In my last post I introduced you to just a few great places in Nashville to get your grub on. As promised as a part of this “Guide to Nashville” like series of posts, our next feature is things you must see and do in Nashville.
Whether you have one day or one week to spend in this wonderful city you have thousands of options to see many aspects the “music city” can offer. As hard as it is to see everything in Nashville, it’s going to be just as hard to list every must-see. This is a typical list that I have suggested to my friends and family when they have asked me what they should see.
Let’s start the next phase in your Nashville vacation planning!
Lower Broadway
Lower broadway is your best bet to take in live music from upcoming, unknown musicians in all the honky tonk bars. Some of my favorites? The Stage, Honky Tonk Central, Legends Corner and Whiskey Bent Saloon. I also recommend taking in some time at the Wildhorse Saloon and if you catch them on a night they are offering free line dance lessons, do it! You’ll enjoy it more than you think!
There will be no shortage of tourists, souvenir shops, and bachelorette parties.
Country Music Roots
I strongly suggest getting a tour of both the Ryman Auditorium and the Grand Ole Opry House. The two of these often get confused and are not located near each other. Yes, the Grand Ole Opry is the longest running, live radio show that started at the Ryman Auditorium before moving to the Grand Ole Opry House. Want to know more about these great homes to country music? Another reason to tour both! If you’re wanting to see a great concert-type show, then the Ryman is your best bet with it’s out-of-this-world acoustics. If seeing the heart-and-soul country music, than catch a Opry show at the Opry House. Either way, you never know who may show up to surprise the audience!
Need More Country Music?
If you still can’t get your fill of country music after visiting the Ryman and the Grand Ole Opry, then you must check out the Country Music Hall of Fame. Some of their featured exhibits will change so you will have different things to see every time you come back.
Sight To See
If you want one of the best views in Nashville, then you must visit Love Circle. It’s kind of a hidden gem of the city and there isn’t really a lot of parking as this is a spot in the middle of a residential area. If you can find parking and can make the small trek up the hill, then you will be exposed to an outstanding view of one of the best cities in the country.
“Nashville” Roots
Are you a fan of the CMT show, “Nashville“? Then see where the characters love to hang out by visiting:
- The Bluebird Cafe, where we first saw Gunnar and Scarlett perform
- The pedestrian bridge in downtown Nashville (another great spot for an incredible view), where Deacon and Rayna often went to gather inspiration.
- Centennial Park, a location used to film Gunnar proposing to Scarlett in their early stages of their on-again, off-again relationship. It’s also home to the Parthenon, a Nashville tribute to it’s Greek roots.
- The Hermitage Cafe, not only is this a great spot to get some food (10pm-1:30p & they’re cash only), it was where Gunnar’s girlfriend Kiley worked.
- And of course the already mentioned, Ryman Auditorium and Grand Ole Opry House, are staples in the show.
Historical Fanatics
For those of you who are a fan of history, then Nashville is the city for you! From ghost tours of downtown to museums and plantations there is something to capture your interests:
- Belle Meade Plantation
- Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage
- Tennessee State Museum
- Belmont Mansion
- Nashville Ghost Tour
There are so many options for everyone to see and do in our wonderful city. You should be able to have a good start on what you would like to eat and what you would like to do during your trip to Nashville. I hope that these suggestions help you plan a wonderful trip and you get to experience “Music City” in the way that suits you best.
But wait…aren’t we forgetting something? SHOPPING! Yes, that’s right…our next feature will be on where to shop!