What involves thoughts once you hear the town of Nashville? That’s proper, nation music! Many well-known musicians and high artists have been Tennessee born and jump-started their musical careers right here, which is why the town can also be aptly often known as Music Metropolis.
However that isn’t all the town has to supply, thoughts you. In actual fact, there are lots of enjoyable issues to do in Nashville. From visiting the Grand Ole Opry to consuming genuine Southern meals to going out for some honky-tonkin’ in downtown Nashville, we’ll be itemizing one of the best experiences you’ll be ticking off your bucket checklist in your journey round Music Metropolis.
Finest Sights & Enjoyable Issues to in Nashville (Downtown & Past)
1. Journey Science Middle of Nashville
For those who love science or have youngsters with you, then undoubtedly try Journey Science Middle. It’s a non-profit science museum aimed in the direction of kids and options over 175 hands-on interactive reveals. They span completely different themes like biology, physics, visible notion, audio listening, and far more.
The constructing is jam-packed with many desirable reveals in a 44,000 sq. ft house, just like the full-motion simulator, Physics of Flight, Galactic Gardens, and extra.
There’s additionally the Journey Tower, the place there are enjoyable actions for folks of all ages, such because the Televator and Stroll-in Guitar/Piano. On the Statement Deck, you’ll have a panoramic view of the town.
Final however not least, is the 63-foot dome theater Sudekum Planetarium, which options planetarium reveals, laser reveals, live shows, and Yoga Below The Stars.
2. Purchase a Pair of Cowboy Boots
Nothing beats going concerning the streets of Nashville in type with a great pair of cowboy boots.
Whether or not it’s for trend or simply one thing to recollect your go to to Nashville by, there are many outlets promoting genuine cowboy boots round, like Nashville Boot Co., Lucchese Bootmaker, and Goodbuy Ladies.
3. Catch a Sport at First Horizon Park
If you wish to catch some stay baseball or soccer video games, look no additional than First Horizon Park in downtown Nashville. It is usually house to the native Nashville Sounds Baseball Membership.
One of many highlights of the baseball park is the huge guitar-shaped scoreboard. One other spotlight is an out of doors restaurant positioned on the right-field concourse often known as The Band Field. Apart from meals, in addition they have a number of enjoyable leisure choices like ping pong, corn gap, foosball, shuffleboard, and extra.
After all, there are additionally concession stands and moveable carts round that supply conventional ballpark meals like sizzling canine, pizza, and nachos. You too can strive their native Nashville sizzling hen and pulled pork sandwich!
4. Crash the Bluebird Café
There’s one other place in Nashville the place quite a few abilities like Taylor Swift, Kathy Mattea, Garth Brooks, and extra had career-defining moments.
Enter the Bluebird Café, a music membership in Nashville often known as a songwriter’s venue, primarily as a result of up-and-coming songwriters have an opportunity to showcase their authentic music within the membership’s “Author’s Evening” present. There are additionally performances from particular company, who’ve made a reputation for themselves within the music trade.
Whether or not or not it’s music from contemporary new abilities to seasoned veterans, an evening at this iconic membership will certainly be an expertise you’ll always remember!
5. Create a Poster Hatch Present Print
Hatch Present Print has been within the letterpress printing enterprise since 1879, having produced posters for anybody who wants high quality commercials, from music reveals to outlets and the like.
Their conventional means of printing posters is all the time an interesting sight to behold. And what higher solution to see this in motion than by occurring a tour of their workshop. What’s extra, you additionally get to make your personal poster as a memento!
6. Do a Tasting at Nelson’s Inexperienced Brier Distillery
Nashville isn’t just house to nation music, however it is usually house to Nelson’s Inexperienced Brier Distillery, one of the vital profitable distilleries in america.
Re-launched by the unique proprietor’s great-great-great grandsons in 2011, they proceed to provide Tennessee whiskeys and different spirits that put Nelson’s Inexperienced Brier Distillery on the map.
You possibly can go to them at 1414 Clinton Road, the place you’ll be able to e-book a tour of their historical past, how they produce the spirits, and naturally, tastings of 4 of their seasonally-selected bottles!
Whereas in there, you will get your self a few of their greatest drinks like their award-winning authentic Tennessee whiskey, Belle Meade Bourbon, and Louisa’s Liqueur.
7. Benefit from the Masterpieces at Frist Artwork Museum
Are you curious about viewing a number of the most gorgeous artwork yow will discover in Nashville? Frist Artwork Museum will certainly hold your eyes glued to their exhibitions, with an ever-changing assortment of artwork items!
