Nashville, founded in 1779, is steeped in history and renowned as the “Music City.” Initially a frontier settlement along the Cumberland River, it grew rapidly due to its strategic location and became a hub for trade and commerce. Nashville played a significant role in the Civil War, serving as a key battleground and later as a center for Reconstruction. By the 20th century, it emerged as a cultural powerhouse, cementing its reputation as the heart of country music with the establishment of the Grand Ole Opry in 1925 and its thriving recording industry on Music Row. Beyond music, Nashville is home to historical landmarks like the Parthenon replica, Civil Rights-era sites and prestigious institutions like Vanderbilt University, showcasing a rich tapestry of Southern heritage and innovation.

Getting Around

Renting a car in Nashville is an easy and convenient option, especially given the minimal traffic in the city. The car rental area is just a short walk across the street from the terminal; prices are reasonable, particularly if you book in advance. Renting a car not only offers flexibility for exploring Nashville itself but also makes it simple to venture beyond the city to nearby attractions. If you’re planning to explore the surrounding areas, renting a car is a practical choice.

Where to Stay

If you’re looking for luxury, the Four Seasons Hotel Nashville in SoBro offers an upscale experience with stunning service and a rooftop pool. 

If you are looking to stay in a contemporary neighborhood that is fresh and happening, The Gulch neighborhood is your best bet. It’s one of the city’s most vibrant and trendy areas, perfect for those looking to experience a mix of modern luxury, dining, shopping and entertainment. Known for its sleek architecture, upscale lofts and chic vibe, the Gulch is home to several high-end hotels, including the W Hotel, Thompson Nashville and 1 Hotel Nashville. These properties are renowned for their stylish interiors, rooftop bars and proximity to some of Nashville’s best attractions. The Gulch neighborhood is located just a short drive or walk from downtown Nashville, offering easy access to attractions like the Country Music Hall of Fame and Music Row. There isn’t a lot of street parking here, but there are decently priced garages all around the neighborhood. 

What To Do

1. The Parthenon: Located in Centennial Park, the full-scale replica of the Greek Parthenon offers a remarkable opportunity to view Nashville’s connection to classical architecture. Inside, you’ll find the largest indoor statue of Athena, an impressive sight. Centennial Park is a beautiful park in the heart of the city and a great spot to walk, chill or picnic. 

2. Unique Shopping: Whites Mercantile: A must-visit for anyone who loves home goods, fashion and local finds. This charming shop is known for its curated collection of clothing, jewelry and housewares, making it the perfect stop for unique souvenirs. Rustler Hat Co.: A quintessential Nashville stop for stylish cowboy hats and Western accessories. This locally owned shop crafts high-quality hats and serves as a nod to the city’s roots in country music. Uncommon James: A trendy boutique that is known for its chic jewelry and home decor, offering pieces that blend Nashville’s Southern charm with modern flair. Aviator Nation: The Nashville location is a vibrant store that brings the brand’s laid-back, California surf style to Music City. 

3. Nashville Farmers Market: Located near Bicentennial Park, the Nashville Farmers’ Market is a great place to explore local produce and artisanal products. The market has an eclectic vibe, where you can find everything from fresh flowers to handmade crafts. It’s located right across the street from Bicentennial Park and down the block from the Tennessee State Museum. 

4. Bicentennial Park: A spacious park offering walking trails, historic monuments and the iconic Tennessee State Capitol as its backdrop. It’s a great spot to relax and enjoy the outdoors, while soaking in some local history.

5. State Museum: A visit to the Tennessee State Museum offers a deeper dive into the state’s rich history, from prehistoric times to the present. Exhibits include Civil War history, Native American artifacts and displays on the state’s culture and industry.

The Trolley

The hop-on, hop-off trolley in Nashville is a convenient and scenic way to explore the city’s key attractions. It typically operates every 30 to 60 minutes, with frequency depending on the season. During peak tourist seasons, such as spring and summer, the trolleys usually run every 30 minutes to accommodate the increased demand. In the off-season, the intervals may lengthen to around an hour.

The trolley route offers views of Nashville’s most iconic spots, including the Tennessee State Capitol, Ryman Auditorium and the Country Music Hall of Fame. You’ll pass by vibrant neighborhoods like Broadway, known for its honky-tonks and nightlife, as well as The Gulch, a trendy area with boutiques and restaurants. Additionally, the trolley will take you to Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, where you can enjoy the green space and monuments. Stops are strategically placed to allow you to hop off and explore these landmarks before catching another trolley. Throughout the ride, informative commentary provides fun facts about Nashville’s history and culture, making it both a relaxing and educational way to take in the sights. This service is perfect for those who prefer a guided tour experience but with the flexibility to explore at their own pace.

Outside Nashville

1. Andrew Jackson’s Hometown: Just outside Nashville, visit The Hermitage, the home of President Andrew Jackson, to learn about the life of this unique and controversial president, his impact on the country and his estate’s significance in American history.

2. Franklin, TN: A short drive from Nashville, Franklin offers a chance to explore Civil War history with sites like the Carnton Plantation and Lotz House, which provide a glimpse into the battles fought here and the town’s role during the war.

3. Jack Daniel’s Distillery: Located in Lynchburg, Tennessee, about two hours from Nashville, the distillery offers a range of tours showcasing the history and production of this iconic whiskey. The standard tour lasts about one hour and covers the distillery’s history and whiskey-making process, including the famous Lincoln County Process. For those interested in tastings, there are extended options available. It’s recommended to book in advance, as tours can fill up. Transportation options are available for those without a car as well. 

