Curator’s statement
Nashville isn’t just a destination—it’s a city that wraps you in Southern hospitality and feeds your soul through every experience, from world-class museums and rich history to a food scene that’ll make you want to move there permanently. As a woman, I feel completely safe exploring everything from the honky-tonks on Broadway to hidden local gems, surrounded by genuinely friendly people who make you feel like family. Live music pulses through the city from noon until the early hours, showcasing not just country but also blues, rock, indie, and everything in between, creating a soundtrack that matches whatever mood strikes you. Between the vibrant arts scene, fascinating historical sites, incredible entertainment, and that unmistakable local vibe, Nashville has this magical way of making you feel alive and inspired. It’s a place that doesn’t just entertain you—it transforms you.
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Things to do in Nashville
Only in Nashville can you go from honky-tonks to ancient Greek architecture in one afternoon!
The Hermitage: Andrew Jackson’s plantation home offers a fascinating glimpse into presidential history. The sprawling grounds and well-preserved interiors transport visitors back to the 1800s. Walking through the mansion and gardens reveals the complexity of Jackson’s life, from military hero to president to plantation owner. Since 2024, the site has included the recently discovered enslaved cemetery as part of the “In Their Footsteps: Lives of The Hermitage Enslaved Tour,” a vital step toward acknowledging the lives and labor that sustained this estate. However, another foundational part of Jackson’s legacy—the forced removal of Native American nations—remains largely absent from the narrative on site. Through the Indian Removal Act of 1830, Jackson authorized the displacement of tens of thousands of Indigenous people, including the Cherokee, Creek, Chickasaw, Choctaw, and Seminole. For those with Native ancestry, this omission is especially difficult. A fuller historical account of The Hermitage must grapple with both the lives built here—and the many lives uprooted by policies enacted from it.
Cheekwood Mansion: This elegant botanical garden and art museum combines breathtaking floral displays with impressive art collections in a gorgeous estate setting. Insider tip: This is the former home of what we now know as Maxwell House Coffee. The gardens are even more magical when you know this piece of Nashville history.
Ryman Auditorium: The “Mother Church of Country Music” is an acoustic marvel where legends were made, and you can still feel the magic in every performance. I’ve experienced that incredible acoustics firsthand—they truly give you chills.
Country Music Hall of Fame: A treasure trove of music history with incredible exhibits, memorabilia, and stories that celebrate the genre’s rich heritage. I could spend hours here exploring every display and always discover something new.
Belle Meade Plantation: Known as the “Queen of Tennessee Plantations,” this historic site tells the story of Kentucky's horse racing heritage. While the estate’s architecture and landscape are striking, what stood out most during my visit—especially as someone from Lexington, Kentucky—was learning about the site’s deep ties to horses like Seabiscuit and Secretariat. Belle Meade also openly addresses its history as a former plantation, including through a “Journey to Jubliee” tour that dives deep into the history of Black Americans before and after emancipation, both at Belle Meade and across the South.
Belmont Mansion: An Italianate villa with ornate rooms and fascinating tales of 19th-century Nashville. Walking through these lavishly decorated rooms feels like stepping into a different era entirely, but what truly captivated me was learning about Adelicia Acklen—a woman who, despite living in a time when women couldn’t vote or own property freely, amassed a fortune and ran large-scale business operations across multiple estates. Her life reflects a rare example of female power and entrepreneurship in the post-Civil War South, although her wealth was undeniably tied to slavery. To help visitors engage with this history, Belmont has recently added exhibit panels about and a memorial to the enslaved people whose labor was used to operate the estate.
The Parthenon: Nashville’s full-scale replica of the ancient Greek Parthenon in Centennial Park is both architecturally stunning and houses impressive art collections. Seeing this unexpected piece of Athens right in Music City never fails to amaze me.
Johnny Cash Museum: An intimate look at the Man in Black’s life and legacy through personal artifacts, stage costumes, and touching tributes. This deeply personal museum moved me more than I expected.
Grand Ole Opry: The legendary venue where country music stars are made, offering an authentic Nashville experience steeped in musical tradition. I was lucky enough to see Brad Paisley perform here—experiencing his talent at this iconic venue was absolutely unforgettable and made me feel like I was part of music history.
Musicians Hall of Fame: This fascinating museum walks you through the complete evolution of music technology, from record players to CDs and beyond, while celebrating the unsung heroes: the session musicians and sidemen who created iconic sounds across all genres. I loved seeing tributes to artists like The Beach Boys alongside country legends, showing how Nashville’s studio musicians shaped music history far beyond just country.
