Your Ultimate 4-Day Itinerary in Nashville: Explore Music City & Beyond
Welcome to Nashville, the heart and soul of country music. Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or as a stop on a broader U.S. road trip, you’re sure to be captivated by its rich history, delicious cuisine, and high-spirited ambiance. Here’s how you can immerse yourself in this vibrant city in just four days.
Day 1: Setting the Stage in Music City
Start with a Walking Tour
As a rule of thumb, kick-off your exploration of a new place with a walking tour. It’s a fantastic way to familiarize yourself with the layout, get a glimpse of key sights, and soak in the history of your surroundings. Unfortunately, free walking tours in Nashville are rare, but don’t let that deter you. Invest a small amount ($2.99 USD) in a self-guided audio tour from Free Tours By Foot, and discover Nashville at your own pace. The tour features 18 insightful stops and generally takes around two hours. Alternatively, for those not fond of walking, the Hop-On, Hop-Off tour covers all the primary highlights.
Step into the Ryman Auditorium
Next, head over to the Ryman Auditorium, a sacred site for country music aficionados. This legendary venue was home to the Grand Ole Opry until 1974 and has hosted a plethora of iconic performers, from Garth Brooks to Johnny Cash. Opt for the self-guided tour to delve into the history of the auditorium and its star-studded past.
Dive into the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Your next stop is the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the world’s most extensive museum dedicated to country music. Even if country tunes are not your first preference, the museum’s collection of over 2.5 million items including records, instruments, photographs, and celebrity vehicles (like Elvis’s solid gold Cadillac limousine from 1960) is bound to impress. Spend a few hours appreciating the profound impact of this genre on American culture.
Experience Broadway’s Nightlife
As the day fades, it’s time to embrace the high-energy nightlife on Broadway. This bustling street is flanked by multistory, neon-lit honky-tonks playing live country music. Each bar and club showcases a different act, often on various floors simultaneously, leading to an exhilarating atmosphere. Over the weekend, Broadway is flooded with crowds, offering a truly wild and unforgettable experience.
Stay tuned for a glimpse of what to expect on day two of your Nashville adventure!
Day 2: A Deep Dive into the Musical History of Nashville
Discover the National Museum of African American Music
Start your second day in Nashville by visiting the National Museum of African American Music. This impressive establishment presents the complete panorama of Black music in the United States, tracing its roots from Africa through the grim period of slavery, and exploring the evolution of soul, R&B, funk, and hip-hop. The museum is an enlightening experience that guarantees to expand your knowledge.
Explore the Johnny Cash Museum
Next, take a trip to the Johnny Cash Museum, dedicated to one of the most influential musicians of all time. This 18,000-square-foot space is home to the world’s largest collection of Johnny Cash artifacts, including handwritten lyrics, letters, and costumes. The museum offers an interactive experience with numerous multimedia features. Try creating your own mix of his songs, capture a photo with Cash using a green screen, or enjoy clips of his performances in mini-theaters. This museum provides an in-depth look into the life and work of this music legend.
Experience the Grand Ole Opry
The iconic Grand Ole Opry, founded in 1925 and initially housed at the Ryman Auditorium, is your next destination. Its current location, a mesmerizing 4,000-seat venue east of downtown, opened its doors in 1974. The new stage pays homage to the Opry’s history with an inlaid six-foot circle of wood from the original Ryman stage, a cherished spot that links the musicians performing here with those who graced the stage before them. Opt for a behind-the-scenes tour to explore the themed dressing rooms, listen to intriguing stories, and trace the steps musicians take to the stage. Performances are usually held on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
Wander in East Nashville
Conclude your day by exploring East Nashville, the city’s “hippest” neighborhood, popular for its quirky dive bars, bohemian clubs, and remarkable restaurants. This area started attracting artists and musicians in the early 2000s due to its affordability, eventually turning into a vibrant hub. The Five Points district is particularly noteworthy with its striking street art, vintage shops, third-wave coffee shops, and diverse restaurants. East Nashville offers an authentic experience, far from the typical tourist trails.
Coming up next, stay tuned for day three of your unforgettable journey through Nashville.
Day 3: Exploring the Parks and Museums of Nashville
Unwind in Centennial Park
Start your day with some relaxation in the 132-acre Centennial Park. The park offers tree-covered walking paths, a serene pond, and expansive lawns perfect for a picnic. With good weather, the park hosts a plethora of events such as the city’s Shakespeare in the Park series, music festivals, and movie nights.
The park was established as part of the Tennessee Centennial and International Exposition in 1897, celebrating Tennessee’s 100th year of statehood. It features a full-scale replica of the Parthenon, alluding to Nashville’s nickname as “the Athens of the South” due to its numerous colleges and reputation for higher learning. This Parthenon replica now serves as an art museum and visitor center, displaying 63 paintings by 19th and 20th-century American artists.
Experience History at the Tennessee State Museum
Next, head to the Tennessee State Museum to immerse yourself in the state’s rich history. The museum exhibits various periods, including the First Peoples, natural history, the American Revolution, and the Civil War. Check their website for a rotating list of temporary exhibits, as well as the children’s gallery that hosts events. Especially if you’re unfamiliar with the state’s history, this museum provides an engaging overview. It recently underwent renovations to present a more balanced perspective.
Explore Belmont Mansion
Your last stop for the day is the Belmont Mansion, a historical antebellum home built in 1853. The original owners were plantation dwellers from Louisiana who used Belmont, then known as Belle Monte, as a summer retreat. The sprawling estate covered nearly 200 acres, boasting one of the region’s most opulent homes—it was the state’s largest house pre-Civil War. The mansion later transitioned into a women’s school and now serves as an underrated museum that’s worth a visit. After exploring the mansion, enjoy the surrounding area’s vibrant selection of restaurants and bars.
Day 4: A Day Trip to Franklin
Discover the Charm of Franklin
Your final day in Nashville calls for an exciting detour. Just 25 minutes south of Nashville is Franklin, one of my most cherished cities in the country. This city provides the perfect setting for a day trip, or even an overnight stay if time permits. Franklin boasts a robust food and drink scene (where I found my favorite Bourbon, H Clark, now Company Distilling). Its rich history, especially related to the Civil War, and one of the country’s best-preserved historic main streets filled with eateries, bars, and shops, make it a must-visit destination. Don’t miss the picturesque movie theater that’s straight out of the 1950s.
Immerse in the Activities
You’ll never be short of things to do in Franklin. Take walking tours, or if you fancy something spookier, a haunted ghost tour. Visit the Civil War museum, or immerse yourself in nature on the Natchez Trace, a historic forest trail once used by Native Americans. For the wine and spirit enthusiasts, the area is dotted with breweries, wineries, and distilleries.
If you’re without a car, there’s a convenient bus service to Franklin that will drop you right in the heart of downtown. For those looking to explore the numerous distilleries in the area, numerous companies in Nashville offer day tours. Remember to book these in advance, especially if you’re planning to visit on a weekend as they tend to fill up fast.
Conclusion: Beyond the Party in Nashville
In conclusion, Nashville is an ideal destination for a 3-4 day trip. While many flock here to party, Nashville has so much more to offer. Venture beyond the party scene and immerse yourself in the city’s history, music, and culture. Trust me, you’ll end up loving this city even more. Safe travels!
