Nashville For New Year’s Eve

Great Place to Spend New Year’s Eve and more!

NASHVILLE

When and Why

If you’ve been considering going to Nashville, you’ve seen it on Instagram, all the mural photos, looks fun, the food, parties, music, history, but you’re not quite sure about going, this is the blog for you. Are you worried you’ll be surrounded by tons of bachelorette parties and drunks? I’ll answer the questions I had that might be similar to yours.

If you’re looking for somewhere to go New Years Eve, I highly recommend considering Nashville for New Years Eve. No, it’s not too early to plan for New Years Eve, or at least think about it. Keep reading.

Nashville is a big city and just like any big city, you can travel there anytime of year and it will be hopping. Bars, restaurants are open late, great shopping with mall/stores being opened late. As well as many local events happening around town, There are plenty of things to do, places to visit and tourists attractions 24/7. Keep in mind this is the Nation’s Music City, so if you’re not into music, especially country music, (classic, pop, bluegrass, etc.) you might want to pass.

WHEN TO GO?

Are you a winter or summer person?

They say April – October are the best times to travel to Nashville. I would agree, but I do love summer, so the heat would not bother me personally.

Nashville is in the south, so if you’re not a fan of heat, obviously you’ll not want to consider summer months. It will get hot and you’ll have to dress for the heat and make sure you’re super hydrated. There’s a lot of walking in Nashville. A lot.

If you’re a fan of winter, it really doesn’t get super cold there, but December/January/February would be their coldest months. March-June, October-December, might be your ideal months for average weather, not too hot or cold.

The music city does come alive in the summertime with plenty of music events. Check out Ryman Auditorium for example, and the Bridgestone Arena located in the heart of Nashville has excellent concierge assistance.

WHY NASHVILLE FOR NEW YEAR’S EVE?

3 TOP REASONS

If you’re interested in switching things up for, maybe you’ve hosted New Years Eve parties, maybe you’ve attended parties, maybe you’ve chilled at home or even fell asleep before midnight and now, maybe you’re ready to try something new. Have you thought about where? What that might look like? Does New York seem enticing, but the crowds are too much for you? Well, Nashville for New Years Eve is seriously a place to consider.

REASON #1- The weather! Yes, consider the weather. Nashville is located on the north western side of Tennessee making a great location for reasonable weather in late December. It’s south, but south west, moving it away from north and north eastern colder winter weather. Nashville’s winter starts, for the most part, in the middle of January. When I was there last New Year’s Eve weekend the temperatures were in the 60’s to high 60’s. That was perfect for me because, I did not have to pack or worry about traveling with a heavy winter coat, I packed in layers, and brought my leather jacket which was absolutely perfect! One day, I just wore a t-shirt and jeans!

REASON #2- EVENTS! Nashville for New Year’s Eve has many things to offer and is a top contender for places to go for the event. It’s a true competition to New York, Miami and Los Angeles, without all the crowds. Plus, it’s country! Country music, county hospitality, country people, country food, country fun! If you know “country” you know what I mean by this statement. People are nice, helpful, happy and all American!

There are private roof top VIP parties in just about every hotel. There is a Nashville New Years Eve event at Bicentennial Park where they “Drop the Note” in downtown Nashville. It’s free, you can just show up or buy VIP tickets for better seats. Live music from top Country Music artists, you might just run into them walking on Broadway!

REASON #3 VIBE! Whether you want to dress up to the nines, in all that glitter and heels, or lay down low in your jeans a t-shirt and boots, Nashville has something for everyone. You can travel alone and feel very welcomed in all the Honky Tonks on Broadway. You can make reservations ahead of time for a table top so you can have a place to sit and eat, but if you don’t no worries, each establishment is fully staffed to accommodate the crowds. Seriously impressive! People are so friendly if they see you’re alone they’ll invite you join them, or offer you a seat. Truth!

MUSIC SCENE

HONKEY TONKS

The vibe of Nashville begins the moment you step off the airplane and enter the airport. Music is the first thing I heard and noticed bands playing everywhere as I walked through the airport to get my Uber.

That was just the beginning.

When you’re downtown in the music area and walk on Broadway, there are “Honky Tonks” everywhere, so one next to the other with windows open to the sidewalk where you can listen from the street, or choose to go inside for a drink or meal. I loved this aspect because you could keep walking and hear music the entire time! Some bands actually stopped me in my tracks and I had to stop and listen for more.

Now let me explain there is old country music, roots of Nashville and places like Tootsie or Roberts have the classic country music. Stand up bass, fiddles, etc. I did stop in Roberts to experience this music as well. (They’re not fond of the new “pop” country, but to me, it’s all country).

