If you love food and music, Nashville, Tennessee, is the place for you. It is home to the legendary Grand Ole Opry House, and there is no shortage of honky-tonks and live music wherever you go. The city is also known for its delicious local dining. You may have a hard time deciding where to eat because there are so many great places to choose from. Make sure you check out these ten unique experiences to get the most out of your stay in the “Music City.”
Stroll Down Lower Broadway
Taking a stroll down Lower Broadway in downtown Nashville is an absolute must. You will hear music coming from every local bar, and there are many quirky stores and shops to explore. Visit Legends Corner Bar, a fixture on historic Broadway that features a mural of country music icons.
Visit the “Batman Building”
Go up to the top of the tallest building in Tennessee – the AT&T skyscraper that is fondly known as the “Batman Building” due to its resemblance to the superhero’s mask. It is 33 stories high and will give you a spectacular view of the city, including the Metro Riverfront Park. This park is on the banks of the Cumberland River and is a great place to relax and enjoy an outdoor concert.
Enjoy Some Top-Notch Brunch
Nashville is home to some fantastic brunch spots. The Southern is known for exceptional menu items, like “The Highway,” which consists of delicious fried chicken on a waffle. Acme Feed & Seed is another unique brunch option, honoring Nashville’s historic characteristics and offering an impressive 22,000 square feet of dining and entertainment space.
Shop Along 5th Avenue
5th Avenue of the Arts is the best place to immerse yourself in country music history and culture! On this street, stop at the Country Music Hall of Fame, which houses over 2.5 million artifacts related to country music. Further down the street, you will find yourself at the Hatch Show Print, one of the oldest letterpress shops in America that created original art for huge stars like Elvis Presley.
Experience Printer’s Alley
If you are one to go off the beaten path, check out Printer’s Alley – a distinctive street that has some of the city’s greatest bars and restaurants. Don’t forget to catch a burlesque show and listen to some blues while you’re there!
Do Some Sightseeing in Centennial Park
Visiting Centennial Park is also a must. Here you will find the Parthenon, a full-scale replica of the one in Athens, Greece. Inside you can see the 42-foot tall statue of Athena, as well as pieces from other prominent art exhibitions.
Discover Nashville Locals’ Favorite Foods
Foodies will rejoice when they realize how many unique, local foods they can try! If you love mixing drinks and dessert, taste the Bushwacker, a boozy milkshake that is only found in Nashville. You also can’t miss the chicken at Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack, which comes in four flavors from plain to very hot – you won’t be disappointed!
Visit the 12 South Neighborhood
If you are looking for stylish, designer boutiques head to the 12 South neighborhood. It is an upscale residential area with gifts and curiosities shops, bakeries, coffee houses, and fine-dining restaurants perfect for those who enjoy the finer things in life.
Explore the Historic Sites
There are a variety of historic sites to choose from but definitely visit the Ryman Auditorium, the birthplace of bluegrass and country music. The Hermitage Hotel is also located right in downtown and is a historic hotel that has been a staple in the city since 1910. If you want to venture a bit into nature, visit the Cheekwood Estate. It houses a beautiful botanical garden that sits on a vast 55-acre estate. Make sure you spot the two model trains while you are there!
Take a Party Bike Tour
Take a party bike tour so you can have the unique experience of a pedal tavern – a bar on wheels! Ride a 12-15 passenger bike with a bar in the middle, and the tour guides will give you some insights into some of the best dive bars in East Nashville.