When you see this iconic signage, you’re in the right place. | Photo by jcbonbon via Flickr
There’s a lot of chatter in our city about “new Nashville” versus “old Nashville” — where to find them, how they mingle, and when they clash.
In an era of new development and growth, we’re here to present two options for activities in Nashville: one that’s been around for decades and another that’s newer on the scene or coming soon.
Have a sweet treat
Old — Elliston Place Soda Shop began in 1923 when then 23-year-old Lynn Chandler bought the soda fountain side of the Elliston Pharmacy business. Pair your milkshake, float, or soda with a Nashville staple meat-and-three.
New — It may have opened in the fall of 2023, but Lucky Rabbit Candy Shop offers some nostalgia of its own with candies you might remember from your childhood. Think: Razzles, Sugar Daddy pops, and Dots.
An outside view of what’s to come to Nashville Yards.
Watch a flick
Old — The Belcourt Theatre first began its legacy showing silent films as the Hillsboro Theater in 1925. Today, the theater focuses on “independent, documentary, world, repertory + classic cinema,” and you might be drawn to its Weekend Classics offering.
New — Later this year, a luxury 12-screen dine-in movie theater will open at the Nashville Yards development. This is just one of several entertainment components slated for the space, which also includes eight lanes of bowling, a gaming center, VR experience, and gravity ropes.
There’s a reason everyone calls this historic venue the Mother Church. | Photo via Canva
Listen to live music
Old — In its over 130-year history, Ryman Auditorium hosted the Grand Ole Opry for 31 years, was named the “birthplace of bluegrass,” and features original pews from when the venue first opened as a church.
New — The Cannery was booking live bands in the 1980s, but many might remember the venue’s time as Cannery Ballroom, Mercy Lounge, and The High Watt. After the trio closed in spring 2022, a new legacy was born when the building at 1 Cannery Row reopened as Cannery Hall at the beginning of 2024.
Karen Swallow Prior Book Signing | Wednesday, July 17 | 6-8 p.m. | Landmark Booksellers, 114 E. Main St., Franklin | Free | The author leads a discussion about the impact of reading on our lives, followed by a Q+A and book signing.
Sky Watch | Wednesday, July 17 | 8-9 p.m. | Mill Ridge Park, 12965 Old Hickory Blvd. | Free | The park will provide telescopes, binoculars, and constellation charts, as well as space-themed treats.
Thursday, July 18
Kindling Arts Festival | Thursday, July 18-Sunday, July 21 | Times vary | Locations vary | $20+ | The 7th annual event returns to seven West Nashville venues with contemporary dance, devised theater, immersive parties, and more.
Friday, July 19
Electrek American Solar Challenge | Friday, July 19-Saturday, July 20 | Times vary | Adventure Science Center, 800 Fort Negley Blvd. | Free | See solar cars up-close on Friday, then return the following morning to watch the cars set out on a cross-country race.
Saturday, July 20
Cornelia Airpark Concerts | Saturday, July 20 | 5:30-9 p.m. | Cornelia Fort Airpark, 1199 Shadow Ln. | $25 | Watch People on the Porch take the stage with support from South for Winter and Mason Marcus Turner.
Sunday, July 21
Andean Bear Day | Sunday, July 21 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Nashville Zoo, 3777 Nolensville Pk. | Cost of admission | Stop by Expedition Peru for activities, crafts, and more as you learn all about the zoo’s Andean bears.
Daddy’s Dog founder Sean Porter has a new concept in the works. He requested a permit at 2913 A Gallatin Pk. — next door to Tiger Bar — for Gramp’s Garage. Stay tuned for the bar’s opening date and more details. (Nashville Post)
Coming Soon
Following a pop-up last October, Rivian will make its Nashville presence permanent with the opening of its new location in the Gulch on Friday, July 26 — 905 Gleaves St. This will allow the electric vehicle maker an opportunity to schedule demo drives of its SUV and truck models + place vehicle reservations.
Health
Three Nashville hospitals took home top spots statewide on US News & World Report’s best hospitals ranking. Vanderbilt University Medical Center (No.1), Ascension Saint Thomas (No. 6), and TriStar Centennial Medical Center (No. 8) made it in Tennessee’s top 10. Review the full report.
Festival
The Nashville Film Festival shared a sneak peek of six feature films selected for its 55th annual event, including “Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story,” “Bob Trevino Likes It,” and “Boys Go To Jupiter.” The full slate of 150 films will be announced in August before the festival’s run date — Sept. 19-25.
Concert
You’ve “HOT TO GO!” Chappell Roan will bring the “Midwest Princess” tour to Franklin’s FirstBank Amphitheater on Tuesday, Oct. 1. Tickets go on sale Friday, July 19 at 10 a.m.
Drink Up
Drink Up Week — a celebration of our city’s vibrant beverage culture — is coming up quickly from Monday, July 22 to Friday, July 26. We asked local businesses to join the fun by sharing drink deals; check out this map of promos that are poppin’ just for the occasion.
Seasonal
Sleigh bells ring, are you listening? It’s Christmas in July, and we’re celebrating by gifting new and returning advertisers with special promotions to get your message in front of our readers. Get in touch to learn more (read: open your present).
Do you move through Midtown? Keep reading. | Photo via Canva
Walk, pedal, or roll to Centennial Sportsplex tomorrow, July 18 for an opportunity to voice your feedback about Nashville’s multimodal transportation projects — in other words, projects that concern public transportation, rail and waterways, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic.
NDOT is hosting the Midtown Road-eo Festival in the ADA room from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. to discuss transportation-related issues, including the Choose How You Move program. Two Midtown-focused projects, the Church Street Bikeway and Athena Bikeways, will be of primary focus:
Church Street Bikeway | Included in the Connect Downtown plan, stretching from Downtown to Midtown via Church Street and Elliston Place, and seeking to increase pedestrian and bicyclist safety
Athena Bikeways | Covers the addition of bicycle facilities, complete street improvements connecting multiple Midtown streets, and considers an ADA-compliant multi-use trail across the northwest corner of Centennial Park
A. If it works with my schedule, I’m there B. Typically only if it covers an area in which I travel C. I prefer virtual opportunities D. Rarely to never
One more poll, please. Tag your favorite food truck over on our Instagram post. Your response could be included in a future update of our food truck roundup.
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