One of the best nights I had in my Nashville for New Year’s Eve weekend was at the 1230 Honky Tonk Club. I enjoyed listening to new upcoming artists and spent my first night dancing the night away at this club! It was so fun!! My phone needed charging this night as well. LOL

THE GULCH

The Gulch is a cool area that is a must see. It’s a nice walk from Country Music Hall of fame and worth it. You can stop here for coffee, a bite to eat and a photo op with the angel wings.

12 SOUTH

This was the most talked about doughnut shop in 12 South! They were closing when I arrived so I wasn’t able to try their would rebound doughnuts because their employees called in sick that day and they didn’t have enough workers sadly.

Reese Witherspoon Draper James was the meeting place for our photo shoot. The photo below was taken on this wall. It was a cute country store with unique southern style items. We started our walking photo shoot from here and ventured all along 12 South.

I signed up for a walking photo shoot which took place in 12South. I highly recommend it please check out the links in this blog. 12South is such a cool district to visit, shop and eat, no wonder the photo shoot walking tour took place in this area!

THE GRADUATE

DOLLY PARTON’S RESTAURANT

Famous round couch in the center of the restaurant. It grabbed the attention of all visitors and everyone could easily get on the couch and snap away!

This was my fantastic waitress at White Limozeen. She was so sweet, made great recommendations for food and drinks. She took my photos with Dolly. She was a gem and one of many I met in Nashville for New Year’s Eve weekend!

The Graduate Hotel was quite spectacular in many ways. The decor was so beautiful and I loved how there were just nooks everywhere to just sit and chill. Across from the group dining table photo above with the magnificent light fixtures were stadium type levels of a variety of couches and love seats. It was so gorgeous and I sat there wait for my phone to charge at the front desk. Yes, my phone ran out of charge a lot while I was in Nashville (tells you something :)) but every time it did, I found amazing staff that would charge my phone for me. It happened at this hotel and I needed to get an Uber so I waited and people watched. It was so lovely. (Hence, why I don’t have a photo of the area)

I would consider staying at this hotel for the beauty and proximity to everything.

So let me get to Dolly. Yes, this is her hotel and she’s everywhere! LOL, but it’s decorated in such a classy way that’s it’s really breathtaking. I went for the restaurant (and you have to are reservations in advance). The roof top seating was closed, (I’m sure lovely in the summer), but the view was spectacularly and I enjoyed getting great photos and looking out over Nashville from the rooftop!

I highly recommend this location, it was clean, classy and great location!

HOTEL 1

LUXURY AND SUSTAINABLE LIVING HOTEL

There are so many wonderful amenities of this Hotel 1 located Nashville for New Years Eve, but I will try to keep it concise.

One of the coolest hotels I’ve ever stayed in and can not wait to go back. Luxury stay, with luxury amenities as well as being fully sustainable! Truly a magnificent concept done at it’s finest!

I first found Hotel 1 chain in Miami earlier in 2023. They were opening a new Hotel 1 in Nashville late fall, so I decided to stay here for my Nashville for New Year’s Eve weekend.. I’m so glad I did!

The hotel is located away for all the noise/bars of Nashville, It’s close to The Gulch and walking distance to Broadway. To me, it was the perfect location. Country Music Hall of Fame was across the street.

I chose a room with a balcony and one under cover. My room was clean, fresh, and absolutely luxurious. From the design, furniture, bedding, shower, decor. It was absolutely lovely. I didn’t mind the class door on the shower or commode area because I went alone, but even if you went with friends, they’d have to be right outside those doors to see you. I personally don’t think the class doors are an issue as some have commented in reviews.

The bar area, restaurant were fantastic with excellent food choices, service and delicious menu. The staff, I can’t say enough about the friendly staff at Hotel 1. From check in, bar, cafe, Harriet’s Roof Top and driver. Every single person I encountered that worked at Hotel 1 during my stay went over and beyond being friendly and helpful. Simply the best Nashville for New Years Eve first time experience.

I stayed here for my Nashville for New Year’s Eve celebration and went to Harriet’s Roof Top bar event. The cost was around $300 pp and it included open bar, hors d’oeuvres, desserts all evening long. I’d do it all over again! Classy event! Wonderful staff and friendly people.

