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Home to many famous country music legends, Nashville will take your breath away with its awe and excitement. So, slip on down the river and hop in with the crew in Nashville.

16. Taste Tennessee Whiskey

the interior machinery of a whiskey distillery

Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery, home of the Original Tennessee Whiskey and the award-winning Belle Meade Bourbon, is Nashville’s most historic distillery. Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery was a pre-Prohibition historical distillery in Greenbrier, Robertson County, Tennessee, owned by merchant Charles Nelson and then his widow, Louisa, from 1870 until 1909. Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery’s Distillery Tour in Nashville, Tennessee takes you through the distillery’s past, present, and future.

15. Nashville Flea Market

a flea market stall at the nashville flea market

(image via Nashville Flea Market)

The Nashville Flea Market at The Fairgrounds Nashville is regarded as one of the country’s top 10 flea markets. Every month, 800 to 1200 merchants and sellers from 30 states sell their items to the buying public. The Nashville Flea Market is still voted the best in Tennessee by The Tennessee Magazine and Busy Bee Trader, with an average of 2000 stalls.

14. Historic RCA Studio B

a collage of an RCA recording studio and a photo of elvis

RCA Studio B, which opened in 1957, is widely regarded as the home of the “Nashville Sound,” a style typified by background voices and strings that helped establish Nashville as a worldwide recording hub. The historic RCA Studio B, which previously housed musical legends such as Elvis Presley, Chet Atkins, Eddy Arnold, Roy Orbison, and The Everly Brothers, is one of the world’s most famous recording studios. It is now a major cultural attraction as well as a classroom for students visiting the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum. Daily Studio B tours leave from the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum. Make a reservation for Nashville’s only historic studio tour.

13. Country Music Hall of Fame

a exhibit of instruments and stage outfits at the country music hall of fame

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is one of the world’s major museums and research facilities dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of American vernacular music. Since its inception in 1964, the museum has gathered one of the world’s most comprehensive musical collections. Since its inception in 1964, the museum has gathered one of the world’s most comprehensive musical collections. It is the home of this popular American art style, with two enormous floors and a collection of approximately 2.5 million objects. Recording and composing rooms, a forty-foot guitar, music trivia, and more are among the highlights you’ll find here.

12. The Hermitage

the exterior of the Hermitage

The Hermitage is a historical museum in Davidson County, Tennessee, about 10 miles east of downtown Nashville. Andrew Jackson, the seventh President of the United States, owned the 1,000+ acre land from 1804 until his death at the Hermitage in 1845. It is also his last resting place. Tours of his Greek Revival home are led by costumed guides, and tourists may stroll the gardens and view quarters. Long Hunter State Park is popular among residents for its fishing and paddling, as well as its 20 miles of hiking paths. Lebanon Pike is lined with pizzerias and fast-food restaurants.

11. The Parthenon and Centennial Park

the parthenon in centennial park in nashville

Found in Centennial Park, the recreation of the Parthenon stands tall, providing many photo opportunities for you and your loved ones. If you can’t get to Greece, you can certainly fool everyone with fun couple and family photos in front of this replica that you’ll love to show off. It’s a great spot to stop in between tours and to walk off all that delicious Nashville food too.

10. Hatch Show Print

a print coming off a letterpress at hatch show print

(image via Hatch Show Print)

One of Nashville’s best landmarks is Hatch Show Print, famed for its distinctive letterpress printing style. The vintage look is what everyone comes for here at one of the oldest print shops in America using a working letterpress. You can take tours and make your own poster, perfect for a memento of your incredible time in Nashville!

9. Visit One of Nashville’s Many Museums

records lining the walls at the johnny cash museum

(image via Johnny Cash Museum)

For sports fans, you have to see the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame and Museum. It has loads of displays and exhibits that allow you to see the historic records of the finest athletes from the state. Even the kids will enjoy the experience as they can dress up in jerseys and athletic gear for photos plus rides too.

Learn more about history and heritage from the American South at The Hermitage. It was Andrew Jackson’s home and features breath-taking architecture that has been carefully preserved. And for the music-minded, especially those that love country, you can’t leave Nashville without visiting the Johnny Cash Museum and Café. With displays of guitars and walls covered in posters, it’s the perfect stop in Nashville. Plus, you may get a chance to see a live band cover Johnny Cash songs in the nearby café.

8. Have Some Kid-Friendly Fun

an enclosure at the zoo with bears

(image via Nashville Zoo)

When you’re traveling to Nashville with children, you’ll want to add in some kid-friendly activities that you can all do together. The Nashville Zoo should be at the top of your list. It began as a farm home in the 1800s and now features roughly 3,000 animals and 350 different species.

Another place to take the kids is Honeysuckle Hill Farm which offers hayrides, a petting zoo, funhouse, and corn maze. While the kids play, treat yourself to candied fruits and cider!

And for loads of activity in the warmer months, head to Nashville Shores. This unique place boasts a waterpark as well as a treetop adventure course. The waterpark has splash pads for the little ones as well as wave pools, rivers, and waterslides. In the trees, you can take the zipline and get bigger thrills.

