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A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Nashville. Written by Nate Rau and Adam Tamburin.

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Dolly Parton is opening a new roadside travel stop next month

Dolly's Tennessean Travel Stop opens next month along I-65.

Things to Do

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dolly Parton" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/03/13/dolly-parton-first-public-appearance-in-months" data-vars-content-id="e05267b3-a18e-4371-a94c-19437d5c27c2" data-vars-headline="Dolly Parton is opening a new roadside travel stop next month" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/03/13/dolly-parton-first-public-appearance-in-months" target="_self">Dolly Parton</a>&#x27;s rapidly expanding hospitality empire will add its first roadside travel stop this summer.Why it matters: Soon, you&#x27;ll be able to craft a completely Dolly-dominated road trip across Tennessee.

Inside Nashville's new pro basketball franchise with Nancy VanReece

She talks about her journey to becoming president and CEO of Nashville's new UpShot basketball franchise.

Business

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Nancy VanReece" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2023/03/07/funding-pitched-for-womens-pro-sports-efforts-nashville" data-vars-content-id="e0c8e46c-752d-4002-a253-6ed36788dee0" data-vars-headline="Inside Nashville&#x27;s new pro basketball franchise with Nancy VanReece" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2023/03/07/funding-pitched-for-womens-pro-sports-efforts-nashville" target="_self">Nancy VanReece</a>&#x27;s journey to her dream job as president and CEO of Nashville&#x27;s new minor league women&#x27;s hoops franchise began on a basketball court in Oklahoma.<ul><li>When she played six-on-six high school basketball in Oklahoma in the early 1980s, girls teams had wonky rules that limited them to playing on half the court.</li></ul>Why it matters: Times have changed. From the college level to the WNBA, women&#x27;s basketball is exploding in popularity.<ul><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Nashville missed out on" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/06/30/nashvilles-wnba-effort-suffers-a-setback" data-vars-content-id="e0c8e46c-752d-4002-a253-6ed36788dee0" data-vars-headline="Inside Nashville&#x27;s new pro basketball franchise with Nancy VanReece" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/06/30/nashvilles-wnba-effort-suffers-a-setback" target="_self">Nashville missed out on</a> a WNBA expansion franchise in 2025, but this year, the city was awarded a new franchise in the fledgling UpShot League.</li></ul>

How Nashville residents build community with their neighbors

Nashvillians offer a how-to guide for anyone looking to expand their social circle.

After we shared <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new national data" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/13/americans-neighbors-socializing-less" data-vars-content-id="f3c1b2c2-00b9-449f-a062-f7ab084ee988" data-vars-headline="How Nashville residents build community with their neighbors" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/13/americans-neighbors-socializing-less" target="_self">new national data</a> showing Americans are talking with their neighbors far less than they used to, we asked you how you&#x27;ve bucked that trend and built community here in Nashville.<ul><li>Your responses are the perfect how-to guide for anyone looking to expand their social circle.</li></ul>Why it matters: Casual neighborhood ties are quietly disappearing, and the health consequences run deeper than most people realize.

Nashville's next big public project could be an affordable housing bond

Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell put $7 million in this year's budget for affordable housing loans.

Politics

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mayor Freddie O&#x27;Connell" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/05/04/nashville-mayor-freddie-oconnell-reelection" data-vars-content-id="44c70e81-8b71-473c-94ff-08ed96bd3117" data-vars-headline="Nashville&#x27;s next big public project could be an affordable housing bond" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/05/04/nashville-mayor-freddie-oconnell-reelection" target="_self">Mayor Freddie O&#x27;Connell</a> earmarked $7 million in his budget proposal for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="an affordable housing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/04/29/metro-unveils-10-year-strategy-to-ease-nashvilles-housing-crunch" data-vars-content-id="44c70e81-8b71-473c-94ff-08ed96bd3117" data-vars-headline="Nashville&#x27;s next big public project could be an affordable housing bond" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/04/29/metro-unveils-10-year-strategy-to-ease-nashvilles-housing-crunch" target="_self">an affordable housing</a> initiative that could evolve into the city&#x27;s next big public project.Why it matters: For years, advocates have pushed for Metro to put the full force of its spending powers into addressing the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="city&#x27;s affordable housing crisis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/03/30/nashville-housing-affordability-poll" data-vars-content-id="44c70e81-8b71-473c-94ff-08ed96bd3117" data-vars-headline="Nashville&#x27;s next big public project could be an affordable housing bond" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/03/30/nashville-housing-affordability-poll" target="_self">city&#x27;s affordable housing crisis</a>.

This year's Nashville marathon enjoys growth spurt

The marathon is growing after pandemic-era slump.

Runners will take over some of Nashville&#x27;s busiest streets this weekend as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the marathon returns" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/04/24/nashville-marathon-25th-anniversary" data-vars-content-id="cc457ddc-a69a-4f93-92e1-d0da68b538d1" data-vars-headline="This year&#x27;s Nashville marathon enjoys growth spurt" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/04/24/nashville-marathon-25th-anniversary" target="_self">the marathon returns</a> for the 26th year.Why it matters: The marathon is growing after pandemic-era slump in participation.

How to spend your summer vacation in Nashville

Celebrity chefs have set up shop, new attractions are taking shape and the famed corridor of honky-tonks on Lower Broadway keeps getting brighter.

