Must Do Nashville Things to Do, See & Eat

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Wondering what the “Must Do Nashville” things are that top my list? Then you’ve come to the right place!

Consider me your Nashville trip advisor if you want to do what to do in that extra day you’re spending here after Blissdom (or anytime you find yourself wondering what to do in Music City and only have a day to run around. Here’s my list of must do Nashville things to do, see & eat in Nashville:

Must Do Nashville Tourist Attractions

If you haven’t stopped by Broadway before you go home, you haven’t seen Nashville in my opinion! Drive down to Broadway & 4th Street, and you’ll find yourself in the midst of some of the most famous Nashville icons. On one side of the street, you can check out live music at Honky Tonks such as Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge or grab something to eat at the famous Jack’s BBQ. Of course, you’ll want to go down just a few blocks to tour the “mother church of country music”, the Ryman Auditorium (and don’t forget to stop back by Hatch Show Print on Broadway to pick up an iconic poster to remember your trip!)

Cross over Broadway and you’ll find the Convention & Visitors Bureau sitting at the front glass enclosure of Bridgetstone Arena. Even if you don’t stop in, walk behind the arena to Hall of Fame Park (think Hollywood’s “Walk of Fame” complete with stars in the sidewalk, but for country fans). After you walk the park, you’ll find yourself looking directly at the Country Music Hall of Fame, a great stop even if country music isn’t your favorite music genre.

You’ll notice they’re building our new convention center next to the Hall of Fame, but if you head to the east side of the park, you’ll enter into the Schermerhorn Hall, home to the Nashville Symphony Orchestra.

If you go closer to Vanderbilt University, you’ll find two must-see areas:
–Centennial Park: complete with a full replica of the Parthenon (Athens, Greece is our sister city!)
–Hillsboro Village: a unique street filled with shops & restaurants – think college town meet artist’s village. Don’t forget to stop by Boookman/Bookwoman and eat at Pancake Pantry (just be prepared to stand in line!). If you have kids, make sure to stop by Fannie Mae Dees park (known to locals as the “Dragon Park”) with a lot of space to run, plan and connect with friends.

Must Do Nashville Restaurants

You may be in the South, but Nashville boasts more than just fried chicken and biscuits (though if you want great biscuits, head to my side of town to The Loveless Cafe, home of the late Carole Fay who battled Bobby Flay in a biscuit ‘Throwdown‘ on Food Network).

If you want a unique dining experience that will let you try a lot of different southern favorites, make sure to hit up Monell’s in Germantown. You’ll sit in an old home at a table with 12 other people and literally pass the plate as you feast on everything from pot roast and greens to cornbread and cole slaw! You’ll also be close to the state capital, Bicentennial Park and the Farmer’s Market, especially fun on a warm spring or summer day.

If you’re looking for the frugal food tour, check out one of my favorite posts, my Top 6 Nashville Food Finds under $6.

Must Do Nashville Area Attractions

There’s so much to see & do here in Nashville that it really takes a few days to catch it all, but here are just a few other favorites you may want to look into:
West
*Cheekwood Botanical Gardens

North
*Fontanel Mansion

South
*Main Street in downtown Franklin
*Arrington Vineyards

East
*Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
*Grand Ole Opry
*Opry Mills Mall (Outlet shopping)

Where are your favorite “Must Do Nashville” places to go?

Looking for more great family travel tips? Check out my Travel pages for everything from Staycations to Disney on a Dime!