Big Jim Murray’s Patriots Road Trip Guide: Nashville
Some good news/bad news ahead of this week’s road game for you Patriots fans.
First, let’s get the bad out of the way:
You’re very likely (as of this writing) getting Jacoby Brissett at quarterback instead of rookie Drake Maye.
As I’ve been saying since the beginning of the season, if you’re going to be bad, be “fun bad”. Drake Maye has (mostly) lived up to the hype and has certainly helped the Patriots be “fun bad” in his few games on the field.
With Jacoby Brissett, we’re in for more BAD, bad.
And boring bad.
That, of course, is ALL bad.
But here’s the good news!
Nashville is unquestionably one of the premier travel destinations for any NFL fan, because the city is a wall-to-wall party with loud bars, great live music, and delicious eats.
So even if you’re bored for a few hours at Nissan Stadium on Sunday, the rest of your weekend in Nashville should be wonderful, especially if you follow this week’s travel guide!
1) DO: SOAK UP THE MUSIC SCENE
This one’s obvious, but make sure to bar hop on Broadway, and hit up venues like Robert’s Western World: A classic honky-tonk featuring live country music and a great selection of fried bologna sandwiches, and Tootsies Orchid Lounge: A historic spot known for its vibrant atmosphere and great live country music. Really, no matter where you go on Broadway, you’re going to hear some incredible musicians, even if country or rockabilly isn’t even your thing.
2) DO: CHECK OUT THE COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME
Located near Broadway, right in the thick of everything, is the Country Music Hall of Fame. A spot that I frankly never thought I’d give a rat’s ass about seeing, because I’m not really the biggest country music fan, but it’s such a good museum that I’ve been twice. It’s worth checking out alone just to see Elvis’ gold-plated Cadillac!
3) DON’T: MISS THE CHANCE FOR A SPORTS DOUBLE-DIP!
Ever since I’ve been doing these travel guides, I’ve always stressed the importance of the sports “double dip”, providing that you have the opportunity to take advantage of one in the city you’re visiting.
See, you’re already going to the Pats game. That’s obvious.
But if you didn’t already know, the Nashville Predators are also home to host the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday night at 7pm Central, and you should absolutely go, not just because – hey sports! – but because Bridgestone Arena is a pretty good barn, their fans are surprisingly into it, and it’s just an overall good time.
Go to the game, get a good buzz on, and then proceed to bar hop on Broadway until they shut down for the night.
4) DO: EAT EVERYTHING
You MUST try hot chicken at places like Hattie B’s or Prince’s, and don’t miss the local BBQ at spots like Jack’s on Broadway, or Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint: Famous for its whole hog BBQ, this spot that also offers a variety of tasty sides and sandwiches.
5) DO: HOP IN AN UBER & HEAD TO THE OPRY
If you’re in town on Friday night, or even if you don’t want to go to the Predators game on Saturday night, you really owe it to yourself, if you’re a music fan, to go check out the Grand Ol’ Opry, about a half hour away from Broadway.
The room itself has, to this day, the greatest acoustics I’ve ever heard at any venue, and a show at the Grand Ole Opry is a unique experience filled with live country music, a warm atmosphere, and a sense of tradition.
The Opry features a mix of established stars and emerging artists, showcasing a variety of musical styles, including bluegrass, Americana, and traditional country.
The venue itself has a charming, historic feel, and the audience is often encouraged to clap, sing along, and enjoy the performances.
Between acts, hosts share stories and anecdotes, adding a personal touch to the night.
You might even catch a surprise guest or two!
