Do you know that Nashville comprises an vintage store devoted completely to useless folks’s issues? Or that it was awarded for having one of the best restrooms within the nation—twice? Certainly, town holds many accolades to admire, however none maintain a candle to its most celebrated legacy. Nicknamed “The Music Metropolis,” Nashville is house to numerous points of interest which have helped cement its musical standing, from the historic RCA Studio B to the Grand Ole Opry, and lots of extra. Under, we’ll introduce much more venues, together with different issues to do throughout your journey.
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29 Greatest Issues to Do in Nashville, TN
Take pleasure in our listing of issues to do in Nashville beneath. Whether or not you are touring with household, buddies, or all by yourself, these strategies will enable you to manage the right itinerary.
Discover Downtown Nashville
Roaming round downtown Nashville is an effective way to kick off a go to to the Music Metropolis. That is the place you may discover among the metropolis’s most celebrated claims-to-fame, from inns and historic buildings to artwork galleries, eateries, and extra.
The downtown space can also be the place Honky Tonk Freeway is situated, a row of institutions recognized for chilly drinks and dwell music. These companies are open from 10 a.m. to three a.m., so that you’re free to cease by no matter time of day—or evening—you need.
The most effective half? There is not any cowl payment, so you may sit again and benefit from the present with out spending a dime. In fact, the drinks do price additional, but when music is all you are into, then depend this as the most effective free issues to do in Nashville.
These Decrease Broadway companies have attracted musical legends Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Gretchen Wilson, Dierks Bentley, and extra.
Go to the Nation Music Corridor of Fame and Museum
In the event you take into account your self a rustic music fan, this spot must be on the high of your listing. The Nation Music Corridor of Fame and Museum exists to protect, rejoice, and educate guests on the cultural contributions the style has made to music general.
The museum, situated in downtown Nashville, has been dubbed the “Smithsonian of nation music,” because of the quantity of traditionally vital artifacts it comprises.
Although it opened in 1967, the establishment underwent a $100 million enlargement in 2014. Immediately, the house encompasses 350,000 sq. ft of exhibition galleries, archival storage, retail shops, and occasion house.
College students, lecturers, and households even have the chance to discover the Taylor Swift Training Heart. The realm comprises three school rooms, a videoconference lab, and an interactive gallery for extra instructional applications and hands-on experiences.
Have Enjoyable on the Historic RCA Studio B
Constructed again in 1957, RCA Studio B is well known because the birthplace of “Nashville Sound,” a musical type characterised by each strings and background vocals.
The recording studio turned a well-liked vacation spot for musical greats together with Elvis Presley, Chet Atkins, Eddy Arnold, and the Everly Brothers. Also referred to as the “Residence of 1,000 Hits,” the studio was the place songs like Don Gibson‘s “Oh Lonesome Me” and Dolly Parton‘s “I Will At all times Love You” have been captured.
Throughout your go to, anticipate to come across musical artifacts, totally different galleries, exhibitions, devices, stage put on, one-of-a-kind recordings, movies, and way more!
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Go See the Johnny Money Museum
The Johnny Money Museum has been named a “must-see” journey vacation spot by each Forbes and Nationwide Geographic. The constructing options the biggest and most complete assortment of Johnny Money artifacts and memorabilia on this planet. That listing contains classic guitar amps, authentic devices, and stage outfits.
Every exhibit particulars a selected interval in Money’s life, from his childhood years on the cotton farm to his expertise within the Air Pressure to his marriage to June Carter Money, and extra.
Spend Some Time in Centennial Park
Nashville’s Centennial Park spans over 132 acres of inexperienced house. The realm additionally comprises among the metropolis’s most celebrated points of interest, together with the Parthenon, the world’s most precise and detailed reproduction of the unique temple in Athens, Greece.
The constructing was initially constructed to rejoice Tennessee’s one hundredth yr of statehood however turned a everlasting fixture after the quantity of recognition it gained amongst native residents.
Immediately, the Parthenon comprises spectacular sculptures and marble casts and is regularly used to host different exhibitions all year long.
The park can also be house to a one-mile strolling path, fishing alternatives at Lake Watauga, historic monuments, an arts exercise middle, a sunken backyard, a band shell, an occasions shelter, sand volleyball courts, and a canine park.
See the Ryman Auditorium
The historic Ryman Auditorium comprises over 130 years of great performances and popular culture moments.
