A visit to Nashville is an Elvis and country fan’s dream. The city has always been a stomping ground for up-and-coming bands, promising country starlets and music producers with the right nose – a place of dreams, the Hollywood of the American music scene. There’s even a joke about the city’s real estate ads: In other cities, expect “two bedrooms plus office.” In the capital of Tennessee , the bonus room is a music studio hidden behind the garage… and your favorite album was probably recorded there.

Music City in a nutshell: The best neighborhoods in Nashville are full of hidden gems and surprising features. From exceptional restaurants and bars to live music venues and kid-friendly activities, the city is waiting to be discovered by you.

The following five districts are the most visitor-friendly and surprise with unexpected sights. And the best part? If you stay here, you don’t need to rent a car, because you can reach everything on foot.

1. Downtown Nashville

Downtown is Nashville’s economic and tourist center, as well as the city’s geographic center. This is where the heart of Music City beats. Some say that Broadway has become a kind of bourbon street of New Orleans, and it’s true that the Lower Broad is lined with so-called “honkytonks” who belt out Western swing music almost at any time of the day. But this area doesn’t just attract partygoers. In addition to some of the city’s biggest attractions, Downtown is also home to glamorous hotels, restaurants, and great views of the Cumberland River. This location is particularly interesting for tourists who want to explore Music City on foot and without a car.

Tip: Gray & Dudley’s seasonal menu satisfies appetites, while the location at the 21c Museum Hotel energizes the soul with its sophisticated, innovative (and free) art exhibits.

2. East Nashville

East Nashville has a love-hate relationship with the “hip” nickname it’s earned over the years. This gentrified neighborhood east of downtown is home to stylish vintage boutiques and vendors of handmade goods, not to mention many of the city’s tastiest restaurants and best pubs. On its shores is Nissan Stadium, which hosts NFL football games and concerts. Neighboring Inglewood isn’t quite as densely populated, but it’s increasingly home to the same quirky restaurants and vintage shops.

Tip: Wood-fired pizza with edible flowers – that’s the kind of variety you’ll find at Folk, a seasonally focused restaurant in an old grocery store. The basement of The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club is also a great place to linger: a speakeasy that’s especially popular with vegans.

3. The Gulch

“Gulch” means “gorge” and the district was named after it: in this gorge are the railroad tracks that ran through this area. It’s perhaps Nashville’s most modern neighborhood when it comes to construction, with high-rises, hectic city life combined with retail space. The Gulch is within walking distance of Downtown, SoBro, and Midtown, but packed with attractions of its own, mostly focused on shopping, food, and drink (what else do you need?).

Tip: Gertie’s Bar is one of the few pubs in Nashville that takes its cue from the West Coast, with an impressive collection of spirits and an appealing design. Shop at Two Old Hippies, a shop selling souvenirs, guitars, clothing, and more. And because we’re here in Nashville, the store also serves as a venue for live music five nights a week (as seen in the Nashville TV series).

4. SoBro

The epithet means “south of Broadway” and this downtown neighborhood has changed dramatically in recent years. It houses the ice hockey arena, the symphony, the convention center and much more. Like its northern neighbor, it is a neighborhood very accessible to tourists, but with a slightly more unusual vibe.

Tip: No trip to Tennessee is complete without a delicious barbecue. Get your portion at Martin’s Bar-B-Que. Follow the neon sign to indulge in buttery meat.

Afterward, enjoy an amazing collection of contemporary art (all for sale) that is just as good as the specialty cocktails on the menu of this gem called Bar Sovereign. In SoBro, those interested can also learn about the history of country music. Both the Johnny Cash Museum and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will give you an in-depth look at the genre’s roots. Whether you’re a self-confessed country music fan or not, you’ll love these cultural destinations.

5. Germantown

Historic Germantown is crammed with boutiques, chef-run restaurants, and bars that locals love to visit. The adjacent Buchanan Street is an up-and-coming neighborhood with restaurants, artists’ studios, galleries and shops. The leafy streets are perfect for a relaxing stroll.

Tip: Browse the market stalls selling locally grown goods, then feast at the Nashville Farmers’ Market.

Wood-fired pizzas and barbecues are among the favourites. The Patio Bar at 5th and Taylor is a cozy, clubby place to sip craft cocktails and make new friends. The city’s baseball team, the Nashville Sounds, play in a stadium with a guitar-shaped scoreboard and a miniature golf course just off Jefferson Street. And if you’re in the mood for shopping, Germantown is home to pretty boutiques, including Wilder, where you’ll find a variety of hip homewares.

