Are you wondering what the best things to do in Nashville, Tennessee are? At first thought, you might associate Nashville with the heady scent of BBQ’d meat and the twang of country-western music. However, if you haven’t visited in a while, the Nashville of today is pretty much guaranteed to surprise you. The city is quickly discarding these southern stereotypes. It’s no longer simply the capital of the State of Tennessee. It’s also a burgeoning hipster hub.
The city is home to unique farm-to-table restaurants, bustling clothing boutiques, craft breweries (and not just for beer), a veritable orchestra of live music options, and, of course, outdoor adventures in spots like the wild Appalachian Mountains. But, of course, there’s a ton of history, too. There’s no shortage of learning opportunities, from the Parthenon (yes, it’s a replica of the one in Athens) to former plantations and Civil War sites. So if you’re planning a trip to Tennessee or curious to see if it’s the spot for your next vacation, watch on for our top picks in this perfect all-season destination.
Music Row
If you want to experience the heart of the music industry in this rocking city, head to Music Row. There’s the famous RCA Studio B, where the so-called “Nashville sound” was born in the 1960s. Today, the studio is home to a teaching center and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Be sure to book a tour if you’re a country music fan. On the Row itself, you can shop for memorabilia, visit other music-oriented museums, and stop at dining and drinking spots where all manner of famous country, blues, gospel, and Christian musicians played a few tunes. Look out for the plaques that let you know what happened where.
Nashville Parthenon
This architectural marvel is probably one of the most famous landmarks in Nashville. The Parthenon is so-named because it’s a replica of its ancient Greek counterpart. It was first built out of timber way back in 1897 to commemorate the Tennessee centenary. However, it wasn’t until some years later that it was renovated in concrete, creating the stately building you see today. Now it’s home to a well-curated permanent art collection focused on 19th and 20th century American painting. There’s also a 42-foot-tall golden statue of the goddess Athena and replicas of the 5th-century Parthenon Marbles as a centerpiece.
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Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage
Andrew Jackson was the seventh President of America, holding office between 1829 and 1837. He famously made his home in Nashville, and today, The Hermitage, as it’s called, is one of the most well-maintained scenic locations in the city. It was first constructed in 1819, succumbed to fire some two decades later, and was thankfully rebuilt. Today, the mansion has been renovated to look as it would have done when President Jackson lived there and boasts numerous educational exhibits. The property surrounding the house features a garden, wagon rides, another grand home called Tulip Grove, and the burial plot for Jackson and his wife, Rachel Donelson.
The Grand Ole Opry
You’ve probably heard of the Grand Ole Opry before. After all, the radio shows of the same name have been broadcast from there since the 1920s. It’s also associated with Opryland, the now-defunct music-themed amusement park that was once the main attraction in Nashville. In the Grand Ole Opry House, you can hear famous country stars sing or learn how a show works by taking a backstage tour. Nearby is the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, the vast Opry Mills mall if you’re keen for a spot of shopping, the Willie Nelson and Friends Museum, Texas Troubadour Theatre. Classical music fans will jump at the chance to catch the Nashville Opera and Symphony at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center.
The General Jackson Showboat
The General Jackson Showboat is another attraction in the action-packed Opry complex. Though this iteration is contemporary, the boat is based on the glamorous steamships that once cruised the Cumberland River in the 1800s. Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening with your partner or a fun night out with friends, you won’t be disappointed with a dinner and show package. You’ll get stunning views of the Nashville skyline as you travel lazily down the river and even get to cross under the landmark John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge. (Which, by the way, you should also take the time to walk over during your Nashville stay.) Why not add even more fun to the trip by dressing up in 1800s evening garb?
Country Music Hall of Fame
We briefly mentioned the Country Music Hall of Fame above, but let’s dive a bit deeper into why it’s worth a spot on this list. For one thing, the building itself is architecturally interesting–with windows that look like piano keys–and conveniently located in the heart of downtown Nashville. Step inside, and you’ll find well-put-together multimedia displays of costumes, performances, music memorabilia, gold records, and more. There’s even a Cadillac once owned by Elvis! If you get hungry while browsing, you can stop for refreshments at the Johnny Cash Museum and Cafe. The Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum boasts information about a good bunch of country-western and other notable musicians, too.
