Nashville: The Heartbeat of Country Music

• HelloHowdy
  [haw-dee]
• GoodbyeSee ya
  [see yah]
• YesYep
  [yep]
• NoNah
  [na]
• Please/You're welcomePlease/You're welcome
  [Please/You're welcome]
• Thank youThank ya
  [thank yah]
• Excuse me/SorryExcuse me/Sorry
  [Excuse me/Sorry]
• How are you?How y'all doin'?
  [how yawl doin]
• Fine. And you?Fine. How 'bout you?
  [fine. how bout yah]
• Do you speak English?Ya speak English?
  [yah speak english]
• I don't understandI don't git it
  [I don't git it]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I see the menu, please
  [can eye see the menu, please]
• I don't eat meatI don't eat meat
  [I don't eat meat]
• Cheers!Cheers!
  [Cheers!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseI'd like to settle up, please
  [I'd like to settle up, please]

• Help!Help!
  [Help!]
• Go away!Git outta here!
  [git outta here]
• Call the Police!Call the cops!
  [Call the cops]
• Call a doctor!Get a doc!
  [Get a doc]
• I'm lostI'm lost
  [I'm lost]
• I'm illI'm sick
  [I'm sick]

• I'd like to buy...I wanna buy...
  [I wanna buy...]
• I'm just lookingJust browsin'
  [just browsin]
• How much is it?How much does it cost?
  [how much does it cost]
• That's too expensiveThat's too pricey
  [That's too pricey]
• Can you lower the price?Can ya lower the price?
  [Can yah lower the price]

• What time is it?What time is it?
  [What time is it]
• It's one o'clockIt's one o'clock
  [It's one o'clock]
• Half past (10)Half past ten
  [Half past ten]
• MorningMorning
  [Morning]
• AfternoonAfternoon
  [Afternoon]
• EveningEvening
  [Evening]
• YesterdayYesterday
  [Yesterday]
• TodayToday
  [Today]
• TomorrowTomorrow
  [Tomorrow]
• 1One
  [One]
• 2Two
  [Two]
• 3Three
  [Three]
• 4Four
  [Four]
• 5Five
  [Five]
• 6Six
  [Six]
• 7Seven
  [Seven]
• 8Eight
  [Eight]
• 9Nine
  [Nine]
• 10Ten
  [Ten]

• Where's a/the...?Where's the...?
  [Where's the]
• What's the address?What's the address?
  [What's the address]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Can you show me (on the map)?
  [Can you show me (on the map)]
• When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?
  [When's the next (bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
  [A ticket (to ....)]

Nashville was founded in 1779 by James Robertson and John Donelson, and named after Francis Nash, a hero of the American Revolutionary War. The city quickly became a strategic fort on the Cumberland River and a hub for settlers moving westward.

During the American Civil War, Nashville's strategic location and its river port made it a key target. In 1862, it became the first Confederate state capital to fall to Union forces. The Battle of Nashville in December 1864 was one of the war’s largest battles and a decisive Union victory.

In the early 20th century, Nashville began to earn its reputation as the 'Music City.' The Grand Ole Opry, which started as a radio broadcast in 1925, became a cornerstone of the country music industry. Over the decades, Nashville attracted musicians, songwriters, and producers, solidifying its status as the heart of country music.

Nashville played a critical role in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. The city was the site of numerous sit-ins and protests led by students from historically black colleges. The Nashville Student Movement was instrumental in desegregating lunch counters and other public facilities in the city.

In the latter half of the 20th century, Nashville diversified its economy. It became a major center for healthcare, with the establishment of the Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) in 1968. Additionally, the city is home to Vanderbilt University, one of the leading research institutions in the United States.

Today, Nashville is a vibrant, growing city known for its rich musical heritage, cultural landmarks, and thriving arts scene. The city's downtown area features iconic sites such as the Ryman Auditorium and the Country Music Hall of Fame, while emerging neighborhoods offer a mix of historical charm and contemporary flair.

Nashville is served by the Nashville International Airport (BNA), which is located about 8 miles east of downtown. The airport offers numerous domestic and international flights. Travelers can also reach Nashville by car via major highways such as I-40, I-24, and I-65. Additionally, Greyhound and Megabus offer bus services to the city, and Amtrak provides rail service to nearby cities with connections to Nashville.

Nashville has a variety of transportation options. The Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) operates a network of buses throughout the city. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are widely available. Taxis can be found at major hotels and the airport. For those who prefer to drive, car rental services are abundant. Biking is also an option, with bike-sharing programs like B-cycle available. For a unique experience, consider renting an electric scooter for short trips around downtown.

The official currency is the United States Dollar (USD). Credit cards are widely accepted in Nashville, including in most restaurants, shops, and hotels. ATMs are plentiful across the city, and contactless payments are becoming more common. It is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments or in case of emergencies.

Nashville is generally a safe city for tourists, but it’s important to stay vigilant. Avoid areas with higher crime rates such as certain parts of North Nashville, and exercise caution in areas with large crowds. Always keep an eye on your belongings and avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar neighborhoods. Stick to well-lit and populated areas, especially downtown and in popular tourist spots.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for police, fire, and medical services. Nashville has several hospitals, including Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital, for urgent medical needs. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens are located throughout the city for minor health issues. It’s also recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably, especially if you'll be exploring on foot; casual wear is generally acceptable. Avoid overly revealing clothing when visiting religious sites. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions; Nashville is in the Bible Belt, and many residents are religious. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t play loud music or eat on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'hello' or a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local foods like hot chicken and BBQ. Don’t skip tipping; 15-20% is standard in restaurants.

To experience Nashville like a local, visit the farmers' markets, especially the Nashville Farmers' Market for fresh produce and local crafts. Attend a live music show at lesser-known venues like The 5 Spot or The Basement. Explore neighborhoods like East Nashville and 12 South for unique shops and eateries. Don’t miss out on visiting the Parthenon replica in Centennial Park, and take a scenic walk or bike ride along the Shelby Bottoms Greenway.