experience nashville

Table of Contents

Popular Attractions

Get to Know Nashville

Honky Tonk Highway

“Nashville’s Honky Tonk Highway, located on Lower Broadway, is a row of honky tonks pumping live music into the streets from 10am to 3am. One of the best parts: it doesn’t cost a thing. Meaning no cover charge. Meaning save your money for more important things like the tip jar! Because in Music City we understand music should be shared to all. “

Nashville Mural Hunt

One of the most beautiful aspects of Nashville is its vast collection of murals throughout the city.  Hunt down a few of them and you’ll get to know the city a little bit better than you would otherwise. It also gives you the opportunity to take those very Instagram worthy shots!

 120 2nd Ave N, Nashville, TN 37201

Line Dance @ Wildhorse Saloon

Live Music Venue

Southern food, live-music acts, multiple bars & free nightly line dancing lessons in a 3-story space.

2018 B Lindell Ave, Nashville, TN 37203

Axe Throwing @ Blade & Timber

SPORT ENTERTAINMENT 

“Experience Nashville’s premier axe throwing experience, located just south of Music City! Includes private axe throwing lanes, safety-certified coaches, beer menu and snacks. Nashville axe throwing is perfect for date nights, celebrations and team outings.”

 222 Rep. John Lewis Way S, Nashville, TN 37203

Country Music Hall of Fame

Museum

“The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is one of the world’s largest and most active popular music research centers and the world’s largest repository of country music artifacts. “

4104 Hillsboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37215

The Bluebird Cafe

Live Music Venue

“Reservations recommended at this tiny iconic club featuring up-&-coming & experienced songwriters”

2804 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214

Grand Ole Opry & Backstage Tour

Live Music Venue

The Grand Ole Opry is a weekly American country music stage concert in Nashville, Tennessee, founded on November 28, 1925, by George D. Hay as a one-hour radio “barn dance” on WSM. Currently owned and operated by Opry Entertainment, it is the longest-running radio broadcast in US history.

116 5th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219

Ryman Auditorium

Live Music Venue

Based right in the heart of Nashville, the Ryman Auditorium is one of the world’s most legendary music venues. Having been played by some of the world’s leading artists, the Ryman Auditorium is steeped in over 135 years of history (with concerts still ongoing).

Historic Sites

DISTANCE FROM NASHVILLE: 16.5 miles, 25 min drive

Andrew Jackson's Hermitage

“Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage is the historic home and plantation of Andrew Jackson, the seventh US president. Visiting gives you a sense of Jackson’s everyday life—original furnishings make the mansion homey—and also of 19th-century life in the South for everyone, from aristocrats to enslaved persons. Plus, it’s a great Nashville day trip.”

TIME TO SPEND: 2 Hours to Half Day 

DISTANCE FROM NASHVILLE: 9 miles, 15 min drive

Belle Meade Plantation

“The Belle Meade Plantation is a little outside the fringes of Nashville but can easily be paired with a trip to the Loveless Cafe and Cheekwood too. Now a museum, Belle Meade, is a great way to explore some of the long histories of this part of Tennessee.”

TIME TO SPEND: 2 Hours to Half Day 

DISTANCE FROM NASHVILLE: 3 miles, 9 min drive

Belmont Mansion

“Adelicia and Joseph Acklen built Belmont Mansion in the Italian Villa style in 1853 as a country estate and summer retreat from their Louisiana plantations.

There they raised their family in Adelicia’s native Nashville until December 1864 when the 4th Corps of the Union Army occupied the house and grounds before the Battle of Nashville.”

TIME TO SPEND: 2 Hours to Half Day 

DISTANCE FROM NASHVILLE: 10 miles, 20 min drive

Cheekwood Estate & Gardens

“Cheekwood is one of the most beautiful and interesting things to do in Nashville. From the 1930s Georgian mansion to the beautiful bontanical garden, arboretum, and musuem, I wouldn’t miss this estate!”

