5 Reasons to Visit Nashville, TN
Home to the iconic Grand Ole Opry, the highly popular Country Music Awards and a thriving night life made better by hundreds of free live shows, Nashville, Tennessee, seamlessly combines musical heritage with trendy attractions. Earning the No. 7 spot on the “Top 15 Cities in the U.S.” list by Travel + Leisure in 2019, Nashville attracts people of all ages, from aspiring musicians hoping to check out the scene, to college students and families looking for a budget-friendly vacation. Make a playlist with some good ol’ country tunes before hitting the road or heading to the airport and check out these recommendations for things to do, see and eat in Music City.
A Thriving Music Scene
Nashville can’t be separated from country music. But along with its country roots, visitors will find a mix of bluegrass, rock and Americana, plus some blues, jazz and even a bit of pop. Nashville is home to hundreds of successful artists, songwriters and producers, from country legends like Patsy Cline and Dolly Parton to newer stars such as Maren Morris and Chris Stapleton. Immerse yourself in the life of one of country music’s biggest legends by visiting the Johnny Cash Museum, one of only six attractions in Nashville to receive the coveted AAA Gem rating. Located in the heart of Nashville, the museum lays claim to the largest collection of Johnny Cash memorabilia, and it’s considered the best music museum in the world by National Geographic Traveler and Forbes.
To experience history in action, book tickets to see a live show at the Grand Ole Opry. What began as a simple radio show in 1925 is now Nashville’s No. 1 attraction—it’s also considered country's most famous stage, with iconic musicians and current chart-topping artists performing for audiences every night. For a deeper dive into the history of country music, visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Its collection features more than 800 stage costumes and over 600 instruments, plus microphones, automobiles and other objects that all document country music’s storied past.
A Night on the Town
Learning about Music City is a must, but don’t forget to experience it in real life. Head to Honky Tonk Highway in the heart of downtown where bars stay open until 3 a.m., 365 days a year, and there are no cover charges to see live music. One of the most popular honky-tonks on the strip is Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, which has run almost continuously since 1960. Tootsie’s is hard to miss—its signature purple exterior is located right across from the Ryman Auditorium (the original location of the Grand Ole Opry). For a more intimate setting a bit further south, try Bluebird Café. The small venue has earned recognition as a space where songwriters can perform their own songs. (Tip: Reservations are a must at this 90-seat spot).
Nashville’s Historical Spots
Since the 1850s, Nashville has been referred to as the “Athens of the South” due to its high number of colleges and universities. It was also the first southern city in America to implement a public school system. But besides these scholarly feats, Nashville is known for having the world's only full-scale replica of the Parthenon, built in 1897. The structure holds a 42-foot-statue of Athena, just like the original in Greece, and it also serves as one of Nashville’s art museums. You can learn more about the history of Nashville and the Civil War by visiting one of the many preserved homes around the city including Belmont Mansion, the summer home of some of Nashville’s wealthiest citizens, Adelicia and Joseph Acklen; the Hermitage, the previous home of President Andrew Jackson; and Cheekwood Estate & Gardens, a 55-acre botanical garden and estate with art galleries and guided tours. Visit the Tennessee State Museum for exhibits about the state’s first people, the Civil War, slavery and the transformation of Tennessee over the years.
Where to Eat in Nashville: Southern Comfort Food and More
U.S. Travel ranked Nashville as No. 11 on the list of “Best Foodie Cities in the U.S.” for its mom-and-pop joints and, more recently, its dive into international flavors. One of Nashville’s most popular diners is Arnold’s Country Kitchen, a cafeteria-style diner that serves up a good meal with the Southern concept of meat-and-three—visitors pick one meat from the lineup and then three sides to go along with it. The diner was also featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” The iconic Loveless Café off Highway 100 serves homemade Southern dishes to more than a half a million visitors a year. And a trip to Nashville is not complete without eating hot fried chicken, made legendary by Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack. Other tasty hot chicken options include Bolton’s Spicy Chicken & Fish and Hattie B.’s. The latter is so beloved there are three locations throughout Nashville, and you can choose your spice level from Southern (with no spice) to Shut the Cluck Up (the hottest option on the menu). For a more mysterious night out, head to Black Rabbit with its speakeasy vibe, live jazz music and handcrafted cocktails. For an upscale dining experience try Etch, with its globally inspired menu and open kitchen.
Outdoor Adventures
If your trip allows, make some time to get away from the glitz and glamour and experience the nature of Nashville and the surrounding area. Head south of the city to the 1,368-acre Radnor Lake State Park for peaceful lake views and 7 miles of trails perfect for hiking, photography and observing wildlife. For an afternoon bike ride, drive slightly west of the city to Shelby Bottoms Nature Center & Greenway. You can rent your bike from a Nashville B-Cycle kiosk—it’s only $1.50 per 30 minutes, or you can purchase a 24-hour pass for $5. And don’t forget to visit the city's prettiest park: the 132-acre Centennial Park. Home to the Parthenon, the park also boasts of a beautiful sunken garden, a winding trail around Lake Watauga, playground equipment for the kids and—if you brought your furry friend along—you can head to the dog park with shaded paths and grassy areas for you and your pup to roam free.
