyone.
Is Honky Tonk Highway safe at night?
While Honky Tonk Highway can get crowded and rowdy, especially on weekends and during peak tourist season, the area is generally safe at night. Nashville has a strong police presence in the downtown area, and many of the bars and clubs have security personnel on hand to ensure that patrons are safe and respectful.
That being said, as with any nightlife district, it’s always a good idea to take some common-sense precautions. Stick with a group of friends, keep an eye on your drink, and avoid walking alone in dark or deserted areas. And, of course, don’t overdo it – pace yourself and drink responsibly. With a little caution, you can have a fun and safe night out on Honky Tonk Highway.
Can I bring my kids to Honky Tonk Highway?
While Honky Tonk Highway is known for its bars and clubs, many of the venues are actually family-friendly, at least during the day. Some bars offer early afternoon concerts or Acoustic Corner-style performances that are suitable for all ages. Additionally, some restaurants and cafes along Broadway offer family-friendly dining options.
However, as the night wears on, the atmosphere on Honky Tonk Highway can become more adult-oriented, with louder music and a more party-oriented vibe. If you’re planning to visit with kids, it’s best to stick to the earlier hours or choose venues that specifically advertise themselves as family-friendly. And, of course, always use your discretion as a parent to determine what’s appropriate for your child.
Can I park on Honky Tonk Highway?
Parking on Honky Tonk Highway can be a challenge, especially on weekends or during peak tourist season. While there are some metered parking spots and small parking lots along the street, they tend to fill up quickly. However, there are several larger parking garages and lots within a short walk of Broadway, offering more affordable and convenient options.
Additionally, many of the bars and clubs offer valet parking or partnerships with local parking services, so be sure to ask your bartender or server about these options. And, of course, you can always consider using ride-sharing services or public transportation to get to and from Honky Tonk Highway.
Are there any non-country music venues on Honky Tonk Highway?
While country music is the heart and soul of Honky Tonk Highway, not every venue on the street is strictly country. You’ll find bars and clubs that feature rock, blues, Americana, and even pop music, so don’t be afraid to explore and discover some new sounds. In fact, the diversity of musical styles is part of what makes Honky Tonk Highway so unique and exciting.
From the rockin’ sounds of the Basement to the singer-songwriter showcases at the Bluebird Cafe, there are plenty of options for those who don’t identify as country fans. And, of course, many of the venues offer a mix of genres, so you might stumble upon a country-rock hybrid or a blues-infused honky tonk band.
Can I take a tour of Honky Tonk Highway?
Yes, there are several options for guided tours of Honky Tonk Highway, ranging from self-guided walking tours to more in-depth, behind-the-scenes experiences. You can take a stroll down Broadway on your own, popping into bars and clubs that catch your eye, or book a guided tour with a knowledgeable guide who can share the history and anecdotes of the street.
Some popular tour options include the Honky Tonk Highway Walking Tour, which explores the history of country music on Broadway, or the Nashville Pub Crawl, which offers a more lighthearted, party-oriented experience. Whichever option you choose, you’re sure to get a unique perspective on this iconic street.