Top 7 Things To Do In Nashville for Fun
So, you’ve just landed in Nashville, picked up your vehicle, and are ready to have the Nashville experience that everyone is talking about. But where do you start? Here is a guide we’ve curated of some of the most fun and exciting things to do while cruising around Music City.
1. The Grand Ole Opry
First, we have the iconic Grand Ole Opry, known for its many musical displays and rich history. The first broadcast was back in 1925 from the National Life Building on the WSM Barn Dance radio show and then relocated in 1974 to the Opry House we see today.
Any lover of music will enjoy taking one of their backstage tours, but a country music lover may want to pay a little extra to go and experience the incredible live music that the venue has to offer. During the tour, you get the chance to walk in the footsteps of country legends such as Garth Brooks and Carrie Underwood. The Grand Ole Opry is a place you won’t be able to stop bragging about the experience.
2. Ryman Auditorium
Ryman Auditorium is the birthplace of bluegrass, the historical site where Johnny Cash first met his future wife, June Carter, and a once-famous place for religious revivals of the 19th century. The outside of the building displays beautiful, historic architecture, but the builders focused on more than just the outside of the building.
Builders specially designed the auditorium to enhance the sound of music for the performers and audience. The acoustics makes the Ryman Auditorium a must-visit site to see a live performance of any ensemble of musicians. The location also offers self-guided tours with an array of artifacts from artists who have performed at this location.
Some may have never heard of Ryman Auditorium, but once you experience it, you’ll be glad that you took the time out of your trip to stop by.
3. Country Music Hall of Fame
Do you see a theme yet of what the city of Nashville is all about?
Our next stop is the Country Music Hall of Fame. The first two items on our list show the rich and lasting history of music in the city of Nashville, so it only makes sense that the Country Music Hall of Fame is located here.
The location is the holder of over 2.5 million artifacts and has two stories of gallery space dedicated to displaying all that one country music lover could ever want to see. It’s also the location of Historic RCA Studio B and Hatch Show Print.
If you happen to get hungry from the meandering and browsing all that the location offers, the site has three different restaurants to choose from. The Country Music Hall of Fame has a lot more to offer than just a list of names of all those who have been inducted. It’s a portal into country music history with a fair amount of amenities to make your visit perfect.
4. Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery
Let’s make a change of pace. Want to slow down and relax for a while? As you drive your modern rental vehicle onto the grounds of Belle Meade, you may realize how out-of-place your 21st-century car looks as you park and step outside. But even though your car and other tech you may have on your person feel like they are from another time, you will feel like you’re right at home.
Belle Meade prizes itself as the bastion of southern hospitality. The location offers tours of the historic grounds where you can see the mansion inside to hear the history of the families that once lived there.
Belle Meade also offers a variety of food and wine options. Sit down for fine dining at a chef-inspired meal with wine pairing, or treat yourself to a bourbon tasting experience with your friends for a time that you’ll treasure.
Belle Meade has an assortment of offerings that will bring excitement to many different people, whether you’re the history buff or the foodie of the group.
5. Downtown Nashville
Going to the downtown area of any city can be memorable, but nothing like the downtown streets of Nashville, Tennessee. Downtown you will be able to find anything your heart desires.
Are you into the art scene and want to see some original pieces? A great place to visit is Tinney Contemporary. There you will find a wide variety of modern art from established local and international artists. If you’re an art collector yourself, they also sell pieces to those that have the desire.
Maybe you came to Nashville in hopes of trying their famed barbeque. Look no further than Edley’s Bar-B-Que. Located downtown, it has become a favorite spot for those hungry for anything from brisket to smoked pork.
The shopping scene downtown isn’t lacking, either. White’s Mercantile labels itself as a modern-day general store. Founded by Holly Williams, the store offers anything one could want to buy. So are you looking for fresh-scent soaps, literature, or an adorable onesie for your little one? Then this is the store for you.
5. Nashville Zoo
Being outside on a beautiful day observing nature can be a relaxing and rewarding experience. Going to the Nashville Zoo is that and more, given many wildlife you can’t see anywhere else.
Not only does the zoo offer opportunities to see the animals from afar, but they also offer an experience that allows visitors to get close and touch some of the animals, such as camels. There are also other experiences where you can get close and personal with a family of red kangaroos. That’s not something most people can say they’ve done!
If you’re looking for something that will give you a rush, they also have the Soaring Eagle Zipline that will transport you over 100 feet into the air and take you to another area of the park with a friend. The ride isn’t something for the faint-of-heart or a fear of heights, but it could be right for you.
6. Centennial Park
Centennial Park is an excellent location to recharge outdoors while seeing the beauty that Nashville has to offer its residents and guests.
You could plan a whole day around the park. For example, in the morning, you could put on your jogging shoes and go for a run along the mile trail in the park, taking it all in. Then plan a picnic for lunch on one of the beautiful greenways available. After lunch, walk and see the beautiful replica of the Parthenon located within the park.
Did you happen to bring a furry friend along for the trip this time? The park has a designated dog park that would be perfect for your dog to get out all that energy after riding around in your car or being cooped up in a hotel all day. It’s also a perfect opportunity to meet some of the locals and get recommendations for sites from someone who knows the area like the back of their hand.
7. Lane Motor Museum
After experiencing one of our sports cars, you’re going to want to take it directly to the Lane Motor Museum to see other speedy and eye-catching vehicles just like it.
On the showroom floor of the museum, you can see up to 150 cars out on display, but the museum’s collection holds over 550 different cars. In addition, they rotate the cars on display which makes this location worth revisiting more than a couple of times.
The show doesn’t stop just with cars. The museum also displays a variety of motorcycles and an assortment of different flying craft. There is also a small collection of floating vehicles, cars that can go both on land and sea.
If you’ve shown up to the museum with interest to buy, they have a small selection of their vintage cars that they are willing to part ways with if you’re able to pay the price. So this could be an excellent opportunity for a collector or someone who wants to stick out.
Nashville Awaits
This list scratches the surface of all that Nashville’s diverse and historic city has to offer to anyone living within its city lines or those visiting for a vacation or business trip.
Those who love music have many iconic music venues to choose from that consistently host the most prominent artists of our day. In addition, Nashville has a wide variety of museums and historic homes to see what old and Southern living was like if you’re a history buff. Finally, for the person looking to have a night out on the town, Downtown Nashville has a host of different shops, barbeque spots, and watering holes to have a good time.
Although people dub Nashville as Music City, it has a lot to offer people of diverse interests who want to experience something new.
Sources:
Grand Ole Opry | About
Tinney Contemporary | About the Gallery
Parks and Recreation | Parthenon
