More Than Just Honky Tonks and Cowboys: Nashville & Fort Worth

I recently jetted off on a twin-centre escape to two of the South’s most exciting cities, Nashville, Tennessee and Fort Worth, Texas, and it was every bit as vibrant, musical and memorable as you’d hope. First stop was Nashville, where I checked into the trendy W Hotel in the Gulch neighbourhood. I had a Corner Suite, which gave me loads of space and brilliant views across the city. Great vibes, gorgeous interiors, and a rooftop bar and pool that were the perfect spots to wind down at the end of a busy day. It was my second visit to this city and the relatively new direct flights were definitely an incentive to return for this trip. Whilst Nashville is known for its country music scene, there is so much more to it than just that. It is a very cosmopolitan city with a thriving food and arts scene and excellent boutique style shopping in it’s quaint and quirky neighbourhoods. They call someone living in Nashville that was born there a unicorn due to the influx of people who move there from all over the USA. In fact I would say that the overall vibe is more California than Tennessee. That said it’s known as Music City for a reason – live music is everywhere, day and night, and it’s impossible not to get caught up in the energy. Here are some highlights from my time there: • 12 South – One of my favourite neighbourhoods. Picture tree-lined streets, pretty boutiques, colourful murals, great coffee shops and a lovely local feel. • Broadway’s Honky Tonks – Wild, loud and a whole lot of fun. Pop into a few bars and you’ll hear everything from classic country to rock and blues. It gets pretty wild at the weekend though with a lot of Hen and Stag parties so choose your day to visit to match your vibe. • Ryman Auditorium – A real slice of musical history. Even if you're not a die-hard country fan, it’s fascinating. We were there during the Bluegrass festival this year and saw Dan Tyminski and his band. (if you’re not into country you may know his global hit Hey Brother as used by Aviici). A superb experience. I’d highly recommend Sixty Vines at the top level of the Assembly Food Hall across the street for a pre gig bite to eat. • Johnny Cash Museum – Small but packed with memorabilia. Really well done. • The Station Inn - is a renowned intimate music venue known for hosting bluegrass, blues, and roots music since 1974. It has hosted numerous legendary artists and is ‘listening room’ and most definitely not a honky tonk. It’s located right next door to the W hotel too.

Nashville has a great mix of laid-back Southern attitude and big-city buzz. You’ll walk a lot, hear live music wherever you go, and probably leave wanting (owning in my case!) cowboy boots. After soaking up all that musical magic, it was a short and easy 1 hour 40 min flight to Fort Worth and a total change of pace. Here, I stayed in Hotel Drover right in the heart of the Stockyards, which I absolutely loved. My Garden Terrace Room was beautifully styled, with its own private outdoor space – the perfect blend of rustic and refined. Fort Worth is famous for its cowboy culture, and it really leans into that in the best way. Think boots, hats, rodeos, and proper Texas hospitality. Here’s what made it special: • The Rodeo – Honestly, such a brilliant night out! Bulls, broncos and barrel racing it’s fast, loud and great fun. Expect crowd participation with the occasional sing along and even some fireworks thrown in. It runs every Friday and Saturday night and the hotel prices reflect that so if it’s not your thing then you can get better value mid-week. • Stockyards Cattle Drive – Twice a day, real Texas longhorns stroll down the street. Only in Fort Worth! • Historic Stockyards – You feel like you’ve stepped into the Old West, but with shops, bars, and restaurants. Or as I called it ‘Disneyland for Cowboys’. Is it kitsch? Yes of course. But go with it and have fun. You can even enjoy a short trail ride along the Trinity River on horseback. But go as early as you can as the heat is quite intense by the afternoon. • Mule Alley – Lots of quirky independent stores and a fun vibe. Great for browsing and picking up unique souvenirs. A couple of places to note are Fleastyle women’s boutique where they’ve a ‘hat bar’ to have your very own hat uniquely customised – both boho and cowboy style catered for. And Paloma Suerte for great Mexican food and margaritas. The Drover Hotel itself is an extremely popular weekend venue too so expect the bar and restaurant 97 West to be busy. • Billy Bob’s Texas – The world’s largest honky-tonk! Live music, dancing, and a proper party atmosphere. All in all, it’s a completely different energy to Nashville, but just as welcoming – more boots and rodeos than bands and bars, but equally fun. It’s very compact and so 2 nights there would be plenty of time to explore. After seven jam packed days I flew back home with a heart full of happy memories (and a suitcase full of western wear!). This trip was the perfect mix of culture, music, food, and fun, with just the right amount of luxury. Whether you’re a music lover, a foodie, a fan of all things Western, or just after something a bit different, Nashville and Fort Worth make a dream twin-centre combo. Now just to figure out how I can make Stetsons the norm over here so I can wear one again… Thinking of doing something similar? Then drop me a line as I’d love to help you plan your own Southern States adventure!