Considering a visit to Nashville? If you’re looking to plan a trip to the Music City, here are a few things to do, some not to miss foods, and some recommended places to stay in Nashville!
What to Do in Nashville
There are countless attractions and sights that will keep you constantly busy in Nashville. Some of the top attractions in the city include:
- Grand Ole Opry: Visit Opryland and catch a weekend performance at the most famous stage in country music.
- Lower Broadway: Listen to live music. You can even catch bands as early as 10am!
- Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum: Enjoy some ever-changing exhibits on country music. There are restaurants and retail stores inside.
- The Parthenon: Located in Nashville’s Centennial Park, you’ll find the only full-scale reproduction of Athens’ Parthenon.
- RCA Studio B: Tour Music Row and visit RCA Studio B, which is the famous studio where Elvis recorded over 200 songs.
- Ryman Auditorium: The prior home of the Grand Ole Opry (1943 to 1974). Take a backstage tour and see where many legendary musical acts prepared and performed for years.
- Johnny Cash Museum: Opened in 2013, it contains the largest selection of Johnny Cash artifacts.
- Belle Meade Plantation: Known as the “Queen of the Tennessee Plantations,” this plantation was constructed in 1853 in a Greek Revival style.
- Belmont Mansion: This is the largest house museum in Nashville, constructed for Adelicia Acklen (once one of the wealthiest women in the US).
What to Eat in Nashville
Nashville is home to some great restaurants and amazing eats. There are some places you shouldn’t miss, and breakfast at Loveless Cafe is one of them. Try to get there at the 7 a.m. opening, as they get very busy. You’ll be hard put to find a better biscuit in the city.
Other not-to-miss restaurants include Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack, the Grilled Cheeserie, Jack’s Bar-B-Que, and Arnold’s Country Kitchen. Nashville isn’t all about the BBQ either, you’ll find some interesting eats and drinks in the city. Have an avocado paleta at Las Paletas Gourmet Popsicles or goat cheese with roasted red cherries at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams. When it comes to adult beverages in Nashville, try a Bacon Old Fashioned at The Patterson House or an alcoholic milkshake at Broadway Brewhouse.
Where to Stay in Nashville
If you’re trying to decipher the best neighborhoods to book a hotel in, here are some of the recommended hot spots.
- Downtown: With Lower Broadway and SoBro (South of Broadway), there is no shortage of action. Here you’ll find over 75 bars and restaurants, live music seven days a week, the Country Music Hall of Fame, Johnny Cash Museum, and more.
- The Gulch: Upscale and trendy, the Gulch has over 35 restaurants and loads of shopping. It’s just a short jaunt into downtown Nashville as well.
- Midtown: Less touristy, Midtown has over 30 bars and restaurants yet more of a college vibe. You’ll find upscale dining and cool bars, like the Patterson House, which is a cool spot with a speakeasy theme.
- East Nashville: The artsy side of Nashville, you’ll find a lot of locals here. There are over 80 restaurants and bars and 60 local stores. It’s also a great place to listen to non-country live music.
This post was published in partnership with IHG Hotels, but all views and recommendations are my own.
