Nashville

Nashville a liberal enclave of the bible belt of Texas.

City Overview

Nashville is the state capital of and most populated city in Tennessee.

Named for Francis Nash, a general of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, the city was founded in 1779.

More liberal than the other cities in the Deep South (with the possible exception of Austin, Texas), Nashville lies firmly at the centre of LGBTQ lifestyles across the region.

Gay-friendly citywide, Nashville sees cowboys, country singers, hipsters, gays and artists all living, working and playing in harmony. That being said, Nashville’s relationship with gay culture is complicated by religion, and the Christian church that still holds some sway here.

However, the religious types in Nashville are typically quite progressive and the number of explicitly gay-friendly churches in the city is evidence of there acceptance\tolerance of the LGBTQ community.

Along with East Nashville, Church Street is commonly known as "the centre of gay life in Nashville." 2nd/4th Avenues are also considered LGBT friendly parts of Nashville

Getting Around

It’s possible to get around Nashville on public transportation using the WeGo bus system. Bus service runs through downtown and parts of the city, but it is not a quick way of getting around for most tourists but very economical.

You can see most major Nashville sites in downtown, especially near Broadway, on a variety of tourist vehicles including pedicabs, pedal taverns, and trolleys. Tourist trolleys will allow you to get off and explore most destinations. Tourist trolleys can be a bit pricey, but they’re an easy way to see many of Nashville’s biggest attractions.

Airport Transfer

Nashville International Airport is located about 13 km East of downtown Nashville It takes at least 15 minutes to reach downtown Nashville from the airport and may take 30 to 40 minutes during rush hour.

To get from Nashville International Airport (BNA) you can also take an airport shuttle, a public bus (route 18) or a taxi. Ride-hailing apps, such as Uber and Lyft operate in Nashville.

Bus Line 18 runs from the airport to the central bus station in downtown Nashville. Take the bus to the very last stop on the route. From there, you can transfer to other bus lines serving the metropolitan Nashville area.

The WeGo Public Transit provides hourly service between airport and downtown seven days a week.

Places to stay

Downtown is Nashville’s economic and tourism hub, as well as the geographic centre. This is where you’ll find the honky-tonks, belting out Western swing music at almost any hour of the day. Downtown is home to high-end hotels, restaurants, and the enviable views of the Cumberland River.

East Nashville has a love-hate relationship with the “hip” moniker it has earned over the years thanks to its high concentration of creative folks. This large neighbourhood just east of Downtown is home to stylish vintage boutiques and purveyors of handcrafted goods, not to mention many of the tastiest chef-owned restaurants and the best tiny watering holes.

Bars, Cafes, Clubs & Parties

Along with East Nashville, Church Street which is commonly known as "the centre of gay life in Nashville." The 2nd\4th Avenues are also considered LGBTQ friendly parts of Nashville.

The traditional music associated with Nashville is the honky-tonk, country music, rock ‘n’ roll and blues but there are gay clubs where the tunes heard on dancefloor is Britney and Cher.

Due to the country and western vibe of Nashville, the bars and clubs have a refreshingly laidback atmosphere, allowing for casual drinks and socialising.

The city attracts guys from out of town that flocks to the intriguing mix of gay venues, dive bars, rainbow country bars and fabulous queer raves.

Most of the clubs in Nashville are attitude free with a lean toward “have a drink and good time” where you can actually grab a casual beer, strike up a conversation with others and make new friends!

Clubs get going after 11 pm on weekends, but during the week, most bars organize fun events to tempt you.

Suzy Wong’s House of Yum is a gay-friendly restaurant-cum-performance venue dedicated to some incredible Asian food and drag. Suzy Wong’s offers creative cocktails, alternative music and sexy shows. Come for Drag’n Brunch on the weekends or Drag ‘n’ Dinner on Fridays and Saturdays for a meal and great show.

Play Nightclub is one of the best gay clubs in Nashville offering pumping music, a crowded dancefloor and some of the sexiest bartenders in town. Play Nightclub always has something going on, including drag shows, celebrity sets and porn star features. The normal clientele is mostly male and mainly shirtless but Thursday is ladies’ night more mixed as a result.

Canvas is a bar for socialising especially in the summer when it becomes an open-air venue. Grab a seat during happy hour and chill with friends in bar amidst Pop Art, LGBTQ themed décor and eclectic music.

Tribe is a fun gay bar with plenty of dancing, drag shows, music vibes and bright lights. The atmosphere has a country barn\warehouse-type vibe.

Pecker’s Bar & Grill has an upscale vibe serving delicious food. Pecker’s offers country line dancing, drag shows, game nights, music from local artists and karaoke.

Saunas

Sadly, anyone looking for some steamy fun in Nashville, there is no gay sauna. Where all the closeted politicians and lawmakers living in or visiting Nashville go is anyone’s guess. This might be a great business opportunity to open a new gay sauna in Nashville, Tennessee!

Main LGBT Events

Nashville Pride is the main LGBTQ event in the calendar. A week-long party celebrates the role of the LGBTQ community in Nashville.

Held annually in June, the highlight is the massive street festival, a vibrant parade plus all the club parties.

Today the parades focus is mostly about celebrating everything queer but there is a strong focus on the political roots of Nashville Pride.

Other

Currency – United States Dollar (USD)

Language – English

Visas – Most visitors from Europe do not need a visa. ESTA permits citizens of 40 countries to enter the US without a visa.

Best Time To Visit – March - November

Timezone – Varies per state. Check per destination.

Homosexual Activity – Legal but attitudes vary per state