Sunday, March 29, 2026

30 Enjoyable Issues to do Downtown & Past


What involves thoughts while you hear the town of Nashville? That’s proper, nation music! Many well-known musicians and prime artists have been Tennessee born and jump-started their musical careers right here, which is why the town can also be aptly often called Music Metropolis.

However that’s not 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 the very best experiences you’ll be ticking off your bucket checklist in your journey round Music Metropolis.


Greatest Points of interest & Enjoyable Issues to in Nashville (Downtown & Past)


1. Journey Science Heart of Nashville

In the event you love science or have youngsters with you, then undoubtedly take a look at Journey Science Heart. It’s a non-profit science museum aimed in direction of youngsters and options over 175 hands-on interactive reveals. They span totally 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. toes area, 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 individuals 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.

Adventure Science Center of Nashville

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.

Annette trying on a cowboy bootsAnnette trying on a cowboy boots

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’s also residence 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 called 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 may as well attempt their native Nashville sizzling rooster and pulled pork sandwich!


4. Crash the Bluebird Café

There’s one other place in Nashville the place quite a few skills like Taylor Swift, Kathy Mattea, Garth Brooks, and extra had career-defining moments.

Enter the Bluebird Café, a music membership in Nashville often called 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 friends, who’ve made a reputation for themselves within the music business.

Whether or not it’s music from contemporary new skills 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 ads, from music reveals to outlets and the like.

Their conventional manner of printing posters is all the time an enchanting sight to behold. And what higher option 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 residence to nation music, however it is usually residence 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 supply Tennessee whiskeys and different spirits that put Nelson’s Inexperienced Brier Distillery on the map.

You may go to them at 1414 Clinton Road, the place you’ll be able to guide 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 may get your self a few of their greatest drinks like their award-winning authentic Tennessee whiskey, Belle Meade Bourbon, and Louisa’s Liqueur.

Nelson's Green Brier DistilleryNelson's Green Brier Distillery

7. Benefit from the Masterpieces at Frist Artwork Museum

Are you interested by viewing a few of the most beautiful artwork you will discover in Nashville? Frist Artwork Museum will certainly maintain your eyes glued to their exhibitions, with an ever-changing assortment of artwork items!

Considered one of its most well-known locations is the award-winning Martin ArtQuest or MAQ Gallery. It’s an interactive gallery area 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!

Frist Art MuseumFrist Art Museum

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 may take a self-guided tour of the over 1000 acre property to see the Greek revival type mansion, grounds, reveals, log cabin, different historic buildings, and extra. Or select from one of many guided excursions to get a deeper understanding. You may as well discover the grounds on a wagon tour from April to October climate allowing.

Ebook your ticket in advancer right here: Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage Grounds Cross


9. Discover Radnor Lake State Park

In case you are an outdoorsy individual, you’ll absolutely get pleasure from 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 area.

There are numerous sections of trails by way of the woods across the lake. On a hike, you’ll be able to expertise the world’s serenity and see pretty wildlife. The lake can also be residence to a number of birds, particularly duck species just like the ring-necked duck and American wigeon.

You may cease on the customer middle for info referring to the park, open from Thursday to Monday. Alternatively, you may as well take a look at their official web site.

Radnor Lake State ParkRadnor Lake State Park

10. Discover Your Favourite Mural

Wandering the streets of Nashville is each a shocking and fulfilling expertise due to the various murals you will discover round. Not solely are they fascinating to have a look at, however they’re additionally excellent for posing in your Instagram images!

One of the vital standard ones is the I Consider 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 all these might 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. Short-term 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 “Stable Gold” Cadillac, one of many many iconic automobiles within the museum!

Ebook your ticket prematurely right here: RCA Studio B & Nation Music Corridor of Fame Combo

Country Music Hall of FameCountry Music Hall of Fame

12. Get Some Princes Scorching Hen

Dwelling of the unique sizzling rooster! Prince’s Scorching Hen Shack has been serving its signature dish since 1945 and has turn out to be a favourite amongst Nashvillians. It’s also credited for popularizing sizzling rooster, which impressed eating places with comparable delicacies.

Recognized for Nashville’s distinctive deep-fried poultry specialty, this rooster is available in 8 totally different flavors, starting from plain to XXX Scorching! Served together with your selection of sides and drinks (in addition they have beer), it can go away you and your mouth burning sizzling inside!

