), which offer quick insights, and Close-ups, which provide in-depth information on topics that are particularly interesting, unusual, or distinctly Nashville.Insiders’ Guide to Nashville is meant to be used, and used often. It is not a coffee-table book (even though we believe it will add a certain grace and elegance to your table—and when friends ask about it, you can tell them where to get one of their own). Just be sure to take it with you whenever you go out, so you can avoid potentially unpleasant conversations like this:
“Honey, what was the name of that little barbecue place that sounded so appetizing?”
“It's in our Insiders’ Guide. Didn't you bring it?”
“I thought you had it.”
“Aarrgghh!”
Obviously, how you use the book is not nearly as important as that you use it. That said, we'd like to make a few suggestions that will help you make the most of this book, so you soon will feel like an Insider yourself.
First of all, feel free to experience the book on your own terms. Obviously, if you and the family are hungry right now, you'll want to go immediately to the Restaurants chapter. If you're looking for something exciting to do, turn to Attractions or Kidstuff or Recreation or Entertainment. In the mood to discover why Nashville is known worldwide as “Music City”? We've devoted a hefty chapter to that subject, too, and you may be surprised at the diversity of sounds you can find here. Need a way to get from point A to point B? Then you may want to go first to the Welcome to Nashville chapter. Or you might choose to take the casual approach and simply flip through the book, skimming the pages to see what catches your eye. We've designed Insiders’ Guide to Nashville to be self-contained. That means each chapter essentially stands on its own, so wherever you start reading, you'll find the information you need to enjoy that aspect of Nashville life. And there are lots of cross-references.
While our primary focus is Nashville and Davidson County, we'll also take you through parts of the 13-county Metropolitan Statistical Area—Cannon, Cheatham, Dickson, Hickman, Macon, Robertson, Rutherford, Smith, Sumner, Trousdale, Williamson, and Wilson Counties. You'll visit towns and communities such as Hermitage, Old Hickory, Brentwood, Franklin, Hendersonville, Goodlettsville, Murfreesboro, Lebanon, Springfield, Smyrna, and Madison, to name a few. And our Itineraries chapter will give you tips on how to enjoy specific aspects of Music City. Moving to the Nashville area or already live here? Be sure to check out the pages at the back of the book, where you will find the Living Here appendix that offers sections on relocation, child care, education, health care, retirement, and media.
Within all chapters, you will find frequent cross-references and even, for the sake of convenience, some cross-listings.
Throughout this book you'll find Insider's Tips (indicated by an ), which offer quick insights, and Close-ups, which provide in-depth information on topics that are particularly interesting, unusual, or distinctly Nashville.
You'll also find listings accompanied by the 
symbol—these are our top picks for attractions, restaurants, accommodations, and everything in between that you shouldn't miss while you're in the area. You want the best this region has to offer? Go with our Insiders’ Choice.
Don't hesitate to personalize this book—make it your own! Scribble notes in the margins, circle places you have visited, underline points of interest. You might also discover some diner or nightclub that has escaped our notice. Make a note of it and, if you would be so kind, share it with us so we can include it in our next edition.
Please remember that, in a rapidly growing metropolitan area such as Nashville, things are bound to change. By the time you read this book, there will be new places to visit and experiences to savor—and, unfortunately, some old favorites that might have bid us farewell. Menus will be revised and schedules altered. It's always a good idea to call before visiting an attraction or restaurant.
We're pleased that, whether you're a visitor, a newcomer, or perhaps even a longtime resident wanting to see whether you've been missing anything, you have chosen us to be your companion here in Nashville. We sincerely hope we're able to make your experience a memorable one.