what to know before you go to Nashville and how to be a better Visitor

This is a post to help tourist know how to have a good experience and how not be the thorn in the side of residents of this town. This is not going to be a go here eat this kind of post there's too many of those going around. This will be a good guide of the ins and out of what you need to know.

I get my information from my many visits there and podcasts by people who live there.

First things first. Staying on or near Broadway is not necessary. If you stay on Broadway or near it, you will be paying a lot more per night. Also the homeless tend to hang around those hotels and the bars. They have shuttles that are $10 round trip to and from hotels. If you insist on staying on or near Broadway stay on the off season to save money. I would say from November to February would be the off Season.

While we on the topic of money, bring cash or have the ability to get money from the ATM. This way you can tip the band, pay for the shuttle and other things you may get yourself into. Now there is some places that are card only like friends in low places on Broadway. So, it's a good idea to have both.

Also on the topic of tipping. Tip the bands if you like what you hear because they live on tips. It doesn't have to be a lot if you don't have it. There are some songs that $100 s0ngs. "Free bird" and "Devil went down to Georgia" are the 2 main songs that cost $100. This doesn't mean one person has to pony up the whole amount that could just mean that everybody will work together to get that money goal. They do this to keep people from yelling free bird 100 times a night. Now not all bands will do this but a lot will. Please don't argue with me on it because I have seen it and it was even talked about on the Nashville for nobodies podcast (episode clique city).

Do not be jerks to anyone in this town, or any town for that matter. Especially the bar staff, hotel staff and shuttle drivers. This can also go for rushing the bands when they are trying to set up. You will not get what you want out of this town if you are rude.

Do not stalk or bother celebrities here. If you have to MAYBE wave but otherwise leave them alone. A lot of celebrities use this a safe haven where they don't want to be bothered.

Let's talk about drinking. Dangerous things can happen when you're too drunk. If you are a light weight or can't hold your alcohol, don't drink. Don't be so drunk that you pee or throw up outside. Don't get so drunk that you aren't aware of your surroundings. If you are an angry/confrontational drunk don't get drunk. Also if you are miserable to be around or are rude while drunk don't get drunk.

Also with drinking please be aware of your drink. If you are alone and need to go to the bathroom either finish the drink or ask the bartender if there's something they can do with it (if it's not too busy).

Also if you on a shuttle or bus and you see someone coming down the aisle move you arm so you won't get hit. I have run into so many people with my body because they didn't move yes it was an accident, but it could be avoided.

This one is so important I will put it in all capitals. GET AND STAY OUT OF PEOPLE'S WAY. If you're in a bar people will have to get around you to get to the bathroom, or tables or to get out of the bar. One of the first time I went out to Nashville there was a guy and a woman who started to dance in a narrow part of the bar. Don't do that if you want to dance go to the bars that have space to dance especially if you want to dance with a partner.

When outside of the bar get out of the middle of the walkway. This past time I had so many groups get in my way. Go to either side of the sidewalk. You would think this was common sense but it's not apparently.

Not everything is on Broadway one of my favorite bars is off Broadway (scoreboard). There is the opry house where grand ole opry plays sometimes. There's also hiking and other outside activities. Also, there is hat making.

If you have any other tips let me know and I can do a part 2 or edit this one.

Be a good tourist!