Between newly bowed hotels, restaurants and attractions popping up left and right, Atlanta’s neighbor to the north has been having quite the moment. A Nashville trip is in order, and we’ve got you covered with the can’t-miss resto, accommodations and experience that’ll ensure your trip becomes one of Nashville’s greatest hits.
W Nashville’s Spanish Steps, 42 flights of concrete steps that act as a meeting place and amphitheater; photo courtesy of W Nashville
The Living Room Bar at W Nashville boasts a striking backlit scrim featuring a depiction of a Tennessee woodland; photo courtesy of W Nashville
Audrey features an open kitchen to allow diners a behind-the-scenes peek; photo by Emily Dorio
EAT The most memorable meals are so much more than just incredible food; they’re a fully immersive sensory experience, which is exactly what famed Southern chef Sean Brock has created at his long-awaited flagship restaurant and ode to Appalachia, Audrey. Truly Brock’s love letter to Appalachia and the culture, nature and people that make it so singular, newly opened Audrey enjoys literal and figurative evocations of the South as a throughline of the entire space. Katie Vance, partner and chief creative officer of design firm Powell, brought in materials native to or inspired by the topography of Appalachia, such as wood slats reminiscent of tobacco barns. “My inspiration was to evoke the feeling of experiencing the Southern landscape through Sean Brock’s lens and emphasize the natural elements and trades of the region,” says Vance. Nods to Brock’s love of modern Japanese architecture bring a welcome contemporary flair to the space, completing the interior’s immersive design. Then, of course, there’s Brock’s food, a riotous celebration of fresh ingredients and age-old Southern traditions. Having named Audrey after his maternal grandmother, Brock draws inspiration from his familial traditions of growing everything you eat and knowing exactly where your food comes from. The result is an ever-changing menu that allows diners to experience all the hidden possibilities of Southern food and what makes it special. “The first dish that we created for the restaurant was caviar and pigs’ feet,” shares Brock. “It’s a dish that shows that the actual monetary value of ingredients doesn’t matter if you cook with care and finesse. It’s so fun to eat because it causes you to think about both ends of the spectrum.” Indeed, the soul of Audrey is welcoming and nurturing yet exciting and experimental. No two meals at Audrey are the same, but every meal at Audrey is certainly something special. 809 Meridian St., Nashville, audreynashville.com
Chef Sean Brock himself lovingly adorned the walls of Audrey with pieces from his extensive Southern folk art collection; photo by Emily Dorio
Every guest room at W Nashville features an original, commissioned artwork by Brooklyn-based studio FAILE; photo courtesy of W Nashville
STAY Sophisticated yet rugged, expansive yet intimate, and authentic yet polished are just a few of the ways to describe the meticulously designed W Nashville. The newly bowed addition to Marriott International sits in the vibrant Gulch neighborhood, making it the perfect launching point to experience the Athens of the South. Sitting at 14 stories tall, W Nashville gives unfettered views of Nashville’s cityscape and surrounding nature, particularly from Proof rooftop bar. The elevated design pays homage to Music City through its use of historical, robust local materials such as iron, steel, wood, leather and cement. Regional artisans feature heavily in the decor, such as handstitched leather wall panels by local leatherworkers and artists. Room designs meld industrial polish with soothing hues and tones with nods to Nashville’s musical history. While the Gulch gives plenty of opportunity to stumble upon an incredible cocktail or a great cup of coffee, W Nashville’s seven drinking and dining venues ensure you need not step off the property to grab a tipple or bite. Whether you’re craving a locally roasted latte delivered to your guest room door or a quiet respite in the verdant Secret Garden, W Nashville has an answer to every whim and more. 300 12th Ave. S, Nashville, 615.379.9000, marriott.com
One Nation Under a Groove Gallery at the National Museum of African American Music; photo by 353 Media/NMAAM
EXPERIENCE At a sprawling 56,000 square feet, the National Museum of African American Music integrates history and interactive technology to share the untold story of more than 50 genres and subgenres of African American music. The museum highlights the many connections and influences that African American composers have had on all genres of music, from spirituals to blues, jazz and hip-hop. Visitors first make their way to Roots Theater, where an introductory film presentation gives an overview of the evolution of the African American journey and the creation of new music traditions that are distinctly African American in nature. The museum then uses artifacts, objects, memorabilia, clothing and world-class technology to share different narratives and unique perspectives on African American music and history. A favorite exhibition is the Crossroads gallery, which chronicles the history and influence of the blues, spanning from the music style’s humble origins in the work songs and field hollers sung by sharecroppers and lumber mill workers to the female blues singers who recorded “race records” in the 1920s. Visitors leave with a new and deeper understanding of how a distinct group of people used their artistry to change the world. 510 Broadway, Nashville, 615.301.8724, nmaam.org
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