Nashville, Tennessee is a city known for its music scene, hot chicken, and Southern charm. As a first-time visitor, I was excited to explore everything Nashville had to offer and experience it all from the comfort of the Graduate Nashville.
Nestled in the heart of Midtown, this unique hotel boasts a quirky, retro vibe that perfectly captures the spirit of Music City.
Join me as I explore all the best things to see, do, and eat in Nashville during my stay at the Graduate Nashville.
Fun Facts About Nashville: Discovering Music City
Here are some fun facts about Nashville, TN:
Nashville is known as “Music City” and is home to the Grand Ole Opry, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and the famous honky-tonks on Lower Broadway.
The city is the capital of Tennessee and the state’s second-largest city after Memphis.
Nashville’s economy is driven by healthcare, education, music, finance, and tourism.
The Parthenon in Nashville is a full-scale replica of the original Parthenon in Athens, Greece.
The city is home to more than 180 live music venues and hosts numerous music festivals throughout the year, including the CMA Music Festival and Bonnaroo.
Nashville is the birthplace of the hot chicken, a spicy fried chicken dish that has become a local favorite.
The city is known for its beautiful parks, including Centennial Park and the Shelby Bottoms Nature Center and Greenway.
Nashville is also home to several universities, including Vanderbilt University, Belmont University, and Tennessee State University.
The Frist Art Museum in Nashville is housed in a former post office and features rotating exhibitions of contemporary art.
Nashville is a popular filming location for movies and TV shows, including “Nashville,” “Country Strong,” and “A Star is Born.”
Getting to Nashville: Transportation Options and Tips
Nashville, TN is an incredibly popular destination, and there are several ways to get there. The city is served by Nashville International Airport, which is the most convenient option for travelers coming from out of town. Greyhound and Megabus both offer bus service to Nashville, while Amtrak offers train service via the Music City Star. If you’re driving, Nashville is easily accessible via several major interstates, including I-40, I-65, and I-24. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also available in Nashville, making it easy to get around once you’re in town.
Discovering Southern Charm: Staying at Graduate Nashville
The Graduate Nashville is a boutique hotel located in Nashville’s West End neighborhood, just a few blocks from Vanderbilt University. The hotel has 205 guest rooms and suites, each uniquely designed to reflect Nashville’s music culture and history.
@GraduateHotels
@GraduateHotels
The hotel check-in time is 4:00 p.m., but guests who wish to check in as early as 1:00 p.m. can do so for an additional fee of $25.00. The check-out time is at noon.
Valet parking is available for a fee of $40.00 per night. Alternatively, guests can self-park for free, but please note that parking spots are extremely limited.
Pets are welcome at the hotel, which is a pet-friendly establishment.
There are several onsite dining options for guests to choose from.
The 24-hour fitness center offers a range of amenities, including Peloton bikes, to help guests maintain their exercise routine while away from home.
Checking in
As soon as you enter the hotel, you’ll immediately notice how it pays homage to the illustrious history of country music.
The rooms are adorned with portraits of some of the most renowned female icons in country music.
My room, which featured pink and white striped wallpaper, had a portrait of Dolly Parton looking over me. It doesn’t get any better than this, does it?!
Room Options at Graduate Hotel
I had the pleasure of staying in the Graduate King room, which was equipped with a comfortable king-sized bed, a spacious workstation, and a cozy lounge chair.
The bathroom was beautifully decorated with black and gold accents, and the modern shower had a sleek and sophisticated look.
To enhance my stay, I opted for the “Head over Heels” package, which provided me with several perks including a later checkout time, a guaranteed reservation at the White Limozeen, and $100 towards food and beverages at any of the hotel’s dining establishments.
The room, along with the “Head over Heels” package, came to a total cost of approximately $750.00
The hotel offers a variety of room options to fit the needs of different guests. Some of the room types available at the hotel include:
King Room – These rooms are designed for up to two guests and feature one king-sized bed, a work desk, a mini-refrigerator, and a flat-screen TV.
Queen/Queen Room – This room type can accommodate up to four guests and is equipped with two queen-sized beds, a mini-refrigerator, a flat-screen TV, and a work desk.
Graduate King Suite – These spacious suites include a king-sized bed, a separate living room area with a pull-out sofa bed, two flat-screen TVs, a mini-refrigerator, and a work desk.
Graduate Queen/Queen Suite – These suites are ideal for families or groups of up to four guests and come with two queen-sized beds, a separate living room with a pull-out sofa bed, two flat-screen TVs, a mini-refrigerator, and a work desk.
Vanderbilt Suite – This luxurious suite features a king-sized bed, a separate living area with a pull-out sofa bed, a flat-screen TV, a mini-refrigerator, and a work desk. The suite also offers views of the nearby Vanderbilt University.
Executive King Room – These rooms are ideal for business travelers, equipped with a king-sized bed, a work desk, a flat-screen TV, a mini-refrigerator, and other convenient amenities.
Guests can also choose from a range of accessible room options and other room types depending on their preferences and needs.
Dining Delight: Where to Eat Near Graduate Nashville
@razlyn.cavazos
Inside of the hotel you’ll find Poindexter with tasty café offerings, including hot breakfast sandwiches, coffee, smoothies and more.
Click here to check out their menu.
And drum rolls pleaseeeeeee.
For the best rooftop ever! White limozeen.
A little background for you, White Limozeen, the Graduate’s nod to Nashville’s queen of country, Dolly Parton, was named after Parton’s twenty-ninth solo album released May 1989.
The rooftop has something for everyone. Whether you choose to lounge poolside, grab a drink from the bar, order food indoors, or snap a pic next to “big pink Dolly”, you’re in for a treat!
When it comes to getting a spot at White limozeen I would highly suggest booking ahead with a reservation.
You can do so using Resy and secure a table!
Must-Do Things Around Nashville
Fifth + Broadway is a mixed-use development in downtown Nashville that offers a variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
The development features a wide range of retailers, including fashion and beauty brands, electronics stores, and home decor shops. In addition, the development features a 200,000 square foot entertainment venue, which includes a movie theater and live music stage.
Other popular attractions in Nashville include the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the Ryman Auditorium, and the Johnny Cash Museum.
Visitors can also enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking at nearby parks, including Percy Warner Park and Radnor Lake State Park.
Final thoughts
As my weekend at Graduate Nashville comes to an end, I can’t help but feel grateful for the wonderful memories made here in Music City.
From the amazing room and excellent service to the delicious food and exciting attractions, I would recommend this hotel to anyone planning a trip to Nashville.
Exploring the city and all its charm has been an unforgettable experience.
From the honky-tonks on Broadway to the unique shopping experiences and delicious food scene, Nashville has it all.
I’m leaving with a full heart and a new appreciation for all this city has to offer. Until next time, Nashville!
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