Escape

Ten Great Things to See and Do in Nashville, Tennessee

May 07, 2019

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The full-scale replica of the original Parthenon in Athens

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

The Schermerhorn Symphony Center

The Music City Walk of Fame

Johnny Cash memorabilia display

Florida Georgia Line restaurant (FGL House) on Broadway

Endless honky tonks on Broadway

Party on the street

The world-famous honky-tonk, Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge

I Believe in Nashville by DCXVIndustries located in 12 South

What Lifts You mural by Kelsey Montague Art, located in the Gulch

Draper James shop and mural located in 12 South

Lookout for Amelia's Flower Truck, Nashville's mobile flower shop

The Copper Fox gallery in Leiper's Fork

Several art galleries located in the charming village of Leiper's Fork

A must tour of The Hatch Show Print, an old letterpress print, operating since 1879

The Walk of Fame park

Nashville is the capital of Tennessee and the undisputed center of country music. In fact great music can be found just around any corner of this town but in addition to being a feast for the ears, the city can also delight with all there is to see, taste and do. Here are our top picks:

Stroll on Broadway and enjoy the show

Live bands start as early as 10AM in every single pub on that street. Lower Broadway is known as Honky Tonk row and is where great singers and musicians like Kris Kristoferson and Willie Nelson first took the stage. The Stage is a favorite spot for tourists and locals alike.

Take a walk across the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge

Formerly the Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge, it contains 48 impressive spans and offers outstanding views of the river and downtown skyline.

Visit the Country music Hall of Fame and Museum

In addition to world class galleries, the museum has the 776-seat CMA Theater; the 213-seat Ford Theater; the Taylor Swift Education Center plus exhibits and artifacts from just about everyone who was ever anyone in country music.

See the Music City Walk of Fame on Nashville’s Music Mile

All of those who have made a significant contribution to the music industry are honored here.

Tune into the Nashville Symphony Orchestra

Yes Music City is all about country, but there are amazing classical concerts to be found at the beautiful Schermerhorn Symphony Center.

Check out the Parthenon

The replica of the Parthenon in Athens is the centerpiece of beautiful Centennial Park. There’s even a re-creation of the 42-foot statue Athena is the focus of the Parthenon just as it was in ancient Greece. The building and the Athena statue are both full-scale replicas of the Athenian originals.

Murals

This city has more cool murals than anyone can count and they continue to grow. A few fun ones to see are the Good Food for Good People Mural - 4611 Alabama Ave and Octopus in East Nashville - 604 Gallatin Ave; I love Nashville on 12th South.

The Grand Ole Opry

Perhaps the most famous music stage in America, this is a must for any first time visit to Nashville. The Opry’s radio broadcasts starting in the 1920s put country music on the map and continue to be a place for current stars like Carrie Underwood to perform. Take a behind the scenes tour and pretend you are a legend for the day.

Take a Drive

Just 20 miles south of Nashville, take a trip down the scenic road to downtown Franklin, with a stop in the charming little town Leipers Fork. Franklin, a vibrant suburb of Nashville, is a blend of modern and historic, with trendy places to shop and eat and attractions that tell the story of the Civil War Battle of Franklin.

Visit a Plantation

While you’re out sightseeing, be sure to get a taste of the old South at the Belle Meade plantation. You can still see where the walls were peppered with bullet holes during the Civil War. It’s just about 8 miles southwest of downtown Nashville and a great example of the historic antebellum style.