First opened in 1885 as a non secular gathering place, the auditorium has been used to host performs, conventions, lectures, and dwell music performances over time. Susan B. Anthony, Edward Strauss, and Booker T. Washington are only a few well-known names to have taken its stage.
Transferring additional into the twentieth century, the auditorium started to draw extra trendy performers, together with Emmylou Harris, Sheryl Crow, and Harry Types. Immediately, guests can take pleasure in self-guided excursions of the stage. Theater experiences are additionally out there for people who need to study extra concerning the Ryman’s historical past and influence on American music.
Hop Aboard the Common Jackson Showboat
Prepare for dinner and a present! The Common Jackson Showboat is likely one of the largest ever constructed, full with a two-story Victorian Theater, three balconies, and the capability to hold 1,000 passengers.
Named after the primary steamboat to function on the Cumberland River, the vessel is open for daytime cruises and personal charters. Each experiences enable visitors to take pleasure in a spectacular view of the Nashville skyline, among the metropolis’s most proficient performers, and distinctive Southern cooking.
Discover the Journey Science Heart
Whereas this subsequent cease appeals to people of all ages, it is particularly useful for these touring with youngsters. The Journey Science Heart initially opened its doorways in 1945 because the Kids’s Museum of Nashville. After one relocation and a number of other expansions, the establishment lastly took on its new title.
Immediately, it spans over 44,000 sq. ft and options greater than 175 hands-on displays. Guests will encounter demonstrations, workshops, and occasions devoted to biology, astronomy, physics, earth science, vitality, climate, sound, and house.
It is also house to the state-of-the-art Sudekum Planetarium, which makes use of digital projection and encompass sound to current applications on science, historical past, and tradition. It even conducts laser reveals.
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Go to the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere
The Nashville Zoo at Grassmere first opened its doorways in 1991 as a small, non-public operation. Immediately, it has ballooned into the ninth-largest zoo within the nation by landmass, containing over 188 acres.
Annually over one million guests come to watch the zoo’s assortment of unique animals, together with rhinos, leopards, pandas, and extra.
Along with up-close animal experiences, the zoo affords a wide range of points of interest together with a wild animal carousel, a wilderness categorical prepare, and a jungle health club. An heirloom backyard, household cemetery, and household exhibit are open seasonally for guided excursions.
These within the space’s historical past will need to cease by the Grassmere Historic Residence. Listed on the Nationwide Register of Historic Properties, the constructing was constructed in 1810. The zoo helped restore the property shortly after it relocated onto the positioning.
Cease By the Grand Ole Opry Home
The Grand Ole Opry stays the world’s longest-running radio present and is also known as the “Residence of Nation Music.”
The primary broadcast befell 95 years in the past in a small Nashville workplace, although the manufacturing quickly outgrew the house. Through the years, the present bounced round venues, however finally settled on the Ryman Auditorium, working out of the house for a full 30 years. The stint was truly what helped the Ryman obtain its nickname, “The Mom Church.”
Immediately, the present has discovered a everlasting house on the Opry Home. The venue features a custom-built theater full with state-of-the-art tools and a seating capability of over 4,300.
Along with its weekly performances, nation music followers can take pleasure in backstage excursions of the house, VIP experiences, pre-show events, and extra.
Go to the Andrew Jackson Hermitage
The Andrew Jackson Hermitage was created to protect the unique house of the “Individuals’s President.” Jackson garnered the nickname after campaigning to abolish the Electoral School and switch the ability to elect the president into the palms of the American folks—an argument that attracted a lot consideration after the fallout from the outcomes of the 2016 presidential election.
The property occupies over 1,120 acres and stays one of many oldest and largest historic website museums in the US.
Opened to the general public in 1889, the Hermitage educates guests on the life and occasions of President Andrew Jackson via preservation, interpretation, exhibition, training, and analysis.
Although the house was transformed after a fireplace destroyed many of the property again in 1838, the mansion has maintained its standing as a Nationwide Historic Landmark. The positioning continues to draw guests from everywhere in the world, with excursions out there in 5 totally different languages.
Costumed interpreters can be found to information guests across the property, which additionally comprises small log properties the place the enslaved group resided.
Discover the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Conference Heart
If you have not but booked your keep, take into consideration reserving a room on the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Conference Heart. The property welcomes visitors to a one-of-a-kind resort expertise, with 9 acres of indoor atriums, premiere waterpark points of interest, world-class eating places, and tons of different family-friendly actions.
Even if you happen to’ve already secured your lodging, you may cease by for the day to benefit from the facilities provided. The resort spans over 750,000 sq. ft, full with buying alternatives, a luxurious spa, and dwell music experiences.