TIME TO SPEND: 3 Hours to Half Day 

Museums

 222 Rep. John Lewis Way S, Nashville, TN 37203

County Music Hall of Fame

Museum

“The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is one of the world’s largest and most active popular music research centers and the world’s largest repository of country music artifacts. “

TIME TO SPEND: 1-2 Hours

 919 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203

Frist Center for the Visual Arts Nashville

Art Exhibition Hall

“The Frist Art Museum, formerly known as the Frist Center for the Visual Arts, is an art exhibition hall in Nashville, Tennessee, housed in the city’s historic U.S. Post Office building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.”

TIME TO SPEND: 2-4 Hours

119 3rd Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201

The Johnny Cash Museum & Café

Museum

“This red-brick museum displays pictures & memorabilia from the life of music icon Johnny Cash.”

Wanting to catch a bite to eat and see a live performance? There’s the Johnny Cash Kitchen & Saloon right next door. Located right off Broadway.

TIME TO SPEND: 1-2 Hours

401 Gay St, Nashville, TN 37219

Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum

Museum

“The Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville honors all musicians regardless of genre or instrument. The MHOF timeline starts with the beginning of recorded music and inductees are nominated by current members of the American Federation of Musicians and by other music industry professionals.”

TIME TO SPEND: 2-3 Hours

 2500 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203

The Parthenon

Landmark, Art Museum

“The Parthenon in Nashville is the world’s only exact-size and detail replica of the original temple in Athens, Greece.  Inside holds a full-scale 42-foot statue of Athena gilded in gold.”

TIME TO SPEND: 1-2 Hours

 1000 Rosa L Parks Blvd, Nashville, TN 37208

Tennessee State Museum

History Museum

“The Tennessee State Museum is a large museum in Nashville depicting the history of the U.S. state of Tennessee. The current facility opened on October 4, 2018, at the corner of Rosa Parks Boulevard and Jefferson Street at the foot of Capitol Hill by the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park.”

TIME TO SPEND: 3 Hours to Half Day 

Shows

Nashville Ballet

BALLET THEATRE SHOW

“Since its founding in 1986, Nashville Ballet has grown to become the largest professional ballet company in Tennessee, presenting a varied repertoire of classical ballet and contemporary works by noted choreographers, including original works by Artistic Director Paul Vasterling.”

Nashville Opera

OPERA THEATRE SHOW

“Nashville Opera is one of the fastest growing opera companies in the United States.  Mary Ragland, who died in 1999, left a bequest from her estate to set up a fund in her name ensuring that her vision of opera in Music City would be sustained.”

Shopping

shopping districts

2126 Abbott Martin Rd, Nashville, TN 37215

The Mall at Green Hills

Upscale Shopping Mall

“The Mall at Green Hills is a super-regional shopping mall located between central Nashville, Tennessee and Forest Hills/Brentwood – arguably Nashville’s most affluent areas.”

4015 Hillsboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37215

Hill Center Green Hills

Outdoor Mall

“Outdoor mall with stores such as Pottery Barn, West Elm & Anthropologie, plus a Whole Foods Market.”

2013 Capers Avenue, Nashville, TN 37212

Hillsboro Village

Outdoor Shopping Center

Home to beautiful murals, amazing food, and the cutest clothing boutiques. 

433 Opry Mills Dr., Nashville, TN 37214

Opry Mills Mall

Shopping Mall

“Opry Mills is a super-regional shopping mall in Nashville, Tennessee owned by Simon Property Group, formerly by its initial owners Mills Corporation and Gaylord Entertainment. It opened in 2000 on the former site of the Opryland USA theme park.”

Historic Franklin Main Street, Main St, Franklin, TN 37064

Historic Franklin

Outdoor Shopping Center

Feeling up for a trip outside of Nashville? From delicious restaurants to amazing shopping, Historic Downtown Franklin is a must visit. 

record stores

417 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203

Ernest Tubb Record Shop

MUSIC STORE

“Ernest Tubb Record Shop has been serving country music fans for over 73 years. We have a large in-store and online catalog. Along with hard to find vinyl, we have books, CDs, t-shirts, merch and much more. Browse our new online store and let us help you find what you are looking for today.”

