Weekend Getaway: Nashville
Welcome to the soulful heart of the south - Nashville, Tennessee. Known as the Music City for its deep history in country music, this vibrant metropolis is a harmonious blend of rich cultural heritage and world-renowned music prowess, with a dash of Southern charm. From the iconic honky-tonks lining Broadway to the historic landmarks that echo with the sounds of country legends, Nashville is a melody that captivates every visitor. Get ready to immerse yourself in the infectious energy of the city - where each corner has a tune for every traveler. Check out our perfect three-day Nashville itinerary for your next girls trip, romantic weekend getaway, or family adventure!
Day 1
Begin your first afternoon with Nashville with a visit to one of the most iconic attractions the city has to offer: the Country Music Hall of Fame. The museum consists of the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Hatch Show Print, and the Historic RCA Studio B. General admission for just the museum is $30 per adult and tickets are purchased based on an entry time slot (options range every 15 minutes from 9:00 am - 4:00pm. Tickets can be purchased the day of, but we recommend booking in advance to ensure your desired time slot is available. Tickets can be bundled with other experiences like the Hatch Show Print tour or a tour of RCA Studio B.
Once inside the museum, check out the many exhibitions featuring priceless artifacts such as instruments, stage wear, one-of-a-kind recordings, films, and more from those who have shaped the history of country music. Check out their calendar for information about live performances and songwriter sessions that occur daily.
Make a stop at Third Man Records, a vinyl-focused independent record label founded and owned by Jack White. The Nashville location was opened in 2009 and houses a record store, novelties lounge (featuring the Third Man Record Booth), label offices and distribution center, photo studio, and the world’s only live venue with direct-to-acetate recording capabilities.Embark on a tour with one of the store’s experienced and knowledgeable staffers to learn about the inner workings of the label. Tours start at 2:00 and 3:00 pm on Fridays and cost $20 per person. The venue also routinely hosts special events such as comedy shows and live music with up and coming singer songwriters in the area. Click here for their events calendar and to buy tickets.
After grabbing a bite to eat at one of Nashville’s eclectic downtown restaurants, head over to the historic Ryman Auditorium, one of the most famous live music venues in the world and former home of the Grand Ole Opry. Speaking of the Opry, you could also opt to tour and see a show at the current location at The Opry House. The Grand Ole Opry is a historic country music venue and radio show that has played a significant role in country music since its founding in 1925. Click here to see a link to shows and events calendar.
After a fun-filled day of country music history, head back to your hotel and get ready for another day in Nashville.
Day 2
Begin your morning by getting outdoors and hiking around the serene Radnor Lake, located 20 minutes outside of Nashville. Begin your journey at the Radnor Lake Visitor Center, where you can gather information about the different trailheads, wildlife sightings, and park regulations. The main trails within the park are the Lake Trail and Otter Creek Road Trail. Gain a different perspective of the lake as you embark into nature and appreciate this quieter, natural part of Nashville.
Spend your afternoon wandering around the historic Belle Meade Plantation, a step back in time to experience the grandeur of a historic Southern estate. Begin with a guided tour of the stately Greek Revival mansion. Learn about the history of Belle Meade, the Harding family who owned it, and the antebellum era architecture. Take a walk around the beautifully landscaped gardens and grounds surrounding the mansion. Enjoy the serene atmosphere, well-maintained lawns, and the historic outbuildings of the property. You can purchase a ticket for the tour of the mansion and admission to the grounds for $28. Complete your visit with a stop at the Belle Meade Winery, where you can tour the vineyard, learn about the winemaking process, and indulge in a wine tasting to sample some of their selections. Additionally, you can book options like the Wine & Food Pairing or the Belle Meade Bourbon Experience for an elevated and more indulgent experience.
This evening is time to explore the most iconic street in Nashville: Broadway. Often referred to as Honky Tonk Highway, the streets are lined with iconic bars like Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, Robert’s Western World, and The Stage. Each bar showcases live country music performances, making it a must-visit for music enthusiasts. Visit one of the themed bars owned by iconic country music stars like Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, and more. Any of the bars on Broadway guarantee some of Nashville’s top rising talent, so you can’t really go wrong with any that you decide to wander into.
