Nashville Rhythms: A Melodic Journey Through Music City

Nashville is also known for its vibrant street-art scene, and the trendy Gulch neighborhood boasts some of the city's most Instagram-worthy murals. Here we found coffee shops, galleries and the Frist Art Museum. Located in a former U.S. Post Office building, the museum houses a fine collection of modern art.

Nashville's food scene is as diverse as its music. For breakfast, Biscuit Love served a Southern-style breakfast accompanied by mouthwatering biscuits and homemade pastries. For a lesson in community involvement, we had coffee and rolls at Humphrey Street, which helps local youths learn job skills and discipline.

Near the Ryman Theater, we found the Assembly Food Hall, located above the Fifth & Broadway complex and offering 30 artisanal eateries, nine bars, two full-service restaurants and a couple of live-performance stages.

Dicey's Pizza served up delicious Chicago-style pizza and local beer, and as an added bonus, across the street was a giant guitar, at least 25 feet long and 15 feet high, with bold lettering saying "Nashville" -- a perfect selfie spot.

We enjoyed dining at the popular Martin's BBQ Joint, with great food and an open roof. The Black Rabbit, located in an 1890s building, had a sophisticated menu and an eclectic list of drinks, including a Hot Lips Houlihan with jalapeno tequila and grapefruit juice.

Our tour of the Nashville Craft Distillery, which produces and sells its own whiskey, gin and other craft spirits, took us to the production area and educated us about the intricacies of the fermentation and distillation process. We enjoyed a tasting and left with a clear understanding of the difference between bourbon and whisky.

Nashville is a city that transcends its musical roots to offer a diverse and enriching experience for every traveler. From the Honky Tonk Highway to the many flavors of its culinary scene, Music City beckons with open arms.

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WHEN YOU GO

The Nashville Visitor Information Center is a valuable resource when planning your visit to the city. Visit them in person at Fifth Street and Broadway (across from the Bridgestone Arena) or online at www.visitmusiccity.com.

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Doug Hansen is a travel writer and photographer in Carlsbad, California. See more photos and articles at www.hansentravels.org. To read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.