Charleston’s palm trees will give you a warm welcome. | Photo by CHStoday
Airbnb recently released its 2026 travel predictions, forecasting what kinds of trips people will prioritize this year. We’ve paired each prediction with trip ideas that are easy to pull off from Music City, along with a few pro tips for each destination.
🏖️ Going solo
The predicted trend: Solo travel heats up, with independent voyagers “uncovering the next wave of up-and-coming hotspots”
Our recommendation: Charleston. Whether you fly nonstop from BNA or make a longer drive, this South Carolina city works well for solo travelers thanks to walkable neighborhoods and built-in beach breaks — just ask our friends at CHStoday.
⚽ Tourism travel
The predicted trend: Trips coinciding with major cultural, sporting, and music events like the FIFA World Cup + Coachella
Our recommendation: Atlanta. Not only is the city hosting FIFA World Cup matches in June and July, you can build out the trip itinerary with an Atlanta Braves game, Michelin-recognized dining, and local museum stops.
Indoor golf and entertainment venue Five Iron Golf opened its first Nashville location on the ground level of Aertson Midtown. The 14,500-sqft space includes 11 Trackman simulators with 300+ virtual courses, league play, and a bar area with food.
Closed
Pastaria closed up shop in OneC1TY after nine years of service. The restaurant from James Beard Award-winning chef Gerard Craft still has a St. Louis location, in case you’re ever up that way and thinking about its pasta + wood-fired pizza. (Nashville Scene)
Eat
Sadly, that’s not the only closure to note. 404 Kitchen and Gertie’s Whiskey Bar permanently closed in the Gulch, according to a statement shared on the restaurant’s reservation platform. The eatery opened in 2013 and expanded to a larger space in 2017.
Plan Ahead
“Star Wars” Night, Barbie Game Day, and $1 hot dogs at Wednesday home matches. Those are just a few of the theme nights planned for the 2026 Nashville SC season. Keep those in mind when single-game tickets go on sale tomorrow, Jan. 8 at 10 a.m.
Today Is
National Bobblehead Day — and what better time to celebrate the Nashville Sounds’ Rick Sweet Bobble’stache, which was just named the top promotional item across the Milwaukee Brewers’ minor league affiliates in 2025. In case you’re wondering, Opening Day at First Horizon Park is 83 days away.
Nashvillian
Vince Gill is such a fan of Brown’s Diner, he named his new EP after it. “Brown’s Diner Bar,” out this Friday, includes a title track inspired by his first cheeseburger at the beloved Nashville joint back in the mid-70s. (Music Row)
Sports
Catch Belmont Women’s Basketball at the Curb Event Center this weekend. Two key Missouri Valley Conference matchups are happening: Friday, Jan. 9 vs. Drake + Sunday, Jan. 11 vs. Northern Iowa. Tickets start at $15, don’t miss the action — it’s Bruin Time.*
Biz
Kickstart the new year by expanding your business’s reach. Our business promo portal puts your message in front of our thousands of highly engaged local subscribers in as little as two days. Plus, first-time customers save 15% with code NEW15 at checkout. Get started.
Health
Did you find yourself straining to hear during holiday gatherings? Make 2026 a year of better hearing with Horizon IX. This revolutionary hearing aid delivers natural sound so real, experts are calling it a miracle. Dual processors separate speech from noise for effortless clarity so you won’t miss a single word. Start your 45-day no-risk trial.*
Wellness
Interested in a THC or CBD journey in 2026? Women-owned and operated brand TribeTokes is offering 15% off with code DRYJAN15, plus a free CBD/CBG tincture when you spend $40. Try pineapple THC gummies or mini THCA prerolls for some California sober fun during dry January.†*
You may remember reading about Slow Burn Bookshop in our roundup of mobile bookstores. Now, the romance bookstore is opening a brick-and-mortar location in East Nashville. Check out the grand opening schedule (Jan. 10-11) for author signings.
Are you resolving to drink more water this year? Set yourself up for success with a sleek, insulated water bottle that keeps liquids chilled for up to 24 hours. Bonus: It’s dishwasher safe.
I have one more, slightly niche Atlanta travel recommendation for y’all: the Center for Puppetry Arts. It offers a behind-the-scenes look at iconic puppets and the artistry that brings them to life — Kermit the Frog included.
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