Nashville is one of my favourite cities in America! I could most definitely go back again and again and again, and I sure hope I will, as my Nashville wish list always seems to be growing, rather than shrinking. Two of the times I’ve been, I have joined in the fun and festivities of the CMA Fest, and I highly, highly recommend that – you may never want to see another concert ever again afterwards, because you really get the chance to see so much talent all in one go! That being said, going at a time when you aren’t surrounded my festival mania, will allow you to see much more of Nashville, so you really can’t go wrong either way. I hope you love country music, because you will be seeing it on every corner, and in every bar/restaurant (along with other genres, of course), but it really is something! I hope you fall in love with Nash!
Activities
Music
- The CMA Fest – I’ve had the pleasure of attending this festival twice, and if you go for that reason, you’re set! From stadium concerts every night with multiple headliner names, to outdoor shows all day everyday at various venues throughout downtown Nashville, you’ll never be without a tune in your head
- Ryman Auditorium – head there for a show, or just to tour it
- Broadway – just walk down the strip, pop into a bar and hear some live tunes! Some suggested bars: Tootsies (this one is on Broadway), Losers, The Red Door Saloon, Legends on the Corner, or Roberts [and country artists are always having new spots pop up!]
- The Country Music Hall of Fame – now this is my kind of museum (and my kids loved it too!)
- The Bluebird Cafe – book tickets ahead of time for this iconic small venue
- Grand Ole Opry – for a show or a tour (definitely a trek from downtown), but their tour was also so much fun for my young kids
Outside of Music
- Pedal Tavern – if you have a group, this is the most fun, but you can also book per person; includes so many of my favourite things – “working out,” music, drinking, being outdoors, and a whole lot of fun! Great for a bachelorette or any group event of that sort!
- Hockey – see the Nashville Predators take on your favourite hockey team at the Bridgestone Arena
- Centennial Park – wander the park (hopefully take in a StoryWalk, like we did), and find the bench that was dedicated to Taylor Swift
- Hike at Percy Warner – you can pretty much explore these trails all year long!
- Fannie Mae Dee’s – if you need a playground for your kids, this is a fun one!
- The Gulch – walk around the Gulch area and get a picture at the What Lifts Your Wings Mural
- Parnassus Books – a book store worth making a trip for, and it’s right by the Bluebird Cafe
- If you’re up for a travel day, head to Memphis, Tennessee and see Graceland where Elvis lived. While you’re there, eat at BB Kings Blues Bar. We stayed in Memphis for multiple days, and probably didn’t need that long, in my personal opinion
Other activities that I didn’t get a chance to do, but were recommended and/or researched:
- Take in all the other sports Nashville has to offer
- Exit/In or Cannery Ballroom – to see up and comers
- Pinewood Social – bowling alley and bar!
- Omni Hotel – for a pool party
- Dollywood – take a few days and do up Dollywood amusement park
- Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary – the name says it all
- Science Center – if you’re up for a science centre while in Nash
Now to the Food…
Restaurants
Breakfast
- Pancake Pantry – every kind of pancake you could imagine, and worth the line up wait (they are quick, quick, quick once you’re sitting!)
- PopUp Bagels – get hot bagels and dip it in cream cheese…maybe it’s all hype, but they were pretty delish
Quick Lunch
- Assembly Food Hall – quick and easy, and options that everyone will love, so a great option with kids downtown
- Cava – if you need a quick pick up; build your own Mediterranean bowl
- Mas Tacos Por Favor – worth the wait to get in!
Lunch or Dinner
- Taco Mamacita – gets the check mark for Mexican cuisine
- Joe’s Crab Shack – quite the experience, bibs and all
- Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint – my hubby’s rec!
- The Stillery – fried chicken burgers, fries, Mac n’ cheese…all the good stuff!
More Upscale
- Rolf & Daughters – get a reservation, and order as many things off the menu as you can!
- Virago – Asian Fusion in the Gulch area; share many dishes, if you can
- Moto – in the Gulch area; upscale Italian
Note: Get Fried Green Tomatoes, Chicken & Waffles, and BBQ on BBQ, anywhere you can!
Other Restaurants that I didn’t get a chance to try, but were recommended and/or researched:
- Monell’s – to get your taste buds on a Southern breakfast
- Noshville Delicatessen – deli-style diner for breakfast or lunch
- Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar – for blues music and cajun food
- Jack’s Bar-B-Que – relatively inexpensive BBQ and a fun vibe
- Edley’s BBQ – for the meat lovers out there!
- Kayne Prime – in the Gulch area; steakhouse
- Urban Grub – oysters, and a a little bit of everything else
- Wanna Spoon Cereal Bar – ice cream and your fav cereal!
- Five Daughter’s Bakery – if you like donuts, these ones looked so beautiful!!
- The Farmhouse – some southern goodness
Have the best time!! And…take me with you!!