Your Daily Guide

🎥 Are the Paramount Rumors True?

Could Paramount really leave Hollywood for Nashville? On today’s podcast, entertainment journalist Adam B. Vary breaks down why Paramount is considering a move to Music City. Plus, what could the move mean for Nashville jobs, unions, small businesses, and the city’s growing entertainment industry? [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

🧑🏻‍💼 Mayor Addresses Restaurant Owners

Mayor Freddie O’Connell recently spoke at a trade show for local restaurant decision-makers, answering a volley of questions about property tax hikes. He pointed to the city’s new Legacy Business Program, which helps small businesses that have been around for at least 15 years. Next year, O’Connell and his team plan to present a package of options to state lawmakers aimed at helping independent business owners. [Nashville Scene]

• While property tax rates have decreased, assessments rose by 45%, straining some local businesses.

🌉 Pedestrian Bridge Timeline

Construction on the planned extension of the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge connecting the East Bank to downtown will begin in November, with a goal of completing construction by the end of 2027. The bridge will link down into Wasioto Park, allowing easier access to the East Bank and stadium events. [🔐 Nashville Business Journal]

• Will East Bank construction be finished in time for the Super Bowl? [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

💋 How Prostitution Saved Nashville

Sex work had a significant impact on Nashville’s history, helping keep the city financially afloat in the years following the Civil War. For the Nashville Scene, our favorite local historian, Betsy Phillips, explores Nashville’s economic reliance on prostitution, from Smoky Row to the madame who built a small empire. [Nashville Scene]

• For more fascinating stories from Nashville’s history, listen to Betsy tell the strange but true story of our most famous occultist. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

An estimated 78 people move to Nashville every single day. While our growth has indubitably led to growing pains, Nashville has long been a city of transplants (like my grandparents), who have shaped our history, music, culture, and much more. Have you just moved to Nashville? Here are some tips! And I hope locals find something new on this list, too.

🏙️ Get Out of Downtown

There are some great things about downtown, but if all you know of Nashville is Lower Broadway, then you don’t know us at all. We’ve got so many awesome neighborhoods. Our event listings might give you the perfect excuse to explore the rest of the city.

🌪️ Follow Nashville Severe Weather

Our weather can be iffy, at best. One minute it’s hotter than the spiciest chicken; the next, there’s a tornado or an ice storm. The guys behind Nashville Severe Weather have saved lives with their minute-by-minute updates during weather emergencies. Make sure to follow them on social media.

🛣️ Learn the Rules for Driving in Nashville

While we’re working on improving public transit, for now Nashville is still a driver’s city. And to be honest, as a whole, we’re not the best drivers. Make sure to listen to our chat about the essential rules for driving in Nashville, and try to keep your cool and stay safe!

🌳 Hug Some Trees

Whenever people ask me what my favorite part of Nashville is, I say it’s the trees. We have possibly the largest urban tree canopy in the U.S. You can enjoy our trees at our amazing parks, like Radnor Lake, the Warner Parks, and Shelby Park and Bottoms.

🤠 We’re More Than Country Music

Tune into our local music discovery station, WNXP, for concerts and events across all genres of music, from punk to classical and so much more. Here’s a list of some of our favorite indie music venues to check out.

🌎 Support Other Transplants

Nashville is home to the largest Kurdish population outside Kurdistan. You can support that community at some of our favorite restaurants, like Edessa and TashTea, and also by keeping an eye out for events like the Kurdish New Year and Newroz at Plaza Mariachi. Plaza Mariachi is also the hub for a lot of our Latino community. Attend a salsa night or play loteria weekly there, and be sure to get a mangonada at a nearby michoacana.

🍴 Eat Local

Many chains and restaurants from other major cities in the U.S. (looking at you, New York) have moved to Nashville recently, but you can find a locally owned eatery from pretty much any cuisine under the sun if you know where to look. Our rec? Start by following local Nashvillians like Anas Saba, who runs Nashville Hidden Gems. And keep an eye on our food and drink coverage!

🛍️ And Shop Local

Many favorite local businesses have recently closed, and one of the best ways to support your new city and get to know it better is by shopping local! Sign up for our Keep It Local newsletter for shopping ideas.