Where To Eat

There aren’t many kosher dining options in Nashville. Local supermarkets, Chabad and a kosher food truck are pretty much all that is available. There are a handful of vegan restaurants and a dairy Indian restaurant that are certified kosher under the NKC, National Kosher Supervision. It’s important to note that those restaurants do not have a mashgiach temidi, a kosher supervisor who is present in a food establishment or production facility at all times during operation (this role ensures that all processes adhere to Jewish dietary laws and that the kosher standards are consistently maintained throughout the day). There are also three bakeries (cholov stam) certified under the NKC: Krispy Kreme, Nothing Bundt Cakes and Pralines by Leon (downtown location). Consult your local Rabbi for more information or kashrut questions. 

Stock Up At Local Supermarkets:

For those seeking kosher food options in Nashville, you’re in luck! Food Lion, located just a 6-to-8-minute drive from the airport, offers a variety of kosher items, including yogurt, cheese, milk, frozen foods, deli meats and more — perfect for stocking up for your trip. It’s an ideal first stop, so you can have everything you need for your time in Nashville. Additionally, Trader Joe’s in the Green Hills area carries glatt kosher chicken, cholov yisroel feta cheese and pas yisroel breads, alongside their usual range of kosher certified favorites. If you’re looking for more options, Kroger is also a reliable store offering kosher selections. Whether you’re in need of basics or specialty items, these locations have you covered for your kosher food needs in Nashville!

Chabad of Nashville offers takeout for the kosher consumer that is only available with advance orders. Visit nashvillekoshertakeout.com for more information. 

Holy Smokes Food Truck

Rabbi Gavriel Eisenberg plays an essential role in nurturing the Jewish community at Vanderbilt University and beyond, as part of Chabad of Nashville. As part of his outreach to students, Rabbi Eisenberg runs the Holy Smokes food truck, Nashville’s only glatt kosher food establishment. With a menu featuring smoked brisket, chicken and shawarma, as well as sides like coleslaw and sweet potatoes, Holy Smokes has become a cherished culinary destination for local students and visitors alike. The food truck is a significant part of Chabad of Nashville’s vibrant presence in the city, offering not only delicious kosher food but also fostering a sense of community. 

Holy Smokes is conveniently located about five minutes from Centennial Park and the Parthenon. Moreover, because the food is geared towards college students, it’s quite affordable as well. You can get dinner or lunch for about $15. Online ordering makes it super easy and convenient. 

When I walked up to the Holy Smokes food truck, I was struck by the picturesque beauty of the Vanderbilt campus in the fall, accompanied by the familiar music of Yaakov Shwekey playing from an old Airstream trailer converted into a kosher food truck — a real sight to behold. The food was fresh and filling. Even more so, my conversation with Rabbi Eisenberg was inspiring. 

One notable story from the community showcases the ripple effect of good deeds. A student who regularly put on tefillin inspired another to do the same. While preparing food one day, Rabbi Eisenberg was pleasantly surprised to find one student putting tefillin on another. This inspiring moment reflects his belief that one small act of mitzvah, connecting to God, can spark a greater sense of unity and Jewish pride. 

Please note: Holy Smokes Food Truck will be closed for Summer 2025. From Friday 5/2 through Wednesday 8/20. For Kosher food please visit nashvillekoshertakeout.com

Disclaimer: The status of the kosher certifications of featured restaurants were accurate at the time of original publication. Please verify current certification status independently before visiting. Additionally, some establishments may have since closed.

Nashville Hot Chicken Recipe

Serves: 4-6

By: Shifra Klein

There is nothing more American than fried chicken, and there is nothing more Southern than Nashville hot chicken. While we couldn’t find any kosher versions in Nashville, we enjoyed a wonderful version by Chef Avi Katz at the Chefs of the Round Table dinner. He served his with a pumpkin waffle with various delicious accouterments, and it finally inspired me to create my own version of this classic. The challenge is that basic fried chicken recipes typically call for marinating in buttermilk, which is not an option for the kosher cook. We have made great alternatives in the past (check the Fleishigs app), but this time, I decided on a non-dairy sour cream and pickle juice mixture to create a buttermilk-like texture and flavor. 

The “hot” of traditional Nashville hot chicken refers to the spices used in the chicken and the sauce paired with it. In all honesty, no matter how many times I have made various versions of this American classic, I have never mastered the perfect dipping sauce consistency — it always came out too oily. I decided to veer away from tradition and create a creamy dipping sauce instead that would add a bit of sweetness to the hot sauce — my own unique interpretation. 

For the Chicken:

1 cup non-dairy sour cream  

1/2 cup pickle juice

2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

2 teaspoons smoked paprika, divided

1/4-1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper  

4 chicken legs, cut into eighths

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

Avocado oil, for frying  

For the Spicy Dipping Sauce:

1/4 cup hot sauce 

2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey 

2 tablespoons non-dairy sour cream

2 teaspoons smoked paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1/4-1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper  

Directions:

1. For the chicken, mix the non-dairy sour cream, pickle juice, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, 1 teaspoon paprika and cayenne pepper in a large mixing bowl. Add chicken and toss to coat. Cover bowl and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to marinate. 

2. In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, remaining 1 teaspoon paprika, remaining 1 teaspoon salt and remaining 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Dredge each piece of marinated chicken in the flour mixture, pressing it lightly to coat evenly. 

3. Prepare a large plate or baking sheet lined with paper towels; set side. 

4. Heat 2 inches of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, until oil reaches 360 degrees Fahrenheit. Fry chicken, turning pieces occasionally, for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. You may need to lower the heat slightly (to 340 degrees Fahrenheit) to ensure the chicken cooks through without burning the outside. Transfer chicken to the prepared paper towel-lined plate. 

5. For the dipping sauce, mix all ingredients until well combined. Dip hot chicken in the sauce to coat it evenly. Alternatively, serve with the sauce on the side. 

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