West Broad

Okay, see if you can follow me here: as you head west-ish on Broadway, away from Downtown, you’ll come to a place where the road splits. The big main thoroughfare that keeps going straight is suddenly called West End. The little street that branches off to the left like a half-forgotten side street? That’s…Broadway.

This amazing magic trick--Broadway becomes West End while splitting off Broadway—is one of the saner street identity changes in Nashville.

That little “side street Broadway” is haring off through an older part of town, where the streets are narrow and the traffic shows it. This is mostly a small business area, a place to have lunch or dinner. (I think I’ve seen one or two apartment buildings hiding back in the sections that I don’t visit much, but I can’t swear to it.)

I can tell you that the view in this area is mostly brick and concrete. If you’re like me and need a daily dose of greenery—and if my phantom apartment buildings really exist—look around hard before you settle in.

That said, there are some gorgeous older buildings here, well worth a visit, and you will eventually get down to some of the shops and restaurants in this area. You won’t be able to avoid it—they’re just that good.

Metro bus routes #3, #7, and #25 run through or near this area. Broadway isn’t the only street down here that branches off in crazy directions; let Metro do the driving if you can.

If you know of anyone who lives or works for Vanderbilt University, then you are familiar with the West Broad Street district of Nashville. The area is located next door to Vanderbilt University and extremely close to downtown. The West Broad street district is located along the bus route which is essential when you work in downtown Nashville. The area is nicely cared for since it located near Vanderbilt and offers a number of different restaurants which offer patio seating for individuals to take in the views of the Vanderbilt Campus.

The Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital is not to far away and is home to many residents and college students of Vanderbilt University. Many of the businesses in the area are open late to allow for patients and their families to be able to get a bite to eat when having extended stays at the Vanderbilt Medical Center and Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital.

The area is cared for more than other areas of Nashville as Vanderbilt and its employees take great pride in the place that they work and live. The numerous stores and shops located near the Vanderbilt campus is visited daily by residents of Nashville and tourists to the area. Many of the stores are well known and are among the most popular stores of those artists in Nashville who live here and perform here in downtown Nashville. One of the best boutiques is Posh and this boutique keeps pretty busy during the day from different residents shopping as well as family members visiting their families in the hospital.

I worked in this neighborhood for years, so I can give you the real lowdown: It is great! It is right next door to Vanderbilt University and its lovely campus, and close to downtown. The neighborhood also includes the Catholic Cathedral, which is beautiful. Lowe's Vanderbilt Plaza, as well as some other hotels, including the Indigo and Hutton boutique hotels, are in the corridor. Not many single family homes in the area, but some new condo developments have sprung up in the area.

The eating is great! There is Ruth's Chris Steak House, Amerigo's, Broadway Brewhouse,and Valentino's. Also to choose from are TGIF, Five Guys, The Corner Bar, Noshville, and Ken's Sushi.
After dinner, get a cupcake from GiGi's. They are wonderful.

If you are a fan of comic books and used records and DVDs, drop by the Great Escape.

If I sound like I am gushing, I am. It is my old hood, and I miss it.