Nashville What’s New

If you haven’t been to Nashville or Memphis in a few years, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. Tennessee’s two largest cities continue to evolve into reenergized metropolitan communities that manage to pay loving homage to their storied musical pasts while offering an increasing array of new cultural attractions, professional sports, and dining and lodging options to please travelers with varied tastes and interests.

Nashville is basking in a resurgence of popularity unmatched since the mid-1940s, when singer/songwriters such as Hank Williams first came to town and helped launch American country music. But Nashville is so much more than this. First-class cultural institutions, a thriving restaurant and club scene, and a vibrant and diverse community centered around the city’s outstanding universities all contribute to Nashville’s attractive quality of life and appeal to tourists.

Where to Stay

The number of new hotels is growing exponentially in Nashville, as the city experiences a development boom downtown, especially in the emerging Gulch district. Among the newest properties are the 154-room Hampton Inn and Suites, 310 Fourth Ave. S. (tel. 615/277-5000). Opened in summer 2007, it lies just a stone’s throw from the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Rooms average $189 to $359 per night.

Where to Dine

If you like to try out new restaurants while you travel, come to Nashville hungry. Excellent eateries, nightclubs, and coffee shops are popping up across the city.

In the trendy Gulch area, Watermark, 507 12th Ave. S. (tel. 615/254-2000), has been tantalizing tastebuds since its late 2005 launch. An upscale fine-dining restaurant with modern décor and polished service, it offers stunning views of the Nashville skyline.

Jason Brumm, chef-owner of Radius10, an upscale restaurant in The Gulch, is branching out. While maintaining Radius 10, he plans to open Dos Locos, a casual Mexican eatery at 2015 Belmont Blvd. He promises a fun, margarita-fueled atmosphere and inexpensive menu, with all items costing $10 or less. Dos Locos will be open for lunch and dinner daily, with brunch offerings on Sundays.

A few blocks west of downtown, Chappy’s on Church, 1721 Church St. (tel. 615/322-9932) has found a following. Long-time chef/restaurateur John Chapman fled to Nashville when his Gulf Coast eatery, Chappy’s, was wiped out in Hurricane Katrina. He relocated here permanently, and has garnered acclaim for his traditional New Orleans and Creole cooking.

In the West End, Cabana, 1910 Belcourt Ave. (tel. 615/577-2262), has emerged as an energetic nightspot, where beautiful young people gather to party in a tree-rimmed patio. Fun, affordably priced bar foods include chicken-wing lollipops, deep-fried fruit pies and root beer floats with oven-warm cookies.

In East Nashville, Marche Artisan Foods, 1000 Main St. (tel. 615/262-1111), is a humble slice of Parisian splendor right here in Music City. Chef-owner Margot McCormack (also of Margot Café and Bar, just around the corner), has created an inviting spot for brunch and dinner, with old wooden farm tables, fresh flowers, and sumptuous bistro fare, coffee, and pastries. The market also sells cheeses, breads, and imported olive oils and pastas.

Bethel Ethiopian Cuisine (1909 Division St.; tel. 615/275-8217; www.bethelrestaurant.com) opened in late 2007, in the space formerly occupied by Ken’s Hibachi Grill. That’s good news for fans of Ethiopian-born owner Seble Sebsebie’s exotic cuisine. She also operates Horn of Africa on Murfreesboro Pike. The new restaurant is open daily, offering a $7 lunch buffet during weekdays.

Whole Foods, which opened in the Green Hills area in November 2007, has launched a cooking school called Salud. Located on a second floor above the store, Salud offers cooking lessons, chef demonstrations, and wine tastings. It’s being run by Merijoy Rucker, formerly of Viking Culinary Center in Franklin. For more information, call tel. 615/440-5117; www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/nashville.

Exploring Nashville

A worthy cultural exhibition to look for when trip-planning is Family Tradition: The Hank Williams Legacy. Set to open in March 2008 at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the show will be on view through December 2009. The museum is located at 225 Fifth Ave. S. (tel. 800/852-6437 or 615/416-2001).