How to Support Nashville After the Christmas Day Bombing

Here are some easy ways to chip in.

By Chris Chamberlain

Published on 28/12/2020 at 10:27 PM

Perhaps no city is more anxious to put 2020 in the rearview than Nashville. The year started out with a deadly tornado tearing through the city, followed by the ongoing COVID crisis that struck particularly hard on a town that is so dependent on tourism dollars to stoke the fires of its white-hot economy. Then, in May, a bizarre straight line wind event known as a derecho swept across the city, knocking out power for more than 100,000 homes.

In what the city prays is the final gutpunch, in the early morning hours of Christmas Day, Anthony Quinn Warner parked his RV packed full of explosives in the middle of Second Avenue and detonated it with himself inside. Miraculously, his was the only life taken, but the losses to the downtown and surrounding areas were massive and will be ongoing. Historic buildings lining the street were damaged or destroyed, and windows were blown out at businesses and residences as far as four blocks away. A major AT&T switching center was right at ground zero, and the resulting destruction has knocked out cell phone service, television, internet, and 911 emergency capabilities across a wide region.

Most of the buildings damaged by the blast along Second Avenue were former warehouses with entrances facing the river. This configuration proved to be a godsend as six brave Metro Nashville police officers entered the residences, while an eerie countdown timer emanating from the RV warned them to evacuate the area ahead of the explosion. These heroic public servants evacuated the sleepy residents through the back side of the building in less than 10 minutes, getting them all to safety and shielding them from the effects of the blast.

While this prevented loss of life, the scars from the event will run deep for a long time. Most of the affected buildings were small businesses-including bars, restaurants, and shops. This year has already handed them plenty of revenue loss, and business disruption insurance is a sketchy hope at best to rise up from the literal ashes. Many of the residents along Second Avenue worked in these businesses, and are currently without places to live.

Fortunately, Nashville has a tradition of helping out its own, as seen after the 2010 flood and tornado this past March. While there’s no doubt that the residents of Music City will again rise to the occasion to help the town recover from another tragedy, we’re not afraid of a little outside help either. If you have a love of Nashville or you just want to spread a little love around the holidays, here are some ways you can help out the city from afar.

Contribute directly to affected businesses and employees

Several crowdfunding efforts have already been established to help offset lost revenue and wages from businesses shattered and shuttered by the bombing. While some foodies might look down their noses at touristy restaurants like The Melting Pot, these spots employ our neighbors and distribute most of their profits locally in the form of paychecks, payments to food and beverage vendors, and rent. They’re worthy of any and all support.

Also, consider donating to sweet shop Bartella, the staff at sports bar Buffalo’s, Brazilian steakhouse Rodizio Grill, and family-friendly Italian chain The Old Spaghetti Factory. Three locally owned businesses-Ensemble Nashville Boutique, Pride and Glory Tattoo, and Simply the Best $10 Boutique-have combined their fundraising efforts and you can donate here.

Of course, individuals have been greatly displaced by the damage, including Etch’s chef de cuisine Jess Lambert and musician Drew Lambert who lost their home. Industry worker Glodline Young and her fiance, Nate, are expecting their entire block to be torn down. Additionally, a special fund has been set up specifically for Second Avenue bartenders and musicians.

Donate to rebuilding and recovery efforts

The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee has established the Nashville Neighbors Fund which is accepting donations for grants that will be awarded to local nonprofits to allocate to the immediate and long-term needs of those affected by the bombing.

The American Red Cross is always one of the first to the scene of any disaster, and they immediately stepped in to help displaced residents find shelter the day of the explosion. Box 55 is a small organization that focuses on providing food and drink to first responders on the scene of disasters, and they’re looking for donations to help feed workers during what is sure to be a long recovery effort.

The Community Resource Center is collecting tools and supplies to assist with the cleanup of the area when the scene has been cleared by investigating authorities. They’re seeking both monetary and direct donations of items like shovels, rakes, work gloves, flashlights and hand warmers.

Plan a future trip to Nashville

Music City will bounce back, and soon Nashville will be ready to welcome visitors back to the urban core. Hopefully, in the not-too-distant post-vaccination future, the bustling honkytonks of Lower Broad will again be overflowing with guests from around the world enjoying the live music and hospitality of Nashville.

Until then, browse around the official Visit Music City website and also all of our Nashville coverage and start making a wishlist of attractions and places you’d like to experience on your next trip to Nashville. We’ll be ready to welcome you with open arms.

Chris Chamberlain is a contributor for Thrillist.

Nashville

How to Get into Nashville’s Best Speakeasies and Secret Bars

Nashville's speakeasies have impeccable cocktails and even better vibes.

By sarah carter and chris chamberlain

Published on 29/03/2023 at 10:02

It’s not like it’s difficult to find a spot for a proper cocktail in Nashville, except when it’s intentionally hard. Some of Nashville’s finest bars are a little more hidden away, to create a sense of exclusivity and limit crowds so that talented bartenders can offer the sort of individualized attention that their inventive drinks deserve. Besides, it’s nice to have a conversation at a bar where you don’t have to yell to be heard. Here are some of our favourite places to chill.

The Fox Bar and Cocktail Club

South InglewoodThe talented mixologists at The Fox are a big part of the attraction, and some of their novel takes on classic cocktails have actually won national awards in recipe contests. But even if all you want is a proper gin and tonic, you’ll be delighted by the cozy library vibe of the East Nashville emporium. The bar staff insists on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, so the drink menu changes frequently. Don’t worry if your favourite rolls off, because there’s sure to be something new to delight you.