Princes Hot ChickenPrinces Hot Chicken

13. Get Treats at Goo Goos

Are you bored with the standard plain treats that may’t appear to fulfill your candy tooth? Then get your arms 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 identify, it’s a cluster of a number of kinds of sweet into one: marshmallow nougat, caramel, and roasted peanuts lined in milk chocolate. Collectively, they make up the Goo Goo Cluster that everybody loves and enjoys!

Goo Goos additionally provide candy-making courses, 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!

Goo Goo TreatsGoo Goo Treats

For extra nice treats to eat, see our American Sweet Checklist 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 grew to become identified within the Nineteen Sixties because the birthplace of the “Nashville Sound,” a music type identified by its background vocals and strings. The Nation Music Corridor of Fame owns the studio and affords scheduled excursions of the amenities. You 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 mentioned 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 out of doors 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 middle, and Bryant Grove to the south, all linked by slender 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.

Long Hunter State ParkLong Hunter State Park

16. Take pleasure in Southern Consolation Meals at Loveless Café

If you wish to get a style of what Nashville is actually like, look no additional than Loveless Cafe! Opposite to its namesake, there may be 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 lots of extra, you will notice (or relatively style) why they’re the go-to place in terms of Southern cooking.

You’ll have to be a bit affected person concerning the wait instances, however I assure that it’s effectively price it!


17. Johnny Money Museum and Café

Artifacts, costumes, lyrics written by hand, and musical devices are simply a few of the superb reveals on the Johnny Money Museum. It covers your entire graph of his life from his music and excursions to his private life.

Johnny Cash Museum Johnny Cash Museum

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 a variety of 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 youngsters’s gallery for the kiddies, six rotating galleries, a digital studying middle, and final however not least, a two-story Grand Corridor. Better of all, admission is free!


19. Take heed to Music on Honky Tonk Freeway (Decrease Broadway)

Nashville just isn’t often called the Music Metropolis for nothing. These seeking to get pleasure from stay music acts at bars can head to Decrease Broadway or, as individuals wish to name it, the Honky-Tonk Freeway.

A go to right here is among the greatest enjoyable issues to do in Nashville. This four-block stretch has many bars to select from to get pleasure from stay performances day or night time, down just a few drinks, and seize a chunk.

I’d advocate Robert’s Western World for stay music and beer. In the event you like music and a great dance flooring, attempt The Stage in addition to Legend’s Nook. In the event you 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, identified for his or her moonshine bar.

Different nice locations embody The Second Fiddle, Honky Tonk Central, and Layla’s Bluegrass Inn.

Listen to Music on Honky Tonk HighwayListen to Music on Honky Tonk Highway

20. Ogle the Parthenon

Nashville’s Parthenon can’t actually examine to the unique in Greece, however the full-size duplicate on the Centennial Park is an efficient copy. I’d undoubtedly advocate 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 provides you with a very totally different perspective of the Parthenon.

ParthenonParthenon

21. Occasion on a Pedal Bar Tour

One of the vital distinctive and enjoyable methods to go round Nashville is thru a pedal bar tour. Yup, you and your mates will trip a big pedal-powered bar whereas having fun with a drink and the sights.

Whilst you and your buddies drink away, you is perhaps questioning who might 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!

Pedal Bar Tour Pedal Bar Tour

22. Journey a Mechanical Bull

Ever needed to attempt using a mechanical bull even simply as soon as? Good factor you’ll have the possibility to attempt 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 sport 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 when you have youngsters with you. With over 3,000 totally different species of animals, you’ll have loads of sights to get pleasure from going to, like Critter Encounters, Kangaroo Kickabout, Lorikeet Touchdown, the Wilderness Specific, and extra.

You may as well go to the Grassmere Historic Dwelling, which is the centerpiece of the place. Right here you’ll study concerning the property’s historical past, see items of artifacts, an in depth guide assortment, and several other household portraits.

Nashville ZooNashville Zoo

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 wide array of clothes, equipment, and residential decorations which can be additionally excellent as items! You may as well get a few of their totes, which regularly function some slang frequent 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 inns on this planet.

It has all the things 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 may as well go to the Madame Tussauds wax museum, simply a few minutes away from Gaylord Opryland.

Gaylord Opryland ResortGaylord Opryland Resort

26. Take a Tour of Belmont Mansion

Nashville’s Belmont Mansion has a variety of fascinating tales to inform since its completion in 1853. Situated on the coronary heart of Belmont College, the mansion has stood the check of time and is standing in all of its glory at the moment.

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!

Belmont MansionBelmont Mansion

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 middle, different buildings together with a dairy, carriage home, stables, restored slave quarters, and gardens. You may 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.

30 Enjoyable Issues to do Downtown & Past30 Enjoyable Issues to do Downtown & Past

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 spotted 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!

