If you happen to’re a music lover, then a visit to Nashville is certainly so as. Often called 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 perfect on this publish.
In fact, experiencing the music tradition of town is a should. With loads of museums, report shops, venues, and festivals to select from, you may simply plan your entire journey in Nashville round music.
That’s not all there’s to do in Nashville, although. Right here you may also go to the Tennessee Capitol, a duplicate of the Parthenon, and the previous residence of a president. There are many Nashville points of interest to maintain you busy through the day earlier than the present begins!
I spent half a yr residing down the street in Murfreesboro and have traveled to Nashville a number of instances in recent times. It’s undoubtedly one in all my favourite cities and a spot I’m at all times glad to return to.
High 15 Greatest Issues To Do in Nashville
1. Take heed to Stay Music
Naturally, our listing of what to do in Nashville begins with reside music. Whereas it’s well-known for being the “Nation Music Capital of the World,” there’s much more to the music scene today. On any given evening out, you’re simply as prone to discover rock, pop, or digital exhibits occurring.
It doesn’t matter what evening of the week it’s. There’s at all times reside music occurring right here in Nashville! Town is residence to venues of all sizes internet hosting music of all genres. From dive bars with native bands making an attempt to make it, to arenas packed filled with adoring followers for well-known pop singers, Nashville has all of it.
A number of the finest locations to catch reside music in Nashville embrace the Ryman Auditorium, Ascend Amphitheater, the Station Inn, The Basement, and Marathon Music Works. As I mentioned, there’s music each evening of the week right here. Examine this calendar of occasions to see what’s taking part in.
Brief on time in Nashville?
Among the best methods to get round to the entire issues to do in Nashville while you’re brief 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 embrace 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
Among the best issues to do in Nashville is taking a strolling tour. In my view, there’s no higher option to get to know a metropolis than by exploring it by yourself two toes!
You have got 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 Area and canopy 20 completely different sights. Whichever one you select, you’ll get a superb introduction to town.
If you happen to’d quite go together 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 most of the highlights of Music Metropolis, and also you’ll additionally get some precious suggestions out of your native information.
Handle: 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 high Nashville points of interest. It’s positioned 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 entire historical past of nation music.
Earlier than or after your go to to the museum, make sure 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. Common admission tickets value $25.95 for adults and $15.95 for kids ages 6-12. There are additionally a number of choices for add-ons, resembling a tour of historic Studio B and present tickets for the CMA Theater. Click on right here to guide your skip-the-line tickets.
Handle: 222 Rep. John Lewis Method 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 may add a cease on the Tennessee State Museum to your listing 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.
Non permanent 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 barely 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 presents 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 building. As per his needs, he was buried within the north facade of the constructing.
Handle: 600 Dr. M.L.Okay. Jr Blvd, Nashville, TN 37243, United States (Get Instructions)
5. Eat Scorching Rooster
There are specific dishes you simply should attempt when visiting American cities. A slice of pizza in New York, a scorching canine in Chicago, jambalaya in New Orleans, and scorching hen in Nashville.
Only a phrase of warning for you not accustomed to scorching hen — after I say scorching, I imply scorching! I’m speaking critically spicy. A number of the finest locations to pattern Nashville scorching hen embrace Prince’s and Hattie B’s.
I need to say I’m keen on 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 referred to as “Shut the Cluck Up!”
There are a couple of Hattie B’s areas in Nashville, together with one proper close to Music Row. Offered you don’t overdo it on the spice degree, consuming scorching hen is certainly one of many tastiest issues to do in Nashville!
Searching for extra foodie enjoyable? Try this highly-rated meals tour of Nashville and benefit from the tasty treats on supply.
Handle: 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 scorching hen when in Nashville, making an attempt some actual deal Tennessee whiskey or moonshine can be a necessity. There are many glorious distilleries which you could go to to pattern some advantageous native booze.
One stable alternative is the Corsair Distillery. They really have two areas in Nashville, each providing excursions and tasting rooms. At their headquarters, you may 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 obtainable instances and guide your spot.
Whereas it’s not my private favourite, there’s little question that Jack Daniel’s is essentially the most well-known Tennessee whiskey. Their distillery is positioned about an hour and a half outdoors of Nashville in Lynchburg.
You may join a full-day tour that features transportation, so you may take pleasure in all of the whiskey you need!
Different good choices within the metropolis embrace Nashville Craft Distillery and Pennington Distilling Co.
Handle: 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 high issues to do in Nashville. Often called the “residence 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 evening, with extra performances on Tuesdays from December to March.
Along with catching a present, you may also 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.
Relating to Nashville points of interest, it’s arduous to high the Grand Ole Opry.
Handle: 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 residence on the historic Ryman Auditorium. After they introduced plans to maneuver the Opry to a brand new residence, the auditorium was slated for demolition. A push to avoid wasting 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 exhibits from November to January.
