Nashville Travel Resources
TRIP IDEAS
Where the Locals Go
To really get a feel for Nashville's 'local' side, check out some of Nashville's unique neighborhoods. Some are quiet and reserved while others are hip and boisterous, but they are all inviting and full of Music City charm.
Head over to Hillsboro Village and start with breakfast at the famous Pancake Pantry. Conveniently located near Vanderbilt and Belmont Universities, Hillsboro Village is a collection of shops, boutiques and restaurants perfect for a day's stroll. East Nashville is an eclectic and creative neighborhood that has attracted many musicians and visual artists to the area. Spend the afternoon art and antique shopping in Five Points. Next, explore 12South filled with boutique shops and great restaurants. Grab a coffee at the Frothy Monkey, get fitted for a pair of artisan denim jeans at Gwyneth Paltrow's favorite Imogene + Willie and enjoy gourmet popsicles at Las Paletas – all on the same street. Travel over to The Gulch and see how it has perfectly combined its industrial background with a modern contemporary style to create an area of upscale restaurants and vibrant nightlife. Have dinner at one of a number of hip restaurants in the Gulch, and have a night of authentic bluegrass at the famous Station Inn.
Explore the architecture
Start off the day at Centennial Park and learn why the world's only full-sized reproduction of the Greek Parthenon is housed in Nashville, TN. Come and be amazed by the 42-foot woman who lives inside The Parthenon, Athena, the tallest indoor structure in the Western world.
Next go to Fisk University and see the Aaron Douglas Gallery and the Carl Van Vechten Gallery.
The Aaron Douglas Gallery, a free art gallery, has become a venue of changing exhibitions highlighting artworks from the University's permanent collection, as well as temporary exhibitions of artworks loaned by organizations in the art, education, civic and business arenas. Fisk University's president orchestrated the transfer of a gift of 101 modern artworks from renowned painter Georgia O'Keeffe to the Carl Van Vechten Gallery at Fisk University. These paintings, photographs, drawings, and sculptures were from the private collection of her late husband, noted photographer Alfred Stieglitz.
Travel downtown to the Frist Art Museum, a 24,000-square-foot visual art exhibition center and educational facility located downtown in Nashville. The Art Deco building is a former U.S. Post Office building that has an ever-changing schedule of exhibitions from local, regional, national and international sources.
Visit the Nashville Downtown Public Library. On June 9, 2001 the new 300,000-square-foot Main Library building designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects opened to the public. Stern Architects describes the building style as "modern classical"; the exterior of the building is faced with Alabama limestone and features Ionic columns, while the inside of the building has floors made of Georgia marble. The building echoes other historic downtown buildings like the State Capitol.
Next, sit back and enjoy the Grammy®-winning Nashville Symphony at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. The neoclassical revivalist concert hall is Music City's newest musical gem and one of the only major concert halls in North America to use natural light. The design was inspired by some of the world's great concert halls. One of the most innovative features of the Schermerhorn is the convertible seating system designed to give the hall unique versatility.
Fun for the Whole Family
Nashville's warm and friendly atmosphere and countless family-friendly attractions make it the perfect destination for a family getaway. From indoor, rainy-day activities to outdoor water parks, from art to music to theatre, Nashville has plenty to stimulate the mind, exercise the body, and entertain the whole family!
Start off your day by taking the kids to see the Adventure Science Center. This museum is a great place for a family visit to learn and have fun. Complete your astronaut training and tour the solar system in the new Space Chase exhibit wing. Make your way through many interactive exhibits, including BodyQuests, the Adventure Tower, BlueMax and the Sudekum Planetarium. This state-of-the-art planetarium is among the best in the country offering world-class shows on a 63-foot dome.
The Frist Art Museum has an ever-changing schedule of exhibitions from local, regional, national and international sources. The center also features the interactive Martin ArtQuest gallery (which is great for kids) and educational programs.
Discover 150 unique cars and motorcycles at the Lane Motor Museum. Lane Motor Museum features a collection of vehicles typically not seen in the U.S. Vehicles on display include micro cars, amphibious vehicles, competition cars, Czechoslovakian vehicles, alternative fuel vehicles, military vehicles, motorcycles, prototypes and one-of-a-kind vehicles.
Ranked by TIME Magazine as one of the top five children's theaters in the country, the Nashville Children's Theatre is the oldest professional, non-profit theatre dedicated exclusively to kids and families in the country. NCT also offers camps and classes throughout the year for children of different ages.
From alligators and lorikeets to clouded leopards and zebras, the scaly, feathery and furry all call Nashville Zoo home. See animals from across the globe in natural habitats resembling the many environments of the world, like the plains of Africa and the rainforest of South America.
Hit the High Notes
Nashville is called Music City for a reason; there is music around every corner. Start off by taking in the world-famous Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, located downtown. This state-of-the-art facility features more than 350,000 square feet of dynamic state-of-the-art galleries, archival storage, education classrooms, retail stores, and special event space, and much more. Located right outside of the Country Music Hall of Fame is the Music City Walk of Fame. This landmark pays tribute to influential musicians, entertainers and industry executives from all genres who have a connection to Nashville. The honorees are recognized officially with an unveiling ceremony of commemorative sidewalk markers, and include inductees such as Keith Urban, Vince Gill, Jimi Hendrix, Reba McEntire, and many more.
