10 Best Things To Do In Nashville, Tennessee

Known since the 1950s as Music City USA, Nashville is still the place where some musicians come to make their dreams come true. And while the music scene is a great attraction in this Tennessee capital, there is much more to see and do here. There is a surprising number of activities to do outdoors in the Nashville area, due to its location along the Cumberland River and its proximity to several mountains.

Nashville isn't nicknamed Music City for nothing. This city is where some of our most legendary country musicians got their start, and the bar scene in Nashville reflects that legacy. When it comes to the honky tonk — a bar, music venue, or dance hall (usually all three) where country music is played all night long — Nashville excels.

These multi-level watering holes host musicians, sling beers from multiple bars, and some even feature classy rooftop venues. The best honky tonks are owned by Nashville legends, from Kid Rock to Jason Aldean to Carrie Underwood. Each country music star puts their own twist on the classic honky tonk — but not all are created equal.

On your next trip, you should visit each one and decide for yourself who knows how to throw the best party. When you think of amazing places with lots of beautiful sites to see and explore, perhaps you think of Paris, Venice or Bali. These are some foreign climes which are renowned for its great allure all over the world. You probably would not think of a state like Tennessee in the US places to visit, but to overlook the Volunteer State would be to make a mistake.

It is actually an amazing place with lots of awesome and awe-inspiring places of great beauty. The truth is that not many people think of making a road trip from Atlanta to Nashville. In fact, the southeastern region of the United States, also known as the South, is often overlooked when it comes to organizing road trips in USA.

Probably, most people would skip this region altogether and go directly to the beaches of Florida or discover the charms of New Orleans. But that would be a mistake, since the Deep South offers different cultures, interesting landscapes and delicious food that will reward the curious traveler. To see all the charms of the area you will need a car.

And if you plan to get to the region by plane, you will need a rental car. The road trip we present to you begins in Atlanta with Nashville as its final destination. The driving time, depending on the route, is just over 6 hours. A round trip can be made over a long weekend, depending on the number of stops you want to make and the number of people sharing driving tasks.

And, of course, you probably want to spend at least two days at some of the places like Nashville, with its diverse music scene and delicious food. Our road trip from Atlanta to Nashville goes through Savannah in Georgia, Gulf Shores in Alabama and Tennessee. In eastern North America, early spring is the perfect time to watch and listen for the American Woodcock in woodland clearings. The species is famous for its "sky-dance" in which a male twists several hundred feet into the air, hovers, and descends, all the while making a twittering sound.

Some parts of the route pass through mountainous areas, so an SUV may be the best option to move around the area, much better than an economic or compact model, especially if you are planning to do outdoor activities. Now all you have to do is pick up your rental car and start driving in the deep south!

Take I-85 S from the airport to Montgomery, a road trip that will take you just over 2 hours. Once you've seen all there is to see in Montgomery, drive for 1.5 hours on I-65 N to Birmingham, your next destination in Alabama. Continue your road trip driving through I-65 N for approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes until you enter Tennessee.

Visiting all the music venues and museums in Nashville can take a day or two. Park in a garage, if you plan to visit several places in the Music Row or other dense areas of the center. You should know that in the central districts of the city there is regulated parking with parking meters and it is focused on short-term stops.

1. Ryman Auditorium

You don't have to be a country-music buff to enjoy kicking up your heels in jovial Music City. It is home to several legendary recording studios and live-music venues, including the Ryman Auditorium, where the acoustics are so good, it's served as both. If you plan ahead, you can watch a show at the renowned Ryman Auditorium or the Grand Ole Opry.

2. Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

The places and museums of country music are probably Nashville's most popular attractions. Learn about the Man in Black at the Johnny Cash Museum or get a broader look at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. The Country Music Hall of Fame is definitely worth a visit, despite an $18 admission fee, if only to see Elvis Presley's solid gold Cadillac, among a million other musical artifacts.

If you like Johnny Cash and/or are interested in his life, this is a pretty good opportunity to learn and explore.

3. Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum

Among things to do in Nashville visit the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in the basement of the Municipal Auditorium. Here you will find instruments and exhibitions from a wide range of musicians, including Garth Brooks and Jimi Hendrix.

4. Centennial Park

A more eclectic and affordable homage to world history awaits, however, at Centennial Park. It’s functionally on Broadway which turns into West End. It’s a park and there is a museum. For just $6, you can see a full-scale replica of the Greek Parthenon and the 41-foot-tall statue of the goddess that’s Athena inside. Check the website for times and prices. To be clear, the part is free. There is an impressive Athena sculpture on the inside.

5. The Parthenon

Get closer to the Parthenon. That's right, Nashville has a full-scale replica of this Greek structure, as it is known as the Athens of the South. You can find it at Centennial Park, driving west from the city center.

Nashville has amazing biscuits (of course), tacos (surprisingly), hamburgers (as good as Los Angeles), donuts (among the world’s best), and fried pickles! But above all these dishes, there is something everyone must try in Nashville! Eat some spicy chicken. Barbecue and fried chicken top many Nashville menus, so, for less than the cost of a pair of blue-suede shoes, you can eat like a king.

This local specialty has spread throughout the country, with Kentucky Fried Chicken even entering the game, but you should try it here. The fried chicken has a lot of red pepper, so be sure to use the fluffy white bread that you get with your order to soothe the fire in your mouth.

Perfectly tender inside, unbelievably crispy outside, the Nashville Hot Chicken Wings are deep-fried in a spicy batter and then finished off on a stove top in a spicy sauce that could win competitions!

6. Broadway

Take a walk on 12th Street on a Saturday afternoon. This is about 7 to 8 minutes from the Downtown hotel district, which is SoBro or South Broadway.

7. Frist Art Museum

It’s on Broadway. It’s an impressive art museum. Check the website for time and prices.

8. Honky Tonk Highway

Live music. Do this. You can’t go to Nashville and not see some live music. Because it means you have to come back to Nashville to truly experience it.

9. Belmont Mansion

Historic stuff. For instance the Belmont Mansion (located about 8 to 10 minutes from downtown) and various places in Franklin, TN (which is about 20 to 25 minutes from Nashville).

10. Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage

If you have time, it's worth driving east from downtown Nashville to the Hermitage, the former home of the seventh president of the United States, Andrew Jackson. The mansion and the plantation grounds are good for learning something of presidential history and taking a break from the city. From Nashville, head back to Atlanta on I-24 E through Tennessee for a 2-hour trip to Chattanooga.

It can get quite busy at times, but if you are looking for a little tranquility within the city, it is the place to be. Sit back and enjoy the panoramic views from the comfort of your rental car as you drive south on I-75 back to Atlanta - it's about 275 miles, which will take you about 5 hours.

When you return to Atlanta, you can easily return your vehicle at the airport or give in to temptation and extend your reservation to enjoy this road trip for a little longer. Do you know which great river forms Tennessee's western border? Time to take a trip to Tennessee? If you value beauty, it sure is!