Best Things to Do in Nashville, Tennessee

This is an independent bookstore co-owned by best-selling author Ann Patchett and publishing veteran Karen Hayes. They opened this shop in 2011 when all the independent bookstores disappeared. I liked that they had Nashville author and history sections.

Classic Music Venues

• Bluebird Café: This iconic spot is known for giving up-and-coming artists the stage.
• Station Inn: Known as THE venue for bluegrass music.
• Grand Ole Opry House: Grand Ole Opry started as a radio show and moved to this venue from the Ryman Auditorium when they wanted a bigger space. Music’s big names grace the stage here. You can take a tour of the venue and/or buy tickets for a show.
• Ryman Auditorium: This historic venue is the original home of the Grand Ole Opry and where many music legends have performed. You can tour the venue and see a show here. For all you lovebirds, this is where Johnny met June.
  

This neighborhood is a great option for walking around to shops and restaurants.

From music to paintings, Nashville is an artistic city. You’ll spot some photo-worthy street art around town. You’ll find many in 12 South, including a blue and white striped wall at Draper James.

Museums

• Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum: If you love country music, this museum is where you should go. It collects and preserves country music history.
• Hatch Show Print: Legendary print shop connected to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
• Historic RCA Studio B: This recording studio has been the place for many music greats, including Elvis. It is also connected to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
• The Frist Center for the Visual Arts: This small art museum hosts non-permanent exhibits. When I visited we saw an exhibit about Samurais (historic artifacts), a very cool video exhibit by Ragnar Kjartansson called “The Visitors,” and art by Harmony Korine.

Historic Sites

• Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art: This place was originally a home in 1929 and is now a 55-acre botanical garden and museum.
• Parthenon at Centennial Park: A full-scale replica of the Parthenon in Athens? Yes. And don’t forget the 42-foot replica of Athena. It was built for the 1897 Centennial Exposition. If the Parthenon isn’t quite your thing, Centennial Park is a great place for a walk!
• Belle Meade Plantation: This plantation holds 34 acres (once 5,400 acres!) and its mansion and original homestead. Visit if you want to learn about Tennessee history and architecture
• The Hermitage: Andrew Jackson’s home is now a historical plantation and museum
• Tennessee State Capitol: High on a hill, you’ll find the State Capitol building.

Another area for shops and restaurants is the Fatherland District. I found some of my favorite gift shops here.

It’s no secret one of my favorite activities is visiting craft breweries, and Nashville has plenty for your to-do list.

For all the sports fans, Nashville has two strong options.

This list should keep you busy in Nashville for a couple of days! Have recommendations? Add it in the comments below!

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