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Nonstop Love: Nash in a Flash

Ana
Employee
Employee

Nashville

Beginning October 13, Dallas Love Field is FREE!  The restrictions of the Wright Amendment will be gone, ushering in nonstop destinations that span from coast to coast.  Southwest has been counting down the years and weeks (literally—we have a billboard at the Love Field entrance and a countdown clock in our Headquarters lobby) until we can say, “Goodbye, Wright Amendment. Hello, America!"   We are excited to begin this new era by serving five new nonstop destinations on October 13, followed by ten additional new nonstop destinations on November 2.  The addition of these 15 new nonstop destinations will bring Southwest to a total of 31 nonstop destinations from Love Field. In anticipation of this momentous event, each week we will take a look at one of the cities that North Texas Customers will be able to soon visit nonstop on Southwest.  Each post is written by a Southwest Employee who is affiliated with the city and can give an insider’s view of what to see and do while visiting.  Enjoy!nash1 In Nashville, there is a saying: “It all begins with a song.”  The lyrics to my Nashville story began ten years ago when my Southwest career landed me in Music City to join the District Marketing Team.   My love affair with this city began on day one.  It has a certain unique charm, an amazingly creative and collaborative community, a small town feel with all the big city amenities, beautiful rolling hills, and some of the nicest people I’ve ever met.  It’s a great place to call home. In terms of daily departures, Nashville has 82 nonstop flights a day to 31 cities, soon to be 32 cities when the nonstop service to Dallas Love Field begins on November 2!  Upon landing at Nashville International Airport, you will immediately know you are in Music City as live music can be heard on any of the four stages throughout the terminal.  When visiting Nashville, you'll certainly have your choice from a long list of great places to visit, restaurants to try, and music to listen to during your visit, but below are some of my favorite must-see spots while in town. Your Nashville to-do list: To Eat:
  • Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream:   If you are a fan of ice cream, you must swing by either the East Nashville or 12 South location of this splendidly scrumptious shop for a scoop or two!  Self proclaimed ice cream explorers, Jeni and her team set out 13 years ago to make ice creams that you would fall madly in love with from the first taste.  I must say I’ve fallen in love with so many flavors at Jeni’s, but my all-time favorites are Brambleberry Crisp and The Buckeye State.   Another bonus for Jeni’s team is the fact that they are super friendly and don’t mind if you ask to sample every flavor on the menu.  Now, the long line of folks behind you might mind, but just take your time and savor the taste test of the flavors that tickle your fancy.   I think the ice cream smile on Ella Kate, my three year old niece, sums up anyone’s visit to Jeni’s:  happy!nash2
  • Arnold’s:  Jack Arnold opened up the Southern Meat & 3 in the early ‘80s after working his entire life in the restaurant industry.   Only open for four hours Monday through Friday, Arnold’s serves up delicious Southern dishes, all from scratch.  You won’t find better fried chicken, meatloaf, creamed corn, turnip greens, or mac and cheese anywhere!  Oh, and make sure to save room for dessert.   Pecan pie and banana pudding are my favorites.  Simply delish!
To Do:
  • Grand Ole Opry:  It’s the show that made country music famous, folks!  During my ten years in Nashville, I’ve seen new stars, superstars, and legends on the stage of the Opry—no two shows are ever the same.  I think that is one of the special things that happens each night at the Opry.  Another super cool thing I’ve experienced is backstage at the Opry.  From hearing stories about the Opry to seeing the uniquely designed artist dressing rooms to even a seeing a star or two, it all happens backstage.  Opry Member Garth Brooks said it best: “No offense to the people sitting in the seats, but the real show is backstage.”  If you make it to the Opry, be sure to make a little extra time for the backstage tour!
  • NashTrash Tour:  If you like to laugh, a stop on The Jugg Sisters big pink bus is a must during your visit.   This is one-of-a-kind country musical-comedy extravaganza!  Hop on at the Farmer’s Market for a spin around the city with Sheri Lynn and Brenda Kay.  They’ll dish the dirt on your favorite polyester, double-knit, sequined country music legends. You'll ride past storied institutions like the Ryman Auditorium, have a little stop for souvenirs (and maybe a beverage refill) at the Country Music Hall of Fame, then take a quick spin on legendary Music Row before returning to the Market.   Don’t forget to book your reservations because this pink bus fills up fast!nash3
To See:
  • Let Freedom Sing:   Independence Day in Music City is spectacular.   Enjoy free live music in the heart of the city built on music and when the sun goes down, see some one of the most incredible firework shows in the country.
  • Neighborhood Shops:   From fashion boutiques to records shops, the many diverse neighborhoods have something for everyone.   Check out Hatch Show Print in SOBRO (South of Broadway), Two Old Hippies in The Gulch, Savant Vintage and MODA Boutique in 12 South, The Cupcake Collection in Germantown, Hey Rooster General Store and Fanny’s House of Music in East Nashville, and  Bookman Bookwoman in Hillsboro Village.
My City Secret:
  • Music: It’s not really a secret that you can hear all types of music in this city.  You name it, we got it!  BUT, did you know that Nashville has more than 120 live music venues around town.  Just look for the guitar pick-shaped sign stands outside the venue and venture on in for some amazing music!