😬 Nashville is frozen. We hope you're okay.

🚨 Nashville in State of Emergency

Mayor Freddie O’Connell has declared a state of emergency for Davidson County after Winter Storm Fern left us coated in at least a half inch of ice. Countless trees and power lines are down across the city — with more likely to fall — and the mayor has asked everyone to shelter in place. Full power is expected to take days, not hours, to restore. [The Tennessean]

• Report power outages to NES by texting OUT to 637797. [NESPower.com]
• Please reserve 911 for emergencies, including downed power lines. For everything else, call 311 or visit hubNashville. [hub.nashville.gov]
• Metro has opened emergency warming locations at fire stations and community centers. These will be open 24/7. Bring what you need to stay as long as you need. [Nashville.gov]
• Today’s temperatures are not expected to rise above the teens, with wind chills as low as -10 degrees through noon tomorrow. [NashSevereWX]

🇺🇸 Nashville Celebrates America 250

The America 250 program faced a lot of challenges ahead of our nation’s sesquicentennial, but here in Tennessee, plans are underway for a grand celebration. On today’s City Cast Nashville podcast, we’re discussing what the birthday party will look like here in Nashville with John Dichtl, president of the American Association for State and Local History, and Ashley Howell, executive director of the Tennessee State Museum. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

📚 Library System To Vote on Book Removals

Today, the Rutherford County Library Board will vote on proposals to eliminate policies that protect against censorship. Then on Feb. 2, the board will decide which of approximately 2,700 books flagged by the state should be permanently removed from circulation. [Fox 17]

• The library director recommends that all materials remain on the shelves. This agenda packet contains the lengthy spreadsheet of books flagged for possible removal. [Rutherford County Library System]

🧑‍🎨 Nashville’s Most Exciting Winter Art Events

The Nashville Scene’s Winter Arts Guide 2026 presents the must-see theater, dance, visual arts, film, and book events of the beginning of the year. Events include a performance of “Fat Ham,” a traveling printmaking exhibition at Random Sample, and a visit from author George Saunders. [Nashville Scene]

• Listen to our conversation with two local artists about Nashville’s booming art scene. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

Hungry? Nashville has so many excellent new restaurants and bars opening every month. Here are our favorites from January!

Love’s Alibi

This new cocktail bar in The Gulch has comfy booths, neon lights, and 80s vibes. Open until 1 a.m., Love’s Alibi is “a love letter to bold women, loud laughter, good music, and that perfect in-between hour when the light gets soft and the stories start.” Grab a pic in the photo booth with friends, order some elevated bar food, and have a good time.

Cilantro Mexican Grill & Tequila Bar

Cilantro already has locations in South Nashville and 5 Points, but they’re now expanding to The Gulch, which seems to be a hotspot for new restaurants. They claim to have the best margaritas in town. You’ll have to visit to see if you agree.

Hoppin' Gulch

We’re staying in The Gulch with this new self-pour bar and bowling alley. Watch the latest game on numerous TVs, hang out on the patio when the weather turns nice, and see if you can beat your friends at bowling. It’s currently having a soft opening, with a grand opening slated for Feb. 7.

Sushi Row

Nashville’s newest sushi restaurant in Wedgewood-Houston offers sushi classics with a creative twist. Sushi Row started in Colorado Springs, and is operated by the creators of Dos Santos, which is right across the street. The menu includes pork belly buns, sake, and tamaki tacos.

Neighborlily

This popular Germantown coffee shop has reopened after an interior revamp, with velvet couches and candles giving it a warm and cozy vibe. In addition to coffee, they’re now serving cocktails and food all day and night.

Streetcar Taps & Garden

The folks behind West Nashville’s popular Streetcar Taps have opened a second location in Germantown. Expect the same great food and friendly vibes, and just like the Charlotte Pike location, there’s plenty of patio space, including a heated patio area. This is likely to become a neighborhood favorite.

The Hitchcock

This hip new bar, located inside downtown’s The Maddox Hotel, has a vintage speakeasy vibe and lots of unique cocktails.

Nashville Korean BBQ & Hotpot

Over by K&S Market on Charlotte Pike, this Korean barbecue has an all-you-can-eat buffet, hot pot, and stoves at the table where you can cook your own food. It’s a fun space, with lots of claw machines and games, and cool interior decorations.