Nashville is definitely worth a visit and convinces even non-music fans with countless curiosities and sights that will make your stay very entertaining.

Important information about Nashville

Climate

Nashville experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild to cool winters. Average summer temperatures are often above 30°C, while winter temperatures usually fluctuate between -1°C and 10°C.

Sights

• Grand Ole Opry: A famous stage and radio show that is considered the heart of country music. The Opry offers regular concerts and is a must-see for music lovers.
• Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum: This museum houses an extensive collection of memorabilia associated with the history and stars of country music.
• Ryman Auditorium: A historic venue known as the “Mother Church of Country Music,” which is also appreciated for its exceptional acoustics.
• The Parthenon: A complete replica of the Parthenon in Athens, located in Centennial Park, is both an art museum and a popular photo opportunity.

Activities

• Music events: In addition to the well-known venues such as the Grand Ole Opry and the Ryman Auditorium, there are numerous smaller venues where live music is played daily.
• Dining experience: Nashville is known for its specific twist on Southern comfort food, including hot chicken, a spicy deep-fried chicken that’s a local culinary highlight.
• Shopping: The city offers a variety of shopping options, from trendy boutiques to large shopping malls.

Culture

Nashville has a vibrant arts and culture scene that goes far beyond music. There are numerous galleries, theatre productions and an active nightlife.

Gastronomy

Nashville’s cuisine is heavily influenced by the Southern culinary tradition, with a special focus on barbecue, soul food, and innovative fusion cuisine. Restaurants and street stalls offer a wide range of taste experiences.

Journey

Nashville is accessible through Nashville International Airport, which offers direct flights from many major cities in the U.S. and some international destinations. It is also possible to travel by car or train, as the city is well connected to the national transport network.

The USA is still one of the most popular travel destinations for Germans. The “Land of the free” has a magical attraction and attracts tourists from all over the world every year who want to discover and experience the American way of life, the endless expanse of the country and the great history of this continent. In addition to the colonial-inspired east coast, the sunny west coast and the many natural wonders in between, the south of the country also has a lot to offer. This post will introduce Houston, which is located in the southernmost state of Texas , for you.

Historical and interesting facts

Behind the giants New York, Los Angeles and Chicago , Houston is the fourth largest city in the USA and the largest city in the state of Texas. Around 7 million people live in the metropolitan region, which is equivalent to a double Berlin . However, since Texas is the second largest state in the USA in terms of area (behind Alaska), this crowd is spread out over enough space.

In August 1836, two real estate entrepreneurs from New York acquired the land and founded the city, which was finally registered on June 5, 1837. They named the city after Texas General Sam Houston, who rose to fame at the Battle of San Jacinto.

When oil was discovered in the area at the beginning of the 20th century, the city’s economic rise began and by 1930 the population had grown so much that Houston became the most populous city in Texas even before the start of World War II. Oil production is still the most important economic sector of the city today and the port is an important hub. The city also has three airports, the largest international and named after former President George Bush.

Attitude to life and atmosphere in H-Town

The Texans are a very special people within the USA and give the visitor a completely different view of the country and the world. Shaped by history and struggles for independence, the Texans have a certain pride, but without seeming arrogant. This outpost in front of the border with Mexico is characterized by robust and hard-working people, but they have not lost their friendliness and warmth. Towards strangers and visitors, a rough cordiality is displayed that has a very special charm.

After all, Texas is still known today as the land of tough guys, the state is still associated with the cattle-driving cowboys and real men. It is not for nothing that Texas has the most liberal gun law and you should not be bothered by it if you meet men in the streets who carry a gun on their belt. However, this creates a Wild West feeling that you can probably feel as alive in no other area in America as here, all nostalgia fans’ hearts will beat faster.

Attractions in Houston

The sights in Houston are unique and every visitor should definitely take enough time to get to know the facets of the city and to be able to see everything important.

Houston is home to the “Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center (JSC)”, which no tourist should miss. This is also the headquarters of NASA’s Mission Control Center, which has been coordinating the U.S. manned space program since 1961. It became world-famous through the phrase “Houston, we have a problem”, which has been often quoted and parodied since then. These facilities have also given the city the nickname “Space City” and continue to attract aerospace fans from all over the world to this day.

The downtown of the city, the city center, offers breathtaking skyscrapers as popular photo motifs and should definitely be experienced. As in any major American city, it is an incredible feeling to go shopping or eat an ice cream in the street canyons between the huge houses. In addition, downtown offers a lot of restaurants, theaters and museums, such as the “Museum of Fine Arts”, which is the largest Texas art museum.

