If you happen to’re a music lover, then a visit to Nashville is certainly so as. Generally known as Music Metropolis, the capital of Tennessee is likely one of the most enjoyable cities to go to within the US. There are many thrilling issues to do in Nashville, and we’ll cowl the very best on this publish.
After all, experiencing the music tradition of town is a should. With loads of museums, report shops, venues, and festivals to select from, you might simply plan your complete journey in Nashville round music.
That’s not all there may be to do in Nashville, although. Right here you can too go to the Tennessee Capitol, a reproduction of the Parthenon, and the previous house of a president. There are many Nashville points of interest to maintain you busy in the course of the day earlier than the present begins!
I spent half a yr residing down the highway in Murfreesboro and have traveled to Nashville a number of instances in recent times. It’s undoubtedly one among my favourite cities and a spot I’m at all times comfortable to return to.
Prime 15 Finest Issues To Do in Nashville
1. Take heed to Reside Music
Naturally, our record of what to do in Nashville begins with stay music. Whereas it’s well-known for being the “Nation Music Capital of the World,” there’s much more to the music scene as of late. On any given night time out, you’re simply as prone to discover rock, pop, or digital reveals occurring.
It doesn’t matter what night time of the week it’s. There’s at all times stay music occurring right here in Nashville! The town is house to venues of all sizes internet hosting music of all genres. From dive bars with native bands attempting to make it, to arenas packed filled with adoring followers for well-known pop singers, Nashville has all of it.
A few of the greatest locations to catch stay music in Nashville embody the Ryman Auditorium, Ascend Amphitheater, the Station Inn, The Basement, and Marathon Music Works. As I mentioned, there’s music each night time of the week right here. Examine this calendar of occasions to see what’s enjoying.
Brief on time in Nashville?
Probably the greatest methods to get round to all the issues to do in Nashville once you’re quick on time is to be a part of the Hop-On-Hop-Off double-decker. In only one hour, you’ll see:
The Court docket of Flags, Nissan Stadium, the Parthenon at Centennial Park, again by the State Capitol and down Decrease Broadway. Another sights you’ll see embody the Nation Music Corridor of Fame, the Vanderbilt College, a energetic farmers market, and the Grammy Museum Gallery. Be taught extra right here.
2. Take a Strolling Tour
Probably the greatest issues to do in Nashville is taking a strolling tour. For my part, there’s no higher solution to get to know a metropolis than by exploring it by yourself two toes!
You’ve a couple of completely different choices for seeing Nashville on foot. If you happen to favor a DIY method, click on right here to obtain a PDF that has two completely different routes for self-guided strolling excursions of Music Metropolis. Each excursions start at Bridgestone Enviornment and canopy 20 completely different sights. Whichever one you select, you’ll get a wonderful introduction to town.
If you happen to’d reasonably go along with a information and a gaggle, try this cool strolling tour of Nashville. They run excursions 7 instances per day. The two-hour tour hits lots of the highlights of Music Metropolis, and also you’ll additionally get some precious suggestions out of your native information.
Deal with: Assembly Level at Alley Faucets Bar – 160 4th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219, USA (Get Instructions)
3. Go to the Nation Music Corridor of Fame
The Nation Music Corridor of Fame is certainly one of many prime Nashville points of interest. It’s situated proper downtown and is a must-see when visiting Music Metropolis.
There are at all times new reveals coming to the museum, however their core everlasting exhibit, Sing Me Again Dwelling, tells the whole historical past of nation music.
Earlier than or after your go to to the museum, you’ll want to try the Music Metropolis Stroll of Fame Park proper throughout the road. It’s a little bit of Hollywood in Nashville, with star-studded plaques honoring music legends.
The museum is open every day from 9 AM-5 PM. Normal admission tickets price $25.95 for adults and $15.95 for kids ages 6-12. There are additionally a number of choices for add-ons, corresponding to a tour of historic Studio B and present tickets for the CMA Theater. Click on right here to e-book your skip-the-line tickets.
Deal with: 222 Rep. John Lewis Approach S, Nashville, TN 37203, United States (Get Instructions)
4. Examine Out The Tennessee State Capitol and Museum
Nashville isn’t simply the Nation Music Capital of the World. It’s additionally the capital of the state of Tennessee. As such, you possibly can add a cease on the Tennessee State Museum to your record of issues to do in Nashville.
There are a number of informative reveals right here, starting from the Civil Struggle and Reconstruction to Tennessee Transforms. The latter covers the trendy historical past of the state starting after World Struggle II.
Momentary exhibitions are at all times altering, with present ones on the historical past of meals and the musical heritage of Tennessee. Examine their web site to learn all about what’s on in the mean time.
