NICAR23: Things to do in Nashville

by David Plazas

The 2023 NICAR Conference is fast approaching! It’s going to be a great time in Nashville, March 2-5. As a local regional committee member for NICAR23, I'm happy to share few of my favorite things to do with visitors:

• Cheekwood: historic mansion owned by Maxwell House coffee owners and now a wonderful site with botanical gardens
• Country Music Hall of Fame: the “Smithsonian of country music” in downtown Nashville  
• The Hermitage: President Andrew Jackson’s home
• Ryman Auditorium: for a tour or a concert (the former home of the Grand Ole Opry)
• Centennial Park: home of the Parthenon, a replica of the classic Greek building
• National Museum of African American Music: this is a new institution
• Frist Museum: world-class art museum
• Belcourt Community Theater: a nonprofit film center in a historic theater 
• Plaza Mariachi: community events space with live music, culture, food and fun for the family
• Radnor Lake Park: a 1,368-acre park and protected nature area

Downtown is very walkable, so you can go to Ascend Amphitheater by the Cumberland River or have coffee at Bongo Java Roasting Co. in the Omni Hotel. Some of the best eateries are not necessarily downtown, but Pinewood Social is – in a converted warehouse. Here are others worth checking out throughout the city:

• Germantown: City House (Southern-inspired Italian), Fifth & Taylor (American classic), Rolf & Daughters (Italian), Big Al’s (Southern comfort – be hungry and make time)
• East Nashville: Lipstick Lounge (bar and Tex-Mex)
• West End: MidTown Café (Southern), Amerigo (Italian), Hattie B’s Hot Chicken (classic Nashville) – that’s right by Vanderbilt’s campus 
• South Nashville: La Hacienda (Mexican)

And here are some famous Nashville meals and restaurants of note: hot chicken (Prince's), meat and three (Swett's) and barbecue (Martin's).

For journalist friends wanting to enjoy the local LGBTQ nightlife, here are some great spots to keep on your radar:

• Canvas
• Lipstick Lounge
• Peckers
• Play Dance Bar
• Trax
• Tribe/Play Dance Bar

For more local guide tips aggregated by the regional committee and IRE team, check out this NICAR23 guide to Nashville. See you in Nashville!

David Plazas is the Opinion and Engagement Director for the USA TODAY Network newsrooms in Tennessee and The Tennessean where he serves as an editorial writer, opinion columnist, op-ed editor and an editorial board member. He has written award-winning columns on affordable housing, government accountability and civic engagement. He leads the acclaimed Civility Tennessee campaign.