1060 E Trinity Ln, Nashville, TN 37216

Grimey's New & Preloved Music

New & Used Record Store

“Laid-back music shop specializing in vintage, pressed recordings, CDs & cassette tapes.”

book stores

 3900 Hillsboro Pike Suite 14, Nashville, TN 37215

Pernassus Books

LOCAL BOOK STORE

“Parnassus Books is the independent bookstore for independent people located in Nashville, Tennessee. Our shop has been co-owned by novelist Ann Patchett and her business partner, Karen Hayes, since it opened in 2011.”

boot stores

The Mall at Green Hills – 2126 Abbott Martin Rd #150, Nashville, TN 37215

Freebird

Shoe Store

“Original, Handcrafted, Exclusive Leather Boots & Bootie”

603 8th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203

Nashville Boot Co.

Boot Store

“Nashville Boot Co. is a locally owned & operated boot store. A real piece of Nashville, located 3 blocks from downtown in The Gulch “

318 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201

Boot Barn

Boot Store

“Retail chain with a variety of Western & work-related apparel, shoes & accessories, plus gifts.”

503 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203

Lucchese Bootmaker

Boot Store

“Retailer selling high-end Western boots for men & women, plus other leather shoes & accessories.”

Family Fun

 3777 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, TN 37211

Nashville Zoo

Zoo and Historic Plantation

“The Nashville Zoo at Grassmere is a zoological garden and historic plantation farmhouse located 6 miles southeast of Downtown Nashville. As of 2014, the zoo was middle Tennessee’s top paid attraction and contained 6,230 individual animals, encompassing 339 species. The zoo’s site is approximately 188 acres in size.”

 800 Fort Negley Blvd, Nashville, TN 37203

Nashville Adventure Science Center

Science Museum

“Adventure Science Center is a non-profit science museum for children located in Nashville, Tennessee. The museum features over 175 hands-on interactive exhibits with themes including biology, physics, visual perception, listening, mind, air and space, energy and earth science.”

162 3rd Ave N, Nashville, TN 37201

The Escape Game

ACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT, GAME

“The Escape Game is a live 60-minute adventure! Start by picking your theme – from a 1950’s prison to deep space, or even a classic art heist – then team up to follow clues, solve puzzles, and complete your mission in under 60 minutes! Our games provide a unique hands-on experience, designed for families, friends, couples, corporate groups, and anyone else looking for an elevated unplugged adventure!”

500 Cowan St, Nashville, TN 37207

Topgolf

ACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT, GOLF GAME

“Sprawling entertainment venue with a high-tech driving range & swanky lounge with drinks & games.”

DISTANCE FROM NASHVILLE: 27 miles, 35 min drive

Adventureworks Nashville West

AERIAL ADVENTURE PARK

“Beautiful aerial adventure park. 9 separate zip lines covering about 1.5 miles of terrain and a 25-element challenge course full of swinging bridges, hanging vines, cargo nets, and more.”

DISTANCE FROM NASHVILLE: 20 miles, 25 min drive

SOAR Adventure Park

AERIAL ADVENTURE PARK

“The SOAR tower creates a safe and interactive atmosphere that features 4 levels and over 110 climbing elements that will challenge kids and adults both mentally and physically. Along with an 18-hole miniature golf course! With over 10 custom design, musically themed holes that can only be found in Music City! After your climb or during your round of golf, you can enjoy a frosty cold beer or cider from their new bar!”

Hikes

Easy

DISTANCE FROM DOWNTOWN: 2 miles, 8 min drive

Fort Negley Walking Trail Loop

TRAIL LENGTH: 1 mi

“Fort Negley Walking Trail is a 1 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Nashville, Tennessee that offers scenic views and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips.”

DISTANCE FROM DOWNTOWN: 11 miles, 20 min drive

Photo Credit: avmeier (Flickr CC)

Radnor Lake Trail

TRAIL LENGTH: 2.4 mi

“Radnor Lake Trail is a 2.4 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Brentwood, Tennessee that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is accessible year-round.”

