Five of My Favorite Things
to Do in Nashville
Each year, millions of tourists flock to visit Nashville—and for good reason! Its incredible music, food, people, scenery and activities make it a top travel destination that has something for absolutely everyone (myself included!). Heck, our first trip to Nashville left such a lasting impression on us that we uprooted ourselves and moved across the country to live here less than two months later! How’s that for an endorsement?!
While it’s hard to narrow it down to just five, this list of my favorite things to do will give any visitor a well-rounded perspective of Music City, a place we are so proud to call home!
1. Bar Hop on Broadway
This one is absolutely obvious, but I can’t write an article on Nashville without mentioning Broadway. When we first moved here, we visited at least once a week, because I couldn’t get enough of the live music and fun! While we have tempered that frequency down to about once a month, there is so much to experience on Broadway. Our favorite spots are The Stage, Jason Aldean’s, Miranda Lambert’s Casa Rosa, FGL House, Ole Smokey Distillery and Whiskey River Saloon, to name a few. Each bar has a different vibe, so the bar we enter really depends on the mood we’re in that day. Pro tip – when the tip bucket comes around, tip the musicians! Most of them are only paid through tips, and their entertainment is the main reason you are on Broadway anyway! If you’re hungry, Fifth + Broadway is an incredible food hall with so many gourmet options and live music. It has something for everyone, and to be honest, is way better than the food you’ll eat at the bars. Another pro tip – while at Fifth + Broad, pop into Tecovas, where they usually will serve you for a free drink when browsing.
2. Play Tourist in 12 South
If we’re looking to escape Broadway for a trendier vibe, a trip to 12 South is the spot. Situated 10 minutes from downtown on 12th Avenue South, this main drag is the epicenter for incredible restaurants, bars and boutiques, making it the ultimate destination for Bachelorette jaunts, date nights and photoshoots. Another fun part about 12 South, it’s dog friendly—there are plenty of restaurants with outdoor patios to bring your pup along for BBQ or a brew. With Sevier park nearby, it’s also a great walkable area for adults, kids, and pups! Definitely one of my favorite places in the city!
3. Hear Songwriters at The Listening Room
I can’t stress this enough – everyone who visits Nashville NEEDS to experience The Listening Room at least once!!! A friend shared this recommendation with me when I visited Nashville for the first time, and to this day it is one of our FAVORITE places to be – and to take our visitors to. It’s a truly unique Nashville experience, where the audience not only gets to hear talented musicians play acoustic versions of their own songs, but many of these songwriters have written Number Ones for the biggest names in the industry – from George Strait to Jason Aldean, and Carrie Underwood to Morgan Wallen! It is SO fun to hear these talented writers share the stories and inspiration behind their songs. There’s a $15 minimum per person, so come prepared to have some food, a few drinks, and enjoy the most authentic Nashville experience out there. You will NOT regret it.
4. Cruise Down Main Street in Franklin
While not technically in Nashville, it’s close enough for a day trip! It’s hard not to fall in love with Franklin, a town about 30 minutes south of downtown Nashville. Main Street is teeming with restaurants, shops, bars, and oh, so much historic character. It’s one of my dream towns, straight out of a Hallmark movie, and a major reason why I fell in love with Nashville in the first place. Established in 1799, brick buildings line the street with incredible history at every turn, captivating just about anyone who gets the chance to travel there. If you’re lucky, you might get to experience one of the many street fairs in Franklin, which attract thousands of people each year. Bonus fun – there are many ghost and history walking tours on Main Street, which are still on our to-do list!
5. Take the Scenic Route
Another thing I absolutely love about living in Tennessee are the scenic routes. From Long Hollow Pike in Hendersonville, to Natchez Trace Parkway in Franklin, Nashville is filled to the brim with breathtakingly scenic drives (especially during leaf peeping season!). Rolling hills, acres of pastures dotted with horses, old fences and antique red barns cover the area. These sights bring peace to my soul, and are a quiet respite away from the Broadway honky tonks. Pro tip – if you make the scenic drive to Franklin via Highway 100, be sure to make a pit stop at the Loveless Café, an iconic restaurant famous for its fried chicken and comfort food. Their famous neon sign, shops and corn hole provide a welcoming, fun Southern vibe that is sure to be a unique and memorable experience!
These are just five of the many things I absolutely love to do in the city we call home (which, funny enough, haven’t changed since our very first visit). For anyone visiting, these five experiences are all very doable within one trip, and will give you an incredible perspective of all that Nashville has to offer. Stay tuned for more lists in the future, and let me know if the above inspire you, too!