Attaboy

East NashvilleAn outpost of the James Beard Award-nominated NYC cocktail bar, Nashville’s version of Attaboy is no slouch either. Well, the building is kindy slouchy, a cinderblock edifice hidden away in an alley where guests are invited to “knock gently” to gain entry. If the bar is full, you’ll have to wait outside, but once you gain entrance, the fun really begins. Bartenders interview patrons about their drink preferences and then compose cocktails on the fly to fulfil their wildest dreams. Sit at the bar or settle into a blue velvet booth to enjoy a completely crafty cocktail or two.

Hidden Bar

DowntownThis subterranean lair in the Noelle hotel downtown is intentionally difficult to find. The entrance is through a door you’d probably never pass through unless you work for the hotel cleaning staff, but it’s a passage to something wonderful. Hidden Bar often stages thematic pop-ups that extend to both the riotous decor and the drink list, and large-format drinks are designed for sharing, so bring a few friends.

Skull’s Rainbow Room

Printer’s AlleySkull’s has been a Printers Alley institution since the middle of the last century, except for the few years it was closed when notorious club owner David “Skull” Schulman was murdered, reportedly by someone that knew he always kept the evening’s cash receipts in the top pocket of his trademark overalls. Since reopening, the showroom has revived the old-school vibe with nightly jazz and burlesque shows, classic cocktails served from an elaborate wooden bar and a restaurant that features an excellent chophouse menu. It’s easy to forget the time during an evening at Skulls. Heck, it’s easy to forget what decade it is.

Bar Sovereign

SoBroTucked away in a nondescript strip mall among the towering hotel buildings of SoBro, Bar Sovereign’s entrance is marked only by a small golden plaque that is fortunately close to eye level. Inside is a wonderland of bold artwork covering the walls, a sculpture created from a disassembled piano behind the bar and a menu of interesting and affordable cocktails that is rare to find amongst the nearby tourist destinations. The atmosphere gets a little wilder late at night when DJs spin tunes for the party people and industry folks looking to blow off a little steam at the end of a shift.

Bay 6

East NashvilleThis microbar has a double punny name. First of all, it is, indeed, crammed into the sixth bay of what used to be a self-service car wash before the building was converted into an elevated food and drink court with international carryout restaurants occupying the other quintet of stalls. Secondly, the menu is intentionally basic, with simple, well-made cocktails designed to be served quickly so that guests can enjoy them in one of the very few seats in Bay 6 or carry them out to the lively outdoor patio where patrons enjoy their food from one of the options at The Wash.

Green Hour

GermantownBy day, Tempered Fine Chocolates occupies this space, but on Thursday through Saturday evenings, they unpack the bottles, build a bar and flick on the green light that lets tipplers know that Green Hour is now in session. Dedicated to the exotic “Green Fairy,” absinthe, the bar offers pours of more than a dozen versions of the anise-flavoured spirit. Enjoy a classic absinthe service with drops of water to open up the aromas and flavours or order a flight of three for comparison. The bartenders also employ absinthe in an array of exotic cocktails, but if you don’t like licorice, you might want to pass.

Never Never

Wedgewood-HoustonIt’s not like they’re trying to hide Never Never. It’s just that the former welding shop is so non-descript and hidden away next to the railroad tracks, you might need someone to show you the way to the front door. It’s worth the hunt, though, because the cocktails are both clever and cheap. Enjoy small bites, beer, wine and cocktails at the amiable dimly-lit bar or discover the patio oasis out back that feels like being a guest at a friend’s house party.

Minerva Ave

North NashvilleDress to impress at this Tennessee State University neighbourhood cocktail lounge. A tall fence surrounds the compound to provide privacy, but once you knock for admission, you’ll encounter an expansive outdoor deck with cabanas, fire pits and an outdoor bar. Inside, it’s a little more vibey with plush booths, dramatic lighting accents as well as nostalgic music and artwork. Smokers can enjoy hookah service and cigars, and bottle service is available for high rollers.

One More Cocktail Club

DowntownTucked away in the hallway outside of Level 3 South at the Assembly Food Hall, One More Cocktail Club feels like worlds away from the tourist throngs below. There’s only room for a couple of dozen guests in the chic lounge, so everyone is treated like a VIP. The menu is a mix of new craft cocktails and classics, with special attention paid to creating beautiful works of art including appropriate garnishes. A tight menu of red, white and bubbly wines is also available for those in the know.

Pushing Daisies

DowntownIf you park on the top deck of the garage below the Fifth + Broad retail/dining/entertainment complex across from the Bridgestone Arena, you’ll actually have to walk down to get to Pushing Daisies, home of “underground margaritas.” Named after the class of cocktails that feature citrus, sweet and sour, this hot new lounge concentrates on the tequila version of the whiskey sour or daiquiri. Margaritas are crafted using luxury ingredients and quaffed by a hip crowd of guests enjoying pumping music and dramatic lighting. It’s definitely a scene to be seen.

The Late Great

Demonbreun/Music RowFor the first year this cocktail lounge at the Virgin Nashville was open, it wasn’t really open. Instead, it was a private membership club with an entrance hidden away even from hotel guests. Now, we civilians can make reservations for a three-cocktail “experience” in this shrine to music and creativity, decorated like the writers’ lounge outside the legendary recording studios on nearby Music Row. Private memberships are still available if you’re so inclined and still flush with those songwriter royalty checks.

Get the latest from Thrillist Australia delivered straight to your inbox, subscribe here.

Sarah Carter is a writer and country music lover living in Lebanon, Tennessee. Follow her (mostly southern) regional exploits and stories on Instagram.

Chris Chamberlain is a food, drink, and travel writer based out of his hometown of Nashville. Find him on Twitter @CeeElCee.