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About Nashville

About Nashville

Welcome to Nashville, Tennessee! The 2026 NCPG Annual Conference is located in the heart of Downtown Nashville, just blocks away from the world-famous “Honky Tonky Highway” on Broadway street.

Whether you’re interested in live music, historic and celebrity venues, or the many vibrant restaurants and attractions, Nashville has it all — and more! There’s no shortage of dining options, sightseeing activities, and local attractions that make “Music City” unique. 

Check out the galleries and recommendations below for insight into “must-see” or “must-do” activities during your stay this July, courtesy of members of the 2026 Conference Steering Committee. 

Explore Nashville Visitor Guide

Brian Ward, CGRM, IGRS, BARA, CGAC-R

President, Voices of Problem Gambling Recovery

Brian's Recommendations

  • Assembly Food Hall
    Dining

    Affordable and easily accessible from the hotel. Plenty of local food options.

  • Cotton and Snow
    Coffee/Tea or Dessert

    Close to the hotel, cotton candy and shaved ice options (Great for summer heat)

  • Ryman Auditorium
    Local Attraction

    Music hall with high recognition. Home of the Grand Ole Opry.

  • Honky Tonk Highway
    Shopping

    Plenty of local shopping and music access.

  • Teddy's Tavern
    Personal pick for a must-do while in Nashville

    A fun, energetic, little (like, SMMALLL) karaoke bar. Fun for a local date night or small group outing.

Scott Frost

Director of Marketing, Jack Entertainment & NCPG Conf. Volunteer Coordinator

Scott's Recommendations

  • The Hampton Social
    Dining

    This off-Broadway gem has a very robust menu and outstanding service. Enjoy Chicken & Waffles, Spicy Vodka Pasta, Double Wagyu Smash Burgers, Lobster Rolls, and everything in between. Find them on Open Table to make your reservation.

  • Adele's
    Coffee/Tea or Dessert

    The urban chic dining option features an open kitchen and delicious desserts including bread pudding, Southern coconut cake, banana mocha cake, and chocolate budino.

  • The Belmont Mansion
    Local Attraction

    One of Nashville’s most significant historic attractions. A visit offers the opportunity to explore 19th-century Nashville through the history of this place and the lives of the people who shaped it, including both free and enslaved individuals whose experiences are essential to understanding the site.

  • Fifth & Broadway
    Shopping

    A vibrant, open-air shopping and entertainment district in downtown Nashville, blending retail, dining, and live music into one walkable destination. With a mix of national brands, local favorites, and a lively food hall, it captures the energy and spirit of Music City in one place

  • L.A. Jackson
    Personal pick for a must-do while in Columbus

    Perched atop the Thompson Hotel in the L.A. Jackson is a stylish indoor-outdoor rooftop destination known for its sweeping skyline views and energetic, social atmosphere. With a mix of open-air terrace seating, modern lounge spaces, and live music, it offers a vibrant setting that evolves from laid-back evenings to lively nights above downtown Nashville.

Paulette O’Gilvie, PhD

Chair & Associate Professor of Behavioral Studies & Human Services, American Baptist College

Paulette's Recommendations

  • Jack's Bar-B-Que
    Dining

    A Nashvillian favorite if you like barbecue. Nice portions and side dishes. Don’t forget the cornbread.

  • D'Andrews Bakery & Cafe
    Coffee/Tea or Dessert

    All pastries are made in-house. Cute spot for coffee/tea, breakfast or dessert. Famed for their Southern flair.

  • American Baptist College (ABC)
    Local Attraction

    Historical Black Christian College right next door to the National Baptist Convention, USA. ABC graduated U.S. Representative John Lewis, Bernard Lafayette, Civil Rights Activist and leader, and Chaplain of the United States Coast Guard, Leroy Gilbert. Please reach out to Paulette O’Gilvie if you wish to book a tour.

  • Tanger Outlets Nashville
    Shopping

    Newer outlet mall near the airport and easily accessible.

  • Visit Opryland
    Personal pick for a must-do while in Nashville

    Opryland is a must-see in Nashville. Has something for everyone. A bucket list item.

Jessica Youngbloom, LMSW

Director of Strategic Initiatives, Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services

 

Jessica's Recommendations

  • Adele's
    Dining

    Great food with a menu that rotates based on what is in season.

  • Yeast Nashville
    Coffee/Tea or Dessert

    Great coffee and tea options they also have delicious Kolaches!

  • Ryman Auditorium
    Local Attraction

    Great venue to see a show, intimate and historical.

  • Mall at Green Hills
    Shopping

    A lot of options.

  • Go on a hike!
    Personal pick for a must-do while in Columbus

    We have a lot of beautiful state parks and local hikes.