The Gulch doesn’t sound like the most charming of places to visit in Nashville, but all you have to do is walk around the area, and you’ll realize that The Gulch is a masterpiece of how enterprising entrepreneurs can take a rundown neighborhood and turn it into a gem that resonates the sounds of Music City’s downtown rebirth.
What To Do
The Gulch is a beehive of activity for those looking for some fun. Bring a friend or a group and have fun making candles to take home at Paddywax Candle Bar. Pick your vessel and your scent, then follow a written step-by-step guide with a helpful candlemaker at the ready to answer any questions you may along the way. Candles take about 90 minutes to harden, so while you’re waiting, check out other goings on in The Gulch with its many instagrammable murals, live music venues, breweries and culinary offerings.
Nashville isn’t named the Music City for nothing, and there are several experiences in The Gulch for proof.
For starters, visit Jack White’s record label and studio, Third Man Records, for a look into the many successes of this Grammy award-winning blues/punk/country artist. His unique style, evident through the decor found throughout his studio, such as his warehouse with its hotel-like appearance, gives credence to his creativity, which started with his career as an upholsterer in Detroit before starting his White Stripes band. Behind-the-scene tours are available, as are tickets to live music events held regularly in the Blue Room, an onsite recording studio. For all kinds of info, log onto www.thirdmanrecords.com.
Feel like strumming a few chords? How about thousands upon thousands? Carter Vintage Guitars has an amazing selection of guitars for sale on consignment. It’s an unbelievable collection that includes lesser known and well-known brands, such as a signed Les Paul for around $11,000 to a very rare Les Paul for $150,000. The collection includes mostly guitars, but also mandolins and banjos and other string instruments. Prepare to be amazed. If you’re in the market for a guitar or need your guitar repaired by a luthier - that’s guitar lingo for someone who works on guitars - this is the place for it.
“All of these guitars tell a story,” said Carter’s co-founder Ben Montague. Take a look at the collection at www.cartervintage.com.
Tennessee Brew Works crosses the line between a brewery for craft beers and a restaurant for chef-driven bites. There are 20 beers brewed onsite, some with names that reflect the Volunteer State in some capacity, such as River Drifters IPA, Urban Hiker Lager and State Park Blonde Ale, the latter named for the brewery’s unique partnership with and endorsement by Tennessee State Parks. Each beer can carries the organization’s logo, making it the only beer in the state to carry the designation. Grab a six pack to go or take a seat and order off a menu filled with foods made even better by a cold mug of brew, like loaded hot chicken fries, wings, a burger or a big, fat Vienna Beef Chicago Dog. See the brews, check out the menu and while you’re there, the live music calendar as well at www.tnbrew.com.
Restaurants ’Round The Gulch
After a day of wandering around The Gulch, you’ll find yourself in need of sustenance. Here are a couple of suggestions, but there are plenty more in the neighborhood. All you have to do is open your eyes and set your hunger toward some of Nashville’s favorite eateries.
V Modern Italian treats the senses to an exciting dining experience. Exquisite murals of gods and goddesses climb the walls to soaring ceilings overhead. Granite-topped tables add a sleek look while a beautiful bar and floor-to-ceiling windows across the front bring a modern atmosphere together. But it’s when your food arrives that the beautiful rustic cuisine you expect from an Italian eatery takes over. Classic, minimalist pizzas allow the toppings to enhance rather than overwhelm the crust. Pastas are cooked to that perfect al dente stage that leaves the pasta with a bite rather than mush. V is a remarkable addition to the flavors you’ll find in The Gulch.
Or, if you’d like more laid-back experience with few frills, but unexpectedly delicious food, Arnold’s is the place to be. Hint: it’s also the place the locals go. The restaurant has been around long before the renaissance of The Gulch. Opened by Jack and Rose Arnold in 1982, the cafeteria-style restaurant serves daily specials posted on a board at the entry to the line where you pick up a tray and begin your journey down the line. There’s anywhere between four and six entrees and a slew of sides. For instance, Thursday’s offerings include country fried steak, chicken livers with rice, fried shrimp and hand-carved roast beef. Sides include fried green tomatoes, mac and cheese, creamed corn, turnip greens and pinto beans. Hungry yet? This mom-and-pop meat-and-three was featured in “Diners, Drive Ins and Dives” and picked up an award as a James Beard American Classic. It’s open for lunch only Monday through Friday and for brunch on Saturdays. In the heart of The Gulch, there is free parking available in the lot next-door, but get there early or late because at the height of the lunch hour the parking lot is full and the line is out the door.
Where to Stay
The Tennessee State Capitol is not lacking for hotels, both old and new, with many located within a convenient walk or drive or directly in The Gulch.
Among the newest is the Kimpton Aertson Hotel, an IHG property designed intentionally to appear both old and new. The rooms have concrete ceilings, scratched with graffiti for a clever industrial feel, while the comfortable bedding and upscale toiletries along with huge showers and walls of windows overlooking Vanderbilt University - if you’re on the correct side - create a modern, comfortable stay. Henley, the onsite restaurant, serves breakfast through dinner and happy hour daily from 4 to 6 p.m.
Aertson is located directly across from Vanderbilt just a stone’s throw from The Gulch.
On the other side of The Gulch and within walking distance is the Grand Sheraton, recently redone and simply beautiful and comfortable.
