I first heard about Nashville from a reference to the Grand Ole Opry in the television show, The Office. As a non-American, the joke went over my head. But after doing some research, not only did I get the joke, I also became fascinated by the city. Nashville quickly landed on my travel bucket list, and I couldn’t wait to experience it for myself. In fact, I’m planning to travel to the United States in 2026 (not just because of Nashville, but also because the next World Cup will be in the US)! Whether you’re planning your first visit or a return trip, these 7 facts about Nashville highlight why it deserves your attention. 7 Fun Facts About Nashville Nashville was founded as Fort Nashborough in 1779 Grand Ole Opry is the world’s longest-running radio show Nashville is known as ‘Music City’ for its contributions to country music Adultery and revenge in Nashville led to the creation of hot chicken The Hermitage was President Andrew Jackson’s home Nashville’s Belle Meade Plantation produced the first American-bred horse to win the English Derby Maxwell House Coffee was founded in Nashville
1. Nashville was founded as Fort Nashborough in 1779 Nashville was founded as Fort Nashborough by James Robertson, John Donelson and their crew in 1779 as a fortified settlement along the Cumberland River to protect settlers from Native American attacks after the American Revolution. The fort was an effective route for trade and communication with easy access to natural resources. From this settlement sprang Nashville.
2. Grand Ole Opry is the world’s longest-running radio show WSM became the first commercial radio station in the U.S. to receive an FM license in 1941. They launched a country music showcase called “WSM Barn Dance” on November 28, 1925, in Nashville, Tennessee. WSM announcer David Cobb used the platform to call Nashville “Music City,” a title that has remained ever since. The show was renamed Grand Ole Opry by its founder George D. Hay in 1927. The Ryman Auditorium is called the “Mother Church of Country Music” and was the Opry’s home from 1943 to 1974, hosting over 2,000 performances from artists like Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline and Hank Williams. The Opry moved to the Grand Ole Opry House to accommodate the growing audience in 1974. The Opry still broadcasts country, bluegrass, Americana, folk and gospel performances two to five nights per week. It will also celebrate its 100th birthday on November of 2025. To find tickets or upcoming concerts, visit the official websites of the Ryman Auditorium and Grand Ole Opry. Ryman Auditorium: 116 Rep. John Lewis Way North, Nashville, Tennessee 37219 Opry House: 600 Opry Mills Drive, Nashville, Tennessee 37214 >> Curious as to who invented the radio? Read here to find out! Printer’s Alley in Nashville 3. Nashville is known as ‘Music City’ for its contributions to country music Nashville is known as “Music City” for its contributions to the Nashville sound. The Nashville sound is a subgenre of American country music which used smoother strings, choruses and tempos than traditional country. Elvis Presley recorded over 200 songs in Nashville in historic landmarks like RCA Studio B. The Country Music Hall of Fame celebrates the history and legacy of country music, honoring artists who have made significant contributions to the genre. Visiting the Country Music Hall of Fame: Address: 222 Fifth Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203 Times: Monday–Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Fee: Adults: $28 Seniors (65+): $25 Students (with ID): $18 Children (6-12): $16 Children (under 6): Free Explore Travel Programs in the US 4. Adultery and revenge in Nashville led to the creation of hot chicken According to the lore, Thornton Prince’s girlfriend suspected him of philandering and cooked a spicy fried chicken breakfast to punish him for his womanizing. Unexpectedly, Prince enjoyed the mouth-sizzling fare, later refining the recipe with his brothers. Prince’s is now a Nashville institution with three locations across the city. The Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack recipe is chicken fried in seasoned buttermilk batter, then brushed with a cayenne-based spice paste. The annual Nashville Hot Chicken Festival attracts 25,000 visitors to East Park near Downtown Nashville each July 4th. Local restaurants compete to serve the spiciest variations, with heat levels ranging from mild to “shut the cluck up.” Where can I eat Prince’s Nashville Hot Chicken? Location Address City, State, Zip Phone Number South 5814 Nolensville Pike Nashville, TN 37211 (615) 810-9388 Assembly Food Hall 5055 Broadway Nashville, TN 37203 (629) 895-4688 Tanger Outlets 4060 Cane Ridge Parkway Nashville, TN 37013 (615) 339-0600 Downtown Nashville 5. The Hermitage was President Andrew Jackson’s home The Hermitage was the home of seventh U.S. president Andrew Jackson. Located near Nashville, it is now a national historic landmark offering visitors a glimpse into Jackson’s presidential life. Address: 4580 Rachel’s Lane, Nashville, TN 37076 Time: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last ticket sold at 4:00 PM) 6. Nashville’s Belle Meade Plantation produced the first American-bred horse to win the English Derby Nashville’s Belle Meade Plantation bred some of the most successful racehorses of the 19th century, winning prestigious races like the Kentucky Derby. Belle Meade Plantation is a historical site rather than an active horse breeding farm, but you can enjoy guided tours and exhibits. Address: Belle Meade Plantation, 5025 Harding Pike, Nashville, TN 37205 Time: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last tour starting at 4:00 PM 7. Maxwell House Coffee was founded in Nashville Maxwell House Coffee was founded in 1892 in Nashville. The brand became known because it was served to prominent guests as the Maxwell House Hotel’s coffee. The Maxwell House Coffee brand outlasted the Maxwell House hotel which was demolished in 1961.