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Take a Tour of Music Row
Music Row refers to a strip of companies central to town’s musical heritage. Broadly thought-about the center of Nashville’s leisure trade, the realm is house to historic music venues and recording studios as soon as frequented by legendary nation music artists like Eddy Arnold, David Allan Coe, and Dottie West.
The realm, which covers each sixteenth and seventeenth Avenues, affords a bunch of various outlets and eateries as nicely. You must also maintain an eye fixed out for Musica, a big bronze statue designed by Alan LeQuire which serves because the centerpiece for the Music Row Roundabout.
Take pleasure in a Day on the Frist Artwork Museum
The Frist Artwork Museum is likely one of the hottest cultural establishments in Nashville. It is also an important place to go to with youngsters, because it’s established as a “family-friendly” vacation spot with a complete gallery devoted to hands-on artwork experiences and actions.
As a non-collecting museum, the Frist modifications displays each few months, so remember to verify the schedule earlier than you go to. At any given time, visitors will take pleasure in 12 to fifteen exhibitions from among the most prestigious collections on this planet. The museum additionally hosts lectures, workshops, and award-winning reveals organized in-house by its skilled employees.
See the Tennessee Performing Arts Heart
Positioned in downtown Nashville, the Tennessee Performing Arts Heart (TPAC) is the place you need to go for all issues theater. Based in 1980, the establishment places on a wide range of performances all year long, together with productions by the Nashville Ballet, Nashville Opera, and the Nashville Repertory Theater.
The TPAC additionally administers probably the most complete arts teaching programs in the US, welcoming college students of all ages, from pre-school to adults, all for studying extra concerning the dramatic arts.
Partake in Some Water Actions on the Cumberland River
Nashville will not be close to the seashore, however that does not imply there aren’t locations to benefit from the water. The Cumberland River flows via the center of town and affords an array of out of doors actions.
Kayaks, paddle excursions, fishing, and boating alternatives are only a few of the methods to benefit from the river. Bear in mind, Nashville stays fairly temperate year-round, so you will not miss out on a lot river time.
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Go to the Nationwide Museum of African American Music
Nashville has helped popularize numerous musical kinds, together with genres created, influenced, and impressed by African American people. The Nationwide Museum of African American Music stays the one museum devoted to educating, preserving, and celebrating them.
The museum, which spans over 56,000 sq. ft, affords six distinct galleries that includes artifacts, objects, memorabilia, and clothes associated to African American musical historical past.
Utilizing state-of-the-art know-how, the establishment supplies a brand new narrative on musical kinds like spirituals, blues, jazz, gospel, R&B, and hip hop.
Run Round Radnor Lake State Park
Radnor Lake State Park is one other nice choice for people on the lookout for a bit contemporary air throughout their go to. It stretches over 1,368 acres and is protected as a Class II Pure Space.
The house additionally comprises over seven miles of trails for mountaineering and pictures. Designated trails can be found for bikers or those that need to jog alongside their pets.
The park is especially well-known for its wildlife commentary alternatives, with owls, herons, and waterfowl regularly noticed within the space. There are additionally many species of amphibians, reptiles, and mammals like mink and otter.
These all for studying extra concerning the native wildlife may even join training and ranger-led applications deliberate all year long.
Benefit from the Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary
The Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary supplies a protected house for greater than 2,000 species of native natural world. The 300-acre nature sanctuary comprises hills, forests, creeks, ponds, meadows, and different environments the place these creatures can thrive.
Its title was inherited from the unique house owners, who usually listened to the Nice Horned Owls calling out from the ridge after darkish.
Unsurprisingly, it additionally serves as an important place to go to with youngsters. Owl’s Hill affords a collection of specialised studying alternatives involving crafts, discovery, and outside exploration.
Go to the Musicians Corridor of Fame and Museum
The Musicians Corridor of Fame and Museum celebrates the musicians accountable for among the best recordings of all time. Its assortment ranges from Glen Campbell‘s guitars to devices utilized by Garth Brooks, Johnny Money, Elton John, and lots of extra.
The museum has additionally made it some extent to acknowledge extra “unknown” artists and people working onerous behind the scenes to assist produce the music we all know and love.
That listing contains teams just like the Nashville A-Crew, the Wrecking Crew, the Tennessee Two, and studio musicians from Sigma Sound Studio in Philadelphia.