Nights spent on Broadway last long into the night, so be prepared to get back late. Looking for something a little more laid back than the busyness of Broadway? Venture towards Music Row, where you will find a variety of bars and restaurants. One of our favorites is Losers Midtown, featuring three different stages to listen to live music. Another plus: drinks are cheaper than on Broadway!
Day 3
Begin your last day in the city by visiting the National Museum of African American Music, located on the south side of Nashville. The museum offers an immersive experience, with interactive displays, artifacts, and multimedia presentations delving into the history of African American influence on various genres, including blues, gospel, jazz, R&B, and hip hop.
Tickets to the museum cost $27 and it is open 12pm-5pm Sunday-Monday, and 10am-5pm Tuesday-Saturday. It is recommended to purchase your tickets in advance for a selected timed entry. Allow yourself at least 90 minutes to make your way through all of the exhibits. An interactive RFID bracelet that can be scanned at each of exhibits for an informative virtual tour can be purchased for an additional $5.
End your trip to Nashville by exploring the suburb of Franklin to explore their historic downtown district, just 20 miles south of the city. Start with a stop for lunch at Franklin Mercantile Deli to try out their cafe menu with a wide selection of soups, salads, and sandwiches. You can also try a glass of their famous fruit tea. For dessert, head next door to Whitney’s Cookies, where you can get chocolate chip and other specialty cookies from Whitney Miller, winner of the first season of Master Chef.
Browse the dozens of shops that line Main Street to find boutique clothing, home goods, and more. The Factory at Franklin is the perfect place to search for a souvenir to commemorate your trip and round out the weekend. Once you’ve had your fill of shopping and enjoying the quaint town, make your way back to Nashville to catch your flight or start the journey home after your special weekend in Music City.
Where to Stay
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Located 1.5 miles from downtown in a 115-year-old historic church, The Russell consists of 23 unique rooms featuring original stained glass windows, old brick walls, and pews as bed headboard that add to the guest’s experience of the hotel. The Russell also gives away a generous percentage of each night’s stay to local nonprofits who are helping those experiencing homeless within the city.
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For a mid-range option in Nashville, check out the Graduate Hotel in the West End neighborhood near Vanderbilt University. Known for its distinctive and retro-inspired decor, the hotel incorporates elements that reflect the local culture and university spirit. The rooms feature unique touches, and the overall ambiance is eclectic and vibrant. Common areas include cozy lounges, themed decorations, and artwork that pays homage to the city’s history and character. Enjoy weekend brunch at the White Limozeen, the property’s rooftop bar and restaurant, or check out their karaoke bar, the Cross-Eyed Critters Watering Hole, complete with an animatronic backup band. The lobby cafe, Poindexter Coffee, serves up breakfast, seasonal pastries, and specialty coffees and teas daily. Guests can also book the White Limousine Experience, a ride in a restored 1990 stretch white Cadillac limousine and experience Music City the way it was meant to be enjoyed.
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If you are looking to splurge on a more luxury accommodation in Nashville, look no further than the Hermitage Hotel. Operating in Nashville for more than 110 years, this historic hotel has been recognized for its commitment to service and hospitality. It offers upscale accommodations, fine dining options, and amenities that cater to a refined clientele. The property hosts two restaurants/bars curated by renowned chef Jean-Georges, Drusie & Darr and The Pink Hermit. Every Friday-Sunday at 2:00pm, the hotel hosts a delightfully southern afternoon tea service called “Spillin’ Tea with Draper James”, inspired by Reese Witherspoon’s cookbook, Whiskey in a Teacup. This is a can’t miss opportunity for delicious food and drinks, and views of the iconic Grand Lobby and Veranda of The Hermitage. Additionally, if you are staying for three or more nights, the hotel runs a promotion where you can receive your third night for free. Click here to book your room now!
Where to Eat
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The Greenhouse Bar is a trendy and unique experience known for its vibrant atmosphere and quaint location in the historic Green Hills neighborhood. The bar features an eclectic and stylish decor, adorned with plants to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Greenhouse Bar is known for its earthy craft cocktails like the Mayan Jungle, a rose and jasmine gin and tonic, and lavender lemonade. Not interested in a cocktail? The menu highlights rotating craft beers from several local breweries. The bar also serves food from The Food Company, with a menu featuring specialty soups, salads, and sandwiches for a light lunch or dinner.