The mall “The Galleria” is suitable for shopping, which leaves nothing to be desired, whether it’s fashion or culinary delights. Here you can shop and consume as you like a real American and experience the feeling of the big shopping malls up close.

The historic Rice University is also worth a visit, as is the bustling and bustling harbor of the city. Here you will experience the feeling of being in a metropolis that offers all the gateways to the world and is well connected.

Hotspot for all sports fans

If you love American sports, you will get your money’s worth in Houston. The city is represented in four of the five major sports leagues in the country and has one team each in the NFL (American football), MLB (baseball), NBA (basketball), and MLS (soccer). Attending a sporting event in the USA is an unforgettable experience and will get you excited about American sports. The best known are the basketball players around the Houston Rockets, who play their home games at the Toyota Center.

Key Facts about Houston

1. Overview and History: Houston is the fourth-largest city in the U.S. and is known for its significant role in the space industry, which has earned it the nickname “Space City.” The city was founded in 1836 and has a rich history that is closely linked to the oil industry.
2. Cultural diversity: Houston is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the United States. This diversity is reflected in the neighborhoods, gastronomy and cultural festivals. Visitors can enjoy a variety of food from around the world and attend cultural events ranging from rodeos to traditional festivals.
3. Culinary offer: The city is famous for its excellent cuisine, especially barbecue, tex-mex and seafood. Houston is also known for its innovative dining options and has been referred to by some as the “new culinary capital of America.”
4. Attractions: Top attractions include the Houston Space Center, which features a variety of space-themed exhibits and attractions, as well as the Museum District, which includes 19 museums, including the Houston Museum of Natural Science and the Museum of Fine Arts.
5. Leisure and Nature: Houston offers many parks and green spaces, including Hermann Park and Memorial Park. Buffalo Bayou Park offers hiking and biking trails, paddle boarding the bayou, and beautiful views of the city skyline.
6. Shopping: The city is a paradise for shopaholics with numerous shopping malls and districts. The highlight is the Galleria, one of the largest shopping centers in Texas, which offers a huge selection of high-end boutiques and retail stores.
7. Events: Houston plays host to many major events, including the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the largest rodeo in the world that attracts millions of visitors annually.
8. Transportation: Information about public transport, especially about the METRORail and METROBus system, which facilitates navigation in the city, is especially important for tourists.
9. Climate: Houston has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. This can be particularly attractive for visitors from colder regions.
10. Economic importance: In addition to space travel, Houston is a center for energy, especially oil and natural gas, biotechnology, and healthcare, which also attracts business travelers.

Yes, the buffalo still roam, albeit sporadically, through the prairies and hills of Oklahoma. In fact, they are a big highlight for anyone who wants to explore the surprisingly beautiful natural landscape in the east of the American state. Culturally, Oklahoma is the epitome of a destination for people who have a soft spot for cowboys and Indians or the Wild West. Both play a huge role in Oklahoma’s social fabric and the history of both were among the highlights of any visit to the state of the buffalo.

Oklahoma City and Tulsa

There are few urban attractions in Oklahoma, but fortunately, they are conveniently located around Oklahoma City and Tulsa. The two cities are former cattle drover towns and offer many worthwhile sights for tourists. They offer great Western cuisine and many fun attractions for young and old, such as zoos, art museums and historical sites. In the excellent cultural centers of Oklahoma City, you can learn a lot about the origins of the American cowboys and the sometimes very sad history of the Native Americans. Oklahoma is still home to about 40 indigenous tribes who speak 25 different languages.

Mentality of the Sooners

Most Oklahomans, or Sooners as they prefer to be called, are laid-back, authentic people who are sometimes a bit suspicious of strangers. The Western look and feel of this American state can be felt at every turn, but that’s also a big part of its appeal. While luxurious resorts and restaurants are rare, comfortable hotels and long-established diners are well represented along historic Route 66. Oklahoma is very affordable in terms of price and therefore attracts many tourists in this price segment.

Pure nature

In the eastern part of the state, a truly impressive nature awaits. Four mountain ranges fill the flat prairie country with rolling forested hills and plenty of wildlife. You can drive one of America’s most scenic roads on the Talimena Scenic Byway , or immerse yourself in nature at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Reserve, where bison still roam freely. There are also some beautiful lakes in Oklahoma that are worth a visit: Lake Hefner was built in 1947 and is considered the first address for sailboating in Oklahoma City. In addition to fishing, picnicking and golfing, Lake Hefner is also known for its great outdoor recreation value. Hiking trails run around the entire lake and extend for a total of just over 14 kilometers. Built in the early 1960s as a municipal water reservoir, Lake Thunderbird is a popular spot in town for boating, fishing, biking, and other outdoor recreational activities. It consists of 6,070 hectares and includes more than 80 miles of shoreline. The short drive from Oklahoma City is well worth it when you consider all the lake has to offer.