If you&#x27;re looking to sing your way through summer vacation, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Nashville" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/things-to-do" data-vars-content-id="daba2283-cb2f-413e-bb89-21fe8d210193" data-vars-headline="How to spend your summer vacation in Nashville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/things-to-do" target="_self">Nashville</a> is the perfect destination.Why it matters: Music City has been the end of the yellow brick road for generations of aspiring musicians. As such, it is loaded with must-see landmarks for any music lover.

Downtown home tour offers glimpse of high-end condo life in Nashville

Nashville's downtown homes tour is Saturday.

If you&#x27;ve ever wanted to see what it&#x27;s like to live in a luxury condo downtown Nashville, now&#x27;s your chance.Driving the news: The Nashville Downtown Partnership hosts its annual downtown homes tour on Saturday.

Country Music Hall of Fame celebrates 20 million visitors

The milestone cements the hall's status as one of Nashville's great landmarks and tourist destinations.

News

As of Wednesday, 20 million visitors have come to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/06/27/country-music-hall-of-fame-dolly-parton" data-vars-content-id="9c92d43c-ca54-4338-a042-38822fa6d523" data-vars-headline="Country Music Hall of Fame celebrates 20 million visitors" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/06/27/country-music-hall-of-fame-dolly-parton" target="_self">Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum</a> since it moved downtown in 2001.Why it matters: The milestone cements the Hall&#x27;s status as one of Nashville&#x27;s great landmarks and tourist destinations.

Xul to host PB&J Mixtape release party in The Nations

Xul brings a jolt of enthusiasm to the Nashville beer scene with its PB&J Mixtape release party.

It&#x27;s been <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a gritty stretch" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/09/02/nashville-craft-beer-industry-ownership-changes" data-vars-content-id="2ed25cd8-9b38-43a3-9bfc-88ea3152fbca" data-vars-headline="Xul to host PB&amp;J Mixtape release party in The Nations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/09/02/nashville-craft-beer-industry-ownership-changes" target="_self">a gritty stretch</a> for Nashville&#x27;s craft brewery scene.<ul><li>Beloved breweries have consolidated, sold to out-of-towners or just plain closed.</li></ul>

Waymo launches autonomous car rides in Nashville

Nashville joined a growing list of cities Tuesday where autonomous rides are available.

It&#x27;s written on the first pages of countless sci-fi novels: driverless vehicles transporting people around a futuristic city.<ul><li>Well, welcome to the future Nashville, because <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="autonomous taxis from Waymo" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/09/17/waymo-self-driving-robotaxis-lyft-nashville" data-vars-content-id="f2c4ee02-b8dd-4320-89de-ea45df6f6672" data-vars-headline="Waymo launches autonomous car rides in Nashville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/09/17/waymo-self-driving-robotaxis-lyft-nashville" target="_self">autonomous taxis from Waymo</a> began providing rides Tuesday.</li></ul>Why it matters: Nashville joined a growing list of cities where autonomous vehicles are operating.

Nashville man gets a surprise star turn in "Company Retreat"

A Nashville resident unwittingly got cast in a comedy series that is part prank show.

An everyday Nashvillian got the starring role in a major streaming series and he didn&#x27;t even know it.Zoom in: Anthony Norman is at the center of &quot;Jury Duty Presents: Company Retreat,&quot; a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Prime Video" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/18/new-movies-tv-prime-video-netflix-tubi" data-vars-content-id="7f2544ec-3399-4be5-8592-94dc50dfa901" data-vars-headline="Nashville man gets a surprise star turn in &quot;Company Retreat&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/18/new-movies-tv-prime-video-netflix-tubi" target="_self">Prime Video</a> comedy that is part prank show and part mockumentary.

Great Smoky Mountains still the nation's top park

More than 11.5 million visitors passed through Great Smoky Mountains National Park last year.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Great Smoky Mountains" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/03/05/smoky-mountains-natchez-trace-fired-employees" data-vars-content-id="3e2a8b67-12fc-4abf-8197-301b1b35c4f9" data-vars-headline="Great Smoky Mountains still the nation&#x27;s top park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/03/05/smoky-mountains-natchez-trace-fired-employees" target="_self">Great Smoky Mountains</a> still tower over the rest of the country&#x27;s parks, according to new attendance <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tallies" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/socialscience/visitor-use-statistics-dashboard.htm" data-vars-content-id="3e2a8b67-12fc-4abf-8197-301b1b35c4f9" data-vars-headline="Great Smoky Mountains still the nation&#x27;s top park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/socialscience/visitor-use-statistics-dashboard.htm" target="_blank">tallies</a> from the National Park Service.Why it matters: The Smokies are a cultural and financial cornerstone in Tennessee. Visits there <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="boost the state&#x27;s economy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2022/07/20/national-parks-bring-870-million-to-tennessee" data-vars-content-id="3e2a8b67-12fc-4abf-8197-301b1b35c4f9" data-vars-headline="Great Smoky Mountains still the nation&#x27;s top park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2022/07/20/national-parks-bring-870-million-to-tennessee" target="_self">boost the state&#x27;s economy</a> and reflect the splendor of our natural surroundings.

Things to Do 🗓

Eastpoint neighborhood hosts kickoff party

Dolly Parton is opening a new roadside travel stop next month

Last chance for to see Frist's Impressionists exhibit in Nashville

How Nashville residents build community with their neighbors

Nashville moms get strawberries and Steeplechase