NASCAR takes on Nashville, USA
This past season for the first time, NASCAR moved their annual awards banquet to Nashville, Tennessee to commemorate the championship winning team. The city of Nashville and NASCAR couldn’t be a better marriage, and our sport was welcomed with open arms by Music City, USA for nearly a week of celebrations. I have an affinity for the town, after first visiting there when I was just 20-years-old to audition for a singing show on CMT. Side note: going to Nashville when you aren’t 21-years of age is a terrible idea, for a variety of reasons. Fortunately, I’m of age now, and can experience the city to its fullest potential. Below are my best choices on where to stay, visit, and dine while touring one of America’s greatest cities.
where to stay:
This past visit was my first time booking one of Stay Minty’s properties — and it was one of the best decisions I could have made! We had a group of friends come down for the Nashville experience and we all stayed in the same unit together: a three-story townhome that included a rooftop terrace with four bedrooms, living space, kitchen, and attached garage. The whole home had the ability to sleep TWENTY FOUR people. We had more than enough space, but each room was unique with Nashville and music-themed decor, and modern amenities in the bedrooms, kitchen, and bathrooms. The photos speak for themselves… this place was dope! These units are perfect for bachelor/bachelorette parties and larger trips with friends. Given the amount of space you have, it makes perfect sense for a group, and splitting the cost makes it even more financially beneficial. If you’re interested in a stay, you can use my code: kaitlyn10 for 10% off a stay at one of the many Stay Minty properties ranging from Nashville, Brentwood, or Sevierville, TN, Palm Springs, CA, or Orlando, FL. Their motto is vacation rentals reinvented, and that is an accurate way to describe their properties! See below.
what to see:
There is a tremendous amount of sites to be seen in Nashville, but a few of my favorites are listed below. All of them provide a unique experience, and many of them are centered around the music industry and history, which I think is one of the main reasons you come to this great city. After all, it is the country music mecca of America! All locales are linked to their websites for easy navigating.
— shops, music, bars on Broadway
where to dine:
Fortunately for me, I have some very close friends who are Nashville residents, and over the years they have introduced me to some fantastic places to eat in this foodie town. My absolute favorite is Pinewood Social, not just for their decadent brunch menu, but also their craft coffees and cocktails, plus an atmosphere that boasts a bowling alley, lounging areas, and center bar. Must have meals include the Avocado Toast, Lobster Roll, and Croquet Madame. Next up is for sushi lovers: Virago. Virago’s new space on M Street is the perfect blend of sushi and Asian cuisine. Intimate booths in an edgy setting are an ideal backdrop for must have choices of lobster shots with red curry, white dragon rolls, pork belly dumplings, and Japanese sake. For a choice on the busy street of Broadway downtown, one of my go-to’s over the years has been Merchants. Their upstairs dining area is eclectic and quaint, with a wide range of wine selections and refined dishes that can’t be missed including the salmon oscar with lump crab meat, flat iron steak, and tuna tartare.
Craft cocktails at Virago 
Avocado Toast at Pinewood Social 
Salmon Oscar from Merchants
final verse…
No matter where you go in Nashville, there is something that will appeal to everyone’s interests from music venues, lively bars, unique cuisine and one-of-a-kind museums. Nashville: a city steeped in rich music history and flavors of the South…. not to be missed!
2019 NASCAR Cup Series Awards 
Red-carpet hosting alongside NASCAR on FOX colleague, Michael Waltrip 
The Champions! Kyle and Samantha Busch on the red-carpet.