A Weekend in Nashville | What to do, Where to Eat and Where to Stay
Downtown Nashville at Dusk
Nashville, Tennessee is truly a gem buried within the south. It’s hard to even say “Nashville” aloud without having a slight twang to it. The culture, the history, the pulse and the city itself make it one of America’s best cities. Lots of history has occurred since Nashville was founded in 1779 leading to it being a diverse cultural area but also, its location along the Cumberland River made it a prime location for many to flock to.
Nashville is known for several things but most notably, Nashville is known for its country music scene and is the definition of what a music scene should offer. There are dive bars, open mic nights and honky tonks lined along Broadway - the main music strip in Nashville. The city is also known for its architecture, something I wasn’t aware of, due to its likeness to Athens, Greece. Nashville is often referred to as the Athens of the south because of this.
No matter when you go to Nashville, you’re promised a hootin-tootin good time with the music, food and things to do. We have an amazing time in Nashville but didn’t get to explore nearly enough of this awesome city.
Top Restaurants to Try in Nashville, Tennesee
1. Hattie B’s Hot Chicken
A fried chicken staple. They say fried chicken is the best in the south and now I know why. Hot chicken is such a craze right now pretty much everywhere. If you’re in Nashville and are hungry for some well-cooked southern fried chicken, this is your place. Get the chicken tenders or the dirty bird fries and finish it all of with some sweet desserts.
2. Pinewood Social
Just a few steps from Riverfront Park downtown, Pinewood is a great place to visit because of their great food but also, they have a bowling alley inside! I mean, who doesn’t love bowling with table service?! The food there is really good too. They’re more about their bar and food than their bowling, that’s just a perk, so enjoy some craft cocktails and elevated American food.
3. Ellington’s
This is such an awesome place. It’s on the fourth floor of the Fairlane hotel and serves vibes and views. Given that this restaurant is a few floors up in the sky, their outdoor deck has some incredible views and thanks to the nice weather Nashville tends to have year-round, you’ll be able to enjoy the mid-mod interior and exterior all the time.
4. Martin’s BBQ
You’ll find a lot of good BBQ all over Nashville but Martin’s does it right. Martin’s can be found in a few areas of the south. That’s because their bbq has become so well-known that everyone wants it! Their elevated but still down and dirty BBQ has been highlighted in many food magazines so if you want a taste of the goods, be sure to stop by.
Where to Stay in Nashville, Tennessee
1. The Hermitage
Wow. This is southern class right here. The Hermitage has been a staple in Nashville luxury hospitality in Nashville since 1910. Build way before Nashville was any kind of big city, this building sprung to life so the amount of history that has come through Music City is unlike anything else you’ll find. And they’re pet-friendly!
2. Union Station Hotel
Stay at the former train depot and be amazed at the preservation and decoration here. This building was an old train station stop in Nashville. Getting reinvented into a modern hotel experience has made Union Station a go-to for travelers.
3. Gaylord Opry Resort
Walking into the Gaylord Opry Resort is like being transported into a different universe. This is a fun place for everyone. Once you walk inside you’ll see rivers, and gardens, and small cottages and just so much camp and gaud. It’s really fun and feels like you’re walking into a Vegas hotel in a way.
4. Vandyke Bed and Beverage
A fun and upbeat place for energetic travelers. A very modern accommodation with cocktails to match. The hotel only has 8 rooms and they’re all dedicated to a different liquor that is served in the bar. It’s a pretty great place for locals to go too so if you’re up for meeting locals rather than tourists, this is a good option.
Top Gay-Friendly Bars and Clubs in Nashville
1. Church Street Gayborhood
Church Street is where you’ll find all your gay needs whether it be bars, clothing, eats, or drinks. Located less than a mile west of Nashville, this is an easy place to get to or stay if you want to be near downtown but not on Honky Tonk Highway.
2. Suzy Wong’s
An Asian-Fusion restaurant that has drag brunch? We’re in. This is the Nashville staple for Drag Brunch. They’re only open Friday through Sunday. they have a huge selection of drag queens that perform too so you may see a familiar face!
3. Trax
If you’re in Nashville for a good time, not a long time - come here. A fun little dive bar with an awesome patio. You’ll get all your gay bar needs at night when Trax gets dancy. You’ll have a good time with good company.
4. Tribe
This is a fun, upper-scale place to hang out and have fun every night of the week. (Like showtune Sunday!) This place literally has it all. Bingo, karaoke, happy hours and brunch events - you’ll have something to do every day of the week here.
Top Music Venues to Visit in Nashville
1. Robert’s Western World
The home of the best traditional country music. This is continually rated one of the best Honky Tonks in Nashville. You’ll be hoot-tootin’ all over the place and the consistent good country vibes are quintessential Nashville.
2. Nashville Palace
A classic honky tonk with live music and good food and a dance floor. This was once the home of the stars that sang at the Grand Ole Opry and there was an old tv show that used to be filmed here so there is no shortness of history at this Palace.
3. Layla’s Honky Tonk
One of the best venues on honky tonk row (S. Broadway) with amazing performers. Garth Brooks recently made a surprise visit here and that is just one of the few surprises you may catch.
4. Legends Corner
One of, if not the best bars in Nashville with its consistency. It’s called legends for a reason. So many legends have passed through these doors like Toby Keith, Darius Rucker, David Nail, Ricky Skaggs, Justin Moore, Big N’Rich, Eric Church, Josh Thompson, and many more.
Top Things to Do and See in Nashville
1. Broadway Street / Honky Tonk Highway
The center of all music in Nashville! If you’re not sure which Honky Tonk you want to go to, just walk down Broadway and let the sounds of the halls draw you in. Or just bar hop. It’s so easy to find something to do within every block.
2. Grand Ole Opry
The original home of country music. A staple in the realm of country everything. This is the stage that housed a weekly show featuring country music back in the day. To this day, it’s still home to award shows and live performances.
3. Radnor Lake State Park
A great outdoor attraction to run around and play in the sun with awesome scenery. It’s a 1,300-acre park and has an abundance of wildlife to see (like turkeys!). It’s a fun place to place volleyball, roller skate, or tan within walking distance to the urban center.
4. Centennial Park and the Parthenon
An urban park with a replica of the Parthenon! Plus a lot of other great statues and buildings and water features. The Parthenon is an exact-replica scale as well as the 42-foot tall Athena statue that is found inside. The park itself has a mile-long walking/running trail and plenty of space to hang out with friends.