Leaving from the Country Music Hall of Fame every hour, on the half hour, a bus makes its way to Historic RCA Studio B. Located on historic Music Row, RCA's Studio B is Nashville's recording studio and home to hits like Roy Orbison's "Only the Lonely," the Everly Brothers' "Dream," Dolly Parton's "Jolene," and 250 hits by Elvis Presley including "Are You Lonesome Tonight?"
Next, give yourself free time downtown to check out museums dedicated to legendary artists including the Johnny Cash Museum, Patsy Cline Museum, and The George Jones, visit the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, and Nashville's famous honky tonks. If you are looking for an alternative to country music, visit Grimey's New & Preloved Music and Jack White's venue Third Man Records. All records are produced by Jack White in his own Third Man Studio, then printed and pressed right here in Nashville.
End the night by celebrating country music's diversity at a performance of Nashville's famous Grand Ole Opry, the world's longest-running radio show.
Be Wined and Dined
It's not surprising that the creative energy that runs through the city impacts everyone in the community. Nashville chefs are no exception, as they are considered some of the most innovative in their field. Their passion and ingenuity is so evident you can literally taste it.
The historic Hermitage Hotel's Capitol Grille goes beyond sourcing local food by actually growing their own ingredients at the Farm at Glen Leven, just five miles from the restaurant. The menu shifts with the seasons, is based on what is the freshest and best available, and pays homage to historic Southern cuisine.
MStreet Entertainment, which runs some of the hottest restaurants in town including Kayne Prime, Virago, Whiskey Kitchen and Tavern, takes an artful approach to their menus and are hotspots for a fun night out.
While Nashville will always be Music City, it's clear that the creative energy and talent in the city extends far beyond music and into a burgeoning art scene that is worth a visit all on its own.
TRAVEL TIPS
Located within a day's drive of 50 percent of the US population and offering more than 500 daily flights, the ease of getting to Nashville and getting around is matched only by the affordability of staying there.
When it comes to transportation, shuttles/cabs are available to transport from airport to downtown and are about $20 each way, while each neighborhood in Nashville is relatively close to each other. While much of downtown can be walked to, downtown buses are also available, such as:
Music City Circuit: a free service that has three routes; it is the most convenient way to get around downtown Nashville and the Gulch.
- The Green Circuit runs east to west and serves key destinations between the Gulch and Riverfront Station.
- The Blue Circuit runs primarily south to north and serves key destinations between the Schermerhorn Symphony Center and Bicentennial Mall.
- The Purple Circuit runs primarily south of Broadway and serves key destinations between Riverfront Station and the Richard H. Fulton Complex.
One thing to keep in mind is tipping. After taking a cab, or eating at a restaurant, a tip will be expected. 15-20% is the recommended amount.
Nashville prides itself on its Southern hospitality. The atmosphere is very welcoming and friendly, and is said to leave visitors feeling at home. Nashville has a creative, unique, and energetic atmosphere that encourages locals and visitors alike to march to the beat of their own drum. There is not a particular time of year that is best to visit Nashville, as there are events that occur year round. Checking visitmusiccity.com/things-to-do/nashville-events is the best way to know when the right time to come is for you, as it lists nightly concerts, festivals and sporting events.
GROUP INFORMATIONNashville is probably one of the few American cities that's known the world over, thanks in no small part to music, Jack Daniel's and the Grand Ole Opry. And now it's easier than ever for international visitors to experience Music City in person. Nashville International Airport (BNA) - currently undergoing a five-year terminal renovation - boasts daily flights from and to many major international airports. We're located within a day's drive of a number of major U.S. cities, which offers another travel option for international visitors who want to include Nashville in their tour of their favorite American cities.
Need a ride for you and 50 of your closest friends? From luxury sedans to 56-passenger motorcoaches, Music City can get you there.
- Anchor Trailways
- Grand Avenue
- Gray Line of Tennessee
- Premiere Transportation
- Sedan on Demand
- Signature Transportation Services
- Stewart Transportation Solutions
- Wise Coaches
Discover Music City and all it has to offer by bus, bike, trolley or your own two feet! In a city filled with music and rich with history, there is so much to do and never enough time to do it!
- Gray Line Tours
- Green Fleet Bicycle Tours
- Music City Biplane Tours
- Music City Trolley Hop
- NashTrash Tour Presents A Grand Ole Murder
- Nashville Food Tours
- Nashville Ghost & Haunted Tavern Tours
- Nashville Pedal Tavern
- Nashville Scooter Tours
- The Redneck Comedy Tour
- Tommy's Tours
- Walkin' Nashville
In Music City, we understand how important the planning of group trips are and how every detail counts to ensure a successful group venture to Nashville. The Tourism Sales Team is here to help you plan your trip to create the best experience for your group possible. From hotel accommodations to activities and tours to brochures for goodie bags, we can make your planning process stress-free.
Laurel Bennett, CTIS
Vice President of Tourism Sales
615-259-4790
laurel@visitmusiccity.com
LouAnna Henton, CSTP
Senior Tourism Sales Manager
615-259-4758
louanna@visitmusiccity.com
Staci Flores
Tourism Sales Manager
615-259-4751
staci@visitmusiccity.com
Our International Offices
Contact the international offices below for help in planning visits to Nashville and other southern destinations.
United Kingdom
Hills Balfour
Hills Balfour Limited
58 Southwark Bridge Road
London
SE1 0AS
England
hillsbalfour.com
Germany - Austria - Switzerland
Tennessee Tourism
Department of Tourist Development, State of Tennessee
Horstheider Weg 106A
D-33613 Bielefeld
Germany
(011) 49 521-986 0415
www.tennesseetourism.de
www.deep-south-usa.de