The insider’s guide to NASHVILLE

Canadian country music artist Mallory Johnson on where to find good food, good music and great vibes

For Newfoundland-born country music artist Mallory Johnson, moving to Nashville was always the goal.

Originally from Conception Bay South (which she still visits often), she knew the famed “Music City,” teeming with legendary venues like the Grand Ole Opry, was the place to be for her career. But what she didn’t expect was how immediately at home she’d feel in the Tennessee capital when she moved there about five years ago.

“People describe Nashville as a small town in a big city, and you feel that — you run into the same people all the time. The Southern hospitality is very similar to the friendliness a lot of Newfoundlanders have. I just fell in love with it,” says Johnson, who released her latest album, “Surprise Party,” last month.

“It’s such a creative place and really inspiring — everyone wants to lift the next person up. It’s just a fun place to be. It’s good energy, good music and good food.”

When she isn’t in the recording studio or on stage, Johnson loves exploring her new home. Here are some of her favourite spots to eat, hang out and catch live music.

For an unforgettable show

The Bluebird Cafe (4104 Hillsboro Pike)

For diehard country fans — or avid viewers of the Connie Britton-led TV drama series “Nashville” — the Bluebird Cafe is iconic, says Johnson. Opened in the ’80s, the intimate venue fits only about 90 people, but is still the spot in town for songwriters. Lyricists will take to the stage (encircled by the audience), talk about the story behind the tune, and then perform their own version — sometimes joined by surprise guests (past ones include Taylor Swift and Keith Urban). Tickets go fast, so plan ahead. “It’s a beautiful experience to sit in the middle of the room and get to be part of that story,” says Johnson, who will make her Bluebird debut this month.

For a made-to-impress dinner

Skull’s Rainbow Room (222 Printers Alley)

“Skull’s Rainbow Room is my favourite restaurant in Nashville right now,” Johnson says. “It’s dark and feels kind of like a lounge, and there’s live jazz music. It’s a really cool spot for a date or to celebrate something special.” The restaurant makes a great steak that “takes up a whole plate,” but the Newfoundlander was also pleasantly surprised by the deliciousness of the seafood dishes (particularly the scallops with lemon-caper beurre blanc). If you’re there late on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday night, you may also see one of their burlesque shows.

For a leisurely afternoon

12South (12th Ave. S.)

To experience Nashville outside the country music scene, Johnson suggests the trendy 12South neighbourhood, one of her favourite places to hang out. The half-mile stretch is home to some of the city’s coolest restaurants, shops and murals. There’s plenty to discover on your own, but the musician recommends checking out family-run Five Daughters Bakery (1110 Caruthers Ave.), which specializes in 100-layer croissant-donuts, and the rustic-chic thrift store Savant Vintage (2302 12th Ave. S.).

For a classic honky-tonk

Robert’s Western World (416B Broadway Pl.)

Nashville’s entertainment district is full of vibrant honky-tonks (a bar with live country music), so picking just one can be difficult. But Johnson returns to Robert’s Western World again and again because of its old-school vibe and its penchant for more traditional country music over contemporary tunes. “If you could visualize what a bar in Nashville might look like, it would be Robert’s,” she says. Cowboy boots line the walls, bartenders are generous with their pours (Johnson’s advice: don’t order more than a single), dishes like fried bologna sandwiches hit the spot, and the musicians never fail to impress.

For a wine-country side trip

Arrington Vineyards (6211 Patton Rd., Arrington)

Co-owned by country music star Kix Brooks (of duo Brooks and Dunn), this 95-acre estate is about a 40-minute drive south of Nashville. The vineyard offers 21 different wines — including a Chardonnay that won a double gold medal at the 2022 New York International Wine Competition — in five tasting rooms, and if you time your trip right, you might hear live music (check their online events calendar). “It’s a beautiful vineyard where a lot of people will go and set up little picnics,” Johnson says. “It’s just a really nice way to spend an afternoon.”