Fun Things to Do Around Nashville

The Grand Ole Opry stands as Nashville's most iconic music venue and the world's longest-running radio broadcast. Since 1925, this legendary stage has hosted country music's biggest stars and rising talent alike.

• Attend a live performance featuring multiple artists in one unforgettable show.
• Take a backstage tour to see the artist entrance, dressing rooms, and famous wooden circle stage.
• Visit the Opry House during the day to learn about its rich history and significance.
• Experience the blend of traditional country music with contemporary artists in one venue.

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum showcases the rich history of country music through interactive exhibits, memorabilia, and rare recordings. This iconic institution preserves the legacy of America's musical storytellers.

• Explore exhibits featuring iconic costumes, instruments, and personal items from country legends.
• Listen to rare recordings and watch historic performances in the multimedia displays.
• Visit the actual Hall of Fame rotunda with its bronze plaques honoring inductees.
• Participate in songwriter sessions and instrument demonstrations throughout the day.

Lower Broadway in downtown Nashville is the heart of the city's entertainment scene. This famous strip, known as "Honky Tonk Highway," is lined with neon-lit venues offering free live music from morning until late night.

• Experience live music at legendary honky-tonks like Tootsie's Orchid Lounge and Robert's Western World.
• Visit celebrity-owned establishments such as Jason Aldean's, Luke Bryan's 32 Bridge, and Miranda Lambert's Casa Rosa.
• Enjoy Southern cuisine and craft beverages while talented musicians perform throughout the day.
• Shop for authentic cowboy boots, vintage records, and Nashville souvenirs along the strip.

The historic Ryman Auditorium is a Nashville landmark with incredible acoustics and rich history. Originally built as a church in 1892, it became the home of the Grand Ole Opry from 1943 to 1974 and continues to host world-class performances today.

• Take a self-guided tour through this National Historic Landmark with its stunning stained glass windows.
• Record your own song in the Ryman recording booth as a unique souvenir.
• Attend a concert in one of the world's most revered music venues, known for its exceptional acoustics.
• Stand on the same stage where legends like Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, and Patsy Cline performed.

Nashville tourism isn't complete without exploring Music Row, the heart of Nashville's recording industry. This area houses numerous record labels, publishing houses, and the legendary RCA Studio B, where Elvis Presley recorded over 200 songs.

• Music Enthusiasts: Take a guided tour of RCA Studio B, the birthplace of the "Nashville Sound."
• Photography Fans: Snap a photo with the iconic "Musica" statue at the Music Row roundabout.
• History Buffs: Learn about the development of Nashville's music industry at historic studio sites.

Nashville is home to a full-scale replica of the Parthenon, originally built for Tennessee's 1897 Centennial Exposition. Located in Centennial Park, this architectural marvel houses an impressive art museum and a 42-foot statue of Athena, just as the original did in ancient Greece.

• Marvel at the world's only full-sized replica of the ancient Parthenon.
• See the breathtaking 42-foot gold-leafed statue of Athena, the tallest indoor statue in the Western world.
• Explore the art museum featuring 19th and 20th century American paintings.

Nashville's culinary scene offers a delicious blend of traditional Southern fare and innovative cuisine. From the fiery Nashville Hot Chicken to upscale Southern comfort food, the city has earned its reputation as a top food destination.

• Try authentic Nashville Hot Chicken at its birthplace, Prince's, or other famous spots like Hattie B's.
• Explore the Nashville Farmers' Market for local produce, artisanal goods, and diverse food vendors.
• Experience Southern meat-and-three dining at Arnold's Country Kitchen or Monell's family-style meals.

Belle Meade Historic Site offers a glimpse into Nashville's past as the center of thoroughbred horse breeding in the South. This Greek Revival mansion and its grounds tell the story of the region's agricultural history and the formerly enslaved people who built it.

• Take a guided tour of the 1853 mansion with its original furnishings and artwork.
• Enjoy wine tastings at the on-site winery featuring local Tennessee wines.
• Explore the grounds with historic outbuildings including the 1890s carriage house and stables.

Nashville tourism offers plenty of outdoor experiences beyond the music venues. The city is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, with the Cumberland River flowing through its center and numerous parks and greenways to explore.

• Paddle along the Cumberland River or Percy Priest Lake with kayak and paddleboard rentals.
• Hike the trails at Radnor Lake State Park or Percy Warner Park for stunning views.
• Cycle the 26-mile Cumberland River Greenway that connects many of Nashville's neighborhoods.

East Nashville is the city's creative hub, known for its eclectic mix of artists, musicians, and entrepreneurs. This vibrant neighborhood offers unique shopping, dining experiences, and a glimpse into Nashville's creative community.

• Shop at local boutiques and vintage stores in the Five Points area.
• Dine at innovative restaurants like Folk, Peninsula, and The Margot Cafe.
• Visit during the Tomato Art Fest in August for a quirky celebration of art and community.

Nashville honors its musical legends with dedicated museums that tell their personal stories. The Johnny Cash Museum houses the world's largest collection of Cash artifacts, while the Patsy Cline Museum celebrates the first female solo artist inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

• See Johnny Cash's handwritten lyrics, instruments, and personal items at his dedicated museum.
• Explore interactive exhibits detailing Cash's groundbreaking career and personal life.
• Visit the Patsy Cline Museum located just upstairs to learn about the pioneering female vocalist.

While Nashville's major venues draw the crowds, some of the most authentic musical experiences happen in intimate settings. These smaller venues often showcase songwriters and up-and-coming artists in formats that highlight the craft of songwriting.

• Experience a songwriter's round at the legendary Bluebird Cafe, where hit songs are performed by their creators.
• Visit the Station Inn for world-class bluegrass performances in an unassuming setting.
• Attend a show at the listening room 3rd and Lindsley, where many local musicians perform.

Nashville's calendar is filled with exciting events and festivals throughout the year. From massive music festivals to cultural celebrations, these events showcase the city's vibrant community spirit.

• Attend CMA Fest in June for four days of country music performances by hundreds of artists.
• Experience the Nashville Film Festival, one of the longest-running film festivals in the country.
• Join the Tennessee State Fair in the fall for rides, competitions, and agricultural exhibits.

Nashville offers many ways to experience the city without breaking the bank. From free live music to public parks and cultural sites, budget-conscious travelers can enjoy the best of Music City.

• Enjoy free live music at most Broadway honky-tonks with no cover charge.
• Visit the Tennessee State Museum for an expansive look at state history at no cost.
• Take advantage of free days at Nashville's art galleries, including the Frist Art Museum's free admission for those 18 and under.