However, without your own vehicle, it’s unlikely that you’ll get to see much in Oklahoma. Attractions are often located outside the city, and the cities are far from each other. Driving in Oklahoma is actually a highlight, because the streets are flat and mostly empty. By car, you can visit unique places like the Trail of Tears, where so many Native Americans have experienced suffering, death and misery while relocating to a reservation, or look for bison in the game reserve. Even better, take a long drive along Route 66 and diner-hop for classic All-American food and dessert.

Highlights in Oklahoma

• Keep an eye out for wild bison at Wichita National Wildlife Reserve as you drive through one of the most beautiful areas in the state
• Learn about Native American and cowboy culture at the fascinating National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
• Drive along the legendary Route 66 for a few days, stopping at old diners for dining and cool old-school motels for sleeping
• Pick up a new cowboy hat and a pair of boots at iconic Western stores like Langston’s in Oklahoma City
• Try your luck at one of the 70 casinos on the state’s Indian reservations
• Spend a night in the Blue Dome District in Tulsa, one of America’s coolest places to eat and drink
• Check out Oklahoma City’s renovated warehouse district, Bricktown, a hip spot with trendy bars after a meal at the legendary Cattlemen’s Steakhouse or the neighborhood’s myriad restaurants
• At Robbers Cave State Park , you can pretend you’re in Jesse James’ gang of outlaws.

Information about Oklohoma

1. Foundation: Oklahoma was officially admitted to the Union on November 16, 1907 as the 46th state. The name “Oklahoma” comes from the Choctaw language and means “Red People”.
2. Indian Tribal Land: Oklahoma is often referred to as “Indian Tribes Country” because it is home to many indigenous peoples. Prior to settlement by European settlers in the 19th century, it was home to numerous tribes, including the Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw, Creek, and Seminoles.
3. Trail of Tears: Oklahoma played a tragic role in the history of Native Americans in the United States. During the Trail of Tears, many indigenous peoples were expelled from their ancestral territories in the southeastern United States and forcibly relocated to Oklahoma.
4. Oil industry: Oklahoma has a long history in the oil industry and was once a leading oil producer in the United States. The discovery of large oil deposits in the early 20th century contributed to the economic development of the state and led to the emergence of cities such as Tulsa and Oklahoma City.
5. Tornado Alley: Oklahoma is located in the so-called “Tornado Alley”, a region in the central USA that is often hit by severe storms and tornadoes. Oklahoma is known for its turbulent weather conditions and experiences a significant number of tornadoes each year.
6. Cultural diversity: Oklahoma is characterized by a diverse cultural landscape that reflects the traditions of Native American peoples, Wild West pioneers, and the African-American community. The state hosts a number of cultural events, festivals, and museums that celebrate this diversity.
7. Sports: Sports are very important in Oklahoma, especially college football and basketball. The University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University have successful athletic programs and have loyal fan communities throughout the state.

The largest cities

1. Oklahoma City: Oklahoma City is the capital of the state and also the largest city. With an estimated population of over 650,000, it is the economic and cultural center of Oklahoma. The city is also home to a variety of attractions, including the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum and the Bricktown Entertainment District.
2. Tulsa: Tulsa is the second largest city in Oklahoma with a population of more than 400,000 people. The city has a rich history in the oil industry and is now an important center for energy companies. Tulsa is also known for its cultural institutions such as the Philbrook Museum of Art and the Tulsa Performing Arts Center.
3. Norman: Norman is the third largest city in Oklahoma with a population of over 125,000. It is home to the University of Oklahoma and has a vibrant university culture. Norman is also known for its green parks, including Lake Thunderbird State Park and Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art.
4. Broken Arrow: Broken Arrow is a suburb of Tulsa and the fourth largest city in Oklahoma with a population of more than 110,000. The city has a fast-growing population and a strong economy characterized by industries such as aerospace, healthcare, and retail.
5. Lawton: Lawton is the fifth largest city in Oklahoma with a population of over 90,000. The city is located in the southwest of the state and is known for its proximity to the Fort Sill Military Reservation and the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge.