How To Enjoy Nashville

If you’re in Nashville for 2 to 3 days, or having problems deciding what to do, check out my essential Nashville selections to get you started.  With a diversified offering, you’ll be sure to find something to create a great Nashville Experience.  And don’t forget, the city vibe is relaxed, friendly, and full of authentic personalities.   Plenty of folks are ready to help or provide suggestions. Read on for our Top 8 Ways to Enjoy Nashville in a Weeknd. 

1. Hit the Classic Nashville

Depending on tastes and mood, all visitors should check out the easy take ins of Nashville’s history and notoriety.  These include: The Ryman Auditorium, Printer’s Alley, Hermitage Hotel, President Andrew Jackson’s The Hermitage, Ernest Tubb Record Shop, and the Country Music Hall of Fame, just to name a few.  Be sure to plan for 1.5-2hours for each stop to account for drive and wait time. Nashville is filled with history, stories, and memorabilia and aims to share this rich experience with visitors from all over the world. 

2. Roam Broadway

Get Ready!  Nashville is famous for a day and nightlife that rarely sleeps. Honky Tonks, museums, karaoke, and outstanding people watching await you on this Broadway experience.  If you’re in a festive mood, Lower Broadway is the place to be.  This area from 1st ave to 5th ave and is quite lively at all hours.  This is where the infamous honkey tonks, shops, and river reside. Upper Broadway is considered 5th avenue on, and is framed by historic structures and the occasional venue.  On both sides of Broadway, watch out for pedal taverns and scooters racing by!  Quick hits in this area include:  Assembly Hall (new food court), Ernest Tubb Record Shop, Johnny Cash Museum, Hatch Print Shop, Layla’s Bluegrass Inn, Tootsies Orchid Lounge, and The Music City Visitor’s Center which is located inside the Bridgestone Arena.  

3. Tour Music Hall of Fames & Museums

Make time for one or several historical museums or “Hall of Fames”.   These are not your typical “boring” museums. Some of the most notable establishments include: The Johnny Cash Museum, Country Music Hall of Fame, National Museum of African American Music, Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum, Song Writer’s Hall of Fame (inside Music City Center), The Patsy Cline Museum, The Frist Art Museum, 21C Museum Hotel, and of course, the Ryman Auditorium. Most offer the option to self-tour during specific hours or opt for a focused guided tour. Be sure to plan for 1.5-2 hours for each tour and check their websites for special events or offerings.

4. Take in Rooftop Views

Rooftop dining, relaxing, and socializing are quite the hit in Nashville.  Lower Broadway has several offerings for the lively atmosphere experience. For this kind of experience, check out Florida Georgia Line house, The George Jones, and Tootsies Orchid Lounge.  For a more relaxed view, checkout the outdoor rooftops at Jane’s Hideaway in Printers Alley, The Bobby Hotel (Bus on the roof by the bar), or Richard Branson’s new Nashville location of The Virgin Hotel near Music Circle.   The indoor/outdoor experience awaits you at the Fairfield Hotel in the Gulch with expansive city views.   To elevate the atmosphere and have an incredible view of Nashville, try drinks at the upscale, Bourbon Steak House Bar on the roof of the J.W. Marriott Hotel.

5. Stroll The Parks

Right Downtown is the state Bicentennial Park which offers strolling, water fountains, and historical timeline.  Stroll over to the Nashville Sounds baseball stadium for a great game experience with city view in the background.  The Vanderbilt area has the famed Centennial Park, home of the 1895 World’s Fair and the only full size replica of the Greek Parthenon.  There is also a children’s playground and dog park for a full family experience. For Hiking, head south of town to the lush woodlands of Middle Tennessee, including: Percy Warner Park, Edwin Warner Park, and Radnor Lake Park. All offer scenic views and hiking trails that include both rustic and paved path options.

6. Get Ready to Grub

Assembly Hall downtown offers scores of choices from the basics to the eclectic.   For Hot Chicken, I’m a sucker to venture a bit to Nashville originals Prince’s Hot Chicken or Bolton’s Hot Chicken and Fish.  For a good Nashville original steak, check out Jimmy Kelly’s.  They have been around since the 1930s and evolved from a prohibition era speak easy.  The bar and restaurant are in an old mid-town mansion near Vanderbilt.   Puckett’s downtown gives a taste of Middle Tennessee that is hard to beat.   Take a dive into Arnold’s Country Kitchen for the most popular “meat and three” in town- it’s best described as country cooking or soul food.  Monell’s provides a great meal family style.  Here, you’ll dine with others at a large table and pass the food around the table.  “Elevated Southern Food” can be found at Husk and Urban Grub.  Unique dining experiences can be found at Pinewood Social (bowling ally in the place and outdoor lounge chairs) and House Of Cards, a up-scale restaurant speakeasy that includes live magic at several tables that you roam to before, during and after your meal (strict dress code).

7. Cozy into Speakeasies

During prohibition, Nashville was loaded with speakeasies and bootleggers.  In fact, just outside the city moonshine operations were plentiful.   Prior to prohibition in the late 1800’s, Nashville had about 80,000 people and 175 saloons.  Probably out does the ratio of bars to people in Nashville today.   Not a complete list, but here are some favorites:  The Patterson House, Red Phone Booth (dial a number in the booth to gain entry), Hidden Bar (in Noelle Hotel), Old Glory,  and Rudy’s Jazz Room.   House of Cards counts as a speakeasy, but you probably will need reservations and adhere to a strict dress code. 

8. Enjoy Live Music and Events

There are tons of offerings in Nashville by way of live music and events.  That’s why they call it the Music City. Live music abounds on Lower Broadway in a lively, festive atmosphere.  Singers and Songwriters frequent these locations as well as music artists. If you want a more performer focused venue, try the City Winery, The Listening Room, and The Blue Bird Café.  These places focus on the performance and house rules call for quiet while listening.  It is important to note, Nashville will turn just about any location into a music venue.    Dependent on the date, you can catch shows in Centennial Park, The Nashville Metropolitan Courthouse (Live on the Green- Free), and even in the state legislative facility, The War Memorial Building.  For up-to-date live music and events, check out the calendar at Visit Music City.    Another great resource is the Music City Live Venue App (available on Apple or Google Play Store) for your phone to get up to date live music performances all over the city.  

There’s no way to cover everything, but this should give you a good start on enjoying a 2 to 3 day stay in Nashville.  Feel free to reach out with any questions or to schedule your custom private tour of the city. 

Enjoy your stay in Nashville and remember, we are glad you’re here! 

– Joe Nashville

blackfox@nashvilleexperiencetours.com

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