Lower Broadway in Nashville is four blocks of fun known as the Honk Tonk Highway. Country music, food, lots of adult beverages, and thousands of music fans. There are also an incredible number of bachelorette parties, in matching glitzy outfits, cruising the strip in party buses. The buses compete with theme-related transports vying for attention and sharing the road with “pedal pubs”, and regular traffic. As daylight fades, police block off the streets and create a more pedestrian-friendly area for the throngs of music fans pouring in. Nashville is called Music City for a reason.
Meet Us at The Oasis
Reportedly, there are more than 32 Honky Tonk bars in this part of Music City. We decided to be selective and after surveying the area, entered Garth Brooks’ new venue – “Friends in Low Places” or #FILP as they like to call it.
It was about 6 PM and a good group was performing on the first floor. After the set was over, we headed up to the third level – known as the “Oasis” (something all Garth Brooks fans will recognize). A terrific DJ was spinning all sorts of music. The rain of earlier had cleared and the temps were perfect at this rooftop location. It was enjoyable to simply be a voyeur and watch the antics on the street below as well as other rooftop bars.
Stars of the Future – the Huffer Brothers
On our way to another venue, we were stopped in our tracks by an incredible band on the first level of #filp. The Huffer Brothers were so entertaining, we were glued to our seats for the next two hours. Yes, they played without a break. And they covered country, rock, and even rap, along with lots of humorous segues and banter. As a Tennessee grad, I am qualified to say it was the best rendition of “Rocky Top” I have ever heard. The fiddling was over the top. The guitar solo during the Lynyrd Skynyrd classic “Free Bird” was also beyond belief. Incredible talent, wonderful performers, and so much fun!
An Ice Cream Nightcap
By the time we left, crowds were surging. We left the night to the youngsters and, walked around to take in the late-night sights. A successful ice cream hunt found Jeni’s Ice Cream, providing a nice nightcap.
Walking back to our hotel, the historic Union Station, we passed a number of significant early Nashville sites. We saw the old Customs House, first school, Ryman Auditorium, churches, and (for my hockey fans) the Predators’ Arena.
I’ll let the pics try and convey a bit of the Honky Tonk Highway atmosphere.
Of note: on the Honky Tonk Highway there are NO cover charges and they are open 10 AM – 3 AM, 365 days a year.
