by Chris Cannon
NASHVILLE, Tenn.- Nashville is a city evolving. Once known for just county music the city's creativity has caught the eye of folks from coast to coast.
This week two national publications make the case for why Nashville has become Nowville.
When most people think of Nashville custom tailored clothing doesn't usually come to mind, but places like Imogene + Willie on 12-south are changing people's perception of Music City.
"I've always been in on the secret of how great Nashville was. So it so great to see the secret is getting out and people are getting to see what a great town this is," said Jay Wilkison, manager of Imogene + Willie.
Wilkison knows the articles in GQ and The New York Times will give the nation a crash course on Nashville's creativity, one that has nothing to do with country music.
Otis James also made GQ's list of people turning Nashville into Nowville.
"I never set out to be in GQ, none of this was my goal. So when those things come along it's just really flattering," said James.
Recognition that is hard-earned. The craftsmanship of his handmade ties and caps have orders coming in from around the world. Otis proves this city is more than just music.
"And there's just a lot of other stuff going on, you know a lot of people are doing interesting things, whether its food or clothing," explained James.
Nashville's foodies found themselves of the pages of the New York Times this week. The paper called The Pharmacy Burger Parlor and Beer Garden in East Nashville one of the city's rising stars. Terry Raley feels the Times article highlights a food scene that's just getting started.
"If you open a business, you open a restaurant you want to be in the New York Times, obviously," Raley said, "I think Nashville will continue to be in the culinary force to be reckoned with for years to come. We're finally on the map,"
So now it is not just country music that has made Nashville the place to be.
The Nowville feature on Nashville comes on in GQ's July issue which hits newsstands on June 26th.
New York Times Article: Nashville's Rising Stars- The Kitchen Is Their Studio
Email: ccannon@newschannel5.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/NC5ChrisCannon
Twitter: Twitter.com/NC5_ChrisCannon
