Sing Your Way Through Nashville: Inspired by the TV Show Explore Music City

The Grand Ole Opry: When you think of Nashville, you think of country music, right? At its heart is the Grand Ole Opry. It’s more than just a stage—it’s a living piece of American history with some truly quirky stories. Did you know that in its early days, performances were sometimes interrupted by a live stock report? And today, every artist literally stands on hallowed ground, thanks to a six-foot circle of oak from the original Ryman Auditorium stage built into the Opry House. The Opry even had its own post office and a whole theme park, “Opryland USA”! Even now, no two nights are truly alike, keeping its legacy vibrant and full of surprises. Pretty wild, huh?

Nashville Celebrity Home Tour: Ever wonder where Nashville stars kick back? Now’s your chance to see. Hop on a comfy, air-conditioned bus and get ready for an exclusive peek into the lives of the rich and famous. You’ll cruise past the stunning homes of icons like Taylor Swift, Dierks Bentley, Reese Witherspoon, and Martina McBride, just to name a few. Guides will share fun stories and facts you won’t hear anywhere else, giving you an inside look at their lives. (Heads up: The celebrity homes you see might change.) With both morning and afternoon tours available, it’s easy to fit this VIP experience into your trip. Don’t just visit Nashville—live it up like a star!

SoundWaves: SoundWaves at Gaylord Opryland in Nashville is a super cool, upscale indoor/outdoor water attraction. It’s not just a water park—it’s got a modern design, lush plants, and a musical theme. Indoors, it’s always 84 degrees, with slides like Rapid Remix and Stage Dive, plus a lazy river. You can even tan indoors, thanks to its special roof! Outdoors, there’s a wave pool, kids’ play area, more slides, and an adults-only pool. It’s exclusive to Gaylord Opryland guests who book a SoundWaves Experience, so it’s never too crowded. Plus, they have awesome living walls with 4,000 plants. You can rent cabanas, grab food, and even go to SoundRaves Glow Parties with a DJ.

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum: Here’s a fun fact about the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum: from above, the building looks like a giant bass clef! Plus, the tower on top is a replica of the old WSM radio tower that broadcast the Grand Ole Opry. Sure, you’ll see famous items like Elvis Presley’s gold Cadillac (it’s actually white!) and Hank Williams’ suit. But did you know the museum also has about 98 percent of all country recordings released before WWII? They even run CMF Records, a Grammy-winning label, and Hatch Show Print, an old letterpress shop that’s been making posters since 1879. And don’t forget Historic RCA Studio B, where legends like Elvis recorded over 240 songs! It’s truly a place where country music’s history comes alive, full of cool details you might miss if you’re not looking. It’s a must-see!

The Johnny Cash Museum: The Johnny Cash Museum in Nashville isn’t just about the hits—it’s a deep dive into the Man in Black. You’ll find some really cool, unexpected stuff there. Did you know they have a stone wall from Cash’s lake house? Or his Martin guitar, still with the dollar bill he used to make that “boom-chicka-boom” sound? You can also see his Air Force uniform from when he was a Morse Code operator—and reportedly the first to hear about Stalin’s death. The museum also highlights his humanitarian work and advocacy, especially for prison reform. And, of course, there’s a special section dedicated to his epic love story with June Carter Cash—even a replica of their home recording studio. It’s more than just memorabilia—it’s a journey through the life of an icon, showing you all the sides of a man who truly walked the line.

The Bluebird Cafe: Want to experience Nashville’s music scene up close? You’ve got to check out The Bluebird Cafe! This small, 90-seat spot might not look like much, but it’s where countless country hits were born. Inside, it’s super intimate—with mismatched chairs and dim lighting—setting the perfect mood for a truly special performance. The magic really happens during their “in the round” shows. Songwriters sit together, sharing their songs and the stories behind them, creating an incredible connection with the audience. You might hear a famous tune stripped down or even witness a future hit in the making! The Bluebird even got a shout-out on the TV show Nashville, bringing it more fame. Getting tickets can be tough, but it's worth it for a chance to see the heart of Nashville’s music community firsthand. It’s all about the song, the story, and that unique connection. Oh, and don’t forget to grab a bite! I highly recommend the chipotle black bean burger or the bluebird basket. If you can snag tickets, this place is an absolute must-visit!

Harper's: Looking for an unforgettable meal in Nashville? You’ve got to check out Harper! It's a super chic, globally inspired steakhouse that’s all about making your dinner an experience. From the moment you walk in, you’ll be wowed by the ambiance. There are so many cool spots, like the main dining room, the vibrant central bar, and the bright, airy Garden Room with those amazing floor-to-ceiling windows. But let’s talk food! While they totally nail classic cuts like the filet mignon (seriously, mine was to-die-for!), Harper's takes things up a notch with adventurous options like elk tenderloin and Japanese wagyu. And don’t even get me started on the arrivals menu, featuring goodies like beef Wellington potstickers. Plus, they have a fantastic raw bar, creative cocktails, and a killer wine list. Whether it’s a date night, a celebration, or even brunch, Harper's promises top-notch service and a truly stylish steak experience. You won’t regret it!

The Finch: Looking for a spot in Nashville that’s both fancy and fun? Look no further than The Finch, located inside the historic Union Station. It’s a gorgeous place with huge windows, a cool marble bar, and garage doors that open up on nice days, making it perfect for any occasion. Their all-day menu offers modern American grill dishes with a creative twist, focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients. You’ve got to try the volcano shrimp (seriously, it's amazing!) or their rich French onion soup. For your main course, options like the honey sriracha glazed salmon or the short rib are sure to impress. They also have great cuts of meat and a raw bar. And the drinks? Their cocktails are cleverly named after famous songs, a perfect nod to Music City, and their wine list is top-notch. Whether it’s brunch, dinner, or just a perfectly made martini, The Finch promises an unforgettable experience that captures Nashville’s vibrant vibe. Just be sure to make a reservation—this place is popular!

The Hampton Social: Ready for an endless summer escape? The Hampton Social in Nashville is your vibrant oasis, bringing East Coast charm to the heart of Tennessee! From the iconic “Rosé All Day” lounge to the stunning rooftop patio with incredible city views, The Hampton Social offers an unparalleled dining and social experience. Indulge in coastal-inspired cuisine, including fresh seafood towers, perfectly grilled scallops, mouthwatering lobster rolls. The vibrant atmosphere, impeccable service, and unforgettable flavors create an experience that’s both casually elegant and undeniably fun. Come for the food, stay for the vibe, and leave with memories that feel like a perpetual vacation.

Assembly Food Hall: Forget the endless “where should we eat?” debate. Nashville’s Assembly Food Hall is your new go-to! This vibrant spot is a total blast, packed with over 30 eateries and 10 bars serving up everything from Nashville hot chicken (yep, Prince’s Hot Chicken is right there!) to sushi, tacos, burgers, and so much more. Seriously, whatever you’re craving, they’ve got it covered. But it's not just about the food—Assembly Food Hall is a whole vibe, offering live music, sports watch parties, and even dancing. And you definitely won’t want to miss the Skydeck, Nashville’s biggest rooftop, for amazing city views. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite before a show or making a night of it, Assembly Food Hall is the perfect place to soak in the true spirit of Music City—it’s a culinary and entertainment playground, all under one roof!