One in every of its most well-known locations is the award-winning Martin ArtQuest or MAQ Gallery. It’s an interactive gallery house with options like art-making stations the place you’ll be able to draw, paint, or make prints, a zoetrope, a shadow theater, stop-motion animation, and far more!
8. Expertise Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage
If visiting the residence of a former President is in your bucket checklist, head to the Hermitage. Andrew Jackson, former President of america owned the Hermitage plantation and lived there often.
You possibly can take a self-guided tour of the over 1000 acre property to see the Greek revival type mansion, grounds, reveals, log cabin, different historic constructions, and extra. Or select from one of many guided excursions to get a deeper understanding. You too can discover the grounds on a wagon tour from April to October climate allowing.
E-book your ticket in advancer right here: Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage Grounds Cross
9. Discover Radnor Lake State Park
If you’re an outdoorsy particular person, you’ll absolutely take pleasure in a visit to Radnor Lake State Park! From boating to tenting to climbing to mountaineering and a lot extra, you’ll by no means run out of enjoyable actions in its 1,368-acre house.
There are numerous sections of trails by means of the woods across the lake. On a hike, you’ll be able to expertise the realm’s serenity and see beautiful wildlife. The lake can also be house to a number of birds, particularly duck species just like the ring-necked duck and American wigeon.
You possibly can cease on the customer heart for info regarding the park, open from Thursday to Monday. Alternatively, you can too try their official web site.
10. Discover Your Favourite Mural
Wandering the streets of Nashville is each a shocking and fulfilling expertise due to the various murals yow will discover round. Not solely are they fascinating to take a look at, however they’re additionally good for posing to your Instagram pictures!
Probably the most standard ones is the I Imagine in Nashville, a sequence of painted murals across the metropolis by Adrien Saporiti which began in 2012. One other one is the WhatLifts YouWings, a pair of white lace wings on a black wall by Kelsey Montague.
With greater than 100 murals within the metropolis, which one in every of these shall be your favourite, and what number of will you discover?
11. Get Misplaced within the Nation Music Corridor of Fame and Museum
Uncover the historical past of nation music, and see distinctive reveals together with sound recordings, musical devices, archival movies, objects utilized by well-known artists, and extra on the Nation Music Corridor of Fame and Museum.
The museum goals to protect and interpret American vernacular music and honors each legends and up to date artists. Momentary reveals too are on show.
I loved wanting on the clothes/costumes worn by nation music performers, together with Jim Reeves, Patsy Cline, Johnny Money, and others. And, oh, don’t miss Elvis’ shiny 1960 “Strong Gold” Cadillac, one of many many iconic automobiles within the museum!
E-book your ticket upfront right here: RCA Studio B & Nation Music Corridor of Fame Combo
12. Get Some Princes Sizzling Rooster
House of the unique sizzling hen! Prince’s Sizzling Rooster Shack has been serving its signature dish since 1945 and has change into a favourite amongst Nashvillians. It is usually credited for popularizing sizzling hen, which impressed eating places with comparable delicacies.
Recognized for Nashville’s distinctive deep-fried poultry specialty, this hen is available in 8 completely different flavors, starting from plain to XXX Sizzling! Served along with your selection of sides and drinks (in addition they have beer), it is going to depart you and your mouth burning sizzling inside!
13. Get Treats at Goo Goos
Are you uninterested in the same old plain treats that may’t appear to fulfill your candy tooth? Then get your fingers on some Goo Goo Clusters!
However what makes a Goo Goo Cluster a Goo Goo Cluster? As you’ll have most likely guessed from the title, it’s a cluster of a number of forms of sweet into one: marshmallow nougat, caramel, and roasted peanuts coated in milk chocolate. Collectively, they make up the Goo Goo Cluster that everybody loves and enjoys!
Goo Goos additionally provide candy-making lessons, the place you get to find out about its historical past and the way they make them, in addition to getting a style of your very personal Goo Goo Cluster!
For extra nice treats to eat, see our American Sweet Listing that has over 90 nice ones (together with the Goo Goo Clusters!).
14. Go to the Historic RCA Studio B
Take a go to to the oldest recording studio in Nashville. RCA Studio B turned recognized within the Sixties because the birthplace of the “Nashville Sound,” a music type recognized by its background vocals and strings. The Nation Music Corridor of Fame owns the studio and provides scheduled excursions of the amenities. Yow will discover the studio in Nashville’s historic Music Row district.
Many legendary musicians have recorded greater than 47,000 songs at RCA Studio B. Elvis Presley can also be stated to have recorded greater than 200 songs at this place.