7. Eat Some Hot Chicken

a plate of hot chicken in nashville

(image via Prince's Hot Chicken)

One of the best ways to get to know a place is to taste what makes it famous. Nashville is known for hot chicken, fiery with a cayenne pepper sauce. The original place to go is Prince’s Hot Chicken, a staple for over 70 years. Every foodie needs to make a stop to taste the hot chicken of Nashville!

6. Cheer On A Pro Sports Team

Nissan Stadium, home of the Tennessee Titans of the NFL

(image via Nissan Stadium)

Nissan Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located in Nashville, Tennessee. It is owned by the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County and serves as the home field for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League as well as the Tigers of Tennessee State University. Nissan Stadium, which has a seating capacity of 69,143, is located on the east bank of the Cumberland River, across the river from downtown Nashville. It is Nashville’s leading sports and entertainment destination, and also acts as a one-of-a-kind private event site.

5. Belle Meade Historic Site

a horse on the property of belle meade

This is a plantation home and garden in the Greek Revival style, originating from the 1840s, including a vineyard and event rooms. Belle Meade began with a log cabin and 250 acres and has now grown into a stunning Greek Revival Mansion and one of the largest thoroughbred horse ranches in the South, with over 5400 acres. Mansion tours, Journey to Jubilee tours that concentrate on the African American experience, Food and Wine Pairings, and Bourbon Tastings are all available today. Your entire family will appreciate this Nashville jewel, with its several tour options, on-site Winery, Gift Shops, Game Court, Walking Paths, and Ice Cream and Homemade Fudge Shop. Come for the history, but stay for the friendly service.

4. Head Outdoors

a landscape of trees and a mountain at owl's hill nature sanctuary

Another wonderful thing about Nashville is that it gives you so many ways to get out and enjoy the great outdoors. Cumberland Park is a fantastic stop on your journey, where you can see the Cumberland River. This riverfront area is perfect for families with a huge splash pad to cool down in the heat of summer. Climbing structures offer a bit more activity in any season while bike paths and butterfly gardens give you more to explore.

There are also the twin parks, Edwin Warner Park and Percy Warner Park which feature sprawls of wilderness. Activities abound for all ages at the Warner Parks with horseback riding, tours, hiking, biking, playgrounds, tennis courts, and golf courses.

And for anyone wanting to take a gander at nature, Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary is just the place. This protected area serves more than just owls. You’ll see other birds along with small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians in their own natural habitats. The sanctuary also offers tours through nature trails and the option to sign up for classes like basket-weaving.

3. Broadway Nightlife

a night scene on broadway in nashville filled with people on the street

(image via Chad Morehead)

NYC isn’t the only place where Broadway can be found. For adults looking for a date night activity or friends gathering together, Broadway in downtown Nashville features pulsating neon-lit signs that stretch on and on across block after block with bars, clubs, restaurants, and plenty more to keep you moving and grooving. By day, you can take the kids and check out the tourist attractions. By night, adults play with live music, splash in rooftop pools, and ride on mechanical bulls.

2. Ryman Auditorium

the exterior of the ryman

(image via Ryman Auditorium)

Ryman Auditorium has a capacity of 2,362 people for live performances. From 1943 through 1974, it was the home of the Grand Ole Opry. It’s not simply another late-night music venue. It’s much more than a daytime tourist attraction. This location is holy ground. This is where bluegrass was born, where Johnny Cash met June Carter. Country music acquired an audience beyond its own back porch right here, and numerous careers took launched as deals were inked on napkins and pieces of paper backstage. Anything is conceivable here. A soul may find atonement, a collapsing building can find salvation, and an unknown youngster with a guitar can see his or her name in lights.

1. Music Valley Area

the stage of the grand ole opry

(image via Grand Ole Opry)

For nearly a century, the Grand Ole Opry has been the pulse of Nashville which is why it’s first on this list. If you can, catch a show with country, bluegrass, folk, or even gospel artists live. You can tour the stage and dressing rooms too, making it a fun way to kick off your musical evening. Considered one of the best things to do in Nashville, the Grand Ole Opry is one to add to your list if you love music.

The Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center is home to many events that could coincide with your travels. Choosing this hotel during your stay will always give you something to do, but even if you’re not a hotel guest, you can check out the beautiful grounds and take a boat tour of the indoor jungle. Sign up for tee time or make your way to the spa to refresh. This resort definitely makes adults and children alike have an incredible experience.

Summary

As you can see, Nashville has a lot to offer everyone. If you are looking for more things to do in the surrounding area, check out other weekend trips from nearby Nashville.

These areas are perfect for a quick day trip or a long weekend getaway. Explore our favorite things to do or peruse some pre-built itineraries.

Jennifer Freehill

Jennifer Freehill

Howdy! I'm a vet and UniDeb graduate who's a passionate reader, writer, and data nerd. I tend to take life with a grain of salt, a lime, and a shot of tequila.