Nashville is no longer a secret. In fact, it's one of the fastest-growing cities in the country.
Recently earning the moniker "Nashvegas" for its party prowess and allure to wedding groups looking for a good time (and possibly a gnarly hangover) before the ceremony, this Bible Belt staple has forced its way onto countless bucket lists.
I'm here to tell you—having spent the past 10 weeks here—that the Music City is an incredible and worthwhile destination regardless if you're just leaving home for a weekend, traveling for work or celebrating a life milestone.
World-class food, pulse-pounding live entertainment and that famous Southern hospitality are reason enough to pass through.
There's a ton more, however.
But please...please don't visit without anticipating crowds, construction and the other challenges placed upon a city whose population has more than tripled since 1960.
People move to Nashville and its surrounding suburbs every day. I don't blame them and neither will you but the city's surging popularity has put a strain on local infrastructure. Traffic will irritate you, parking can be a pain (consider using a ride-share service) and your patience will be tested.
But it's worth it.
The city's iconic Broadway stretch is comparable to the Las Vegas Strip just minus the dry desert air and misters. Legends came of age in this town and the aura is palpable, especially in the city's booming honky-tonks and walkable Music Row area.
Busy Broadway in Downtown Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo Credit: Kim Banocy)
As Europe's top destinations look for solutions to combat over-tourism, I compel my fellow travelers to not give up on these can't-miss cities. It's true that Nashville is buzzing with tourists but it's also never been better.
The Tennessee capital is hosting marquee events left and right these days. From annual festivities like CMA Fest to record-smashing three-day Taylor Swift concerts and NASCAR and IndyCar races, Nashville refuses to turn down an opportunity to party.
Nashville is ready for you.
It might be less crowded one day but it'll never be better than it is today.
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