In The Gulch itself, you’ll find most all of the popular chains, from Marriott to Hilton. A new Ritz Carlton is in the planning stages, and Pendry Nashville is expected to open in 2027.
What To Do
The Gulch is a beehive of activity for those looking for some fun. Bring a friend or a group and have fun making candles to take home at Paddywax Candle Bar. Pick your vessel and your scent, then follow a written step-by-step guide with a helpful candlemaker at the ready to answer any questions you may along the way. Candles take about 90 minutes to harden, so while you’re waiting, check out other goings on in The Gulch with its many instagrammable murals, live music venues, breweries and culinary offerings.
Nashville isn’t named the Music City for nothing, and there are several experiences in The Gulch for proof.
For starters, visit Jack White’s record label and studio, Third Man Records, for a look into the many successes of this Grammy award-winning blues/punk/country artist. His unique style, evident through the decor found throughout his studio, such as his warehouse with its hotel-like appearance, gives credence to his creativity, which started with his career as an upholsterer in Detroit before starting his White Stripes band. Behind-the-scene tours are available, as are tickets to live music events held regularly in the Blue Room, an onsite recording studio. For all kinds of info, log onto www.thirdmanrecords.com.
Feel like strumming a few chords? How about thousands upon thousands? Carter Vintage Guitars has an amazing selection of guitars for sale on consignment. It’s an unbelievable collection that includes lesser known and well-known brands, such as a signed Les Paul for around $11,000 to a very rare Les Paul for $150,000. The collection includes mostly guitars, but also mandolins and banjos and other string instruments. Prepare to be amazed. If you’re in the market for a guitar or need your guitar repaired by a luthier - that’s guitar lingo for someone who works on guitars - this is the place for it.
“All of these guitars tell a story,” said Carter’s co-founder Ben Montague. Take a look at the collection at www.cartervintage.com.
Tennessee Brew Works crosses the line between a brewery for craft beers and a restaurant for chef-driven bites. There are 20 beers brewed onsite, some with names that reflect the Volunteer State in some capacity, such as River Drifters IPA, Urban Hiker Lager and State Park Blonde Ale, the latter named for the brewery’s unique partnership with and endorsement by Tennessee State Parks. Each beer can carries the organization’s logo, making it the only beer in the state to carry the designation. Grab a six pack to go or take a seat and order off a menu filled with foods made even better by a cold mug of brew, like loaded hot chicken fries, wings, a burger or a big, fat Vienna Beef Chicago Dog. See the brews, check out the menu and while you’re there, the live music calendar as well at www.tnbrew.com.
Restaurants ’Round The Gulch
After a day of wandering around The Gulch, you’ll find yourself in need of sustenance. Here are a couple of suggestions, but there are plenty more in the neighborhood. All you have to do is open your eyes and set your hunger toward some of Nashville’s favorite eateries.
V Modern Italian treats the senses to an exciting dining experience. Exquisite murals of gods and goddesses climb the walls to soaring ceilings overhead. Granite-topped tables add a sleek look while a beautiful bar and floor-to-ceiling windows across the front bring a modern atmosphere together. But it’s when your food arrives that the beautiful rustic cuisine you expect from an Italian eatery takes over. Classic, minimalist pizzas allow the toppings to enhance rather than overwhelm the crust. Pastas are cooked to that perfect al dente stage that leaves the pasta with a bite rather than mush. V is a remarkable addition to the flavors you’ll find in The Gulch.
Or, if you’d like more laid-back experience with few frills, but unexpectedly delicious food, Arnold’s is the place to be. Hint: it’s also the place the locals go. The restaurant has been around long before the renaissance of The Gulch. Opened by Jack and Rose Arnold in 1982, the cafeteria-style restaurant serves daily specials posted on a board at the entry to the line where you pick up a tray and begin your journey down the line. There’s anywhere between four and six entrees and a slew of sides. For instance, Thursday’s offerings include country fried steak, chicken livers with rice, fried shrimp and hand-carved roast beef. Sides include fried green tomatoes, mac and cheese, creamed corn, turnip greens and pinto beans. Hungry yet? This mom-and-pop meat-and-three was featured in “Diners, Drive Ins and Dives” and picked up an award as a James Beard American Classic. It’s open for lunch only Monday through Friday and for brunch on Saturdays. In the heart of The Gulch, there is free parking available in the lot next-door, but get there early or late because at the height of the lunch hour the parking lot is full and the line is out the door.
Where to Stay
The Tennessee State Capitol is not lacking for hotels, both old and new, with many located within a convenient walk or drive or directly in The Gulch.
Among the newest is the Kimpton Aertson Hotel, an IHG property designed intentionally to appear both old and new. The rooms have concrete ceilings, scratched with graffiti for a clever industrial feel, while the comfortable bedding and upscale toiletries along with huge showers and walls of windows overlooking Vanderbilt University - if you’re on the correct side - create a modern, comfortable stay. Henley, the onsite restaurant, serves breakfast through dinner and happy hour daily from 4 to 6 p.m.
Aertson is located directly across from Vanderbilt just a stone’s throw from The Gulch.
On the other side of The Gulch and within walking distance is the Grand Sheraton, recently redone and simply beautiful and comfortable.
In The Gulch itself, you’ll find most all of the popular chains, from Marriott to Hilton. A new Ritz Carlton is in the planning stages, and Pendry Nashville is expected to open in 2027.
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