I just got back from a quick trip to Nashville with my daughter, and I often get questions about things to see and do and where to stay in Nashville, so I thought I’d whip up a post so I can reference it when I need to.
The Honky Tonks on Broadway are a must, of course. If you don’t care for crowds and loud bachelorette parties, go during the day. They start playing around 11AM, I believe. They get very crowded and a little wilder at night, but it never feels really wild or unsafe at all. Everyone is happy in Nashville!
Cyndi & me at The Stage in September 2022
Just wander around and go in and out, as you please. My favorites are The Stage and Nudy’s, and there are some good places off the beaten path too. Printer’s Ally has a few gems, and it’s quieter back there. Be sure to bring cash for tips, as the bands usually go around with a bucket, expecting tips. I don’t think they get paid much by the venues, so they rely on tips for income.
What To Do In Nashville
When you get tired of live music, the Country Music Hall of Fame is worth a visit. I grew up on country music, but even if you didn’t or aren’t a fan, it’s a great way to spend a few hours – especially if you have some rain or cold weather. They recommend getting tickets in advance.
When you get tickets, you have the option of adding on the Studio B Tour, which is really cool and well worth it. We also toured the Ryman once, and that was interesting.
For shops, Hillsboro Village is cute, or take an Uber to 12 South. They have some fun murals for photo opps!
Lisa // Dawn // Cyndi // me // Tania
The food is good there, as well. Edleys has the amazing BBQ, and Bartaco is good if you like Mexican. Just be sure to leave room for 100 Layer Donuts at Five Daughter’s Bakery. They have mini sizes, if you just want a taste.
As far as other activities, you can take line dancing lessons or make Goo Goo Clusters. I did both with these lovely ladies last fall!
Tania // Dawn // Cyndi // me // Jen // Lisa
What To Eat in Nashville
Nashville has so much good food, it just depends on what you want. Husk is a neat restaurant, if you like farm to table, upscale food. I also really enjoy Oak Steakhouse, if that’s your vibe, and I hear great things about Biscuit Love, if you like breakfast.
The Hampton Social is super cute, and offers some good photo-opps, as well as Rosé All Day!
Puckett’s is a crowd pleaser for traditional Southern fare. It’s casual and gets very busy (I recommend reservations.) Hot Chicken is a big thing in Nashville, but I’ve never tried it.
I know I’ve had more dining experiences than that, but I lose track. I’ve always found the bartenders in my hotels to be very knowledgeable, if you want suggestions for restaurants or bars that suit your tastes.
Where To Stay in Nashville
Paul and I loved our stay at Noelle a few years ago – it’s a boutique hotel, very charming, with a great bar. I’ve also stayed at the Westin a couple of times – their rooftop bar is cool, plus the Oak Steakhouse is just next door.
The Omni and JW Marriott are also very nice, and they have good restaurants. Both are very conveniently located, if you plan to spend much time on Broadway, and the Omni is connected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
The Sheraton is nice and not as expensive as the ones above; Cyndi and I stayed there a few times in the past. This picture is from the first time we got together there, back in 2016!
Then there’s the Gaylord Opryland, which is a destination unto itself. I attended several blogging conferences there back in the day, and I’d love to go back sometime. If you’re going to be in Nashville for several days, it could be fun to stay there for a night or two, and then move downtown for a couple nights.
And you can also VRBO it. That worked out well when I went with a group of bloggers last fall.
See also: What to Wear to Nashville in the Fall
I’m sure I’m forgetting a few things, but I’ll try to add to this post, as I remember or experience new places. I’m always looking for an excuse to go back to Nashville!
Thanks for this! We leave for our first ever Nashville visit next week! Do you know if you can explore the Opryland hotel if you aren’t staying there?
I’m not sure, but I would think so. There are tons of restaurants, and I’m sure they aren’t all just for hotel guests.