We love our country music up here in New England and we can’t deny that nothing beats a trip to Music City! It’s a place that every music fan should have on their bucket list. For a first-timer visiting Nashville, it could be a bit overwhelming because there’s just SO much going on. Everywhere. All the time. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered from the must-see tourist attractions to local sweet spots. Here’s a list of my top 10 things to do and see in Nashville along with some tips to make the most of your visit!
10.) Take in the history! From the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum to the The Ryman to the Bluebird Cafe, Nashville is filled with places to experience the history of country music. For endless amounts of country music memorabilia, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is the place to be. Tour the Ryman Auditorium or the Grand Ole Opry – better yet, go to a show – for a truly moving and unparalleled experience. Or maybe the show Nashville has tempted you to check out the Bluebird Cafe. The small venue is known for the discovery of so many incredible artists like Garth Brooks and Taylor Swift, and is a staple for songwriters. One tip – make reservations! Seating is very limited and fills up quickly so do yourself a favor and plan ahead.
9.) Find a festival or special event. The infamous CMA Fest is one of the most popular reasons to visit, and rightfully so. Besides the nightly shows at Nissan Stadium, there’s countless events that take place during the day, and so much of it is free! Multiple stages downtown, pop up shows, and meet and greets galore – it’s one of the ultimate events for country music fanatics. But still, the city has so much more to offer throughout the year. There’s the annual Food + Wine festival in September, the July 4th fireworks show, the Live on the Green Free Concert Series, New Year’s Eve celebration… I could go on and on, but the point point is, there’s something for everyone. Do your research! Or you may just end up planning your trip the week before a macaroni and cheese festival. Talk about a bummer…
8.) Snap a photo with a mural. Nashville has so many cool murals to use as the backdrop in unforgettable pictures for all your Instagramming pleasure. Be the ultimate tourist and take a pic in front of one of the “I believe in Nashville” murals. (Original mural – 12 South Neighborhood / Marathon Music Works – Marathon Village / East Nashville – Riverside Village, side of Mitchell’s Deli) Or check out my personal favorite, the #WhatLiftsYou wings. (302 11th Ave. S.) If these aren’t your thing, there’s plenty more to go searching for or casually stumble upon!
7.) Drink a Bushwacker! (21+) Bostonians may have tried a version of this decadent beverage at Loretta’s Last Call on Landsdowne, but nothing beats the original found at Broadway Brewhouse in Midtown. (1900 Broadway Blvd, Midtown) Nashville makes it better, bigger, and cheaper! Reminiscent of a milkshake, this drink packs a punch. Bartenders hold the exact recipe sacred, but I can tell you it tastes like chocolate, coconut, and heaven.
6.) Views on views on views. You have to check out Nashville’s best rooftop bars. The downtown area gives you plenty to choose from, but some of my personal favorites are Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge on the corner of 5th and Broadway and Acme Feed & Seed at 101 Broadway. Protip: if you want to work off some of your drinks, feel free to take the stairs at Acme. It’s a hike but you’ll be rewarded with unrivaled views of Broadway and the Cumberland River.
5.) Honky Tonk Highway. NashVegas at its finest! Make your way up or down Broadway by going in the front door of a bar and out the back, in the back door of the next bar, and out the front. (You get the idea.) It goes without saying that there’s live music galore in Nashville, and lower Broadway is the go-to spot! Things are always rockin’ downtown, it doesn’t matter if it’s Tuesday afternoon or Friday night, you can hear music pouring into the streets all day, everyday. Bonus: the bars don’t charge a cover. But still, make sure to bring some cash with you as many bands play for tips!
4.) Take advantage of micro-transportation. This is quite possibly one of the coolest things about the ‘Ville. It’s essentially a golf cart taxi. You call or text, and someone comes to pick you up on a golf cart and takes you where you need to go. Trust me, when you’ve bar-hopped all the way down Broadway in less than sensible shoes and your hotel is blocks away, you’ll be grateful for this service. The best part? It’s FREE. Although it is strongly suggested that you leave a thoughtful tip for your driver. JoyRide and Cruzzin Around are a couple we’ve used and loved.
3.) Check out the scene in Midtown. If you want to get away from all the tourists, Midtown is the place to go. It’s also where you’re more likely to casually bump into one of your favorite artists, whether you realize it or not. But play it cool – there’s no paparazzi in Nashville and artists are generally given their privacy and freedom. Meaning, don’t run up to them in a bar and ask for a selfie. While this area is a bit more low-key in comparison to downtown, it isn’t any less fun. Tin Roof Demonbreun, Red Door, Winners, and Losers are some of our faves. We’ve heard that Monday is the musician’s Friday night, so we definitely recommend checking out Whiskey Jam. You won’t find a Monday night party like that around here!
2.) So. Much. Food. One thing you will never be in Nashville is hungry. I could write a book on all the delicious foods to try in the city. But for this list, I’ll keep it brief. Some of my top foods and restaurants include, but are certainly not limited to, Hot Chicken from Hattie B’s, biscuits at Loveless Cafe, ice cream at Jeni’s, pancakes at the Pancake Pantry (sweet potato pancakes are to die for, but expect a wait), housemade fries at Tavern, and buffalo chicken pizza at Whiskey Kitchen. Don’t limit yourself to my suggestions, there is so much more to eat!
1.) The Grand Ole Opry. This one doesn’t need much explaining. If you’re a fan of country music it’s an absolute must! Take a tour or just go for a show, it’s an experience unlike anything else! Trust me on this one.