Less crowded than New York, less pretentious than LA, less grass-fed than Austin and with a more colorful weather report than Portland sits Nashville, Tennessee’s most talked about secret and the country’s most up-and-coming newbie.

The city, once embarrassed by its Grand Ole Opry beginnings, is now basking in its newfound popularity. In an editorial with the Times, the city’s major, Karl Dean, said, “It’s good to be Nashville right now,” and it seems the rest of the country agrees. GQ magazine dubbed the city “Nowville” while a recent Gallup poll placed it in the top five regions for job growth and a national entrepreneurs’ group called it one of the best places for tech start-ups.

Even though it’s becoming one of the most flocked to cities for young people, immigrants, tourists and hopeful musicians, Nashville hasn’t lost its Southern hospitality. From dining to lodging, check out our ongoing guide of the best venues in Nashville.

At home and abroad, it’s all eyes on Nashville.