There's a lot to do to fill your time in Music Valley, even if you’re not headed to one of the big-name attractions. One of the main draws to Music Valley Village, the strip mall that houses many of the shops mentioned above, is The Troubadour, a theater that hosts country music shows, karaoke, private events, and Music Valley Cowboy Church, a Sunday ritual for many folks.
If you want to line dance like the best of them, there are two places nearby to learn some fancy footwork. Country Fusion leads fitness classes that incorporate line-dancing moves, or head over to Nashville Palace, an old-school honky-tonk. If you’ve wondered where the classic country musicians went when Broadway started playing more rock than country, the answer is Nashville Palace. In addition to hosting a regular collection of talented musicians and live music, they teach line dancing many nights a week. There are even some times of day when teenagers (under 21) can get in on the fun.
Speaking of Nashville classics, many people claim that Scoreboard has some of the best hot chicken in the city. I haven’t tried it, but they offer live music seven nights a week and a menu with pizza available, so if you like food so hot it clears your sinuses, give it a try. (Shoot me a message and let me know what you think.) I’ve already mentioned my love for Smart Art + Craft Supplies in several newsletters (you can always check back issues here), but they sell used fabric, craft, and school supplies. Proceeds benefit adults with intellectual disabilities. Speaking of supplies, Sweet City U.S.A. is where you go for cake-decorating and other dessert supplies. It’s almost candy-apple season.
Need caffeine to keep up with it all? Nashville Coffees is the stop. They also have live music on Saturdays.
You know I’m not going to miss an opportunity to tell you where to get on the water. The Cumberland River Blueway at McGavock Pike gives you a place to park and drop your kayak or paddleboard in the water (you’ll need to carry it down; you can’t currently bring your car to the water’s edge). Bring a friend and leave a second car at Shelby Bottoms, and you can have a nice 5-mile paddle without leaving the city.