The Ryman is open every day from 9AM to 4PM. You may 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 guide your tickets on-line. Yow will discover the Ryman on the map and get instructions right here.
Handle: 116 fifth Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219, United States (Get Instructions)
9. Examine Out Centennial Park
Along with Music Metropolis, one other one in all 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 location 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 momentary, however over a century later it stays.
Along with seeing a little bit of Greece in Center Tennessee, you may also take pleasure in strolling trails, Lake Watauga, a sunken backyard, historic monuments, and rather more. Click on right here to get instructions.
Handle: 2500 West Finish Ave, Nashville, TN 37203, United States (Get Instructions)
10. Go to The Belle Meade Plantation
One of the crucial 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 Stunning 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 widespread, he added thoroughbred housing and breeding to the listing of providers.
His son William Giles Harding finally 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, a number of 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 value $24 for adults through the week and $28 on the weekend. These even embrace a free wine tasting! It’s a bit far out of town heart so your finest wager is renting a automobile or becoming a member of a tour if you wish to go to. Click on right here to get instructions.
Handle: 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 high issues to do in Nashville is visiting the Johnny Money Museum.
To say that Johnny Money is a legend is an understatement. Among the best-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 value $19.95 for adults and $15.95 for kids. You may decide them up on their web site and skip out on ready in line. Click on right here for instructions to the museum.
Handle: 119 third Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201, United States (Get Instructions)
12. Wander Round Music Row
The center of the leisure business in Nashville is certainly Music Row. This district is stuffed with report labels, publishing homes, recording studios, and extra.
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 high issues to do in Nashville is testing the famed RCA Studio B. Studio B performed an enormous position within the growth of the Nashville Sound, which helped remodel 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 embrace 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 listing (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 pair of:30 PM. Excursions value $40.95 for adults and $30.95 for kids.
One other enjoyable option 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 information about Nashville’s music scene. Be taught extra about this highly-rated journey right here.
Handle: Nashville, TN 37203, United States (Get Instructions)
13. Cheer For The Dwelling Workforce
One among my favourite issues to do in Nashville goes to sporting occasions. Town is residence to 2 skilled sports activities groups with a 3rd on the way in which in 2020.
The Titans (NFL) play their residence video games on the large 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 value turning up for! Examine their web site for the schedule and ticket data.
Hockey followers can catch the Predators play at Bridgestone Area. It’s a raucous environment at their residence 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 turn out to be the twenty fourth franchise in skilled soccer.
Their inaugural season kicks off quickly with video games at Nissan Stadium which are positive to be very thrilling. Try their 2020 schedule right here.
We will’t neglect about America’s pastime. The Nashville Sounds are a minor league baseball crew 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 listing of what to do in Nashville.
Addresses:
Nissan Stadium – 1 Titans Method, Nashville, TN 37213, United States (Instructions)
Bridgestone Area – 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 listing of issues to do in Nashville is honky-tonking on Broadway. “What’s honky-tonking?”, you might be asking your self. The best definition of a honky-tonk is a bar with chilly beer and reside music, all day day by day.
I’m not joking after 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 may bounce round and catch a number of completely different bands in sooner or later and solely pay your bar tab!
Downtown Nashville is stuffed with so many of those bars that they even name it “Honky-Tonk Freeway.” These bars are an enormous 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. Positioned 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 consuming and dancing.
A enjoyable option 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.
Handle: 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 residence of the seventh President of the US, this historic mansion is an interesting place to discover.
Often called the “Folks’s President,” Jackson was a military common 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 social gathering 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 hearth destroyed most of it, main Jackson to have a Greek Revival-style residence constructed instead. It’s thought-about to be the best-preserved presidential residence within the nation and it has drawn in tens of millions of holiday makers through the years.
The Hermitage is open every day and has seasonal hours. You may 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 Common’s Tour ($22) to the VIP Tour ($50). Click on right here to guide your tickets upfront. Because the Hermitage is positioned a bit removed from downtown, you’ll wish to hire a automobile to go to.
Handle: 4580 Rachels Ln, Hermitage, TN 37076, United States (Get Instructions)
Bonus! Go to Properties of The Stars
You’ve most likely heard of those musicians, Taylor Swift, Toby Keith, Child Rock, Kellie Pickler, Ronnie Dunn, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood…properly, you may see the place they reside in Nashville!
You’ll additionally see houses of many different musical legends. It’s no surprise Nashville is named the music heart of America. Be taught extra about this enjoyable tour right here.
Prepared for Nashville?
As you may 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 residence to loads of historic points of interest in addition to glorious sports activities, culinary, and bar scenes.
There’s a purpose Nashville has been one of many fastest-growing American cities for a number of years working. It’s a welcoming metropolis with heaps to supply guests. No surprise the journey business can be booming in Music Metropolis!
Penning this publish has me sitting right here wanting on the calendar of exhibits making an attempt 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 glad 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!