Johnny Cash Museum
If you’re humming along on the music vibe, be sure to stop in at the Johnny Cash Museum and Cafe for more than just a bite to eat. This museum might be on the smaller side, but it’s packed full of rare and historically interesting Johnny Cash-related artifacts. It was all put together by one of Johnny Cash’s dearest friends, a man called Bill Miller. He spent years collecting and cataloging memorabilia that reminded him of his talented pal. Dedicated Cash fans consider this museum a pilgrimage site, so don’t miss it if you love his music.
Ryman Auditorium
The Grand Ole Opry was once held in the Ryman Auditorium, with radio shows hosted from there between 1943 to 1974. But this historically significant venue first opened its doors in 1892 as the Union Gospel Tabernacle. If you’re a fan of this slice of musical history, you’re in luck! The Ryman is hosting performances again, from classical concert series and musical theatre to bluegrass shows and television productions. History buffs should book a guided tour of the facility, while music buffs shouldn’t miss the chance to cut their very own record at the Ryman Recording Studio. It’s popular, so be sure to look ahead.
Tennessee State Museum
If you’re keen to dive deep into the rich history of the state you’re visiting, be sure to pay a visit to the Tennessee State Museum. The institution opened just a few years ago in 2018 and, as such, is packed full of state-of-the-art interactive presentations and exhibits. Check out Civil War relics, including weapons and furniture, paintings and artworks from some of the state’s most famous artists, and, of course, music-related displays. And don’t forget to swing by the gift shop for that obligatory fridge magnet or state sticker on your way out! This well-thought-out museum is conveniently located opposite the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, so you can head there before or after spending some time indoors.
Radnor Lake State Park
If you’re seeking a change from city life, you’re in luck in Nashville. The Radnor Lake State Park (also known as the Radnor Lake State Natural Area) is just a short drive from town. The 1,402-acre nature preserve features six miles of family-friendly hiking trails around the lake through woodlands. In addition, the park gives you the chance to take your family or friends on a free Nashville safari since the site is full of native wildlife. Look out for otters, owls, deer, beavers, mink, herons, and even bobcats. If you’re looking for an educational experience, head to the visitor’s center. There’s information on bird-watching, the native flora of the area, and you can also book guided tours.
Cheekwood Botanical Gardens and Museum of Art
Cheekwood encompasses 55-acres of well-planned gardens, parklands, art exhibitions, and a 1920s Georgian-style mansion. First, head out along the Woodland Sculpture Trail to experience locally made outdoor art, greenhouses with camellias and orchids, and an art education center. Next, enter through the doorways of the mansion into the well-appointed Cheekwood Museum of Art. There, you can quietly peruse some of the finest American paintings and sculptures of the 19th and 20th centuries. If you’re keen for more farm-related history, head to the nearby Tennessee Agricultural Museum. You’ll get a gander at the ancient farming implements your forebearers probably used, as well as carefully preserved rural Tennessee prints and folk art sculptures.
Fort Nashborough
We’ve saved one of the best attractions in Nashville for last. Not only is Fort Nashborough a thoroughly exciting tourist destination, but it’s free to visit! This iconic battlement was first built in 1780 by James Robertson and stood for another twelve years. Over the past few years, the fort site was reconstructed to showcase what life was like in Nashville and its surroundings during the pioneer days. The site features replica buildings like fortifications, log cabins, blockhouses, and several exhibitions offering insight into the Native American history of the area. Best of all, the fort offers up some of the best views of the Cumberland River.
After learning about all these fascinating sites, do you think you’ll add a trip to Nashville to your bucket list? Or is Nashville a city you’d add to your “do not travel” list? Debate the merits or missteps of one of America’s most musically influential cities in the comment section below. If you want to watch more videos like this one, head over to the Viewcation channel and subscribe. Hit that notification bell while you’re there. Oh, and don’t forget to give this video a thumbs up and share it with your friends and family.