Ryman AuditoriumRyman Auditorium

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 enormous assortment of art work they’ve collected because the opening of Cheekwood in 1960, which you 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 totally different artists and nations.

There are additionally heaps (and I imply heaps) of gardens inside Cheekwood, every with its personal story to inform. Youngsters will love enjoying round within the Bracken Basis Youngsters’s Backyard, between the Frist Studying Heart and Howe Backyard. One other one is the Trains! exhibit, which is within the Turner Seasons Backyard.

Cheekwood Estate & Gardens Cheekwood Estate & Gardens

30. Go to the Patsy Cline Museum

The Patsy Cline Museum is a tribute to the gifted nation singer whose life was lower brief in a airplane crash. It has a wonderful assortment of prime artifacts and memorabilia together with private belongings, in addition to a present store with souvenirs.

Patsy Cline MuseumPatsy Cline Museum

31. Go to the Tennessee State Capitol

The Tennessee State Capitol serves as the house of the Tennessee Basic Meeting and the Governor’s Workplace. It sits on the very best hill on the coronary heart of Nashville and is among the metropolis’s six Nationwide Historic Landmarks. In addition 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 Ok. Polk (one other President) may also 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. Among the highlights of the constructing embody the Capitol Library with its authentic iron-cast spherical spiral staircase and the Capitol balcony, which affords among the finest views in Nashville, overlooking the Bicentennial Mall State Park.

Tennessee State Capitol Tennessee State Capitol

32. Stroll Throughout the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge

The John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge is among the longest pedestrian bridges on this planet, spanning 3,150 toes 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 simply’ll get by strolling the size of the bridge, there are additionally numerous nice views to see, just like the Cumberland River, the Ryman Stadium, and the encircling space.

John Seigenthaler Pedestrian BridgeJohn Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge

33. And—Sure, Go to the Grand Ole Opry

Relating to music, Nashville is all the time synonymous with nation music. A visit to this metropolis isn’t 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, similar to Johnny Money, Patsy Cline, Invoice Monroe, and lots of others. Modern artists together with Carrie Underwood, Garth Brooks, and Keith City proceed to carry out right here.


The place to Keep in Nashville: It’s greatest to remain close to the town middle, public transportation or the world that you can be spending probably the most time in. Nashville Riverfront Lofts is a superb selection within the Downtown, Nashville. For one thing on the inexpensive facet, attempt Nashville TN Trip Leases positioned in Nashville. For a resort with a little bit extra extravagance, guide a room on the W Nashville. Or search some nice offers on inns of your selection at Reserving.com. In the event you’re on the lookout for extra of a house environment (or are touring with a bunch of individuals), head over to Airbnb that has homes, flats and even only a room for hire in each worth vary. 

Greatest Excursions in Nashville: You will discover a few of the prime excursions at Get Your Information or Viator, and listed here are a few of the prime ones. excursions:

Touring Quickly? Use my Favourite Sources for Reserving Your Journey!

Ebook Your Flight
Skyscanner is my favourite flight search engine, as a result of it checks dozens of airways so you’ll be able to simply discover the very best fare offers. You may as well choose ‘most cost-effective month’ to seek out the bottom fares in your vacation spot (I take advantage of this on a regular basis!).

Ebook Your Lodging
I take advantage of each Reserving.com and Expedia for inns, as a result of every affords a pair totally different resort selections and I like to check the evaluations on every one. If in case you have a bunch or are on the lookout for extra of a house environment, head over to VRBO or AirBNB that has homes, flats and even only a room for hire in each worth vary. 

Ebook Your Rental Automobile
If love the liberty to discover like I do, driving from place to put is the most suitable choice! I all the time guide with Uncover Automobiles for the very best costs and prime model choices.

Ebook Some Enjoyable Excursions!
Viator and Get Your Information are my go-to search engines like google and yahoo for cool bucket checklist experiences! Each can have totally different excursions, so test each—why restrict your self, proper?

Don’t Overlook Journey Insurance coverage
Journey might be unpredictable. Whether or not it’s a last-minute cancellation, an damage, or (ugh) theft, issues occur. That’s why I like to recommend by no means leaving the nation with out journey insurance coverage. Listed here are my faves: Security Wing and World Nomads.

Get Packing & Journey Necessities Prepared
Take a look at the Bucket Checklist Journey Amazon Retailer to seek out all my favourite journey necessities. All the things from Packing cubes, to journey adapters and toiletry containers to strolling footwear.

*Lastly, test journey.state.gov for visa necessities and security info.


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