The museum is open from 10 AM-5 PM on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. It stays open till 8 PM on Thursday and is simply open from 1-5 on Sunday. Better of all, it’s completely free to go to! Click on right here to get instructions.
The workers of the museum additionally gives free guided excursions of the historic State Capitol constructing. These happen Monday to Friday at 9, 10, 11, 1, 2, and three. Opened again in 1859, it was designed by the famend architect William Strickland. Tragically, he handed away throughout development. As per his needs, he was buried within the north facade of the constructing.
Deal with: 600 Dr. M.L.Ok. Jr Blvd, Nashville, TN 37243, United States (Get Instructions)
5. Eat Sizzling Hen
There are particular dishes you simply must strive when visiting American cities. A slice of pizza in New York, a sizzling canine in Chicago, jambalaya in New Orleans, and sizzling hen in Nashville.
Only a phrase of warning for you not aware of sizzling hen — once I say sizzling, I imply sizzling! I’m speaking severely spicy. A few of the greatest locations to pattern Nashville sizzling hen embody Prince’s and Hattie B’s.
I need to say I’m a fan of the latter. Watch out right here, as even ordering the medium can set your style buds ablaze. If you happen to’re loopy, go for his or her highest degree of warmth, which is humorously known as “Shut the Cluck Up!”
There are a couple of Hattie B’s places in Nashville, together with one proper close to Music Row. Offered you don’t overdo it on the spice degree, consuming sizzling hen is certainly one of many tastiest issues to do in Nashville!
On the lookout for extra foodie enjoyable? Try this highly-rated meals tour of Nashville and benefit from the tasty treats on provide.
Deal with: Prince’s (5814 Nolensville Pk #110, Nashville, TN 37211, United States – Instructions), Hattie B’s (112 nineteenth Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203, United States – Instructions)
6. Tour a Distillery
Simply as one should eat sizzling hen when in Nashville, attempting some actual deal Tennessee whiskey or moonshine can be a necessity. There are many wonderful distilleries that you would be able to go to to pattern some high-quality native booze.
One strong selection is the Corsair Distillery. They really have two places in Nashville, each providing excursions and tasting rooms. At their headquarters, you possibly can join a 30-minute tour with 5 tastings for simply $13.
Excursions run day by day aside from Monday. Head to their web site to take a look at time accessible instances and e-book your spot.
Whereas it’s not my private favourite, there’s little doubt that Jack Daniel’s is essentially the most well-known Tennessee whiskey. Their distillery is situated about an hour and a half exterior of Nashville in Lynchburg.
You possibly can join a full-day tour that features transportation, so you possibly can get pleasure from all of the whiskey you need!
Different good choices within the metropolis embody Nashville Craft Distillery and Pennington Distilling Co.
Deal with: 1200 Clinton St #110, Nashville, TN 37203, United States (Get Instructions)
7. Go to The Grand Ole Opry
A visit to the Grand Ole Opry is certainly one of many prime issues to do in Nashville. Generally known as the “house of American music” and “the present that made nation music well-known,” that is the longest-running radio broadcast within the nation. It began again in 1925 as a one-hour “barn dance” and has been an vital a part of town’s tradition ever since.
As of late, the present broadcasts from the Grand Ole Opry Home. Exhibits happen each Friday and Saturday night time, with extra performances on Tuesdays from December to March.
Along with catching a present, you can too join a tour of the Opry. There are daytime backstage excursions in addition to post-show backstage excursions. Or, simply get tickets to the present. Try ticket costs right here.
In terms of Nashville points of interest, it’s exhausting to prime the Grand Ole Opry.
Deal with: 2804 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, United States (Get Instructions)
8. Go to The Ryman Auditorium
For 30 years, the Grand Ole Opry had its house on the historic Ryman Auditorium. Once they introduced plans to maneuver the Opry to a brand new house, the auditorium was slated for demolition. A push to save lots of the Ryman started and lasted for a number of years. Whereas it was profitable, the constructing sat dormant for a few years and shortly started to deteriorate.
Renovations started in 1993 to deliver it again to its rightful place as a world-class music venue. Issues got here full circle with the return of the Grand Ole Opry to the Ryman for a profit present in 1998. As of late, the legendary auditorium hosts the Opry reveals from November to January.
The Ryman is open every day from 9AM to 4PM. You possibly can take a self-guided tour for $25.95, or add an additional $5 to go backstage for a brief guided tour as properly. Click on right here to e-book your tickets on-line. You will discover the Ryman on the map and get instructions right here.
Deal with: 116 fifth Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219, United States (Get Instructions)
9. Examine Out Centennial Park
Along with Music Metropolis, one other one among Nashville’s nicknames is “The Athens of the South.” It appears a bit unusual till you enterprise over to Centennial Park, the place you’ll discover a full-scale reproduction of the Parthenon.
