Nashville, Tennessee, is known as Music City for a good reason. It is the home of country music and the birthplace of many legendary artists. But Nashville is more than just music. It is also a vibrant and diverse city with a rich history, culture, and cuisine. Whether you are a fan of music, art, food, or nature, you will find something to enjoy in Nashville.
Top 10 Things to Do in Nashville
Here are the top 10 things to do in Nashville in 2023 that you don’t want to miss.
1. Visit the Ryman Auditorium
The Ryman Auditorium is one of the most iconic and historic venues in Nashville. It was originally built as a tabernacle in 1892 and later became the home of the Grand Ole Opry, the longest-running radio show in the world. The Ryman Auditorium has hosted some of the most famous names in music, such as Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, and many more. Today, you can take a self-guided or guided tour of the auditorium and see the exhibits, memorabilia, and backstage areas. You can also take a photo on the stage where legends have performed. If you are lucky, you might even catch a live show at the Ryman, which is known for its amazing acoustics and intimate atmosphere.
2. Enjoy the Nightlife on Broadway
Broadway is the main street in downtown Nashville where you can find some of the best bars, clubs, and honky tonks in the city. Most of the places on Broadway don’t have a cover charge, so you can hop from one to another and enjoy the live music and drinks. You will hear more than just country music on Broadway. You will also find rock, pop, blues, and other genres. Some of the most popular spots on Broadway include Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, Robert’s Western World, The Stage, and Acme Feed & Seed. You can also find rooftop bars with swimming pools, such as The George Jones and FGL House.
3. Explore the Frist Art Museum
The Frist Art Museum is a stunning art deco building that was formerly a post office. It is now a museum that showcases rotating exhibitions of local, national, and international art. The Frist Art Museum has something for everyone, from ancient to contemporary art, from paintings to sculptures, from photography to video. Some of the past exhibitions include Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and Mexican Modernism; Picasso. Figures; and J.M.W. Turner: Quest for the Sublime. The Frist Art Museum also has a children’s gallery, a gift shop, and a cafe.
4. See a Show at the Grand Ole Opry House
The Grand Ole Opry House is the current home of the Grand Ole Opry, the famous weekly country music show that started in 1925. The Grand Ole Opry House is located about 15 minutes from downtown Nashville and hosts some of the biggest stars and newcomers in country music. You can see a live show at the Grand Ole Opry House every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday night, and sometimes on other days as well. You can also take a backstage tour of the Grand Ole Opry House and see the dressing rooms, the green room, and the famous circle of wood from the original Ryman Auditorium stage.
5. Taste the Hot Chicken
Nashville is famous for its hot chicken, a spicy fried chicken dish that will make your mouth water and your eyes tear up. Hot chicken is usually served on white bread with pickles and comes in different levels of heat, from mild to extra hot. There are many places in Nashville where you can try hot chicken, but some of the most popular ones are Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack, Hattie B’s Hot Chicken, and Bolton’s Spicy Chicken & Fish. Be prepared to wait in line, but trust us, it’s worth it.
6. Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is the ultimate destination for country music fans. It is a massive museum that covers the history and evolution of country music, from its roots to its present. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has thousands of artifacts, memorabilia, costumes, instruments, and recordings that tell the stories of the artists and genres that shaped country music. You can also see the actual Hall of Fame, where the plaques of the inductees are displayed. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum also offers guided tours of the historic RCA Studio B, where many famous songs were recorded, such as Elvis Presley’s “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” and Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You”.
7. Experience the Adventure Science Center
The Adventure Science Center is a fun and educational place for kids and adults alike. It is a science museum that features interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and planetarium shows that explore topics such as astronomy, biology, physics, and more. You can also climb the Adventure Tower, a four-story structure that offers a panoramic view of Nashville and challenges you to solve puzzles and experiments. The Adventure Science Center is a great way to spend a rainy day or a family outing in Nashville.
8. Relax at the Centennial Park
The Centennial Park is a beautiful and spacious park in the heart of Nashville. It is a popular spot for picnics, walks, bike rides, and outdoor events. The Centennial Park is also home to the Parthenon, a full-scale replica of the ancient Greek temple that was built for the 1897 Tennessee Centennial Exposition. The Parthenon houses a museum that displays paintings, sculptures, and historical exhibits. It also has a 42-foot statue of Athena, the goddess of wisdom and war, that is the largest indoor sculpture in the Western Hemisphere.
9. Shop at the Nashville Farmers’ Market
The Nashville Farmers’ Market is a year-round market that offers fresh and local produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, and more. You can also find artisan crafts, flowers, plants, and souvenirs at the Nashville Farmers’ Market. The Nashville Farmers’ Market also has a food hall that features a variety of cuisines, such as pizza, barbecue, sushi, and vegan. The Nashville Farmers’ Market is a great place to support local farmers and vendors, and to enjoy a delicious meal or snack.
10. Discover the Belle Meade Plantation
The Belle Meade Plantation is a historic estate that dates back to 1807. It was once a renowned thoroughbred horse farm that produced some of the most famous racehorses in history, such as Secretariat and Seabiscuit. Today, you can take a guided tour of the mansion and see the original furnishings, artworks, and artifacts. You can also explore the grounds and see the stables, carriage house, dairy, and slave cabins. The Belle Meade Plantation also has a winery that offers tastings and tours of the production facility.
Conclusion
Nashville is a city that has something for everyone. Whether you are into music, art, food, or nature, you will find plenty of things to do in Nashville in 2023. Nashville is a city that celebrates its past, present, and future, and invites you to join the party. So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Nashville today and experience the best that Music City has to offer.
Most Asked Questions and Answers
Q: What is the best time to visit Nashville?
A: Nashville has a mild climate and four distinct seasons. The best time to visit Nashville depends on your preferences and interests. Spring and fall are the most popular times to visit Nashville, as the weather is pleasant and the city is full of festivals and events. Summer is hot and humid, but also offers many outdoor activities and concerts. Winter is cold and sometimes snowy, but also has its charm and lower prices.
Q: How many days do you need in Nashville?
A: Nashville has a lot to offer, and you can easily spend a week or more exploring the city and its surroundings. However, if you have a limited time, you can still see the highlights of Nashville in 3 to 4 days. You can spend one day in downtown Nashville, visiting the Ryman Auditorium, Broadway, and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. You can spend another day in the outskirts of Nashville, seeing the Grand Ole Opry House, the Adventure Science Center, and the Belle Meade Plantation. You can spend the remaining day or two in Nashville according to your interests, such as art, food, or nature.
Q: What are the best areas to stay in Nashville?
A: Nashville has many neighborhoods and areas that offer different vibes and attractions. The best area to stay in Nashville depends on your budget and preferences. Some of the most popular areas to stay in Nashville are:
- Downtown: This is the heart of Nashville, where you can find the most famous attractions, such as the Ryman Auditorium, Broadway, and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Downtown is also where you can find the best nightlife, shopping, and dining options. However, downtown is also the most expensive and crowded area to stay in Nashville.
- Midtown: This is the area between downtown and Vanderbilt University, where you can find a more laid-back and local.
