While Music City is home to several must-see music attractions, the city is so much more than music. Fans of country music will undoubtedly want to visit the Johnny Cash Museum as well as the Country Music Hall of Fame, but venturing outside of the downtown area is worth the drive. With these best things to do in Nashville, visitors and locals alike will discover a new side to the city.
The Ryman Auditorium is a legendary music venue best known as the home of the Grand Ole Opry at its peak between 1943 and 1974. The music venue still holds performances regularly, so check the calendar to catch a show. Be sure to purchase tickets ahead of time to score a seat.
Printers Alley runs from Union Street to Commerce Street and between Third and Fourth Avenues. The historic district of Nashville was the hub of the city’s printing and publishing industries. Stop into the Hatch Show Print to see vintage country music posters or to make your own print.
Opryland is the current home of the Grand Ole Opry as well as the Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Convention Center. The hotel’s eccentric interior, which includes indoor river boat rides, a water park and atrium gardens, is worth seeing on the way to take a tour of the Grand Ole Opry.
Broadway is also known as Honky Tonk Row. The music venue-lined street is often spilling people from its sidewalks. This thoroughfare is, however, something that must be experienced while in Nashville. Pop into one of the many bars like Tootsie’s World Famous Orchid Lounge for a drink and a country music set.
The Gulch has quickly become one of the most popular neighbourhoods of Nashville. Set away from downtown, The Gulch is steeped in trendy shops, design-forward restaurants and brought to life by bright murals and street art. To get the full effect, park and walk from shop to shop. Check the calendar for events like Gulch Night Markets or holiday markets.
Cheekwood Gardens is a stunning, manicured garden with flowers in bloom throughout the seasons. Plan a visit to spend sometime outside and away from the downtown skyscrapers during fair-weather seasons.
Centennial Park is 132 acres, but the city’s largest park is best known for The Parthenon. The exact replica was built in 1897 and is still open for visitors to walk through today. Stop by the Nashville Farmers’ Market for fresh flowers and homemade treats on the way home.
