In 2024, Nashville International Airport set an annual passenger record of 24.8 million, and it expects to grow by 4.8% this year. Whether you’re going on a trip, picking up friends and family, or just hanging out, here’s your local guide to BNA.
⌚ While You Wait
- Explore BNA’s art exhibits.
- Need some air? BNA’s new Concourse D extension includes the airport’s first outdoor terrace!
- Have young kids? Head over to the children’s play area at Concourse B.
- Looking for a quiet place to work? Concourse D has some desks with charging stations that are perfect. The central atrium by the T terminal also tends to be pretty quiet, as does the A terminal at the very end of the concourse.
🛍️ Where To Shop
Here are the City Cast Nashville team’s favorite airport stores!
- Executive producer (and proud Texan) Whitney Pastorek recommends James Avery Artisan Jewelry, great for gifts for yourself or others, although she’s mad about the disappearance of Vino Volo.
- Podcast host Marie Cecile Anderson prefers to buy gifts at Tennessee Tribune News & Gifts, which features local vendors, from Loveless Cafe food sets to Emmaline’s Hot Sauce. Gulch Goods is also a great place to shop with local vendors.
- Both Marie and I love to go to Parnassus Books. I like to play a game of “how many of these books have I already read,” and then find one I haven’t and buy it, while Marie will see which of their staff picks are available on the Libby app through the Nashville Public Library, and check them out to read on her trip.
🍽️ Where To Eat
- Whitney’s go-to meal is the falafel platter at Pyramids Cafe. So many veggies! And Yazoo Brewing Company at the very end of Terminal C, where Southwest flies out, is a great place to hide.
- Producer Daniel Sumstine grabs a smoothie from The Urban Juicer before a trip.
- The Farmer Biscuit at Fugitives Public House is Marie’s favorite, with country ham, a fried egg, goat cheese, and a ton of Tater Tots. She’s also had its Nashville hot chicken salad before a flight, and it was soooooo good!
- I can usually find something gluten-free at Bongo Java, and if I want a bigger meal, New Heights Cantina & Taqueria.
- Other restaurants worth checking out: Acme Feed & Seed, Shake Shack, Puckett’s, and Prince’s Hot Chicken, though that’s risky before a flight!
✈️ Other Tips
- It’s probably best to go straight to your gate and check on the situation before shopping and eating.
- The interactive airport map is a great way to find spots close to your terminal.
- Want to explore BNA but don’t have a ticket? Register for BNA PASSport access.
- BNA frequently hosts live music.
- Rideshare drop-offs are now at the ground transportation center.
