New Reasons to Visit Nashville

Check out the future at the Bluebird Café, a small restaurant whose walls are lined with the photos of famous musicians for inspiration. It's considered a proving ground for new songwriters, who perform new material during two evening shows, although many of the songwriters that perform are already writing for recording artists that you know.

Socializing

Then, it's time to hit the bars. (For nightlife info, check out The Nashville Rage).

Two great places to bar-hop: the so-called Honky Tonk Highway on Lower Broadway, which includes Tootsie's Orchid Lounge and Legends Corner, and the "Music Mile" clubs on Demonbreun Street.

Tips:
--The Hank Williams exhibit, will run through Dec. 31, 2009. If you're planning to catch the Hank Williams, Jr., performance and interview, you must make advance reservations, starting on Tuesday, March 25th (9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.) by calling 615-416-2001. Maximum of two tickets per sale.
--Stay: For luxury, try The Hermitage, a AAA five-diamond property. For something modern and fun, try the Hotel Indigo. For history, you can't beat Union Station , Nashville's historic train station, now a Wyndham property.
--Eat: Try locally hand-roasted Drew's Brews Coffee at Marché Artisan Foods, and sweet potato pancakes at Pancake Pantry. The hottest fried chicken you'll ever taste at Prince's Hot Chicken Shack. (Do not, no matter what you think your tolerance for spicy food is, order the fried chicken anything hotter than "medium"). For a modern take on southern comfort food, try Cabana's small plates: chicken sliders served on a sweet potato bun with peach preserves, fried green tomatoes with lemon pepper goat cheese, and Tennessee BBQ pulled pork on buttermilk cornbread -- you might never get to the main course.