Initially a farm, this land has additionally been the state fairgrounds and a racetrack. It then grew to become the positioning of the state’s Centennial Exposition in 1897 and remodeled right into a public park shortly thereafter. The Parthenon reproduction was initially meant to be non permanent, however over a century later it stays.
Along with seeing a little bit of Greece in Center Tennessee, you can too get pleasure from strolling trails, Lake Watauga, a sunken backyard, historic monuments, and rather more. Click on right here to get instructions.
Deal with: 2500 West Finish Ave, Nashville, TN 37203, United States (Get Instructions)
10. Go to The Belle Meade Plantation
One of the attention-grabbing issues to do in Nashville is paying a go to to the Belle Meade Plantation. This historic plantation dates again to 1807, when John Harding bought the land and a cabin. He quickly started to develop a plantation right here, which he named Belle Meade — the Lovely Meadow.
Harding relied on slave labor to run his numerous companies right here, which included a cotton gin, sawmill, and blacksmith store. When horse-racing grew to become standard, he added thoroughbred housing and breeding to the record of providers.
His son William Giles Harding ultimately inherited the property. He would go on to be extraordinarily profitable on this new enterprise, increasing the plantation and the crew of slaves.
After the Civil Struggle ended and slavery was banned, among the former slaves returned to work for pay. However the Panic of 1893 and ensuing monetary issues led the household to promote the plantation. Half a century later, the State of Tennessee bought it and remodeled it right into a museum.
The Belle Meade Plantation is open from Thursday to Tuesday from 9AM to 5PM. Excursions price $24 for adults in the course of the week and $28 on the weekend. These even embody a free wine tasting! It’s a bit far out of town heart so your greatest guess is renting a automotive or becoming a member of a tour if you wish to go to. Click on right here to get instructions.
Deal with: 5025 Harding Pike, Nashville, TN 37205, United States (Get Instructions)
11. Go to The Johnny Money Museum
After that attention-grabbing look into the historical past of Nashville, let’s get again to the music. One of many prime issues to do in Nashville is visiting the Johnny Money Museum.
To say that Johnny Money is a legend is an understatement. Probably the greatest-selling artists of all time, he was inducted into three completely different music halls of fame! Right here you’ll discover a huge assortment of memorabilia and artifacts to get the entire life story of “The Man in Black.”
The museum is open every day from 9AM to 7PM. Tickets price $19.95 for adults and $15.95 for kids. You possibly can decide them up on their web site and skip out on ready in line. Click on right here for instructions to the museum.
Deal with: 119 third Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201, United States (Get Instructions)
12. Wander Round Music Row
The guts of the leisure business in Nashville is certainly Music Row. This district is filled with report labels, publishing homes, recording studios, and extra.
An excellent place to start your exploration of Music Row is the Musica Statue, which pays tribute to town’s illustrious musical historical past.
One of many prime issues to do in Nashville is testing the famed RCA Studio B. Studio B performed a giant position within the growth of the Nashville Sound, which helped rework it into Music Metropolis.
Go to backstage right here and study concerning the musicians with this RCA Studio B and Nation Music Corridor of Fame combo ticket.
Among the many names to have recorded right here embody legends Chet Atkins, Eddy Arnold, and even The King himself, Elvis. It’s mentioned that he recorded a whopping 200 songs right here! Try their web site to learn extra concerning the studio and its historical past.
As I discussed in #3 on this record (the Nation Music Corridor of Fame), excursions of the studio could be added to your ticket. These depart each hour between 10:30 AM and a couple of:30 PM. Excursions price $40.95 for adults and $30.95 for kids.
One other enjoyable solution to go to Music Row is to hitch an evening tour in an open-air trolly. Sit again and loosen up as you uncover attention-grabbing tales and info about Nashville’s music scene. Be taught extra about this highly-rated journey right here.
Deal with: Nashville, TN 37203, United States (Get Instructions)
13. Cheer For The Dwelling Staff
Certainly one of my favourite issues to do in Nashville goes to sporting occasions. The town is house to 2 skilled sports activities groups with a 3rd on the way in which in 2020.
The Titans (NFL) play their house video games on the huge Nissan Stadium alongside the banks of the Cumberland River. Their season lasts from September by means of January with video games normally occurring on Sunday afternoon. Even should you don’t go to the sport, the tailgate alone is price turning up for! Examine their web site for the schedule and ticket information.
Hockey followers can catch the Predators play at Bridgestone Enviornment. It’s a raucous ambiance at their house video games, that are recognized to locals merely as Smashville.
I’ve been to a couple Preds video games (normally to cheer on my beloved Detroit Purple Wings), and it’s at all times time. Click on right here to search out their schedule.
