Legendary Nashville

From former speakeasies to hallowed honky-tonks, our staff recommends the most legendary spots in Nashville.

Updated: June 23, 2006

Legendary Nashville


The Hermitage Hotel

231 N Sixth Ave, Nashville, TN 37219 (map)

One of Nashville's oldest hotels, this building has hosted downtown visitors like Al Capone and Greta Garbo since 1910.


Bluebird Cafe

4104 Hillsboro Rd, Nashville, TN 37215 (map)

Featured in "The Thing Called Love" with River Phoenix, this songwriter haven launched Garth Brooks' career.


Ryman Auditorium

116 Fifth Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219 (map)

Originally a church in the 1800s, this venue has hosted legends across genres, from Charlie Chaplin to Charlie Pride.


Tootsie's Orchid Lounge

422 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203 (map)

Willie wrote songs here, but backdoor alley access to the Ryman might be this honky-tonk's greatest claim to fame.


Lonnie's Western Room

208 Printers Aly, Nashville, TN 37201 (map)

Printer's Alley was home to speakeasies in the 1930s and now entertains with blues and karaoke at Lonnie's Western Room.


Carter House

1140 Columbia Ave, Franklin, TN 37064 (map)

This famous Civil War house is rumored to be haunted by a young Confederate soldier.


Exit In

2208 Elliston Pl, Nashville, TN 37203 (map)

This club helped launch Jimmy Buffett and John Hiatt's careers and played a role in Robert Altman's film "Nashville."


Belle Meade Plantation

5025 Harding Pike, Nashville, TN 37205 (map)

This plantation built in 1853 is a former stud farm. Rumor has it that horses still haunt the barn.


State Capitol Building

Capitol Hill, Nashville, TN 37243 (map)

This 1859 structure is supposedly haunted by William Strickland, the designer who asked to be buried within its walls.


More Nashville Favorites


Union Station Nashville - A Historic Wyndham Hotel

1001 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203 (map)

This railway terminal-turned-hotel was built in 1900 and boasts vaulted ceilings and Tiffany stained glass.


Bongo Java

2007 Belmont Blvd, Nashville, TN 37212 (map)

This coffee shop found fame in 1996 over a sweet bun with a likeness to Mother Teresa.