15. Hike at Lengthy Hunter State Park
Lengthy Hunter State Park is one other extraordinary place to benefit from the open air of Nashville. It’s positioned in Hermitage, a suburb of Nashville. The park is a haven for outside actions, together with tenting, fishing, kayaking, climbing, and far more.
The state park includes three lake sections; Baker’s Grove within the north, Couchville on the heart, and Bryant Grove to the south, all related by slim strips of land. Sellars Farm, a state archaeological website close to Lebanon to the east, can also be underneath the park’s administration.
Talking of climbing, they’ve over twelve trails across the park, with various difficulties. A few of their well-known hikes are the Day Loop Path, Volunteer Path, and Couchville Lake Loop Path.
16. Take pleasure in Southern Consolation Meals at Loveless Café
If you wish to get a style of what Nashville is basically like, look no additional than Loveless Cafe! Opposite to its namesake, there’s nothing you wouldn’t love about its menu (and the cafe itself).
From the buttery biscuits to the nation ham to the red-eye gravy and plenty of extra, you will notice (or relatively style) why they’re the go-to place in the case of Southern cooking.
You’ll have to be a bit affected person concerning the wait occasions, however I assure that it’s properly price it!
17. Johnny Money Museum and Café
Artifacts, costumes, lyrics written by hand, and musical devices are simply a number of the superb reveals on the Johnny Money Museum. It covers your complete graph of his life from his music and excursions to his private life.
18. Study Tennessee Historical past on the State Museum
Have a look again in time at Tennessee State Museum, positioned on the nook of Rosa Parks Boulevard and Jefferson Road. The constructing has numerous galleries inside, such because the Tennessee Time Tunnel, which reveals the state’s historical past that results in its everlasting assortment of artifacts.
There’s additionally a hands-on kids’s gallery for the kiddies, six rotating galleries, a digital studying heart, and final however not least, a two-story Grand Corridor. Better of all, admission is free!
19. Hearken to Music on Honky Tonk Freeway (Decrease Broadway)
Nashville shouldn’t be often known as the Music Metropolis for nothing. These seeking to take pleasure in stay music acts at bars can head to Decrease Broadway or, as folks wish to name it, the Honky-Tonk Freeway.
A go to right here is likely one of the greatest enjoyable issues to do in Nashville. This four-block stretch has many bars to select from to take pleasure in stay performances day or evening, down a number of drinks, and seize a chunk.
I might suggest Robert’s Western World for stay music and beer. For those who like music and a great dance ground, strive The Stage in addition to Legend’s Nook. For those who don’t thoughts boisterous nighttime crowds, you’ll be able to cease at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge. As for drinks, you’ll be able to head to Bootleggers Inn, recognized for his or her moonshine bar.
Different nice locations embody The Second Fiddle, Honky Tonk Central, and Layla’s Bluegrass Inn.
20. Ogle the Parthenon
Nashville’s Parthenon cannot actually evaluate to the unique in Greece, however the full-size duplicate on the Centennial Park is an effective copy. I might undoubtedly suggest it, particularly to those that haven’t visited Greece. It’s the prime attraction on the park and homes an artwork gallery and museum.
A serious spotlight is the 42-foot indoor statue of Athena Parthenos by Alan LeQuire. There are replicas of different sculptures too from the unique construction.
The artwork gallery has greater than 60 work by American artists of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. On a night go to, you’ll be able to see the Parthenon in all its illuminated glory.
For an additional bucket checklist worthy expertise take a Helicopter Tour of Downtown and Music Metropolis, which offers you a very completely different perspective of the Parthenon.
21. Get together on a Pedal Bar Tour
Probably the most distinctive and enjoyable methods to go round Nashville is thru a pedal bar tour. Yup, you and your mates will journey a big pedal-powered bar whereas having fun with a drink and the sights.
Whilst you and your buddies drink away, you could be questioning who shall be taking the wheel. Don’t sweat it! Ingesting whereas driving is all the time a giant no-no, so there’s a tour information who controls the steering and braking 🙂 All you guys should do is pedal and drink!
22. Journey a Mechanical Bull
Ever wished to strive using a mechanical bull even simply as soon as? Good factor you should have the possibility to strive it in Nashville! There are two bars right here that aren’t only a excellent place to have karaoke and drinks, in addition they have mechanical bulls to check out the mettle of would-be riders.
First is the Wild Beaver Saloon—a enjoyable, rowdy bar with a mountain lodge theme, scantily clad waitresses & weekly karaoke.
