Nashville has become a headache for those of us who used to work there, or have to visit the big city occasionally. Today, many of the other adjacent counties and cities have become more popular in livability and commercial developments. With the expansion of commercial activity away from Nashville/Metro Davidson County, many business activities have been attracted elsewhere. That will show up eventually.
But I'm not sure the "country" footprint is in any danger in the three sectors of Tennessee. In Middle Tennessee, especially in the downtown district of Nashville, nearly every business exists with those references. In the tourist towns of East and West Tennessee, some businesses go above and beyond to keep the music and culture alive that has brought fame and tourism to so many in the Volunteer State. In the south-central part of the state, where I'm from, very little has changed over the years. The only real impact differences we've noticed over the years involves the build up of local Mexican restaurants and the many Middle-Eastern folks who have taken over most convenience markets from the mom/pop store days. But even they stay within the boundaries. The other day, I noticed a Mexican restaurant with screens featuring country artist videos on every wall. Seems strange, but it was packed.
Just this week, I was in Eli's neck of the woods in the eastern part of the state. Being that I'm a lifelong citizen of Tennessee, and have traveled it from corner to corner many times from my youth, it is amazing to compare what has happened over the years in places like Sevier County. Tourists from all over the world come there weekly, and nothing in that area escapes their country, southern gospel, and bluegrass musical heritages. Dolly Parton remains a huge influence, as well as revered southern personalities like the southern cooking queen Paula Deen. Modern cultures and more urban lifestyles take a back seat to yesteryear.
