Discover Nashville: 12 Fascinating Fun Facts You Never Knew About Music City

1. Serenading Walls of Ryman Auditorium

If walls could serenade, Ryman Auditorium would be America's nightingale: This melodious landmark, known as the "Carnegie Hall of the South," not only charmed the boots off of Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, and Dolly Parton, but also served as the original home for the Grand Ole Opry, the nation's longest-running radio show, between 1943 and 1974.
Source => visitmusiccity.com

2. Goo Goo Clusters: Nashville's Sweet Invention

Are you nuts about candy? Goo Goo Gaga over chewy treats? Well, buckle up, because you're in for a marshmallow-covered joyride: Nashville birthed America's first combo candy bar, the Goo Goo Cluster, in 1912! A scrumptious mound of caramel, marshmallow nougat, peanuts, and milk chocolate all rolled into one, that's been delighting taste buds for over a century. Go on and sink your sweet tooth into a piece of confectionery history at the Goo Goo Chocolate Co. on Lower Broadway, downtown Nashville!
Source => visitmusiccity.com

Did you know the "Carnegie Hall of the South" serenaded legends like Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton, and was the original home of the iconic Grand Ole Opry? Discover more captivating stories behind Nashville's nightingale! 🎶

=> Fun Facts about Nashville

3. Guitar Heaven at Gruhn Guitars

Where guitar aficionados strum their way to nirvana: Tucked away in the land of music, Nashville, lies a mecca for six-string enthusiasts known as Gruhn Guitars. Boasting over 50 years of business, this store is not just the largest but also the oldest guitar dealership in the city. This treasure trove of vintage axes lures musicians from near and far, solidifying its status as a must-visit stop on any music lover's pilgrimage.
Source => guitars.com

4. Nashville's Parthenon: Greece in Tennessee

Who needs a plane ticket to Athens when you can visit Greece right in Music City, USA? Feast your eyes on Nashville's very own Greek goddess, towering in all her majesty: Centennial Park is home to a full-scale replica of the Parthenon, complete with a recreation of the 42-foot Athena statue. Housing plaster casts of the original Parthenon's pediments and serving as Nashville's art museum, this architectural marvel brings a piece of ancient Greece to Tennessee.
Source => nashville.gov

5. Patterson House: Prohibition-Era Secrets

When speakeasy enthusiasts in Nashville say "shh, this place is our little secret," they're not just spilling whiskey-scented whispers: Nashville's Patterson House is a Prohibition-era-themed bar that features an intimate atmosphere, exquisite handcrafted cocktails, and delectable bites such as truffled deviled eggs, making it worth the wait for a seat in this clandestinely delightful watering hole.
Source => tripadvisor.com

6. Bluebird Cafe: Taylor Swift's Surprise

To "Swiftly" go where many a Nashville songwriter has gone before, one must journey to the legendary Bluebird Cafe: Taylor Swift recently popped up for an intimate, surprise performance at the iconic Nashville venue where her career took flight, joining Grammy-winning songwriter Craig Wiseman on stage to the delight of a stunned 40-person audience, with the entire musical escapade being filmed for a documentary celebrating the Bluebird's 35th anniversary.
Source => grammy.com

7. Honky Tonk Central: Chicken's Party Destination

Why did the chicken cross Lower Broadway? To rock out at the Henhouse of Honky Tonk, of course: Honky Tonk Central, located in downtown Nashville, is a three-story entertainment wonderland featuring live music, scrumptious food, and the perfect atmosphere for corporate events, VIP parties, and private functions – open Sunday to Wednesday from 11 am to 3 am and Thursday to Saturday from 10 am to 3 am.
Source => honkytonkcentral.com

8. Dining with Fishes at Aquarium Restaurant

In Nashville, they take "sleeping with the fishes" to a whole new level – but don't worry, no mobsters are involved: The Aquarium Restaurant at Opry Mills Mall offers diners a 360-degree view of a 200,000-gallon aquarium tank filled with fish, sharks, and stingrays, while they enjoy their meal, celebrating a special occasion, or tour behind the scenes with an on-site biologist. All this, just a hop, skip, and a two-step away from the legendary Grand Ole Opry!
Source => tripadvisor.com

9. Printers Alley: From Publishing to Partying

When Nashville put the "sin" in printing, the police turned a blind eye: Printers Alley was formerly the city's printing industry headquarters in the early 1900s, housing publishers like The Tennessean and Nashville Banner. During Prohibition, it morphed into a protected playground for speakeasies, gambling, and prostitution. Presently, this refurbished district entertains with blues tunes and burlesque acts, making it a must-visit in Music City.
Source => styleblueprint.com

10. Batman Building: Nashville's Superhero HQ

Holy Gotham, Batman! It seems Nashville has a superhero headquarters of its own: The AT&T Building, fondly nicknamed the "Batman Building," stands tall as Tennessee's tallest office tower with a spire reaching 617 feet. This distinctive skyscraper, completed in 1999, boasts a three-story winter garden atrium and a nine-story underground parking lair, all while proudly flaunting its bat-ear-like towers that give it its iconic nickname. Swing by to witness a true marvel of the southern United States!
Source => scalemusiccity.com

11. Historical Arches of Seigenthaler Bridge

Step aside, pizza doughs; there's a new favorite arched marvel in town, and it's holding up more than just a delicious pie: The John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge in Nashville, built in 1909, was the first bridge in North America to be supported by arched concrete piers. Now a pedestrian-only bridge with great views of the city skyline, it was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1998 and renamed in 2014 after the late Tennessean newspaper editor and civil rights advocate.
Source => tclf.org

12. Ryman Auditorium: Sea Captain and Country Stars

What do a sea captain, a tent revival, and Johnny Cash have in common? They all played a part in creating the iconic Ryman Auditorium, of course! This jukebox of history has enough stories to sing a country ballad of its own: Originally built as the Union Gospel Tabernacle by Captain Thomas G. Ryman in 1892, the Ryman Auditorium became the first home of the Grand Ole Opry and helped launch the careers of legends like Patsy Cline and Dolly Parton. Today, the Ryman continues to delight music lovers, hosting concerts across all genres while remaining a constant symbol of Nashville's rich musical heritage.
Source => ryman.com