The opposite one is Tequila Cowboy, a multi-roomed nightspot with a stay music stage, dance membership, and recreation space. They’re on Broadway, only a 3-min stroll from the Ryman Auditorium.
23. See the Animals on the Nashville Zoo
Nashville Zoo is a great spot to go to, particularly you probably have youngsters with you. With over 3,000 completely different species of animals, you’ll have loads of points of interest to take pleasure in going to, like Critter Encounters, Kangaroo Kickabout, Lorikeet Touchdown, the Wilderness Specific, and extra.
You too can go to the Grassmere Historic House, which is the centerpiece of the place. Right here you’ll study concerning the property’s historical past, see items of artifacts, an intensive e-book assortment, and several other household portraits.
24. Store Reese Witherspoon’s Draper James
Draper James is a clothes label began in 2015 by actress Reese Witherspoon that pays homage to her grandparents and her Southern upbringing.
They’ve a big selection of clothes, equipment, and residential decorations which can be additionally good as presents! You too can get a few of their totes, which frequently characteristic some slang widespread to the Southeast United States.
25. Keep on the Gaylord Opryland Resort
Indulge your self and add extra to the Nashville expertise by staying on the Gaylord Opryland, one of many 30 largest motels on the earth.
It has every thing you’ll search for at an opulent resort; spa, eating places, bars and outlets, water parks, and a lot extra. Some issues you shouldn’t miss are the resort’s Soundwaves water attraction and the indoor Delta River boat tour.
What’s even higher is that the Grand Ole Opry is only a stone’s throw away! You too can go to the Madame Tussauds wax museum, simply a few minutes away from Gaylord Opryland.
26. Take a Tour of Belmont Mansion
Nashville’s Belmont Mansion has numerous fascinating tales to inform since its completion in 1853. Situated on the coronary heart of Belmont College, the mansion has stood the take a look at of time and is standing in all of its glory in the present day.
The mansion additionally homes a group of authentic furnishings, work, and different artwork items all through its partitions. Additionally, you will study concerning the historical past of the place, from the household who inhabited the mansion to the African American slaves and European immigrants who constructed it to the various historic occasions that passed off there.
Tip: the Nashville Hop-on Hop-off Trolley will make a cease there!
27. Tour The Belle Meade Plantation
Steeped in historical past, the mansion on the Belle Meade Plantation is now a museum. The property features a customer’s heart, different constructions together with a dairy, carriage home, stables, restored slave quarters, and gardens. You possibly can really see the bullet marks from the Civil Battle on the columns of the home.
On a guided tour with costumed guides, you’ll be able to study all concerning the historical past of this Greek revival type mansion in addition to the Harding and Jackson household. The tour ends with wine tasting. Attempt the Segway guided tour of the 30 acre grounds.
28. Tour the Ryman Auditorium
This auditorium is famous in nation music historical past, and a tour makes all of it clear. Get a glimpse of its roots by watching the story on the ‘Soul of Nashville’. I noticed why Ryman Auditorium is such a revered establishment. Performers together with Patsy Cline, Dolly Parton, Hank Williams and others carried out stay right here, in affiliation with the Grand Ole Opry.
Do you know that the Ryman is the birthplace of bluegrass music? It has additionally witnessed legends within the making. The auditorium continues to host stay performances by up to date artistes together with Luke Combs, Blake Shelton and others. And guess what, you’ll be able to even report your personal music on the Ryman Studio!
29. Go to Cheekwood Property & Gardens
Cheekwood is a 55-acre botanical backyard and artwork museum positioned on the historic Cheek property, simply 8 miles southwest of downtown Nashville at 1200 Forrest Park Drive. It was initially constructed for Leslie and Mabel Cheek in 1929 and now serves as a backyard and artwork museum.
The Cheek household has an unlimited assortment of paintings they’ve collected for the reason that opening of Cheekwood in 1960, which yow will discover on the Historic Mansion & Museum. Outdoor, one you shouldn’t miss is the Ann & Monroe Carell Jr. Household Sculpture Path, a group of latest sculptures coming from completely different artists and nations.
There are additionally tons (and I imply tons) of gardens inside Cheekwood, every with its personal story to inform. Children will love enjoying round within the Bracken Basis Kids’s Backyard, between the Frist Studying Middle and Howe Backyard. One other one is the Trains! exhibit, which is within the Turner Seasons Backyard.
30. Go to the Patsy Cline Museum
The Patsy Cline Museum is a tribute to the gifted nation singer whose life was minimize quick in a airplane crash. It has a wonderful assortment of high artifacts and memorabilia together with private belongings, in addition to a present store with souvenirs.
