Vacation In Nashville
Visiting Nashville for the first time? Having trouble figuring out where to stay or what to do? Here’s what you need to know about vacationing in Nashville.
When most people think of vacation, they immediately think of tropical paradises like Hawaii, Florida or the Caribbean. Few vacationers stop to consider the option of an American city as a destination for their getaway, but one city in particular is ideal for a trip away from home — Nashville.
While you may be familiar with the country music capital from watching television, movies, or passing through during your vacations, I guarantee that there will be some surprises in store for you during your visit. It is an ever-changing city with something for everybody. If you are looking for family friendly activities, a romantic getaway suitable for couples, or a weekend full of adventure and adrenaline – Nashville has it all! I hope that you enjoy Nashville as much as my family and I did on our recent vacation.
Nashville is one of America’s favorite destinations. Its rich musical history and friendly Southern traditions provide a spectacular backdrop for your vacation.
Vacation In Nashville
If you want to experience the authentic soul of America, look no further than Nashville. Car culture, music and world-class entertainment: you won’t be bored in Tennessee’s capital.
Nashville is a booming city. With its burgeoning neighborhoods, overflow of restaurant and live music venue choices, Music City should be at the top of everyone’s travel list. If this is your first or thousandth time to Nashville, here are a few must-do suggestions for every traveler.
1. Learn of Nashville’s music influence
COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM
PHOTO CREDIT: @HANDLUGGAGEONLY
Sure, Nashville is commonly known as Music City, but did you ever wonder why? Go back in time to this city’s roots at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum which covers country music’s start and continuation. From the first note sung to the guitars that provided the music to legends and rising stars in the industry, you’ll get a well-rounded education on Music City’s music footprint. Also, check out Ryman Auditorium, also known as the Mother Church of Country Music, and the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum which is the only museum in the world to honor the musicians and instruments who played on the greatest recordings in music history.
2. Explore the neighborhoods
HISTORIC GERMANTOWN – NASHVILLE
Once you’ve had a taste of downtown, mosey to some of Nashville’s pockets of cute boutiques, restaurants and coffee shops. In the Gulch, you’ll find delicious menus of a variety of fare from street tacos at Saint Anejo to succulent steaks at Kayne Prime or grab a drink at Whiskey Kitchen. In 12South you’ll find Edley’s Bar-B-Que, Burger Up, Reese Witherspoon’s boutique Draper James, Holly William’s store White’s Mercantile and American farmhouse cuisine at Josephine. Also check out Germantown, East Nashville, and Hillsboro Village to name a few.
3. Experience the country music scene
BROADWAY HISTORIC DISTRICT: HONKY TONK HIGHWAY
The show that made country music famous can be experienced as it makes its way live through the airwaves on 650AM/WSM. Take a backstage tour at the Grand Ole Opry and you may just brush elbows with the stars. It’s bustling activity and many times you can catch artists doing their vocal warm-ups before heading on stage to sing for hundreds of thousands year-round. After the show, dance the night away on Lower Broadway among the honky tonks where live music flows into the streets.
4. Beyond country music
If country music doesn’t fit your music tastes, check out Nashville’s additional venues around town. Ryman Auditorium plays host to a variety of talent, just like it has for more than 125 years. Exit/In hosts bands like Buckethead, David Bazan, The Fall of Troy, Swans, and Steve Gunn & the Outliners throughout the summer. Mercy Lounge hosts groups such as Noise Pollution, Black Pistol Fire, and more. Cannery Ballroom hosts music genres produced by bands like Turnpike Troubadours, Us The Duo, The Wombats with Coast Modern and others throughout the year. If you want symphonic music, head to the Schermerhorn Symphony Center where you can hear the GRAMMY Award-winning Nashville Symphony perform Mahler, Beethoven, Bach, John Williams and more.
5. Connect with Nature
THE PARTHENON IN CENTENNIAL PARK
PHOTO CREDIT: @HANDLUGGAGEONLY
Need some fresh air? Nashville’s close proximity to lakes, rivers, and greenways are endless. Pack a picnic and spend a day at Radnor Lake State Park, a 1,200-acre park with six hiking trails that make you feel as if the city isn’t a mere half-hour away. Other parks include Percy Warner and Edwin Warner Parks, Sevier Park, and Centennial Park which is home to a replica of the Parthenon and a full-scale statue of Greek goddess Athena.
6. Visit the past
Visit presidential homes like Andrew Jackson’s The Hermitage where you’ll find, what many historians claim, the best preserved early U.S. presidential home. More than 16 million visitors have made this their stop since it opened in 1889. Belle Meade Plantation was the site of a skirmish during the Civil War Battle of Nashville. You can see bullet holes in its pillars as a result of the fray. Also, find out why Belle Meade also holds significance in the thoroughbred industry.
The significant impact Nashville had on the Civil Rights Movement during the 1950s and 1960s can be learned when traveling along the U.S. Civil Rights Trail, which leads you to sites like the Civil Rights Room at the Nashville Public Library and Fisk University. Hear the stories and see the progress of foot soldiers who led the charge for equality among all races in the United States.
7. See a show
PHOTO CREDIT: KARYN KIPLEY PHOTOGRAPHY
From national tours of Broadway musicals at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center to a graceful performance of classic and contemporary works by the Nashville Ballet, if you want a night filled with the arts, Nashville has you covered. Browse the artistic elegance of Frist Art Museum world-class work at the Frist Museum. Take in a play, spoken word concert, or an artwork installation (or all three) at OZ Arts.