Planning a trip to Nashville? Whether it's your first, second, or hundredth trip, there's an endless amount of things to do in Nashville! Of course Nashville gets a lot of attention for its music scene and slew of bars on Broadway, however there are plenty of other ways to spend your time while visiting music city. So much so, this blog only begins to scratch the surfaces of the limitless ways to enjoy the city! If you're looking for something a little different than spending all your time on Broadway then keep reading!
Things to do Inside
Become a Chandler for a day and make a candle at PaddyWax Candle Bar. With two locations in Nashville, pick from a large selection of colorful and fun containers, pick your desired scent, and get started creating a new candle to take home!
Go grab a drink, dinner, do some shopping, enjoy live music, or on some nights even some trivia! Not only is Assembly hall a great place to grab a bite or just walk around, it also has an amazing view of the city and overlooks the beautiful stained glass of the Ryman Auditorium.
Hatch Show Print Shop has been a lettering print shop since 1879 creating many concert posters for many famous artists that have played at the Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium. Book a tour at Hatch and see the process of how the posters are made and make a one of a kind poster yourself!
Pinewood is a great place to hang out! Grab a cup of coffee and hang out in the lounge areas or head outside for a game of bocce ball or take a dip in the pool. Head back inside and for some food and a cocktail or a round of bowling.
Things to do Outside
Cheekwood is a beautiful outdoor botanical garden. Cheekwood boasts a variety of different gardens to explore alongside many seasonal exhibits. Make sure you head inside to checkout the estate while your there too!
Head to Centennial Park for a nice walk or picnic and check out the replica of the Greek Parthenon and make sure you stop by at night to see it all lit up!
Everyone’s heard of the walk of fame in LA but have you heard of the Music City walk of fame? It's very similar to the one in LA, just smaller scale and focused primarily on those in the music industry. There you'll see names like Elvis, Hank Williams, Dolly Parton, and of course Caption Tom Ryman.
The 1,368-acre state park is open year round from 6am to dusk. Here you can explore an abundance of wildlife viewing opportunities, environmental education programs, and hiking opportunities, all right in urban Nashville. 7.75 miles of trails varying in difficulty, here you'll find something for everybody!
Places to Get Coffee
A favorite amongst Nashville Residents. Best known for their pour over coffees, Crema has two locations and is a must stop for anyone who wants to feel like a real local.
Point Dexter just might be one of the prettiest places you ever get a coffee! Located in the Graduate hotel, Point Dexter is stunning from the moment you walk in. From beautiful detailed wallpaper, to bright and bold stadium seating couches that line one side of the cafe, and other beautiful decor everywhere you look!
Stay Golden best know for their delicious homemade buttermilk biscuits is also a great place to stop for a coffee. My personal favorite the Vanilla Bourbon latte. Stop byStay Golden for coffee, a breakfast sandwich or a cocktail!
You can find a Frothy Monkey in multiple different Nashville neighborhoods! Known for staying open a bit later than most coffee shops Frothy Monkey is a great option for yummy coffee. While your there be sure to check out their cafe menu for a bite to eat.
Places to Get a Bite
Radish is a salad, bowls, and wraps spot in the Sylvan Park area of Nashville. With several pre designed options to choose from or create your own, Radish is a great place to grab a quick lunch. If you're looking for a quick healthy meal with fresh produce, this is the place!
Lady Bird Taco is a MUST! Who doesn't love tacos? Even better who does love over 10 different taco choices including breakfast tacos! Each Taco ranges from about $3.50- $5.00 making this a great cheap and delicious spot to grab breakfast, lunch, or both!
At Hampton Social you can grab brunch, lunch, dinner, or drinks. Most popular as a brunch or drinks spot. With a fun nautical vibe, delicious food and fun cocktails Hampton Social is a great way to start or end your day! Make sure to grab a Frose whatever time of day you head to The Hampton Social.
Jeni’s is not exclusive to Nashville, but if you don’t have a Jenie’s in your home town make sure you stop by one of the many locations in Nashville! “Best in America '' according to Time magazine Jeni’s homemade Ice cream has many different and unique flavor options to choose from. Jeni’s is certainly not your average ice cream shop!
Pearl Diver is a one of a kind restaurant! With the theme right in the name, Pearl Diver has fun underwater touches throughout the whole restaurant. From drink names, to the captain quarters with porthole windows, the outdoor area which used to be an in-ground pool, and the menu designed to make you feel like you're on an island vacation. Make sure you stop at the photo booth by the entrance and grab a picture to remember your trip to Pearl Diver.
Hawkers is not exclusive to Nashville as they have a few other locations, but that shouldn’t stop you from going. “Bold flavors, exotic cocktails, total vibe” - Hawkers delivers on this statement. Asian street food that does not disappoint! Known for their various Baos options and exciting cocktails, whatever you choose to order you really can’t go wrong! Plastered with bright and bold asian art work, signs, and other fun elements, your eyes and stomach will thank you for stopping at Hawkers.
Places to Get a Drink
The Greenhouse Bar is a one of a kind bar that is exactly what it sounds like. Head to the greenhouse bar for brunch, lunch, dinner, or drinks. Enjoy delicious food and cocktails while being surrounded by stunning plants and a “earthy” atmosphere.
If you're looking to go out and still hear some music but don’t want to head to Broadway check out City Winery. Restaurant, wine bar, and shows. There is a show at City Winery almost every night! Ranging from music guests, comedy, improv shows, and more!
Everyone knows Broadway is the place to go out! But there are so many bars on Broadway, where to start? Many people hit up the big name places like FGL or Kid Rock’s bar. If you're looking for something a little smaller and a little more laid back vibe (as laid back as things get on Broadway) you might want to check out Lucky Bastards Saloon. Good drinks, good music, a good atmosphere, little less crowded than some of the bigger bars and plenty of room for dancing.
Tootie’s is a Nashville staple, world famous even! The famous bar known for some big names rolling through, like Patsy Cline, Willie Nelson, Toby Keith, and Jason Aldean, just to name a few. Tootsie’s is the place to go if you wanna live out some of the country's history in real time.
Places to go Shopping
12 South is a shopping district located in… well south Nashville. With lots of different shops and places to eat you could spend a whole afternoon in 12 South. There is also the 12 South Farmers market every Tuesday afternoon from May - Oct.
Marathon Village is an old motor factory that now houses a music venue, multiple shops, and restaurants. Walk the halls of Marathon Village where you will see notes and memorabilia from the factory displayed alongside all of the shops. Enjoy an afternoon of shopping, eating, and checking out some cool elements from the original motor factory.
Old school music shop with over hundreds of records, CD’s, and even some books, Grimey’s is the place to go for any music fan! You may even be able to catch a live show while you’re there.While you're there stop over at Elegy coffee across the street for a coffee.
Gift Horse might just be the funkiest gift shop you ever step into. From colorful posters, goofy candles and key chains, fun socks, nostalgic items, stickers, mugs, and so much more!
The Nash Collection is THE place to buy any and all the Nashville apparel you could ever want. T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, game day collections, you name it! The Nash Collection is the place to be!
Nashville's only vintage shop with a bar inside! Head to Grage Sale Vintage for all your vintage needs and a drink!As their website says, "come for the vintage (stay for the margaritas)". You can even get a free shot when you spend $100 or buy a GSV shirt or hoodies.
I hope you loved this blog and I hope you love these spots as much as I do! Scroll down to download a copy of the guide for your next Nashville adventure and follow me on Insagram where I post more great finds in the city!
I want to check out Assembly Hall, Greenhouse Bar and the Nash Collection when I come visit. Great blog!