Known as “Music City,” Nashville is renowned far and wide for its rhythmic roots and distinctive Southern charm. This city is a haven for music lovers and a place of culinary innovation, full of quirky charm.
Visitors and those lucky enough to find a home in Nashville can easily experience the many things that showcase Nashville’s unique character. From legendary music venues to iconic local eats, Nashville is known for a whole heck of a lot.
So, put on some blue jeans and grab you’re six-string, we’re exploring ten of Nashville’s top attractions so you can experience the best the city has to offer.
1. Live Music
Nashville pulses with live music, evident in its bars, streets, and even the airport. You can hear aspiring songwriters at the Bluebird Cafe and world-renowned acts at the Grand Ole Opry. This all-encompassing musical vibe creates a soundtrack that follows you from morning to night, making every visit to Nashville an experience all its own.
2. Hot Chicken
A fiery staple of Nashville’s food scene, hot chicken is a must-try. This local favorite is served up daily at community staples like Bolton’s Spicy Chicken and Fish and Slow Burn Hot Chicken. It’s a dish that has been packing a punch in Nashville for the past few decades.
3. Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is a bucket list place for fans of the genre. Housing a ton of memorabilia, from rhinestone costumes to rare recordings, the museum offers an in-depth look at the legends who shaped country music.
4. Nashville Parthenon
A full-scale replica of the original Parthenon in Athens, the Nashville Parthenon is a testament to the city’s nickname, the “Athens of the South.” This architectural marvel, located in Centennial Park, houses a massive statue of Athena and serves as an art museum.
5. Grand Ole Opry
The Grand Ole Opry is synonymous with Nashville, showcasing the best in country music since 1925. Known as the show that made country music famous, it continues to host weekly country music performances, making it a pivotal stage for new artists and established stars.
6. Goo Goo Clusters
Nashville is not just about music; it’s also home to the Goo Goo Cluster, America’s first combination candy bar. Created in 1912, this confection is a delicious mix of caramel, marshmallow nougat, and roasted peanuts, all coated in milk chocolate.
7. Belle Meade Plantation
The Belle Meade Plantation recounts Nashville’s history through its Greek Revival architecture. It tells the story of its growth from a modest log cabin to a renowned thoroughbred stud farm. Tours of the mansion and grounds offer a glimpse into the antebellum South and the origins of Nashville’s aristocratic roots.
8. The Bluebird Cafe
The Bluebird Cafe is an iconic venue where amateur songwriters and established musicians perform in an intimate setting. Known for being a hotspot where new talent is discovered, this small venue carries weight h in the music industry.
9. Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art
Cheekwood offers a serene escape with its splendid botanical gardens and an art museum housed in a historical Georgian-style mansion. It features seasonal festivals, breathtaking art exhibitions, and sprawling landscapes, providing a picturesque retreat.
10. Ryman Auditorium
Originally a church, the Ryman Auditorium is a venue where visitors can truly appreciate the rich history of Nashville’s music scene. Known as the “Mother Church of Country Music,” it has hosted a lot of artists and embodies the spirit and evolution of Nashville as a center for musical innovation in the U.S.