Southern Hospitality, Without the “Yee-Haw:” Virgin Hotels Nashville with Millennials in Travel

Nashville, TN has been on my local wander-list for a while now – and I had the good fortune to experience this electrifying city with Millennials in Travel, and the even better fortune to stay at the captivating Virgin Hotels Nashville in the heart of Music City’s Music Row.

The energy of Nashville is so well captured at Virgin Hotel’s newest property, having just opened in July of 2020. The moment you walk through the main entrance, following the plush red carpet to the Front Desk, be sure to look up at one of the most unique pieces of art – a band of deconstructed instruments that look as if they’re falling towards you. The subtle but highly influenced nods to “Music City” can be found throughout the property, most notably in their subterranean speakeasy; you haven’t heard of it because you’re not a famous musician – hate to break it to you. But the chances of you rubbing shoulders with one in an elevator are high!

Virgin Hotels profound focus on comfort with optimal functionality is obvious in their “chambers” – branding on point. Every few feet there is an outlet and USB port to ensure you are always charged. The charming décor, SmartTV, vanity table with chair and unique coffee set up all had me feeling like a VIP.

The hardest decision I had to make during my stay… did I want to have a cocktail on the rooftop or on their spacious outdoor terrace off the Lobby at Commons Club? Spoiler alert: I did both! The Pool Club on the roof offers incredible views of Downtown Nashville and the pool is certainly the place to be seen. Highly recommend reserving a cabana for some guaranteed shade and drink service, but there is not a bad seat to be had. Downstairs, the plentiful and fun seating of Commons Club will make you never want to leave. Bar stool, fire pit lounge seat, or the swings… yes, enjoy a drink and swing!

The one thing that wins over my heart, no matter where I travel, the food! We had the extreme pleasure of gaining a sneak peak into The Kitchen, set to open June 1st. “Fall fork over heels” for Chef Ryan Lachaine’s globally inspired food menu, now taking reservations!

I would be remised to not mention my time spent exploring Nashville, of what I can remember… Nashville has a knack for bringing out your inner 22-year-old and I am not mad at it one bit. Street after street, from 10AM till late into the early morning, there is live music pouring out from the restaurants and bars in every direction. You may not be a dancer; you may not know the words to the songs but I guarantee you will be moving and singing right along. You’ll know you had a great time if you wake up in your chamber with a cowboy hat on! I highly recommend walking right down the street from Virgin Hotels and getting your whole entourage to hop on The Nashville Pedal Tavern, the most hysterically entertaining way to get around and see the iconic strip of Broadway.

There is – to my personal surprise – a ton of stuff to do in Nashville! In my few days, I was able to see and experience a lot and these are some of my top recommendations:

• Visit the brand-new National Museum of African American Music and learn about the origin of music from a new perspective, build a playlist and take your chance at some interactive

• Explore a more local neighborhood like The Gulch or 12South for brunch, BBQ and boutiques

• Speaking of BBQ; eat and listen to music at Martin’s BBQ just a couple blocks off of Broadway, or check out Peg Leg Porker in The Gulch, and definitely eat at Edley’s BBQ in 12South.

• Take a break from the Broadway scene at Pins Mechanical Co. where you and your friends can play classic arcade games, try Duck Pin bowling or just sip a craft beer outdoors and play some lawn games.

• Nashville doesn’t count if you didn’t get some Hattie B’s Hot Chicken, be sure to get it hot!

• A little off the normal path but highly recommended; have a few drinks in Printer’s Alley.

• Finally, you’ll probably want to sweat some of those carbs off; enjoy a great stroll through Cumberland Park with views of the Cumberland River, Downtown Nashville’s skyline and Nissan Stadium home to the Tennessee Titans.

Many thanks to our guest blogger, Abby Estevez, for sharing this post! Abby is an MIT Member and Travel Advisor at Spear Travel Group who participated in this FAM.