31. Go to the Tennessee State Capitol
The Tennessee State Capitol serves as the house of the Tennessee Normal Meeting and the Governor’s Workplace. It sits on the very best hill on the coronary heart of Nashville and is likely one of the metropolis’s six Nationwide Historic Landmarks. Additionally they provide guided and self-guided excursions.
You’ll discover monuments across the capitol grounds, most notably the 2 statues of the Presidents of america: Andrew Jackson and Andrew Johnson. The tomb of James Okay. Polk (one other President) can be discovered right here, the place he’s buried alongside along with his spouse.
Inside, there are portraits of the three Presidents (who’re all from Tennessee, by the best way) and previous governors. A few of the highlights of the constructing embody the Capitol Library with its authentic iron-cast spherical spiral staircase and the Capitol balcony, which provides the most effective views in Nashville, overlooking the Bicentennial Mall State Park.
32. Stroll Throughout the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge
The John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge is likely one of the longest pedestrian bridges on the earth, spanning 3,150 ft throughout the Cumberland River. Due to its truss design, it was admitted to the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations and is kind of an attraction within the metropolis.
Apart from the train that you just’ll get by strolling the size of the bridge, there are additionally a lot of nice views to see, just like the Cumberland River, the Ryman Stadium, and the encircling space.
33. And—Sure, Go to the Grand Ole Opry
In terms of music, Nashville is all the time synonymous with nation music. A visit to this metropolis is rarely full with out experiencing a stay nation music present, which is why going to the Grand Ole Opry is a should.
The Grand Ole Opry is the place nation music took the US by storm. It continues to be America’s longest-running radio present because it started in 1925.
Again then, its immense reputation led to common stay reveals by nation music’s greatest performers on the Ryman Auditorium, akin to Johnny Money, Patsy Cline, Invoice Monroe, and plenty of others. Up to date artists together with Carrie Underwood, Garth Brooks, and Keith City proceed to carry out right here.
Which of those are you able to expertise in your go to to Nashville? Although the town could be vigorous, most particularly from the music and nightlife, you’ll discover at occasions a laid-back and enjoyable ambiance, particularly from the locals.
Sure, there are many enjoyable issues to do in Nashville, however that doesn’t imply that it’s a must to rush by means of each attraction! What’s necessary is to take your time and luxuriate in each second.
Important Ideas for Visiting Nashville
Getting There: Nashville Worldwide Airport is a significant hub and most airways will fly into it. You possibly can simply verify for one of the best fare offers at Skyscanner, which additionally has the choice to decide on ‘least expensive month’ because the departure to seek out the bottom priced dates to fly to your vacation spot. From the airport to downtown, you’ll be able to take Bus 18, taxi, automobile rental, limo, resort shuttle and journey share.
The place to Keep in Nashville: It’s greatest to remain close to the town heart, public transportation or the realm that you’ll be spending probably the most time in. Nashville Riverfront Lofts is a good selection within the Downtown, Nashville. For one thing on the cheaper aspect, strive Nashville TN Trip Leases positioned in Nashville. For a resort with somewhat extra extravagance, e-book a room on the W Nashville. Or search some nice offers on motels of your selection at Reserving.com. For those who’re on the lookout for extra of a house ambiance (or are touring with a gaggle of individuals), head over to Airbnb that has homes, flats and even only a room for lease in each worth vary.
Getting Round: Driving in a brand new vacation spot generally is a little bit of a problem, however for those who select to lease a automobile, DiscoverCars.com has nice offers. If you’re not renting a automobile, there are many different choices. Taxis, Lyft and Uber can be found everywhere in the metropolis, plus a lot of the main points of interest could be accessed with the Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Bus. For a extra price range pleasant possibility, you’ll be able to take the town buses or mild rail system. You too can lease a motorbike or a scooter. For those who’re out on Broadway and want a fast journey to a close-by pub, hailing a golf cart could be probably the most environment friendly different. Pedicabs are one other downtown possibility that may be flagged down in the identical means as a daily cab.
Finest Excursions in Nashville: Yow will discover a number of the high excursions at Get Your Information or Viator, and listed here are a number of the high ones. excursions:
Insurance coverage: It’s all the time a good suggestion to journey totally insured so you’re protected in case of journey cancellations or medical emergencies. You possibly can try pricing at Travelex Insurance coverage.
This publish could comprise affiliate hyperlinks. For those who make a purchase order by means of my hyperlinks, I earn a fee that helps to maintain this weblog working—at no additional price to you. For extra info learn my full disclosure.
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