DISTANCE FROM NASHVILLE: 24 miles, 30 min drive

Photo Credit: Nicolas Raymond (Flickr CC)

Volunteer Trail Day Loop

LENGTH: 3.9 mi

“Volunteer Trail is 10.7 mi in length and considered to be a moderate hike, but the day loop is 3.9 mi and considered to be easy.” 

DISTANCE FROM NASHVILLE: 26 miles, 30 min drive

Photo Credit: Hector A Parayuelos (Flickr CC)

Narrows of the Harpeth Trail

LENGTH: 1.1 mi

“Narrows of the Harpeth Trail is a 1.1 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Kingston Springs, Tennessee that features a river and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking and walking and is accessible year-round.”

DISTANCE FROM NASHVILLE: 80 miles, 1 hr & 20 min drive

Photo Credit: Joe Z (Flickr CC)

Burgess Falls Trail

LENGTH: 1.6 mi

“Burgess Falls Trail is a 1.6 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Baxter, Tennessee that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from January until September.”

DISTANCE FROM NASHVILLE: 90 miles, 1 hr & 45 min drive

Twin Falls and Down River Trail

LENGTH: 1.6 mi

“Twin Falls and Down River Trail is a 1.6 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Rock Island, Tennessee that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and fishing and is accessible year-round”

moderate

DISTANCE FROM DOWNTOWN: 10 miles, 20 min drive

Warner Woods Trail

LENGTH: 2.8 mi

“Warner Woods Trail is a 2.8 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Brentwood, Tennessee that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, running, and nature trips and is accessible year-round.”

DISTANCE FROM DOWNTOWN: 15 miles, 30 min drive

Mossy Ridge Trail

LENGTH: 4.9 mi

“Mossy Ridge Trail is a 4.9 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Brentwood, Tennessee that features a river and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round.”

DISTANCE FROM NASHVILLE: 38 miles, 45 min drive

Montgomery Bell Trail

LENGTH: 10.4 mi

“Montgomery Bell Trail is a 10.4 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Burns, Tennessee that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, running, camping, fishing, and backpacking and is accessible year-round.”

DISTANCE FROM NASHVILLE: 84 miles, 1 hr & 30 min drive

Photo Credit: cambiodia (Flickr CC)

Cummins Falls Trail

LENGTH: 3 mi

“Cummins Falls Trail is a 3 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Cookeville, Tennessee that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible year-round.”

DISTANCE FROM NASHVILLE: 129 miles, 2 hrs & 15 min drive

Photo Credit: Tim Lumley (Flickr CC)

Fall Creek Falls Trail

LENGTH: 2.4 mi

“Fall Creek Falls Viewpoint via Base of Falls Trail and Cane Creek Falls via Gorge Overlook Trail is a 2.4 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Pikeville, Tennessee that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking and nature trips and is accessible year-round.”

DISTANCE FROM NASHVILLE: 133 miles, 2 hrs & 15 min drive

Snoopers Rock Trail

LENGTH: 5.9 mi

“Snoopers Rock Trail is a 5.9 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Chattanooga, Tennessee that features a river and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from March until October.”

difficult

DISTANCE FROM NASHVILLE: 95 miles, 1 hr & 30 min drive

Photo Credit: Jeff Moore (Flickr CC)

Fiery Gizzard Trail

LENGTH: 11.4 mi

“Fiery Gizzard Trail to Raven’s Point is a 11.4 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Tracy City, Tennessee that features a waterfall and is rated as difficult. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from April until November.”

DISTANCE FROM NASHVILLE: 113 miles, 2 hrs drive

Photo Credit: Tim Lumley (Flickr CC)

Virgin Falls Trail

LENGTH: 8.7 mi

“Virgin Falls Trail is a 8.7 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Pleasant Hill, Tennessee that features a waterfall and is rated as difficult. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, and backpacking and is accessible year-round.”