Broadway is a must see for anyone who is visiting Nashville for the first time. There is live music at every venue within a short few block radius. The bars get packed at night so if you are looking for a great way to experience the live music and rooftop views, the afternoon makes for a great time on Broadway.
A great place to hear up-and-coming artists and songwriters who have lots of radio hits. You can purchase tickets in advance for evening shows.
So many great restaurants and shops to discover!
There are lots of great breweries in Nashville. Tennessee Brew Works, Yazoo and Smith and Lentz are just a few favorites.
A small 100 person live music venue. If you are looking to purchase tickets to see a show here you have to do so a week in advance at a set time. Tickets are extremely hard to get but it is worth a shot!
This small artsy town is a nice place to stop after visiting Franklin. It’s a tiny town with a lot of character and fire pits to roast marshmallows outside of most of the shops. Stop into Puckett’s for live bluegrass music in a really laid back atmosphere or take a tour of the beautiful Leiper’s Fork Distillery followed by a whiskey tasting.
Just 30 minutes south of Nashville is the beautiful town of Franklin. Enjoy shopping in different boutiques or take a tour of the Carnton Plantation or the Lotz House and hear stories about the Battle of Franklin during the Civil War.
If you’re looking for a more laid-back “Brooklyn neighborhood” type experience than East Nashville is a great option. Public House behind the Urban Cowboy BnB is a great spot for craft cocktails and fire pits in an awesome setting. The Basement East is where you will find non-country music and less mainstream musicians. Attaboy has a speakeasy vibe and Pearl Diver serves tiki style drinks in a fun atmosphere.
Tour the Grand Old Opry or catch a show. The Opry is located about 15 minutes north of downtown Nashville. While you are there stop in the Gaylord Opryland Hotel and tour the indoor atriums and gardens.
The Ryman Auditorium just off Broadway in downtown Nashville. Take a tour and check the calendar to see if there is a show during your visit.
Marathon Motor Works is an old motor factory that now hosts a variety of shops and a Corsair Distillery Tasting room. There are lots of antiques/old machines in the hallways in between the indoor shops. If you are a fan of the American Pickers show then you can find Antique Archaeology in this building as well.
Belle Meade Plantation is a 15 minute drive (6 miles) from downtown Nashville in a beautiful location. The historic Nashville estate that dates to the mid-1800s. A guide in period costume shows you around the Greek-Revival mansion during the 45-minute guided tour, then leaves you free to explore the grounds on your own. Great for history buffs, with the added bonus of a complimentary tasting at the onsite winery.
Johnny Cash Museum is located just around the block from the Broadway bars.
This is one of the most touristy things you can do in Nashville. BYOB and pedal through the streets of Nashville on a mobile bar.