WHAT TO WEAR

Nashville New Year’s Eve or Anytime

NEW YEARS EVE-I’ll reference what I wore for Nashville for New Year’s Eve, but what I wish I would’ve known before I went. As it relates to Nashville for New Year’s Eve attire, I’d say it would be the same as any New Year’s Eve event. If you’re paying to go to an event, like I did, you’ll want to get dressed up, really dressed up!

If you decide to go to bicentennial park you could go very causal or dress up if you purchase the VIP tickets. Again, it’s Nashville New Year’s Eve which in my opinion is no different than anywhere else in the country.

NASHVILLE EVERY DAY-Jean, jeans, jeans. Bring your jeans, blue, black, white, doesn’t matter the color, just bring jeans. Also, ladies, leggings. Leggings were popular too. Comfortable walking shoes, booties, cowboy boots (only if you can walk a lot in them or dance for hours in them). T-shirts, denim and or leather jackets and cute dresses/skirts ladies. The key is Nashville is country, very casual and there’s a lot of walking.

I’d also bring either a small bag/crossbody like I brought, or fanny pack. Keep your Louis Vuitton tote at home unless you plan on changing from you cowboy boots into tennis shoes.

Fringe! Yes fringe and hats! If you can pack them, bring them. My heels for my Nashville for New Year’s Eve outfit have fringe. Did you notice? My crossbody too. I intentionally brought these items and glad I did.

Music everywhere!

FOOD AND COCKTAILS

Something for everyone’s palette

Regardless if you’re a foodie or not, you’re going to find something delicious to eat and drink in Nashville! Let me be very clear, I am not a foodie, I eat to survive, and am extremely picky with a very limited palette.

The chicken salad at Jason Aldean’s was so delicious I ate the entire plate! (I never do that). The salad at White Limozeen was equally delicious with dressing that popped your taste buds!

Every cocktail I ordered (nothing but Tennessee whiskey) tasted like it was freshly poured, made squeezed, idk the right words to articulate the flavors.

This was the same experience I had everywhere I ate including Hotel 1 cafe and Harriet’s Roof Top. Maybe part was I was hungry from all the walking and didn’t eat a lot, but when I did, it was delicious! Again, remember I’m super picky!

SUMMARY

POV

Nashville for New Year’s Eve or Nashville anytime of year in my opinion is a fantastic, fun and friendly place to visit. I’d most definitely return. There isn’t anything I’d do differently, except I’d visit more places that I didn’t have a chance to see the first time. I definitely intend on returning!

If you love music, was to see upcoming new country talent, enjoy walking and meeting nice people and great food, Nashville is a fantastic city. It’s big city, but it’s not as big a New York or Chicago for example, but it’s clean! It doesn’t stink, it’s clean, it’s well staffed and I can’t say enough about how friendly the people are there.

BACHELORETTE AND DRUNKS MYTH DEBUNKED

NO AND NO

Nashville for New Year’s Eve is most definitely worth considering, but you don’t need that event to be the reason to take yourself to Nashville! Nashville is a great place to visit. Will you see bachelorette parties around? Definitely, Will you see some people who are drunk? Most definitely, but will they distract you from having an amazing time, absolutely? Hard no! Nashville for New Years Eve is a place to go to have fun, you don’t have to drink to have fun. If you love music, dancing, good food, you will love Nashville anytime of year!

Below is a list of my favorites, but there are so many more, too many to list. It’s really that great in Nashville!

SHOP

• 5TH AND BROADWAY-ACROSS FROM RYMAN AUDITORIUM
• 12 SOUTH
• BLUSH BOUTIQUE
• NASH
• PAINTERS ALLEY
• SHOPPES ON FATHERLAND
• THE GULCH

EAT

• 1230 CLUB-HONKY TONK (JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE’S)
• FIVE DAUGHT’ER’S BAKER
• FROTHY MONKEY COFFEE
• HATTIE B’S CHICKEN
• JASON ALDEAN’S
• MILK AND HONEY
• WHITE LIMOZEEN (DOLLY PARTON’S THE GRADUATE HOTEL)

HOTELS

• HOTEL 1
• NOELLE
• THE GRADUATE
• THE HERMITAGE
• THOMPSONS
• THE RUSSELL

THINGS TO DO

• HOUSE OF CARDS
• WALKING PHOTO TOUR (LINKS IN BLOG)
• 1230 HONKEY TONK
• KID ROCK’S HONKEY TONK
• TOOTSIE’S HONKEY TONK
• PRINTER’S ALLEY
• 12 SOUTH
• THE GULCH-ANGEL WINGS

Put Nashville on your bucket list if you love country, music, walking, experiencing the southern culture, incredible food, southern hospitality and like cocktails. CheerS!