Spend Time in Nashville, Tennessee

As a former Nashville resident, I am frequently asked for travel recommendations for visiting Music City. It’s been a few years since my decade living in the country music hot spot, but my recent trip there refreshed my knowledge of the iconic American city.

On the way to Nashville from Richmond

In the past, I could manage the 9+ hour road trip from the East Coast with ease. This time, I found The Bristol Hotel to be an ideal overnight stop. The hotel offers some of my favorite travel perks, such as free parking, built-in blackout shades for light sleepers, bedside charging stations, and an in-room coffee bar. The hotel in-house restaurant, Vivian’s Table, features a noteworthy menu and craft cocktail list. I highly recommend the fork-tender and incredibly flavorful Sous Vide short rib, which paired perfectly with the unique Pine and Brine – a Bombay sapphire gin with dry vermouth, cucumber, and house-made olive brine. Additionally, the hotel’s well-appointed Lumac Rooftop Bar offers a perfect view of the Bristol sign, which straddles the Virginia and Tennessee state line.

Take the time to explore Bristol, known as The Birthplace of Country Music. Before departing, visit the Birthplace of Country Music Museum next door. The Smithsonian-affiliated museum chronicles the 1927 Bristol Sessions, the legendary recordings that brought country music into the mainstream.

Visiting Music City

Stay

Nashville’s skyline, highlighted by the distinctive “Batman Building” (officially 333 Commerce), is hard to miss. This 33-story, 617-foot tall office building is renowned for its distinctive shape.

Despite the potential noise and chaos of downtown, I found that Hyatt House Nashville at Vanderbilt proved to be a convenient and comfortable location for exploring the area on foot or by car. The hotel features free parking in an attached deck, a comfortable lobby for relaxing or working, and a lobby bar for Happy Hour. Even as a light sleeper, I encountered no issues with street noise. The complimentary breakfast buffet features a rotating menu of hot or quick food items. For extended stays, opt for a suite with a convenient kitchen and living area.

Tip for visiting Music City: For downtown destinations, consider using a car service, such as Lyft or Uber, as parking can be both expensive and challenging to find.

Dining and drinking

Looking for a low-key dinner spot within walking distance (or a two-minute drive) of the hotel? Martin’s BBQ Joint offers a distinctively Nashville dining experience. I recommend the flavorful Redneck Taco with Brisket, followed by the legendary fudge pie, or a refreshing classic Orange Crush cocktail.

While exploring downtown, visit the Assembly Food Hall, a recent addition to the Nashville scene featuring the city’s largest rooftop. The hall features three stages (because Nashville…) and over 30 eateries, including Dock Local (lobster, crab, and shrimp), Honeyfire Barbeque Co., Prince’s Hot Chicken, and everything in between. I visited Velvet Taco, where I enjoyed the quesa birria and grilled salmon tacos. Delicious! For a quick treat or casual hangout, visit one of the specialty coffee or ice cream shops.

Entertainment

The lively bars and honky-tonks of Lower Broadway in downtown Nashville offer an unparalleled live music experience, many featuring rooftop spaces with impressive views of the downtown skyline and Bridgestone Arena. Live music typically begins at 10 in the morning and continues until after midnight (till 2 a.m.!) with musicians rotating every four hours. Check out the world-famous Tootsie’s Lounge, although you may be surprised how tiny the bar – and stage – actually are. For a more relaxed experience, try Legend’s Corner and The Stage. Pro tip: explore both sides of the street and visit different bars before ordering a drink and getting comfortable. There are so many different styles and eras of (mostly) country music to enjoy.

Drive along Music Row, a historic district in downtown Nashville where country music publishers, record labels, and recording studios are located. Many studios where famous musicians have recorded are surprisingly small converted houses.

The Country Music Hall of Fame is a comprehensive collection of all things country music. Plan for several hours to fully appreciate the interactive exhibits, audio tours, and videos. Historic RCA Studio B is also a must-visit. Tour buses transport visitors from the Hall of Fame to the Music Row studio, where guides share detailed histories of artists, including Elvis Presley, and the studio itself. The studio exudes a sense of magic and nostalgia, exemplified by the 1942 Steinway grand piano that has been played continuously since its arrival in 1957.

The Ryman Auditorium, located just behind Broadway and across from Assembly Food Hall, is known as the “the mother church of country music.” Take a tour to experience this historic venue, starting with a compelling 3-D presentation that sets the stage. The tour often includes glimpses of stage preparations for nightly performances and showcases memorabilia from past artists. Don’t forget to have your complimentary picture taken on stage and visit the gift shop before leaving.

The National Museum of African American Music tour offers a moving and informative experience. The introductory video prepares you for the interactive displays where visitors can create beats, record songs, and even don traditional choir robes to join a virtual gospel choir. This newer museum is a must-visit!

Fans of The Man In Black will appreciate The Johnny Cash Museum’s extensive collection of memorabilia, awards, and stories. Allow at least an hour to explore the video presentations, audio recordings, and life history of Cash. Be sure to watch the “Hurt” video, which is especially poignant when viewed standing next to the chair that Johnny Cash used in the video.

The Grand Ole Opry is an iconic venue to visit at least once in your lifetime! With the 2025 centennial anniversary approaching, it’s an ideal time to witness this live radio show. As a former Nashville singer-songwriter, the Opry evokes fond memories of my early Nashville days and dreams. The venue hosts performances by both Opry members and new artists.

Lovers of music and travel: Take in the NOLA music scene

Relaxation

When visiting Music City, take time to enjoy the quieter side of Nashville. Visit beautiful Centennial Park to stroll the grounds, feed the geese, and appreciate the outdoor sculptures. The highlight of the park is the exquisite Parthenon, an exact-size replica of the original in Athens, housing a towering 42-foot Athena statue, memorabilia, and a rotating art exhibit.

The Nashville Zoo is a favorite attraction, featuring an impressive animal lineup, a 4-D theater, and a state-of-the-art vet facility. Don’t miss the kangaroo enclosure, where concrete pathways wind through the area, allowing for close-up encounters with the kangaroos.

Cheekwood Estate and Gardens offers a serene escape. This impressive estate, gardens, and mansion are best enjoyed at a leisurely pace. The estate features artwork in the mansion, such as the Interventions collection by British artist Ann Carrington, whose intricate pieces are fashioned from metal spoons, utensils, and other metal scraps (which was on display June 29 to Oct. 27, 2024).