The center of American country music, a paragon of Southern cuisine, wild nightlife, and rich history, the city of Nashville has something for every traveler. Its location on the lovely Cumberland River offers stunning vistas from its bridges and sailboats. The area’s storied association with booze and moonshine also gives rise to colorful tales and attractions that proudly uphold their traditions.
Every year, 15 million people are drawn to its interests by its warm southern friendliness. Making a list of the top things to do in Nashville is the most effective way to ensure you enjoy every minute of your stay there. So to assist you in making a decision, we’ve produced a list of our top Nashville attractions.
Unique Things To Do In Nashville
1. Hatch Show Print:
Hatch Show Print, one of the country’s oldest still operating letterpress print companies, offers tours and even provides the opportunity to create your poster.
You can enjoy looking through all the historical artwork samples and viewing the fonts and printing presses on display. Once you’re done, stop at Bajo Sexto Taco (located in the same building) for some delicious street tacos.
2. Cheekwood Estate & Gardens:
The stunning 55-acre botanical garden has 12 unique gardens. The trees and flowering flowers make it simple to get lost for hours there. Seasonal celebrations and events include Cheekwood in Bloom, a springtime event with over 150,000 blooming bulbs, and Cheekwood Lights, a holiday show with over a million lights.
In addition to temporary exhibitions, the estate’s art galleries display some of the 7000 pieces in its permanent collection, which includes sculptures, paintings, and antiques from all over the world.
3. Museums in Nashville
Tennessee State Museum: The Tennessee State Museum aims to make history come to life. It has a two-story Grand Hall, a hands-on children’s gallery, six rotating galleries, a cutting-edge digital learning center, and a “Tennessee Time Tunnel” that guides guests through the Museum’s permanent collection while charting the state’s history.
In addition, the Museum has some of the best collections of Civil War uniforms, battle flags, and firearms in the country.
Frist Art Museum: Modern and contemporary art are included in rotating shows, which have been running since 2001. A retrospective of Dorothea Lange’s work or Mexican Modernism could be shown in an exhibition.
Check out these family-friendly activities in Nashville if you’re looking for something to do with the little ones.
Johnny Cash Museum: In this little area, you may view displays of Cash’s outfits, equipment, photographs, and handwritten lyrics, as well as listen to a reflection of his songs throughout the years.
The Johnny Cash Museum is well-designed and fascinating, but at a $24 entrance price, it might be best kept for Cash’s most ardent followers.
National Museum of African American Music: The National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) charts the development and influence of Black music in America, from spirituals to hip hop.
As they travel around the exhibitions, visitors can scan customized bracelets to create a unique playlist of tunes they enjoy. They can even create their creative beats and join a gospel choir in song.
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum: The Country Music Hall of Fame is one of the most prominent museums in the world and has 2.5 million objects, including music, pictures, instruments, and many other items.
Additionally, there are more one-of-a-kind things like Elvis’ “Solid Gold” Cadillac coated with fish scales and crushed diamonds.
4. The Parthenon:
Nashville used to be known for higher education before it became popular for country music. It was sometimes referred to as “the Athens of the South” and offered the most colleges and universities in Tennessee.
Builders chose to capitalize on this moniker in 1897 and built a full-scale replica of the Parthenon in the heart of Nashville. The Parthenon serves as a museum and cultural hub today.
With its artworks, books, statues, and sculptures, it’s one of the top attractions in Nashville, especially for art lovers; on the front steps, you can frequently see theatrical groups staging Greek plays.
5. Nashville Zoo:
Nashville’s amazing zoo is bustling with activities, with a wide variety of animals, including Andean bears, Sumatran tigers, Aussie kangaroos, and clouded leopards!
Even though there are several ways to explore, such as the Flying Eagle zipline and cart tours, guests frequently enjoy the Rhinos encounter early morning.
6. Ryman Auditorium:
The Ryman Auditorium helped establish Nashville as the center of country music in numerous ways. Guests are welcome to explore the revered auditorium and listen to Trisha Yearwood, Nicole Kidman, and other buildings’ past performers.
If a tour isn’t your thing, you may still purchase tickets to one of the shows that are still held here practically every night, every week.
7. RCA Studio B:
The famed “Nashville Sound,” distinguished by its backing voices and strings, was born here.
Follow the icons who walked the halls, such as Elvis, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, and Chet Atkins, who elevated Nashville and country music to new heights.
You’ll be craving to sing as you go around the studios!
8. Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage:
President Andrew Jackson’s former residence and final resting place is a 1,120-acre historic site with 30 ancient structures and oceans of vibrant flowers populating the gardens.
The buildings are physically gorgeous, but they have a sordid past that includes slavery and fire and is a great attraction if you like history.
9. Street Art Murals:
Nashville has a tonne of street art. Murals and artwork can be found in parking lots, under bridges, and hidden in alleys. It’s like a treasure hunt trying to see them throughout the city. Fortunately, you seldom need to search very far.
Beyond The Gulch, there is a lot of street art in the Germantown and East Nashville areas. The “Wings painting” by Kelsey Montague, is one of the most well-known murals in the area.
10. Gaylord Opryland Resort:
The Gaylord Opryland resembles a city enclosed within. It has more than 15 pubs and restaurants, 2800+ rooms, and a tonne of shops and other amenities.
This is the adventure for you if you want one that is simple to handle and has everything you could want in one location. The Gaylord is the place to be during Christmas. All the winter-themed items, including decorations, ice sculptures, and indoor snow tubing, can be found here.
Conclusion
Music City and its roots in country music are synonymous with glitz, grandeur, music, honky-tonks, sequins, and lights. Nashville may be the only city that appreciates big hats, big hair, and big personalities in precisely the same way, but there is a lot more to the state’s capital than first appears.
It is a refuge for artists of all shades because of its illustrious past in gastronomy, culture, and invention. Even though the city is vibrant, it’s simple to connect with nature and take in East Tennessee’s unspoiled beauty, which flows directly through the centre of the city. Nashville has everything you’re searching for, whether you want to learn about the past, experience nature, or learn more about some of the biggest names in music.
