Nashville, Tennessee, is striking all the right chords. The Music City has a unique ability to honor its past while composing new verses for the future. And, if ever there were a place where a city’s spirit and a star’s story meet in perfect harmony, it’s the Songteller Hotel, opening in downtown Nashville in June alongside a dazzling lineup of new attractions opening this year. The hotel celebrates the life and legacy of Dolly Parton—one of Tennessee’s most beloved storytellers.
“The Songteller Hotel is Dolly Parton’s heartfelt love letter to Nashville,” says Laurel Bennett, senior vice president, tourism sales, with the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp., “immersing groups in the real stories and experiences that shaped her legendary career.”
True to its name, the Songteller will immerse guests in the world of Parton’s songs through design, decor, and interactive storytelling. Expect a museum-quality exhibit space, live entertainment, a rooftop bar, and creative programming that merges hospitality with heart.
For group travelers, the Songteller offers more than a stay—it’s an experience. “With 245 rooms and an on-site museum, groups can dive deep into Dolly’s narratives through interactive exhibits and storytelling for a memorable, authentic group itinerary,” says Bennett. “For a musical experience, the hotel will feature two venues: Parton’s Live, presenting everything from songwriter sessions to rising star showcases, and Jolene’s, a speakeasy situated on the top floor of the hotel with live music and exceptional hospitality.”
The opening positions Nashville not just as Music City, but as a city that truly lives its legends and welcomes groups to do the same.
A NEW VOICE
Just a block off Broadway, where the loudest party in the South never stops, something altogether different is singing its way into the city’s heart. The Museum of Christian & Gospel Music, which opened its doors in the fall of 2025, gives a powerful and permanent home to a genre that has shaped lives, souls, and soundtracks for generations.
Visitors can explore gospel roots, worship movements, and the genre’s crossover into mainstream music. Sleek design and thoughtful flow make it more than a museum; it’s a full-fledged experience. Guests can listen to firsthand stories from artists who helped shape the music’s message, browse touchscreen experiences, and walk through moments that defined entire eras of sound and faith.
By sharing the voices, struggles, and triumphs that shaped gospel and contemporary Christian music, the museum creates meaningful connections—reminding visitors of the enduring power of faith, hope, and perseverance to uplift and unite. For groups, it’s a must-see addition to any Nashville itinerary, offering an experience that resonates long after the music fades.
Credit: Songteller Hotel
DINING & DEVELOPMENT
While the city celebrates its musical and spiritual soul, it’s also expanding its culinary and cultural horizons.
“Nashville’s culinary scene is hotter than ever, fueled by innovative openings and the buzz from the recently announced Michelin award-winning restaurants,” Bennett explains. “In the last three years the city has seen almost 300 new openings (and counting), meaning endless options [for] groups of all sizes. From upscale, chef-driven restaurants to Southern staples, the dining landscape elevates every visit with memorable meals that complement our world-class music scene.”
Several high-profile openings will happen this year. Kuya, from James Beard Award semifinalist Dung “Junior” Vo, brings inventive Southeast Asian cuisine to the West End. Prime + Proper debuts its second location at Nashville Yards, offering premium steaks, an extensive wine cellar, and the city’s largest dry-aging facility—ideal for private events and group dinners.
In Germantown, Indaco will serve handmade pastas and wood-fired pizzas, while Ocean Prime, the nationally acclaimed seafood restaurant and steakhouse, joins the growing mix downtown. Meanwhile, The Nashville Arcade continues its renaissance following a major renovation. Once the city’s first shopping center, the Arcade is now a modern hub of more than 30 restaurants, bars, and retail concepts. This year’s additions include Bar Roze, a spirited cocktail concept from the team behind Cafe Roze, and Sushi by Scratch, a Michelin-recognized omakase counter.
A YEAR TO CELEBRATE
Nashville will play a leading role in the America 250 celebration—marking the nation’s 250th birthday with an expanded “Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th” event. “We’re looking forward to hosting a free, two-day bash downtown for America’s 250th birthday,” Bennett says, “featuring global headliners and one of the nation’s largest fireworks shows.”
Other area attractions including Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage, Fort Nashborough, and Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park also will host special themed programming throughout the year.
For groups seeking inspiration, connection, and unforgettable experiences, Nashville’s 2026 lineup delivers.
“We want every visitor, especially groups, to feel the genuine authenticity and friendly Southern hospitality that defines Nashville,” Bennett notes. “From world-class museums honoring music icons to the unbeatable culinary scene, nonstop live music, year-round sports, and major events, there is something for every traveler, and experiencing it as a group only amplifies the magic.”
It’s clear Nashville isn’t content to just simply play the hits in 2026. It’s composing something truly special.
By Michael McLaughlin
Main Image: Museum of Christian & Gospel Music; Credit: Museum of Christian & Gospel Music