The sports activities scene is increasing in 2020 with the addition of Nashville SC (MLS). They beat out a number of cities to change into the twenty fourth franchise in skilled soccer.
Their inaugural season kicks off quickly with video games at Nissan Stadium which might be certain to be very thrilling. Try their 2020 schedule right here.
We are able to’t overlook about America’s pastime. The Nashville Sounds are a minor league baseball group that performs their video games at First Horizon Park. Their season begins in April and residential video games occur very often. Head to their web site to see should you can add a visit to the ballpark to your record of what to do in Nashville.
Addresses:
Nissan Stadium – 1 Titans Approach, Nashville, TN 37213, United States (Instructions)
Bridgestone Enviornment – 501 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203, United States (Instructions)
First Horizon Park – 19 Jr Gilliam Wy, Nashville, TN 37219, United States (Instructions)
14. Go Honky-Tonking on Broadway
Final however not least on our record of issues to do in Nashville is honky-tonking on Broadway. “What’s honky-tonking?”, chances are you’ll be asking your self. The only definition of a honky-tonk is a bar with chilly beer and stay music, all day day by day.
I’m not joking once I say all day day by day. Nashville’s honky-tonks get going as early as 10:00am and keep open till 3:00am. Better of all, there’s by no means a canopy cost at them. You possibly can bounce round and catch a number of completely different bands in someday and solely pay your bar tab!
Downtown Nashville is full of so many of those bars that they even name it “Honky-Tonk Freeway.” These bars are a giant a part of the native tradition of Nashville, though you’ll discover extra vacationers than locals in them.
If you happen to’re solely going to go to one honky-tonk bar in Nashville, make it Tootsies Orchid Lounge. Situated proper throughout the road from the Ryman, that is the unique honky-tonk. Put in your denims, lace up these boots, and prepare for some ingesting and dancing.
A enjoyable solution to expertise the honky-tonk scene is to hitch a foods and drinks tour. Begin the journey at Alley Faucets and revel in some Nashville craft beer. From there, you’ll hit up some honky-tonks and sip on some specialty cocktails. Click on right here to study extra about this enjoyable exercise in Nashville.
Deal with: 1048-1098 US-70, Nashville, TN 37203, USA (Get Instructions)
15. Go to Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage
If you happen to’re a historical past buff, you’ll undoubtedly wish to discover time to go to Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage. The previous house of the seventh President of the US, this historic mansion is an enchanting place to discover.
Generally known as the “Individuals’s President,” Jackson was a military basic and member of each homes of Congress earlier than working for president. He misplaced to John Quincy Adams in 1824 regardless of successful a plurality of the favored vote. This led to the creation of the Democratic Social gathering. His supporters and the brand new get together led him to victory in 1828 and he was overwhelmingly re-elected in 1832.
After 8 years in workplace, Jackson retired to The Hermitage. It began out as a log cabin till he had a Federal-style mansion constructed. A fireplace destroyed most of it, main Jackson to have a Greek Revival-style house constructed as a replacement. It’s thought of to be the best-preserved presidential house within the nation and it has drawn in hundreds of thousands of tourists through the years.
The Hermitage is open every day and has seasonal hours. You possibly can go to from 9AM to 5PM between November and February. Hours are prolonged to eight:30-6 from March by means of October.
They’ve a number of choices for tickets, starting from the Normal’s Tour ($22) to the VIP Tour ($50). Click on right here to e-book your tickets upfront. Because the Hermitage is situated a bit removed from downtown, you’ll wish to hire a automotive to go to.
Deal with: 4580 Rachels Ln, Hermitage, TN 37076, United States (Get Instructions)
Bonus! Go to Properties of The Stars
You’ve in all probability heard of those musicians, Taylor Swift, Toby Keith, Child Rock, Kellie Pickler, Ronnie Dunn, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood…properly, you possibly can see the place they stay in Nashville!
You’ll additionally see properties of many different musical legends. It’s no marvel Nashville is known as the music heart of America. Be taught extra about this enjoyable tour right here.
Prepared for Nashville?
As you possibly can see, there’s much more than simply music occurring in Nashville. Along with rocking out at live shows and testing the museums and studios, town is house to loads of historic points of interest in addition to wonderful sports activities, culinary, and bar scenes.
There’s a cause Nashville has been one of many fastest-growing American cities for a number of years working. It’s a welcoming metropolis with tons to supply guests. No marvel the journey business can be booming in Music Metropolis!
Scripting this publish has me sitting right here wanting on the calendar of reveals attempting to plot my subsequent journey to Nashville. That is undoubtedly one of the vital enjoyable cities within the US and I’m at all times comfortable to return. I can style the new hen already…
Have you ever been to Nashville and have another superior suggestions on what to do there? Depart us a remark and allow us to hear about it!