There’s additionally the GRAMMY Musician Gallery to discover—an interactive facility that enables guests to discover each side of the recording course of, from rehearsal rooms to onstage experiences.
Cease by Tootsies Orchid Lounge
No journey to Nashville can be full with out a go to to Tootsies Orchid Lounge. Named after its authentic proprietor, Hattie Lousie “Tootsie” Bess, the world-famous honky tonk has been in operation for over 60 years.
A few of the institution’s most well-known early clients embrace Kris Kristofferson, Faron Younger, Willy Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Patsy Cline, and lots of extra. The venue has been written up by main publications together with Esquire and Penthouse. Dean Martin even filmed a phase of his summer season present at Tootsies. Guests can find much more well-known faces on “Tootsies Wall of Fame.”
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Discover the Belle Meade Historic Web site & Plantation
Immediately, the Belle Meade Historic Web site & Plantation operates as a well-liked meals and wine vacation spot, additionally providing shops and buying alternatives. Palms-on actions and crafts can be found for youthful guests as nicely.
The constructing’s historical past, nonetheless, is way darker than its present facade. Development started on the Greek Revival-style house again in 1853. By 1860, the property proprietor, John Harding, was named one of many wealthiest landowners within the space. He was additionally one of many high slave-owners within the county.
Tennessee turned the final state to secede from the Union one yr later. In 1865, the thirteenth Modification was handed, lastly bringing an finish to the slavery period in the US.
Excursions can be found to assist educate guests on those that inhabited the property earlier than and after emancipation. Packages like “Tales of Slavery and Freedom” have additionally been developed to honor the lives of the enslaved and their influence on the realm.
Cease by the Schermerhorn Symphony Heart
The Nashville Symphony has been contributing to town’s musical panorama since 1946. Led by music director Giancarlo Guerrero, the ensemble performs greater than 150 live shows annually, with a give attention to up to date American orchestral music.
The group started calling the Schermerhorn Symphony Heart house in 2006. Positioned downtown, the constructing is taken into account one of many world’s best acoustical venues. It additionally showcases distinctive Neoclassical structure, soundproof home windows, and a 3,500-pipe Martin Basis Live performance Organ.
Guests will encounter a wide range of musical sounds sprinkled all through the schedule, together with pop, jazz, nation, and even household performances.
The Nashville Symphony additionally occurs to be probably the most acknowledged recording orchestras in the US, with greater than 40 releases throughout totally different labels. Their recordings have earned 14 Grammy Awards and one other 27 nominations.
Examine Out the Nashville Flea Market
You may catch the Nashville Flea Market on the fourth weekend of each month. The occasion is hosted on the Nashville Fairgrounds, a 117-acre plot of land simply south of downtown.
Thought-about the most effective flea markets within the nation, upwards of 1,200 distributors journey from over 30 totally different states to promote their items and merchandise. Antiques, dishware, specialty meals, boutique clothes, jewellery, leather-based items, and different knick knacks are provided throughout roughly 2,000 cubicles.
The custom first took off in 1969. Sixty years later, the market has advanced to such an extent {that a} digital market has been established to service distributors who cannot take part in particular person.
Snag Some Pictures of the Avenue Artwork
In the event you want a break from nation music and historic websites, jump over to East Nashville to take pleasure in among the metropolis’s most celebrated avenue artwork.
Having been dubbed “Nashville’s Coolest Neighborhood” by Vogue, the realm is house to native eateries, store clusters, and an rising artwork scene. A few of the native expertise have showcased their work on the edges of buildings, beneath building zones, and even on the backs of residential fences.
You may start your tour by driving down Gallatin Pike. From there, you can discover among the metropolis’s most well-known items, together with the Topgolf mural by Nathan Brown, the Keep Tuned Nashville mural by Adrien Saporiti, and the Nashville Cowgirl, a collective work created by Jason Galaz, Milton Chavez, and Adam “The Child” Wakitsch.
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Take pleasure in Cumberland Park
Nashville’s Cumberland Park is a reasonably new introduction to town’s riverfront. It is also an effective way to maintain youngsters entertained throughout a visit to the Music Metropolis. Stretching over 6.5 acres, the park is most celebrated for its modern play areas and water options.
A few of the hottest stations embrace “The Hole,” which comprises a cloud bridge, a bouncing pad, and a splash zone. Then there’s “The Scoops,” a cooling-off space that has a stepping stone path with mist options, and eventually, “The Gorge,” a stone climbing wall with embedded fossils and sliding poles.
