Nashville’s most unique accommodations embrace a no-glitz approach

Lyon Porter has completely reimagined the traditional bed and breakfast concept.

Porter is the founder of Urban Cowboy, a ‘home away from home’ with locations in both Nashville, Tennessee, and Brooklyn, New York.

Originally from Ohio, Porter lived in New York City for 15 years before launching the first Urban Cowboy. He designed the Brooklyn location as his ideal home, but its success inspired him to create a second Urban Cowboy.

The 1890s Queen Anne Victorian, complete with a wrap-around porch, was once owned by a doctor who used the home for his medical practice. Situated in East Nashville, it’s often referred to as the ‘Brooklyn of Nashville.’

The 1890s Queen Anne Victorian, with its iconic wrap-around porch, was once owned by a doctor who ran his medical practice from the house. Located in East Nashville, it’s often called the ‘Brooklyn of Nashville.’

Porter chose Nashville as the next location, a city he describes as ‘electric.’

After just one weekend in Nashville, Porter was convinced that it would be the home of the second Urban Cowboy. While the price was appealing to the long-time New Yorker, it was the warmth of the people that truly made the decision for him.

Porter describes Nashville locals as ‘incredibly present.’ They’re not only friendly but also incredibly supportive of the inn.

What began as a simple ‘passion project’ was quickly evolving into something much bigger. While success wasn’t guaranteed, it was certainly a safe bet.

Owner Lyon Porter highlights design elements that introduce a sense of 'movement' within Urban Cowboy Nashville.

Owner Lyon Porter points out design features that infuse a sense of ‘movement’ into Urban Cowboy Nashville.

Freedom and cowboys.

The Urban Cowboy brand has become the central focus of Porter and his partner Jersey Banks' lives. They’re now planning to open a third location, either within the U.S. or possibly internationally.

Urban Cowboy in Japan? It’s a possibility.

The concept behind Urban Cowboy was born from the idea of freedom and cowboys—living life on your own terms and carving your own path. It resonates strongly in Nashville, where cowboy boots are a local staple and people move here to chase their creative dreams.

Technically, Urban Cowboy Nashville is classified as a boutique hotel (as mentioned on the website), but its atmosphere, housed in a grand Victorian mansion that was once a doctor's office, feels more like a charming bed and breakfast.

It’s simply ‘not your grandmother’s bed and breakfast,’ says Porter, gesturing warmly around the space.

There is, of course, food and drinks available on the premises.

Public House welcomes everyone, not just hotel guests. Visitors can pull up a seat at the bar, mingle with locals, and gather insider tips on exploring the vibrant city of Nashville.

Public House is open to everyone, not just hotel guests. People can gather at the bar, chat with Nashville locals, and get insider tips for discovering the city’s vibrant scene.

For those looking to enjoy a drink and a bite, Public House offers a separate entrance to its restaurant and bar. On cooler evenings, a fire pit adds warmth to the outdoor space, where guests relax with craft cocktails and an ever-changing menu of wood-fired delicacies.

Being the ‘Brooklyn of Nashville,’ it’s no surprise that brunch is also on the menu.

The bar’s slogan is: 'Hot food, cold drinks, good times!' The ambiance is just as stunning as the rest of Urban Cowboy.

The bar’s motto is: ‘Hot food, cold drinks, good times!’ And the beautifully designed space complements the charm of Urban Cowboy itself.

A rock and roll-inspired Airbnb hotel.

As Porter and I converse in the musical parlor of the historic brick house with a wraparound porch in the laid-back East Nashville neighborhood, I’m able to appreciate the meticulous attention to detail around us. It’s intentional, not tacky.

Porter describes the space as a ‘rock and roll blend between the coolest Airbnb you’ve ever stayed at and a boutique hotel.’

Porter’s hesitation to call the space a traditional B&B makes sense. He’s aware of the typical negative associations with bed and breakfasts, like ‘an old couple or an elderly man or woman running a dusty, outdated house with doilies,’ he explains.

Urban Cowboy, as envisioned by Porter, is the complete opposite of a stuffy, old-fashioned B&B. While you won’t wake up to the aroma of sizzling bacon or freshly baked bread, you might stay up well past your bedtime, immersing yourself in the magic that Porter says often happens late at night when the instruments come out to play.

All 25 instruments in the musical parlor are perfectly tuned. There are plenty of guitars, a keyboard, French horns, trombones, and even a fiddle.

Guests are welcome to pick up a guitar from the wall and start jamming whenever the mood strikes.

Guests can grab a guitar off the wall and start jamming if the mood strikes.

Being in Nashville – ‘Music City’ – Porter says everyone actually plays the instruments; they’re not just for decoration.

Lynyrd Skynyrd’s keyboardist once dropped by and played ‘Sweet Home Alabama,’ much to the joy of the other guests.

At Urban Cowboy, they don’t take themselves too seriously, which is reflected in the quirky, unconventional atmosphere of the space.

The Music Parlor is a shared space where guests come together to relax, sip wine, and, of course, make music.

The Music Parlor is a communal area where people hang out, drink wine, and, naturally, play music.

The rooms at the inn.

Each of the eight rooms has its own unique style. The only consistent feature is the claw-foot tub found in every bedroom – not in the bathrooms.

Porter stops in the ‘Midnight Rider’ suite to highlight the unique tub in the room. It’s one of the largest clawfoot tubs he’d ever seen, and indeed, it’s the most spacious I’ve encountered, roomy enough for two tall people to stretch out comfortably.

In this ‘fun house for adults,’ there’s a lot to absorb. Porter says he embraced the Victorian concept of blending styles, ‘Oriental fabrics combined with American and English elements.’

The combination of these diverse aesthetics speaks to Porter, and the outcome is a space that feels dynamic.

'Midnight Rider' features a long tub—large enough for two people—at the center of the room.

'Midnight Rider' has a spacious, long tub—big enough for two people—that sits prominently in the center of the room.

It all boils down to the people.

Whether it’s the energy, the music, or the iconic Motorcycle Man sculpture in the ‘Lion’s Den’ suite, which attracts couples, bands, and bachelorette parties, what Porter hopes for is genuine personal connections.

‘Our whole thing is that you arrive as strangers and leave as friends,’ he says.

But remember, leave the glitter at home, folks.

The laid-back vibe at Urban Cowboy includes a firm ‘no-glitter policy.’

Nashville is the ultimate destination for bachelorette parties in the U.S., making this rule absolutely essential.

Urban Cowboy, 1603 Woodland St, Nashville, TN, 37206; +1 347 840 0525