I accompanied my wife to a conference there 3 years ago. I managed to avoid the main drag most of the week. Even during the day a lot of the bars and restaurants blared deafening music. I just read recently that Ernest Tubb's is closing. I did enjoy the CMA Museum, and caught a concert at the old Ryman. One little place a couple blocks off the main drag called The Listening Room was my favorite spot. It's an entertainment venue with smaller acts. The night I went they were showcasing a couple of the record labels' song writers.
Away from the tourist area, the city seems very viable. Lots of companies still have offices there and there seemed to be a fair bit of construction.