things to do in and around nashville
Nashville, also known as Music City, is a vibrant and eclectic city that offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors. Here are some things to do in and around Nashville:
Music and Arts:
- The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum: A must-visit for country music fans.
- The Ryman Auditorium: Known as the "Mother Church of Country Music," this historic venue hosts live performances.
- The Bluebird Cafe: A famous songwriting venue that’s been featured in the TV show "Nashville."
- The Nashville Symphony: Catch a performance at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center.
- The Frist Art Museum: A non-profit art museum that features rotating exhibits.
Outdoor Activities:
- Centennial Park: A 132-acre park that features a lake, walking trails, and the Parthenon.
- Percy Warner Park: A 3,100-acre park with hiking trails, picnic areas, and scenic overlooks.
- Radnor Lake State Park: A 1,200-acre park with hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and scenic overlooks.
- Nashville Greenways: A network of parks and trails that connect the city.
- Kayak or paddleboard on the Cumberland River: Rent equipment and explore the city from a different perspective.
Food and Drink:
- Try hot chicken at Hattie B’s or Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack.
- Visit the Nashville Farmers’ Market: A bustling market with local produce, meats, and prepared foods.
- Take a brewery tour: Nashville has a thriving craft beer scene, with popular breweries like Jackalope and Yazoo.
- Sample the city’s famous barbecue at places like Edley’s or Martin’s.
- Explore the Gulch: A trendy neighborhood with upscale restaurants, bars, and shops.
History and Culture:
- The Parthenon: A full-scale replica of the ancient Greek Parthenon, with a 42-foot statue of Athena.
- The Tennessee State Capitol: Take a tour of the historic building and climb to the top for panoramic views.
- Belle Meade Plantation: A historic plantation that offers wine tastings, tours, and horseback riding.
- Cheekwood Estate and Gardens: A 120-acre estate with historic buildings, gardens, and art exhibits.
- The Hermitage: A historic plantation that was once the home of Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the United States.
Day Trips:
- Lynchburg, Tennessee: Visit the Jack Daniel’s Distillery and explore the charming town.
- Bell Buckle, Tennessee: A small town with a famous cafe, antique shops, and country music venues.
- Chattanooga, Tennessee: A scenic drive to the southeast takes you to this vibrant city, with attractions like the Tennessee Aquarium and Lookout Mountain.
- Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky: A three-hour drive north takes you to the world’s longest known cave system.
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park: A four-hour drive east takes you to this beautiful national park, with hiking trails, waterfalls, and wildlife viewing.
These are just a few of the many things to do in and around Nashville. With its rich music scene, delicious food, and historic attractions, Music City has something for everyone.