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Chopper will be one of the more unique and quirky cocktail bar experiences you find in Nashville. You will be transported to the world of Island X, where you will find the robot-fueled tiki bar themed after a research vessel. The menu rotates seasonally, but you will always find unique and interesting libations created with only fresh ingredients. It was voted Nashville’s best cocktail bar of 2022 and was featured on the popular food show, Somebody Feed Phil. If you are hungry, check out their food truck, Maiz de la Vida, serving birria tacos and other Mexican fare.
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You can’t spend a weekend in Nashville without enjoying some Nashville Hot Fried Chicken. Hattie B’s is one of the most popular spots for its spicy fried chicken, served with pickles and bread. The spice level can vary, offering different heat options for those who enjoy a bit of kick in their chicken. Try one of their classic Southern sides like bacon cheddar grits, southern greens, or pimento mac and cheese. Open til midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, Hattie B’s is the perfect stop for a late night bite on your Nashville weekend getaway.
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Discover the vibrant Five Points neighborhood of East Nashville as you check out this popular New York-style pizza joint. The menu features a variety of pizza options with high quality ingredients, including creative toppings and specialty combinations. Try their unique Habanero Cream Sauce Pie or the T-Rex Pie, which features pepperoni, sausage, meatballs, and spicy capicola. You can also check out their website for the rotating ‘slice of the day’, with both veggie and meat options available on special. Five Points Pizza has since opened a location on the west side of the city, bringing their recipes to the rest of Nashville.
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Another classic Nashville dig is the Loveless Cafe. Known for its famous biscuits, country ham, and homemade preserves, expect a hearty meal while you enjoy the Southern hospitality and nostalgic atmosphere. The cafe began as a roadside stop in the 1950s and remains a popular destination for those seeking traditional Southern cuisine in Nashville. Everyone from Elvis to today’s top country music stars has made their way to this iconic Music City stop. Consider making a reservation as the cafe is known to fill up quickly.
Dollywood
Price: 1-day $92, 2-day $119, 3-day $129
Hours: 10am-8pm (closed seasonally early January through March 8th)
Embarking on a one-day adventure to Dollywood promises an unforgettable experience steeped in Southern charm and thrilling attractions. Nestled in the picturesque Smoky Mountains roughly 3 ½ hours from downtown Nashville, this iconic theme park blends traditional Appalachian culture with modern entertainment. Explore the enchanting craftsman-style shop on Craftsman’s Walley, savor a mouthwatering Southern meal at Aunt Granny’s restaurant, and immerse yourself in the park’s thrilling rides and shows. Whether you’re racing through the twists and turns of the Lightning Rod roller coaster or enjoying a performance at the Showstreet Palace Theater, Dollywood’s vibrant atmosphere and hospitality create a day of joy and discovery for every visitor. Looking to spend more time in the Smokies? Plan your stay at Dollywood’s new Heartsong Lodge & Resort, offering traditional rooms and cabins nearby the park.
Bluebird Cafe
Price: show tickets $25
Hours: doors open @ 5:00pm for early show, 8:30pm for late show
The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville is an iconic and intimate live music venue that has played a pivotal role in the city’s songwriting scene. Nestled in a nondescript strip mall, the Bluebird has gained legendary status , where artists share their stories and songs in an acoustic setting. Many country music stars, including Garth Brooks and Taylor Swift, have graced the stage in their early careers. A visit to this Nashville gem offers a unique and authentic music experience, making it a must-see for music lovers and those seeking the soulful heartbeat of the city’s creative spirit. The cafe routinely hosts open mic nights and writers nights which are open to the public. You never know who might stop by, and who is about to hit it big in their careers.
We hope this Nashville Weekend Getaway itinerary inspires you to book your next trip ASAP. Spending a weekend soaking in the rhythms of Music City is a symphony of experiences that will leave you yearning for an encore.
Looking for even more Nashville fun! Check out these top-rated experiences to make your trip complete!