Nashville is a bustling city in the southern United States that seems to have it all. It’s not surprising that a place known as “Music City” is packed with bars, concert halls, and recording studios. Add to that all the dining options, museums, historic sites, and outdoor attractions… It’s impossible to get bored in Nashville as there is so much to do and see. After spending a few days in this city, here is our top 10 list of things not to miss in Nashville.
Explore the Country Music Hall of Fame
If country music isn’t as popular in France as it is in the United States, it’s with joy that you let yourself be carried away by its history and that you discover its variety. From Dolly Parton to Taylor Swift (yes, really!), passing through Loretta Lynn or Shania Twain, one quickly gets caught up in the rhythm of this musical style.
Located in the heart of downtown Nashville, the Country Music Hall of Fame is one of the largest collections of country music museums in the world. It contains over 2 million artifacts related to country music. You will see a lot of cowboy boots and costumes, but you will also see other memorabilia, like Elvis’ golden Cadillac.
Take advantage of the visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame to combine it with a visit to the historic RCA Studio B, where many legendary artists have recorded some of their biggest hits.
Lane Motor Museum
This is not an ordinary museum. The idea behind the Lane Motor Museum, a private collection, is to exhibit vehicles from Europe, Asia, North and South America, from the 1920s until today. Each vehicle is in working condition and the collection includes over 150 cars, motorcycles, and even some amphibious vehicles.
Visitors can take a peek into the garages where each of the displayed cars are restored, allowing them to understand the amount of work involved.
Let yourself be surprised by the Parthenon and the statue of Athena
Yes, there is a life-size replica of the Parthenon in Nashville. And you know what, it’s pretty epic to see. Long before Nashville was known as the “Music City”, it was nicknamed the “Athens of the South”. In the 19th century, the Parthenon was built as part of an exhibition celebrating Tennessee’s 100 years in the Union.
Today, it houses an art gallery and the statue of Athena; you can still wander around and inside the Parthenon. Located in Centennial Park, once your museum tour is finished, you can stroll around the surroundings.
Do a wine tasting at the Belle Meade Plantation
Located a few kilometers south of Nashville, Belle Meade was once a plantation and a thoroughbred breeding farm. Today, it offers visitors a glimpse of life in the 18th and 19th centuries, without overlooking the enslaved populations of another era.
But the Belle Meade Plantation is not just for touring the estate, they also make wine there! The Belle Meade vineyard offers over 16 different varieties of wine. Visitors can expect a range of wines from sweet to dry, including both red and white wines. The most unique in our opinion? The blackberry wine.
Discover the history of Tennessee at the State Museum
This museum is a little gem that will let you discover the history of Tennessee, from its earliest inhabitants to the most significant cultural moments of today. You will enter a tunnel that will take you through the eras from the earliest peoples of Tennessee to the present day, passing through the War of Independence and the civil war.
Set aside the musical universe to learn more about this southern state. Another notable point, it’s free!
Admire the John Seigenthaler Bridge
One of the best viewpoints of Nashville is the John Seigenthaler Bridge. Late afternoon, at sunset, is the best time. Here, you will not only be able to walk to Cumberland Park (from downtown Nashville), but you can also admire the most beautiful views of the city from the bridge itself.
Attend a concert at the Grand Ole Opry House
The Grand Ole Opry today hosts many music legends, but also up-and-coming country artists, all while broadcasting the shows live on the radio. The experience is crazy, especially for the French!
Tours of the Grand Ole Opry House are also available every day. Country music fans should seize the opportunity to take a peek behind the scenes of the history of country music.
Watch a show at the Ryman Auditorium
No visit to Nashville is complete without stopping by the Ryman. Located right in the city center, this church converted into a concert hall was originally the home of the Grand Ole Opry. The Ryman Auditorium, steeped in over 135 years of history, is one of the world’s most legendary music halls and has played an important role in the history of country music. Today, concerts are still held there, and its architecture gives it a very special acoustics.
Take the time to visit it to discover its unique history and imagine how it became this iconic place. Self-guided tours are available every day, allowing you to explore the auditorium and exhibitions. You even have the opportunity to take a photo on stage. For an additional fee, you can also opt for a guided tour that also allows you to go backstage.
The Ryman is a great starting point for a walk on Broadway and for experiencing some of the best live music bars in the south.
Take the temperature on Honky Tonk Highway, Broadway
If you are looking for nightlife, head to Broadway. This downtown Nashville street is home to several blocks of popular bars, clubs and honky tonks. Most Broadway establishments do not have an entrance fee, making it a great way to listen to a lot of live music and enjoy a fun evening. You will hear more than country music on Broadway.
Going to Broadway should be on the list of must-do things in Nashville for all visitors. Expect to see crowds enjoying the atmosphere, and don’t forget to bring your dancing shoes.
Savor a whiskey or bourbon at Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery
The Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery is famed for its history, as two brothers resurrected the legacy of their great-great-great-grandfather, who had founded the family distillery in 1860.
Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery offers guided tours and daily tastings, allowing visitors to discover not only its products, but also the fascinating history of the distillery which dates back to its founding in 1860 and its closure due to Prohibition in 1909.
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