The latest edition of Travel and Leisure contains an article about America’s favorite cities in 2012. Apparently, over 40,000 people voted for cities in different categories. You guys know that I am addicted to lists, but I am writing about this list for an important reason – Nashville, my city, made the list. I know it’s a great place; other people in this area know it’s a great place; and, it’s good to know that other people are discovering the great aspects of Nashville.
So, where did Nashville gain points?
It ranked first in the Friendly category.
Nashville came in second in Safety and Affordability.
The city’s collection of Antique Stores pulled it up to fifth in that category.
People who like Happy Hour ranked Nashville fourth.
Music lovers said that Nashville’s Music Scene comes in second to New Orleans. They must have miscalculated on that one.
It also finished highly ranked in the following categories.
People
Attractive #6 (I don’t know why they didn’t include a picture of me.)
Driving Ability #3 (Again, where is the picture of me in my car?)
Intelligent #9 (Uh, they should have just called me for some pictures.)
Charming Local Accent #4 (Charming? That’s one way to describe it.)
Proud of Their City #3 (This is definitely true.)
Sports-Crazed #8 (This would be higher if the Titans didn’t suck.)
Stylish #8 (Yeah. Lots of style here once you look past the rhinestones.)
Type of Trip
Base for Day Trips #6 (There’s a lot to see around here.)
Family Vacation #7 (Just keep the kids out of the honky tonks.)
Girlfriend Getaways #3 (Hmmm.)
Wild Weekend #5 (I wonder if this can be combined with the one above.)
Nightlife
We have a lot of this one. Cocktail Lounges? Check. Singles Scene? Check. Sports Bars? Check
Culture
Yes, we have culture, and I don’t mean agriculture.
Historical Sites/Monuments #9 (This is good for the history professors among us.)
Street Performers #2 (Hit a corner on a Saturday night, and you will hear someone who should have a recording contract.)
Theater/Performance Art #7 (There’s more than just Country stuff around here. I promise.)
Food/Drinks/Restaurants
Nashville ranks highly in Barbecue, Hamburgers, Ice Cream and Pizza. (Let me say something about hamburgers. You haven’t had a hamburger if you haven’t been to Rotier’s. It’s the place that inspired Jimmy Buffett to write “Cheeseburger in Paradise”.
Quality of Life and Visitor Experience
Apparently, Nashville is clean because it ranks #3 in Cleanliness. You can hang around out clean city and take part in People-Watching, where Nashville ranks #6. It will be a nice day because it ranks #7 in Weather. Oh, you can do all this while playing on your iPad because Nashville is #1 in Wireless Coverage.
So, when are the Best Times to Visit? the survey says 4th of July, Christmas, Fall, New Year’s Eve, Spring Break and Valentine’s Day. But, I think you should drop by anytime.
SBI: A Thinning Crowd 
I’ve always wanted to visit. I guess I’ll have to visit sooner rather than later! 🙂
Yes, you should definitely visit. When you do, make sure you hit some non-touristy spots. They are fun too. Thanks for reading my blog and commenting.
I’ve never been, but my husband used to go there on business a couple of times a year when he worked for a different company. He always looked forward to it. They used to put him up at a really nice hotel across the street from “The Grand Old Opry”. Once there was an ice storm and he got stranded there for an extra couple of days. He actually didn’t mind. LOL!
That must have been the Opryland Hotel. It’s really cool. You should make him bring you down sometime. I can tell you all the great places to go.
Okay, this post is adorable. It makes me smile when my friends are justifiably proud of their hometowns.
I have yet to find such a hometown, but when I do, I will let you know.
Thanks. It’s a great place to live. You don’t like the places you’ve lived?
The only place I’ve liked that I’ve lived was when I was really little (in San Diego) and then in high school I spent my summers in Sandpoint, Idaho. I liked it there, too.
But as an adult? No, not really.
I’d love to visit Nashville one day. The fantasy is to leave work, get a car and cruise round the USA for six months, visiting all those places we (in the UK) know through music, photos, films, novels, news stories. One day!
You should do it if you get the chance. I’ve driven across this country several times, and I have learned something new each time.