Some of My Favorite Things to Do in Nashville
There is much more to Nashville than just country music and Broadway. Each neighborhood has its own personality, with plenty of great places to eat, drink, shop, and explore. Here are some of my favorite things to do and places to visit in Nashville.
Broadway and the Strip
You have to start with Broadway. It is easily the most touristy part of Nashville, and it is almost always crowded, but I think everyone should experience it at least once.
Take a walk down the strip and stop to listen to music at any of the celebrity bars or traditional honky-tonks. The nice thing about Broadway is that the music is good just about everywhere. You can walk into almost any bar and find a talented singer or band performing.
The crowds can get a little old after a few visits, but there are still several places in the area that I continue to visit because I enjoy them so much.
The Twelve Thirty Club
The Twelve Thirty Club is one of my favorite spots near Broadway. It is not quite as loud or chaotic as many of the other places on the strip, and you can get there without having to walk through the most crowded section. It is located across from Bridgestone Arena, just before Broadway really starts to get crazy.
There is almost always a quality musician playing on the first floor. The food is very good, and the drinks are great as well. There is also a rooftop bar that offers a different atmosphere, with DJs often playing in the evening.
Sixty Vines
Just a couple of doors down from The Twelve Thirty Club is another one of my favorite places, Sixty Vines.
They have an amazing wine selection, great vibes, and excellent food. My personal favorite is the spicy sausage pizza. They also have a rooftop area with some great views of Broadway.
Bell Bottoms Up and Bayou Keys
Another suggestion is Lainey Wilson’s Bell Bottoms Up. The first-floor bar and restaurant are fun, but the real entertainment is downstairs at Bayou Keys, the dueling piano bar.
The musicians who perform there are top-notch. They are talented, funny, and extremely entertaining. It is a great option when you want live music but are looking for something a little different from the typical Broadway bar.
Museums and the Country Music Hall of Fame
The Country Music Hall of Fame is definitely worth a visit, even if you are not a huge country music fan. The exhibits are well done and cover the history of the music, famous performers, costumes, instruments, and other memorabilia. There are also several other museums nearby, including the National Museum of African American Music, the Johnny Cash Museum, and the Frist Art Museum. They are all within or close to the downtown area, making it easy to include one or two while exploring Broadway.
The Gulch
The Gulch is another fun Nashville neighborhood with plenty of places to eat, drink, and explore.
I had a great breakfast at Biscuit Love and enjoyed drinks at The Pub, a British-themed restaurant and bar. I also had an excellent meal at Two Hands. The Gulch can get busy, but it is a nice area to walk around and spend a few hours.
Germantown
Germantown has a lot of cool restaurants and neighborhood spots. One of my favorites is Mother’s Ruin.
They have music and a fun atmosphere, but the food is also surprisingly good. It is a casual place that works well whether you are stopping in for a drink or looking for something to eat.
Hillsboro Village
Hillsboro Village does not have as much live music as some other parts of Nashville, but it has interesting shops and several great places to eat.
Double Dogs is one of my favorites. They have some of the best wings I’ve ever had, along with a great happy hour featuring good deals on both drinks and food. It is also a relaxed place to watch a game.
12 South
12 South is another great area to explore. There is some music, but the neighborhood is better known for its many places to shop, eat, and grab a drink.
One of the best breakfasts I’ve ever had was at The Buttermilk Ranch. Everything we ordered was excellent, and it is absolutely worth visiting if you enjoy a good breakfast or brunch.
Edley’s Bar-B-Que is another great stop. The barbecue is excellent, but it also has good energy and is simply a fun place to hang out.
The Vanderbilt and Centennial Park Area
Martin’s Bar-B-Que is another good Nashville barbecue option near the Vanderbilt area.
While you are nearby, Centennial Park is a great place to walk, relax, and see Nashville’s full-size replica of the Parthenon. It is a beautiful park and a nice break from the busier parts of the city.
You should also take a walk through Belmont University’s campus when you have the opportunity. The campus is beautiful and is worth seeing even if you are not visiting the university for a specific event.
The Grand Ole Opry
No Nashville travel guide would be complete without mentioning the Grand Ole Opry.
The Opry is part of a much larger area that includes the Gaylord Opryland Resort and the nearby mall. You could easily spend several hours exploring the resort, shopping, eating, and attending a show.
There Is Always More to Explore
I haven’t even mentioned neighborhoods such as Chestnut Hill and East Nashville, which have plenty of great places of their own.
That is one of the things I enjoy most about Nashville. Broadway may get most of the attention, but the city has so much more to offer. Whether you are looking for live music, great food, interesting neighborhoods, or simply a fun place to walk around, Nashville has something for just about everyone.