Things To Do
Drifters Tennessee Barbeque (BBQ) Joint
Mary-Claire was a waitress at Drifters in between working for Disney Cruise Line and moving to the UK! Drifters is a family favorite with the best barbecue (you've got to try the brisket nachos and the ribs...holy smokes), an amazing happy hour deals (Yazoo Gerst on draft is a must), and they have plenty of live music, line-ups listed on their websites.
Bongo Java East
Bongo East / Game Point Cafe is one of Tom and MC's favorite places for a day out in Five Points. A local Nashville coffee shopcafe joined forces with a board game cafe, and made one of the coolest spots in East Nashville for board game fans. They have incredible coffee, food, local beers and ciders and an incredible library of very well-kept board games.
Pharmacy Burger
Amazing local burgers, brats and craft beer in East Nashville.
Five Daughters Bakery | 12th South
Fancy Nashville donuts. Soo good.
bartaco
Amazing higher-end taco bar, served tapas style with delicious cocktails. MC's favorite margarita is the bartaco margarita made spicy.
bartaco
Chuy's
Chuys is another family favorite! Amazing tex-mex. Whatever you do, definitely get the tortilla chips and a massive amount of the jalapeno ranch. Family friendly atmosphere and tasty frozen margaritas!
Arrington Vineyards
If you have access to a car while in Nashville, and don't mind assigning someone as a designated driver, Arrington Vineyards is an incredible winery, about 25 miles south of Nashville. Before sundown, you can bring a picnic and buy some Arrington Vineyards wine and spend time on the beautiful vineyard grounds. Tom and MC have frequented the winery, and Cindy Lutz always finds the best picnic spots (if you can, try to find a spot near a swing)!
General Jackson Showboat
If you like country music, southern food, and boats, check out the historic General Jackson showboat! A Nashville classic. Fun fact, MC's matron of honor, Lauren, used to work on the showboat as a fiddle player and singer! If you take a cruise on the General Jackson, you may even see some of Mary-Claire and Lauren's university classmates.
Topgolf
Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams
Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams
Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams
Butchertown Hall
Rolf and Daughters
Red Bicycle Coffee & Crêpes
Nashville Farmers' Market
City House
Amazing Italian restaurant in Germantown. You'll likely need to make a reservation, but it's so worth it!
Monell's
A Nashville staple. If you're looking for authentic, southern home cookin' from an original Nashville restaurant, Monell's is the place.
Mother's Ruin
The Cupcake Collection
Taco Mamacita
Pinewood Social
Food, drinks, and bowling. Very trendy spot.
Game Terminal
Nashville's arcade bar!
Cheekwood
Cheekwood is great if you fancy a walk through a historic Nashville estate and garden.
Rudy's Jazz Room
Tom & MC's favorite live jazz venue in Nashville.
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Grand Ole Opry
Ryman Auditorium
Radnor Lake State Park
Beautiful walking trails and scenery in this amazing state park. If you go early in the morning, you'll probably see deer and turkeys, and there are always plenty of turtles.
Adventure Science Center
Frist Art Museum
Nashville Public Library
The Nashville Public Library is beautiful to explore. If you go, make sure to visit the Civil Rights Room in the library, which delves into the incredible history of the Nashville Civil Rights Movement.
Nashville Zoo at Grassmere
The Patterson House
Fancy speakeasy with incredible cocktails.
Nashville Pedal Tavern
Is it the most touristy things you could do in Nashville? Yes. Do the locals judge those who do it? Yes. Did MC hesitantly and embarassingly do this in Nashville with an out-of town friend? Yes. Was it one of the most fun and laughter-filled experiences ever had in her hometown? Yes. Would she recommend it? Absolutely. If you like multi-tasking and making the most of things, and especially if you want to lean in to being a Nashville tourist, Pedal Tavern is for you. You get to BYOB, lightly exercise, annoy (or charm) the locals, and barhop through Nashville all while getting a guided tour. And if you're nervous about the exercise part, there's a bench on the back for those who'd prefer not to pedal.