Food, Music, and Attractions Worth Seeing in Nashville, TN—Home of CHEST 2022

CHEST is taking this year’s annual meeting to Nashville, Tennessee—home of some of the most famous music venues in the world. Music buffs will be pleased to be in the center of the city, as the Music City Center, where the meeting will take place, is located in the SoBro neighborhood, not far from the Arts District, Downtown, and Music Row.

We’ve gathered iconic eats, venues, and attractions for you to hit nightly after your CHEST 2022 sessions, October 16-19—and later, if you decide to extend your stay in Nashville.

Plus, Nashville transplants and CHEST members, Todd Rice, MD, FCCP, and Meredith Pugh, MD, MSCI, share their favorite spots around the conference center. Both Dr. Rice and Dr. Pugh note that Nashville has a “small town feel” but with plenty to do. “It goes without saying that we have the best music scene in the country, but it’s a great place for outdoor activities and food,” Dr. Pugh said.

What excites Dr. Rice and Dr. Pugh most about CHEST 2022 being in Nashville?

“I really look forward to seeing friends and colleagues and to be able to show off the great city of Nashville—the city is so fun and vibrant, with so much to do.”

– Todd Rice, MD, FCCP

“Getting the opportunity to learn from experts at CHEST while showing off our amazing city! And not having to leave my family.”

– Meredith Pugh, MD, MSCI

Eat and drink

Nashville hot chicken

All over Nashville
Dying to try some of Nashville’s famous hot chicken? Dr. Rice and Dr. Pugh both recommend finding hot chicken at the Assembly Food Hall (.3 miles from the conference center). “For a great sampling of lots of different local food, go to the Assembly Food Hall,” Dr. Pugh said. Dr. Rice also recommends you try Prince's Hot Chicken Shack (on the 2nd floor of the Assembly Food Hall) or Hattie B’s (.3 miles from the conference center).

Barbeque

All over Nashville
Satisfy your barbeque needs with Dr. Rice’s recommendations of Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint (.3 miles from the conference center), Swett’s (3.9 miles from the conference center), Edley’s Bar-B-Que (2.2 miles from the conference center), or Jack’s Bar-B-Que (.2 miles from the conference center).

The Twelve Thirty Club

.2 miles from the conference center
This lively restaurant opened April 2022 as a partnership between restaurateur Sam Fox and Grammy Award-winning artist Justin Timberlake. The Supper Club promises a one-of-a-kind dining experience full of decadence, as patrons can choose from a list of signature cocktails, steak, a seafood & sushi bar, and more. The Honky Tonk on the first floor brings patrons live music straight from Broadway Street with refined bar fare, local beer, and cocktails. You likely won’t hear Justin Timberlake tunes here, but you’re sure to have a good time.

City Tap House

.2 miles from the conference center
Dr. Rice suggests you explore microbreweries in Nashville. Visit City Tap House for its proximity to the meeting. Try from their selection of wheats, pale ales, pilsners and lagers, and more. They also offer a cocktail and wine menu. Big Machine Brewery & Distillery and Yee-Haw Brewing Co. are also close by.

Music and entertainment venues

Nashville isn’t called Music City, USA, on accident. “Live music is all over Nashville. The honky tonks and bars on Broadway will have excellent live music all day and night, and you won’t need to plan in advance,” according to Dr. Rice.

Grand Ole Opry

11 miles from the conference center
The Grand Ole Opry displays a mix of country legends and current chart-toppers during live performances weekly. The Grand Ole Opry was founded as a 1-hour radio show and now serves as a milestone location for musicians to perform at. Buy tickets for a live show, or take a backstage tour.

The Bluebird Cafe

7.2 miles from the conference center
Recommended by both Dr. Rice and Dr. Pugh, The Bluebird Cafe is a great place to experience live music. While tickets must be bought in advance, there aren’t yet any shows scheduled for October. Nevertheless, The Bluebird Cafe is known as a songwriter’s venue where Garth Brooks, Faith Hill, and Taylor Swift were all discovered. Keep your eyes on the upcoming events calendar.

Ryman Auditorium

.2 miles from the conference center
“The Ryman Auditorium is an amazing venue for any type of music,” Dr. Pugh said. The home of the Grand Ole Opry from 1943 to 1974, Ryman Auditorium is a one-of-a-kind performance venue. This year marks the 130th celebration of Ryman Auditorium.

Attractions and more

Tennessee Whiskey Tours

.2 miles from the conference center
Tennessee Whiskey Tours offers award-winning distillery and brewery tours on Tennessee’s Whiskey Trail. Book the Tennessee Whiskey Experience to explore three different distilleries or the Jack Daniel’s Distillery Tour. Other brewery tours are also available, as well as private group tours.

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

210 feet from the conference center
Traverse through the ages to hear country music’s story from its pre-commercial years through today, with access to live music, cataloged images, interviews, and exhibits. Current scheduled exhibits include Bill Anderson: As Far As I Can See and American Currents: State of Music.

National Museum of African American Music

.2 miles from the conference center
The National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) is the only museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating the many music genres created, influenced, and inspired by African Americans. Officially opening in 2021, this Music City top must-see tourist destination is only a 5-minute walk from the conference center.

Cheekwood Estate and Gardens

8.3 miles from the conference center
Located on the Cheek estate, this 55-acre botanical garden and art museum offers a bit of serenity amidst the many events at CHEST 2022. Escape into nature with a Gardens Only ticket or a Gardens & Mansion Access ticket to explore beautiful gardens. Note: Cheekwood is a cashless campus.

Start planning your trip to Nashville, TN, for CHEST 2022, October 16-19. Register today.