I asked locals what screams “tourist” in Nashville. The responses were overwhelming – and hilarious. Here's what gives you away every time.
The Ultimate Dead Giveaway
White Cowboy Boots This was the clear winner. One local put it perfectly: “Those white cowboy boots.” Another called them “awful white cowboy boots.” Multiple people mentioned seeing “the same Shein cowboy boots on the same 10 girls.” The white boots are apparently so obvious that locals can spot them from a mile away.
Cowboy Hats Running a close second, but locals were specific about the type: “Amazon cowboy boots and cheesy pink hat” and “gift shop cowboy hats. One person noted: “Just boots and a hat are not a giveaway as a lot of us wear boots and hats. It's the type of boots and hats you gotta look at.”
The Location Dead Giveaway
Being on Broadway Many people simply said “Being on Broadway” or “Anyone on Broadway.” One local was blunt: “Anyone on Broadway!” Another noted: “Being downtown on a weekend.” The message is clear – locals avoid Broadway like the plague.
The Fashion Disasters
The Costume Combo People repeatedly mentioned specific combinations that scream tourist:
- Shorts with cowboy boots
- Daisy dukes and cowboy boots
- Short skirts with cowboy boots
- Rhinestone boots and cowboy hats
One local described the full “Nashville costume”: “A long sleeve yet short dress, cowboy hat, rhinestone boots, too much jewelry and makeup.”
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Pedal Taverns and Party Buses These wheeled embarrassments came up constantly. Comments ranged from “pedal tavern” to “screaming woooooo from a party bus going 5 mph.”
Bachelorette Parties Bride sashes, matching outfits, and groups of women in themed attire. One person noted: “Ribbon sashes that read ‘BRIDE' and penis straws.”
What Locals Really Think
Several locals shared insights about authentic Nashville style:
“Nashville and the surrounding counties don't have cowboys. We have never been a cattle town or state. We produced tobacco and corn.”
“Real cowboys don't wear high waters. They wear their pants stacked at the ankle.”
“You can usually look at someone and tell if they've ever worn that style before or not. Also, how they walk in the boots – if they aren't broke in and look extremely uncomfortable.”
The Pronunciation Test
Locals mentioned language giveaways:
- Pronouncing it “Nash-veel” instead of “Nash-vul”
- Calling it “Broadway” instead of “Lower Broad”
- Not being able to pronounce “Demonbreun”
The Food and Drink Signs
- Standing in line for hours at tourist trap restaurants
- Paying $20 for a beer
- Going to celebrity-owned bars
- Waiting in line at Hattie B's while being clueless about Prince's
What Locals Actually Wear
Multiple people clarified that real Nashvillians don't dress like the tourist stereotype. One person who moved from Colorado noted: “Shitkickers (cowboy boots) have been part of my daily attire for a couple of decades” but still got comments about looking like a new arrival.
The key difference? Locals wear practical, broken-in gear if they wear western wear at all. Tourists wear shiny, new, uncomfortable costumes.
The Debate in the Comments
Not everyone agreed with the tourist-shaming. Several people defended visitors:
“Who cares! It's all about having fun and making memories! WEAR WHAT YOU WANT!”
“There is nothing wrong to be seen as a tourist. We love you and will go out of our way to make sure you enjoy your time in Nashville.”
“The tourists bring money to this town, so let them wear what they want.”
The Bottom Line
White cowboy boots remain the ultimate tourist identifier in Nashville. If you want to blend in, skip the cowboy costume entirely. Locals wear normal clothes – jeans, t-shirts, comfortable shoes.
But here's the thing: most locals don't actually care. Nashville's economy depends on tourism, and most residents appreciate visitors who come to enjoy the city's music and culture.
Wear what makes you happy, tip the bands well, and have fun. Just know that those white boots are a dead giveaway.
