LIVE FOR THE MUSIC IN NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE
WHY GO: Millions travel to Nashville each year to delve into its rich culture and music scene. Dubbed“Music City” for good reason, there is no shortage of live music venues and musical stylings to suit every taste, from the Nashville Symphony at Schermerhorn Symphony Center to iconic Rym an Auditorium, and from unplugged performances at Bluebird Café to dancing at Robert’s Western World honky-tonk complete with fried bologna sandwiches. EXCEPTION
ALTO-DO’S: Cheek wood Botanical Garden & Museum of Art is charming and tranquil, with a sculpture trail, themed gardens and natural landscapes. Built in 1932, the extravagant limestone Georgian mansion, once the private estate of the Cheek family — early investors in Maxwell House coffee — now serves as art gallery, with more than 600paintings on display including important works by John Singer Sargent and Andy Warhol. During the holiday season, Cheek wood becomes a magical wonderland celebration of family-friendly events, including Santa and reindeer visits, cookie decorating and live musical performances. WHERETO EAT: Located in The Gulch, one of Nashville’s most popular neighbourhoods, Flyte World Dining & Wine Bar features an award-winning wine list and creative farm-to-table cuisine, such as local country ham with whipped honey and cornbread. For a decidedly more casual experience, walk around the block and dine Southern-style at award-winning Arnold’s Country Kitchen, specializing in someof Nashville’s best and ubiquitous “Meat and Three,” where diners choose one from a selection of meats plus three side dish options. Prepare for a bit of a lineup, albeit fast-moving. More than 30years on, it continues to be a popular destination. WHERETO STAY: Consistently ranked as one of the top hotels in the U.S., a stay at the historic Hermitage Hotel is a truly memorable experience, evoking a timeless touch of luxury and glamour. Feeling flush? Reserve the Presidential Suite for an opulent 1,500 square feet of elegance. In the large marble bathroom, soak up the ambiance in the oversized Jacuzzi drawn by your Bath Concierge. Coming up to Valentine’s Day, ask about the “Bel Amour” package complete with “rose petal turndown service.”