Hatch Show Print: A working letterpress shop creating iconic concert posters since 1879, where you can watch craftsmen create art the old-fashioned way. Watching the printing process in action was absolutely mesmerizing.
Country Music Walk of Fame: Stars embedded in downtown sidewalks honoring country music’s biggest names, perfect for a leisurely stroll through music history. I loved hunting for my favorite artists’ stars throughout downtown!
Places to eat & drink in Nashville
Living my best Nashville life at Jason Aldean’s. Nothing beats a perfectly crafted drink with that famous John Deere tractor bar as your backdrop!
Miranda Lambert’s Casa Rosa: The brisket nachos here are hands down some of my favorite nachos I’ve ever had—they’re absolutely amazing and worth the trip alone. The whole vibe perfectly captures Miranda’s style and energy.
Mirko Pasta: This gem serves up some of the best authentic Italian pasta I’ve ever experienced. Every bite transports you straight to Italy, and the authenticity is unmatched in Nashville.
Milk & Honey Gulch: Not only do they have amazing breakfast options that fuel you for a day of exploring, but it’s also perfectly located near the famous angel wings photo mural—so you can get your Instagram shot and incredible food in one stop.
Ole Red Nashville Bar: Blake Shelton’s bar delivers exactly what you’d expect: amazing music flowing all day long that keeps the energy high and the good times rolling from morning to night.
Jason Aldean’s Kitchen and Rooftop: There’s something special about sitting at the bar here, soaking in the atmosphere while enjoying great food and drinks with Music City buzzing around you.
FGL House: The rooftop views of the city are absolutely spectacular! It’s the perfect spot to take in Nashville’s skyline while enjoying drinks and the Florida Georgia Line vibe.
Aquarium Restaurant: This place is truly an experience—having fish literally swimming around you and above you while you eat is really cool and unlike anywhere else. It’s dining and entertainment rolled into one unforgettable experience.
Need to know
Transportation & getting around
Nashville is incredibly walkable once you’re in the heart of downtown, which is why I always recommend using Lyft or Uber to get into the center if you’re not staying right in the thick of things. Once you’re there, you can easily walk between most attractions, restaurants, and venues without needing another ride.
For first-time visitors, the hop-on hop-off trolley tour is a fantastic way to get oriented with the city while learning about Nashville’s history and culture. It’s not just transportation—it’s entertainment! Plus, it takes you to different neighborhoods and attractions you might not discover on foot, including that famous spot from American Pickers, which is always a fun surprise for fans of the show.
The downtown area is compact enough that you can stroll from the Country Music Hall of Fame to Broadway’s honky-tonks, then over to the Ryman Auditorium without breaking a sweat. The streets are well-lit and safe, making evening walks between venues comfortable and enjoyable.
Insider timing tips
Here’s the most important tip I can give you: the Country Music Hall of Fame sells out quickly, so buy your tickets in advance! Don’t wait until you arrive—book online before your trip. Even with tickets, arrive early because this isn’t a quick stop. Plan on spending at least a couple of hours here to truly see everything and absorb all the incredible exhibits and stories. I’ve learned that rushing through diminishes the experience significantly.
For Broadway and the honky-tonks, remember that live music starts at noon and goes all night, so you can plan your day around avoiding the heaviest evening crowds if you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere. The earlier hours often showcase different types of performers and give you a chance to actually talk to the musicians between sets.
Planning & city vibe
Nashville is always bustling with energy, so having a solid plan in place is essential to maximize your time in Music City. Don’t just wander aimlessly—know what you want to see and where you want to go, because there’s so much happening that you could easily get overwhelmed or miss out on must-see experiences.
The Bridgestone Arena is a fantastic venue where you can catch some incredible concerts and games. I’ve found that the acoustics are excellent no matter where you sit, and the energy of a live show there is absolutely electric. Whether it’s a major touring act or a Nashville Predators hockey game, the atmosphere is always unforgettable.
What I love most about Nashville is something you’ll notice immediately: the people are genuinely friendlier here. There’s this authentic Southern hospitality that makes you feel welcome from the moment you arrive. Locals and fellow visitors alike embrace the city for all it has to offer, creating this infectious enthusiasm that makes every experience more enjoyable.
The friendly vibe extends everywhere you go, from chatting with bartenders on Broadway to striking up conversations with fellow music lovers at venues. People are genuinely excited to share their favorite spots and recommendations. This openness and warmth is part of what makes Nashville so special: it’s not just about the music and attractions—it’s about the community spirit that welcomes everyone to be part of the Music City magic.
Travel Advisor
Jodi Grooms
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