Different points of interest embrace an out of doors amphitheater and an open garden for recreation and occasions.
Go See the Tennessee Sports activities Corridor of Fame
The Tennessee Sports activities Corridor of Fame was based by a bunch referred to as the Center Tennessee Sportswriters and Broadcasters Affiliation. Its members have been dedicated to celebrating the influence sportsmanship can have on athletes and past.
Immediately, that legacy stays packaged contained in the Bridgestone Area in downtown Nashville. The ability pays homage to athletes, coaches, sportswriters, and sports activities directors who’ve made an influence on Tennessee sports activities.
Guests are positive to acknowledge a number of inductees. Some notable mentions embrace Bud Adams, Darwin Bond, and Buford “Child” Ray.
Take pleasure in a Present at Robert’s Western World
Robert’s Western World is a wildly in style honky tonk amongst locals and guests alike. Referred to as Nashville’s “Residence of Conventional Nation Music,” the dwell music venue affords reveals seven days per week. Whereas the craft beers and BBQ choices will price you, you will not pay a cent for the music.
From the late Fifties to the Eighties, the constructing served as the house of the Sho-Bud Metal Guitar Firm. Shot Jackson and Buddy Emmons, two of the best metal guitar gamers of all time, labored on the store throughout this period, promoting among the finest metal devices ever made. Their shoppers included names like Sure, Poco, and The Monkees.
Different well-known figures who used to hold across the house embrace Jerry Fowl, Ron Elliot, Don Helms, Huge Ben Keith, and Russ Hicks.
Cool off at Nashville Shores
In the event you did not get your waterpark repair over on the Gaylord Opryland Resort, then head over to Nashville Shores.
The 385-acre vacation spot sits alongside Percy Priest Lake, providing alternatives to discover the realm on pontoon boats or by jet ski. There’s additionally a marina on-site with a full-service restaurant in case you want a bit food and drinks.
From there, you may head again to the waterpark for much more aquatic adventures. That is the place you may discover a gigantic wave pool, lazy river, a water tree hour, and eight totally different water slides. Kiddie swimming pools and lily pads are additionally out there for households visiting with small youngsters.
In order for you, you may even spend the evening. Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort affords 88 RV websites, 24 lakefront cabins, and 7 hillside cabins for these in want of lodging.
Wrapping Up
That is a wrap on one of the best issues to do in Nashville, however remember to verify again in with us quickly! Travelicious, supported by Greatest Life, is dedicated to serving to you discover your subsequent journey. Join our e-newsletter to take pleasure in expert-backed ideas for navigating our favourite U.S. locations!
FAQ
What’s the top-rated attraction in Nashville?
Whereas there are many points of interest to discover in Nashville, town is most celebrated for its contributions to the nation music trade. The Ryman Auditorium stays one of many space’s most-visited sights, permitting people to grace the identical stage that musical greats together with Dolly Parton, Johnny Money, and Hank Williams carried out on prior to now.
What are some enjoyable issues to do in Nashville for {couples}?
There are many issues to do in Nashville for {couples}, particularly. Try a few of our favourite actions beneath:
- See a present on the Grand Ole Opry Home
- Go for a stroll in Centennial Park
- Soak up some tradition on the Frist Museum
- Go dancing at a neighborhood honky tonk
- Go kayaking down the Cumberland River
- Watch the sundown at Radnor Lake
- Take photographs beneath the Parthenon in Centennial Park
- Spend an evening on the Gaylord Opryland Resort
What are enjoyable actions in Nashville for adults?
There are many methods for grown-ups to benefit from the metropolis throughout the day and after darkish. A few of the finest issues to do in Nashville for adults embrace:
- Tour the Nation Music Corridor of Fame
- Store across the Nashville Flea Market
- Take pleasure in a couple of reveals on Music Row
- Soak up some historical past on the Belle Meade Historic Web site
- Try native avenue artwork in East Nashville
- Seize a beer at a neighborhood honky tonk
- Hear classical music on the Schermerhorn Symphony Heart
What are one of the best issues to do in Nashville with youngsters?
Tennessee’s capital metropolis is an extremely in style vacation spot for households. A few of our favourite issues to do in Nashville with youngsters embrace:
- Discover the Nashville Zoo
- Spend a day at Journey Science Heart
- Benefit from the play buildings at Cumberland Park
- Join the FristKids program on the Frist Artwork Museum
- Go for a nature stroll on the Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary
- See an early present at one of many honky tonks on Decrease Broadway
- Cool off on the Nashville Shores waterpark