There's a reason they call it Music City.
Nashville, as if to prove the point, has more than 150 venues offering up just about every type of music. And while it's true that the city has staked its claim on country music, it is by no means the only genre you'll find.
With the chance to hear live music literally 365/24/7, it's tough to winnow out the best venues. Here's a short list of Nashville's best live music scenes to check out while making a port of call on American Queen Steamboat Company voyages.
Robert's Western World
Looking for a family-friendly music venue on Lower Broadway, where you can hear traditional country music, enjoy a PBR and pick up some great souvenirs at the same time? If so, Robert's Western World is the place for you. What started out as a western apparel store is now an internationally renowned honky-tonk. Shows are all-ages until 6 p.m., after which Roberts is for those 21 and older.
Puckett's Grocery and Restaurant
Live music and fine Southern food set Puckett's apart from the rest. Puckett's downtown location means that locals may stop in for some groceries and end up staying for the music. Nashville's downtown location is one of five restaurants in the chain and is known as much for its menu as its music. Be sure to get a meat-and-three next time you're in town, and with luck, you might just catch the next big act.
Bluebird Café
The Bluebird Café is an intimate music venue like no other. It is known for its performances in the round, where the singers and songwriters perform, swap stories and provide a behind-the-scenes look into how the music is made.
Be aware that if you're the type who likes to catch up with your friends while listening to the band, this is not the place for you. The Bluebird is for listening not talking, and violators will be shushed. Repeat violators will be shown the door. The Bluebird offers a full bar, as well as a variety of appetizers, hot and cold sandwiches and salads. A limited list of gluten-free options is also available.
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Acme Feed & Seed
Four levels of music make Acme one of the hottest spots in town. The ground-floor "funkytonk" offers live local acts and casual cuisine on one side, with The Acme Farm Store-a boutique featuring Acme-branded merchandise and locally made artisan goods-on the other. One level up, guests can chill in the lounge and bar, which serves up craft cocktails featuring a vast bourbon/whiskey collection.
Vintage games, a photo booth and a sushi bar make the second floor a destination in itself. Head to The Hatchery at Acme on the third floor to experience the largest one-level event and music venue on lower Broadway. And for those looking to enjoy a night under the stars, the open-air rooftop bar provides sweeping views of downtown Nashville.
Grand Ole Opry
To come to Nashville without visiting the Opry would be a sin. So ignore the fact that it's a bit of a hike from downtown and head for what has been called the "home of American music." If possible, try to catch a broadcast of the Opry itself (millions of people tune in via a mobile app), but even if the timing isn't right, odds are you'll catch a headliner anyway.
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