If you’ve ever lived in Nashville, then you know it’s one of the greatest cities in the south – hands down. We’re known for our fantastic music scene, our ever-growing entrepreneurial climate, and fantastic business opportunities for the young and the restless. With a city this great, we have to have a *little* something to stay away from…right? If you have ever wondered, “what should I avoid in Nashville,” well, here are 12 things we think you should start with:

1. CMA Fest.
Larry Darling - Flickr
It's the bane of every Nashvillian's existence - great for local economy, not for the traffic downtown.
2. Broadway after dark.
Thomas Hawk - Flickr
We love walking around during festivals and for a quick jaunt to get out of the office, but we struggle a bit more when it gets dark out. The drunk tourists and uber happy locals can sometimes be a bit much.
3. Highway 24 at rush hour.
Paulo Validvieso - Flickr
It is the absolute definition of hell.
4. Coffee shops at 11 a.m.
Helen K - Flickr
Welcome to a land of freelancers and work-from-home folks! Once all the nine-to-fivers clear out, the late sleeping millennials make their way in. Before nine is a solid bet, though.
5. Other drivers.
Cesar Guttieraz - Flickr
Ah, yes. Turn signals don't mean a thing to Nashville - neither do yield signs or stop signs or red lights. Sorry to disappoint.
6. Sunday morning church traffic.
Stephen Drake - Flickr
THIS IS A THING. Make sure to add a couple minutes to your travel time on Sunday.

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7. The raging ice cream lovers at Jeni's.
Breville USA - Flickr
There's always a line - and it's always worth it, but if you show up a little bit later (or earlier!), you'll have an arm and a leg above the rest of the city.
8. The massive crowds at Pancake Pantry.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM - Flickr
Go on the off hours - the line is terrible. But the pancake pay-off? It's the stuff of breakfast loving dreams.
9. Loveless Café during peak hours
Natalie Curtiss - Flickr
DO NOT AVOID LOVELESS. Just go at an off hour - this is a Nashville classic for a reason. Their biscuits are from heaven and give your hometown diner a run for its money.
10. Beware the ever iconic Nashville bushwacker.
Management/TripAdvisor
Is it delicious? Yes. Will you want twelve of them? Yes.
11. Avoid the Hatch Show Print haters.
Frank Kehren - Flickr
As an iconic and historic business in Nashville, we don't have time for the haters. You may think these people don't exist, but we're sorry to report - they do. Just ignore and move on with your happy little gallery wall.
12. Unsweetened iced tea.
clynAZ - Flickr
Wait... there's no way this can exist in the south. Does it?! If you see it, run the other way! No one drinks unsweetened ice tea around here.

Anything you would add to the list of what not to do in Nashville? Feel free to share below!

For a list of things to *not* avoid in Nashville, be sure to check out these 11 hidden attractions locals love!

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Life in Nashville

Sarah | June 28, 2021

What's living in Nashville like?

Living in Nashville is such a wonderful place to call home! Nashville is known for its music scene, delicious barbecue, booming healthcare industry, and diverse culture. In addition to being absolutely beautiful and full of southern hospitality, Nashville is full of superlatives. It's been voted one of the best places to live in the U.S., and one of the best places to retire by U.S. News & World Report. It's affordable: the cost of living in Nashville is 3% lower than the national average, housing prices are 9% lower than the national average, and utility costs are 10% lower. Oh, and the weather here is pretty perfect: there are four seasons, but winters tend to be mild -- and if you love fall foliage, you'll find some of the best in the country here!

Check out this list that spells out why living in Nashville is the best.

What are some must-do things for tourists in Nashville?

The must-do things for tourists in Nashville can get very busy and crowded, but there are some places that are worth battling the crowds to experience:

  • The Five Points district in East Nashville
  • Third Man Records
  • Dutchman's Curve
  • The 5 Spot in East Nashville
  • Radnor Lake in South Nashville
  • United Record Pressing

These are all must-do things for tourists in Nashville attractions that aren't your standard "tourist trap" destinations -- they're a bit more under-the-radar, and more authentically Nashville than some of their more well-known counterparts.

What are some hidden gems that only locals in Nashville know about?

When it comes to hidden gems in Nashville, there are quite a few. Locals in Nashville know that:

  • The best pizza comes from Slim & Husky's Pizza Beeria.
  • HeyRooster General Store is an under-the-radar, Insta-perfect gem.
  • East Nashville Farmers Market is the best local farmers market (and less crowded than the Nashville Market).
  • Love Circle is the perfect place for a scenic picnic.
  • Dino's is *the* place in Nashville for burgers and fries!

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