Discover Nashville: Ultimate Guide for trip ideas and planning
Hey there, travellers! If you’re dreaming about your next getaway, Nashville should be at the top of your list. With its raucous music scene, rich history, and delectable Southern cuisine, Nashville offers something for everyone. Let’s dive into some fantastic Nashville trip ideas and planning tips to make your adventure unforgettable.
Nashville Trip Ideas: Embrace the Music City Vibes
1. Experience Live Music Broadway is the heartbeat of Nashville’s live music scene. Pop into any of the bars along Broadway at any time of the day and you’ll be greeted with toe-tapping live music from wall to wall. Most of the artists are extremely cool and will interact with the audience asking for requests, giving you the chance to hear your favourite country music tunes from Alan Jackson to Tyler Childers. For an intimate vibe, the Bluebird Café is a must-visit for authentic singer-songwriter sessions. And don’t forget the Grand Ole Opry! This truly iconic country music venue is steeped in history and if you get a chance to see a live performance there, you absolutely must. It will send shivers down your spine hearing the most esteemed country music stars performing on this hallowed stage, the Opry is a simply sublime and unmissable experience if you come to Nashville.
2. Stroll Through Historic Neighbourhoods and Visit Historic Landmarks Take a leisurely stroll through Germantown and East Nashville. Germantown’s Victorian homes and trendy eateries will charm you, while East Nashville’s eclectic shops and cafes are perfect for a laid-back afternoon. No trip to Nashville is complete without visiting the Parthenon in Centennial Park. It’s a full-scale replica of the Greek original and a great spot for photos. Centennial Park is a gorgeous place where you can bask in the sunshine or go for a morning run, but it offers a welcome peaceful retreat from the busy city when you fancy an escape. Don’t forget to check out Taylor Swift’s bench that can be found in the park, a location becoming somewhat of a shrine to Swifties. Not far from the park is Vanderbilt University, a historic university that is well worth a wander through.
3. Dive into Music History Kick off your Nashville adventure with a trip to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. You’ll be walking through the halls of music legends like Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton. Don’t forget to snap a pic at the historic Ryman Auditorium, known as the "Mother Church of Country Music." Even if country music isn’t necessarily your scene, you’ll still be blown away by the history this museum showcases and shown just how much these historic artists have influenced modern music.
4. Savour Southern Cuisine Prepare to tickle your taste buds with an absolute feast! Nashville’s food scene is bursting with flavour, it’s genuinely the best city I have ever been to in regards to the cuisine. Try the legendary hot chicken at Hattie B’s or Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack. For a classic Southern meal, head to Loveless Café and don’t miss their famous biscuits. Sweet tooth? Five Daughters Bakery has you covered. But the star of the show for me, The Gumbo Bros, located in an area of the city known as ‘The Gulch’. It’s a cajun and creole restaurant as the name suggests, and this is where I had the best meal of my life! Big words, I know, but The Gumbo Bros delivered and is a hidden gem amongst the other Nashville eateries.
5. Catch a Game Are you a sport fan like me? Rejoice! Nashville is home to the Nashville Sounds baseball team and the Tennessee Titans NFL team. Every sporting fan needs to attend an NFL game, they’re a true spectacle and whether you’re into NFL or not, you’re still guaranteed to have a great time! But bring your wallet, those stadium prices will sting you. Catching a ball game is a great way to feel the local spirit and get sucked into American sporting culture. It’s so different to sports here in the UK and watching a baseball game and hearing the famous ‘Take me out to the ball game’ in the Music City is a fantastic experience. Head to First Horizon Park for a Sounds game or Nissan Stadium to watch the Titans in action.
Plan Trip to Nashville: Essential Tips
1. Best Time to Visit Spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) are perfect for a Nashville visit. The weather is just right, and you can enjoy festivals like the CMA Music Festival in June and the Americana Music Festival in September.
2. Getting Around Nashville is pretty walkable, especially downtown. For longer distances, consider renting a car or using ride-sharing services. The WeGo Public Transit system is also handy for getting around.
3. Where to Stay For first-timers, downtown is the way to go. You’ll be close to all the action. If you prefer a quieter vibe, check out The Gulch or Music Row, both offering a mix of luxury hotels and cosy B&Bs. If you choose these options off of Broadway, it’s still extremely walkable to get into the hustle and bustle of downtown Nashville so you’re not missing out. There are some very affordable accommodation options in Nashville, with some apartments available on booking.com that offer luxury and affordability.
4. Budgeting Your Trip Nashville is great for all budgets. Enjoy free live music in public parks and free admission to galleries during the monthly Art Crawl. Save on dining by hitting up food trucks or local diners. Like anywhere, a trip to Nashville can be as expensive or as cheap as you want it to be. But just like when thinking about places like Las Vegas, you needn’t be put off thinking you need thousands to have a good time here!
Conclusion
Nashville harmonizes history, music, and Southern charm effortlessly. With these Nashville trip ideas and planning tips, you’re set for an amazing adventure. Arguably one of my favourite cities in the US, anyone keen on travelling to America needs to have Nashville on their bucket list. Start planning your Nashville holiday ideas today and dive into all the Music City has to offer.
Pack your bags, catch that flight, and let Nashville’s rhythm move you!