EXPLORE NASHVILLE: A WEEKEND ADVENTURE BEYOND COUNTRY MUSIC
Nashville is a city that effortlessly blends country music heritage with modern urban flair and is the vibrant heart of Tennessee. Nashville isn’t just country music (though that’s pretty darn amazing too). It’s a city that sizzles with Southern charm, electrifying live music, and enough delicious food to make your taste buds do a happy dance. I fondly remember my trip to Nashville and can’t believe I haven’t made it back yet, it’s one of those places that captures you immediately.
Ready to ditch the ordinary and dive into Music City magic? Buckle up, because this weekend itinerary is about to blow your boots off (and yes, we’ll get to where to find the perfect pair).
1. Explore the Arts & Cultural Scene
For a unique cultural experience, delve into Nashville’s thriving arts scene. Immerse yourself in the history of music and design at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and stroll through the Walk of Fame Park; a music themed walking path and garden. Then stop into the iconic Hatch Show Print, where you can even try your hand at creating your own letterpress print. After you can head over to the Frist Art Museum to explore a diverse range of exhibitions, from contemporary art to historical artifacts.
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, 222 Rep. John Lewis Way S, Nashville, TN 37203, countrymusichalloffame.org
Hatch Show Print, 224 Rep. John Lewis Way S, Nashville, TN 37203, hatchprintshow.com
Frist Art Museum, 919 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203, fristmuseum.org
2. Take in the Green Spaces and City Views
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the great outdoors at Centennial Park. Relax by the picturesque lake, rent a paddleboat, or simply stroll through the serene gardens. For a dose of history and architecture, visit the Parthenon, a full-scale replica of the original Parthenon in Athens. Finally, take a leisurely walk across the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge, offering stunning views of the city skyline and the Cumberland River.
Centennial Park, 2500 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203
Parthenon, 2500 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203, nashvilleparthenon.com
John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge, Entrance near Broadway & 1st Ave, Nashville, TN, nashville.gov
3. Street Art & Mural Tour
Embark on a colorful adventure through Nashville’s vibrant street art scene. Iconic murals like the playful LEGO Man, WhatLiftsYou Wing Mural and “I Believe in Nashville” offer stunning photo opportunities as you explore neighborhoods filled with unique shops, cafes, and parks. Don’t forget your camera to capture and share these artistic gems!
I Believe in Nashville Mural, 2702 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204, ibelieveinnashville.com
LEGO Man Mural, 11th Avenue and Laurel Street, Nashville, TN, 37203
WhatLiftsYou Wing Mural, 302 11th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
HearThisNashville Mural, 901 Gleaves St, Nashville, TN 37203
4. Shop ‘Til You Drop in Nashville’s Boutique Scene
Indulge your inner shopaholic and discover Nashville’s vibrant boutique scene. From high-end fashion to vintage finds, there’s something for everyone. Explore the stylish collections at Draper James and Uncommon James, both founded by renowned personalities. For unique home decor, visit Judith Bright and White’s Mercantile. And for effortlessly cool denim, head to Imogene + Willie.
Draper James, 2608 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204, draperjames.com
Uncommon James, 601 9th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203, uncommonjames.com
Judith Bright, 2307 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204, judithbright.com
White’s Mercantile, 2908 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204, whitesmercantile.com
Imogene + Willie, 2601 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204, imogeneandwillie.com
5. Step Into Country Music History
Dive into Nashville’s rich musical heritage by visiting legendary venues like the Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium. At the Grand Ole Opry, the “Home of American Music,” you can catch unforgettable country music performances or take a behind-the-scenes tour. Then, step back in time at the historic Ryman Auditorium, the “Mother Church of Country Music,” where intimate concerts and captivating stories come to life. Both venues offer robust performance schedules, making them must-visit destinations.
Ryman Auditorium, 116 5th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219, ryman.com
Grand Ole Opry, 600 Opry Mills Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, opry.com
6. Enjoy Nashville’s Culinary Scene
Nashville’s vibrant food scene is a culinary adventure that blends Southern tradition with modern innovation. Dive into iconic dishes like fluffy, buttery biscuits from Biscuit Love, spicy hot chicken from Hattie B’s, and smoky, tender barbecue from Peg Leg Porker—classics that have earned their place in Nashville’s culinary hall of fame. Beyond these staples, the city is home to a variety of dining experiences, from trendy food halls and farm-to-table restaurants to hidden gems and hole-in-the-wall diners. Whether you’re craving international flavors, vegan delights, or indulgent desserts, Nashville’s diverse and ever-evolving food culture promises something for everyone. You’ll find all of my suggestions in the curated map below.
Biscuit Love, 316 11th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203, biscuitlove.com
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken, 5069 Broadway Suite A-103, Nashville, TN 37203, hattieb.com
Peg Leg Porker, 903 Gleaves St, Nashville, TN 37203, peglegporker.com
7. Savor the Sweet Moments
Indulge your sweet tooth and caffeine cravings with some of Nashville’s most beloved spots. Treat yourself to the famous 100-layer donuts at Five Daughters Bakery, creamy scoops of artisanal flavors at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream, or a perfectly brewed cup of coffee from Barista Parlor. These local favorites combine quality, creativity, and cozy vibes, making them perfect stops to recharge during your Nashville adventures.
Five Daughters Bakery, 602 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203, fivedaughtersbakery.com
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream, 5054 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203, jenis.com
Barista Parlor, 300 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203, baristaparlor.com
8. Bring a Piece of Nashville Home
No trip to Nashville is complete without taking home the quintessential Music City souvenir: a pair of cowboy boots and a classic cowboy hat. Stroll down Broadway, where iconic shops like Boot Barn and Lucchese Bootmaker offer a wide selection of styles to suit every personality. For a more personalized experience, check out Betty Boots, where you can find unique designs and friendly staff to help you choose the perfect fit. These timeless pieces will not only remind you of your Nashville adventure but also add a touch of Southern charm to your wardrobe.
Boot Barn, 318 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201, bootbarn.com
Lucchese Bootmaker, 503 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203, lucchese.com
Betty Boots, 2005, 321 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201, bettyboots.com
9. Enjoy the tradition of Nashville’s Nightlife and Music Scene
No trip to Nashville is complete without immersing yourself in the legendary music scene and experience the city’s vibrant nightlife. From iconic honky-tonks like Robert’s Western World and Acme Feed & Seed to intimate listening rooms like the Bluebird Cafe, there’s something for every music lover. Stroll down the iconic Honky Tonk Highway, where you can catch live music performances spilling out onto the streets.
Robert’s Western World, 416 Broadway # B, Nashville, TN 37203, robertswesternworld.com
Acme Feed & Seed, 101 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201, acmefeedandseed.com
Bluebird Cafe, 4104 Hillsboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37215, bluebirdcafe.com
There’s no shortage of opportunity to kick back and unwind in the Music City! You can start building your perfect Nashville itinerary now. My curated map features hotels, restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, music venues, historical sites and outdoor adventures. You can access it here.
The Artful Epicure 