Gay Friendly Nashville

Music is the very heart of Nashville - whether you be gay or straight. Long recognized as the world’s capital of country music, the flip side of Music City boasts sounds of pop, rock, bluegrass, jazz, classical, blues and soul. The creative vibe and personalities that music has brought to Nashville has made it a top gay-friendly vacation destination. While Church Street and the neighborhood of East Nashville have a more concentrated cluster of gay nightlife, the entire city has a welcoming, come-as-you-are mentality that makes everyone feel right at home.

Nashville has always nurtured the arts and the city boasts a real pull for creative minds. Because of this - there is a stronger gay community than you might expect in a Southern city of this size. Nashville has its own GLBT Chamber of Commerce and one of the largest gay and lesbian bookstores in the South. You’ll find Nashville to be a friendly, dynamic community, supported by rhythm tracks of culture and history that make it uniquely and authentically “Music City.”


Where to Stay in Gay Friendly Nashville:

If you want to be near the city’s numerous attractions and nightlife look to stay at a downtown or West End hotel. From funky, boutique hotels to the state’s only 5-Star, 5-Diamond hotel there are plenty of conveniently located options that will work for anyone’s budget.


What to Do in Gay Friendly Nashville:

There are very few cities in the world with names that are instantly recognizable. Nashville is one of those places. Whether it’s a young singer with a guitar slung across his shoulder, music ringing from the rafters of the historic Ryman Auditorium, the sultry sway of a lone sax in a dimly lit supper club or the high-energy pyrotechnics that accompany performances by today’s hottest stars, most everyone thinks entertainment when they hear Music City.

There is no end of ways to fill your time in Music City. Of course, every first timer must check out the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Even those who don’t love country music will find themselves singing along and recognizing names and faces of those that paved the way for country and American music. A tour of the Ryman Auditorium and a show at the Grand Ole Opry, the world’s longest running radio show, will appease every visitors desire to see the heart and soul of country music. Also be sure to head over to Green Hills, an upscale Nashville neighborhood known for great shopping, and check out the Bluebird Café, Nashville’s legendary hotspot where patrons can enjoy songwriters performing original material in an intimate “in the round setting.”

There is, however, a flip side of Nashville’s music scene that may surprise you. For example the $123 million Schermerhorn Symphony Center, inspired by the greatest concert halls in the world, is home of the Grammy-winning Nashville Symphony.

Nashville has also become a hub for pop, rock, bluegrass, jazz, classical, contemporary Christian, blues and soul music. Artists like Matchbox Twenty, India Arie, Bon Jovi and Jewel, among many others, have come to Music City to write and record. Names like Michael McDonald, Donna Summer, Sheryl Crow, Ben Folds, Kid Rock and Jack White have chosen to call Nashville home. Check out live music any night of the week at great rock venues like Exit/In, Mercy Lounge, The Rutledge and The Basement.

Art and history also take center stage in Music City. The Parthenon, an exact replica of the Greek Parthenon, stands proudly in the middle of Centennial Park. The Frist Center for the Visual Arts, as well as several other downtown art galleries has put Nashville on the map for art lovers. History buffs can enjoy The Hermitage - Home of President Andrew Jackson, Belle Meade Plantation and Belmont Mansion to name a few.

There are many areas of town to explore while visiting Nashville. Each neighborhood has its own personality, projecting the nature of the people who frequent them. Some are quiet and reserved while others are hip and boisterous. They all suit their surroundings and welcome all walks of life.

East Nashville is home to several historic neighborhoods that are finding themselves in the midst of a renaissance. Over the years, East Nashville has developed an eclectic and creative vibe that has attracted many musicians and artists to the neighborhood. Mingle with the patrons of the local hangouts and you’re bound to meet more than a few musicians and songwriters. Several art galleries have flourished in the area and even the local coffeehouses double as art galleries. Visitors and locals alike are increasingly finding themselves crossing the river to sample the varied eating and nightlife venues available in East Nashville. Whether you're in the mood for great music or incredible food, you can find them all just east of downtown.

Hillsboro Village is a collection of shops, boutiques and restaurants perfect for a day's stroll. A four-block radius with all the makings of its own village, this quaint Nashville neighborhood has rejuvenated the Nashville community and attracted young professionals - gay and straight - for living and playing.

One of Nashville’s newest neighborhoods, 12 South is the up-and-coming place to eat, shop and socialize. You can grab coffee, stroll through arts stores and pick up finds at boutique shops and upscale consignment stores and grab a bite to eat all in the course of an afternoon on foot.

Of course a trip to Music City would not be complete without indulging in some good eatin’! Nashville is known for its home style country cooking and meat-and-threes where you pick one meat and three vegetables. If soul food is what you crave it will not be hard to find. However, Nashville is also home to many award-winning chefs and hip, funky restaurants that offer an exquisite dining experience. Pick a favorite spot - sit down, relax and enjoy - this is what gay friendly Nashville is all about!


- Nashville CVB

Gay Nightlife in Nashville - Gay Bars & Clubs

The gay nightlife in Nashville is primarily concentrated in a few blocks on Church Street. Blue Gene’s has the laid-back, neighborhood bar feel that draws a mixed crowd of men and also women and tends to be most popular early in the evening. A few doors down, Tribe is one of the most popular gay bars in town. This hip spot has an open air deck, good-sized dance floor and a great lounge area with plenty of comfy chairs. Attached to Tribe is Suzy Wong’s House of Yum. Set in dark, purpled tones with rosy-red up-lighting, the restaurant serves both lunch and dinner offering small plate and bowl options as well as exotic cocktails. For a more high-energy atmosphere amble, next door to Play, a huge dance club that brings in massive crowds on the weekends.

Over in East Nashville, Lipstick Lounge, a lively lesbian bar, features a dance floor and live music as well as an upstairs lounge with darts and video games. Across the street Mad Donna’s restaurant and lounge offers an eclectic menu, creative drinks and live music, not to mention drag bingo every Tuesday night!

If you’re more in the mood for a laid back, casual night out head to South Nashville where you will find a handful of neighborhood bars with a ‘come as you are’ feel. Trax, an unpretentious dive bar has a great jukebox, pool and darts and, most importantly, cheap drinks. Stirrup features a game room, a large private deck and is open 365 days a year. Purple Heys’ casual and relaxed atmosphere attracts many regulars more interested in casual fun than the nightclub scene.

Gay or straight, Nashville’s honky tonks along Lower Broadway are a required experience. Places like Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, Legends Corner and Robert’s Western World have live music every day from 10 am until 2 am with no cover charge.

As a city known for its music, arts and culture it is no wonder Nashville has gained the reputation as one of the most progressive, gay-friendly cities in the South. Come experience it for yourself and discover why ‘Music Calls Us Home.’

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