Nashville is becoming an extremely popular weekend destination in the United States. It is “Music City.” You can find great music, great drinks, and amazing entertainment.
I have been to the city twice and both times were in July. While that isn’t the most ideal time, unless you love HOT temps, I’ve still had an absolute blast. There is so much to check out that you could definitely spend more than just a few days there.
I wanted to highlight a few of the places that I have really enjoyed during my stays there. I’ve also included a nice little summary below with a full weekend itinerary.
How to Spend a Weekend in Nashville
Favorite Bars and Restaurants for a Weekend in Nashville:
Honky Tonk Central – You will definitely find yourself on Broadway unless you are trying to avoid the fun. This bar is three levels and it’s right in the middle of the strip. I haven’t had to wait in line for drinks, the music has been great and the people-watching is epic. It’s not the best of anything, but it gives you a little bit of everything.
Acme Feed & Seed – I tried my very first Catfish here. It was pretty good, but the Hushpuppies and awesome band stole the show for me. I read some complaints about having to order your food up front instead of at your table, but the wait is pretty quick and the atmosphere is amazing.
Urban Grub – This place is a few miles outside of downtown. We had dinner reservations here with our group and it was the PERFECT spot. The food was incredible. We tried so many different apps, entrees, and desserts (plus a few bottles of wine.) Plus, there is a fresh fruit stand across the street where you can stock up for the next morning’s breakfast.
Robert’s Western World – The first time I visited Nashville, I thought this was a clothing store and walked right by it. BIG MISTAKE. It is a great bar. It’s next door to the famous Tootsies. The drinks are cheap, the floors are dirty and they sell awesome cowboy boot coozies.
Santa’s Pub – I hesitate even sharing this gem because I want it to forever be a double-wide trailer with $2 beers and no karaoke line, but I know it’s already gaining popularity. If you get there early, you will have the place to yourself with a few other regulars. A man looking just like Santa will check your ID and welcome you into his little paradise. We enjoyed so many songs, a few $2 PBR, and lots of laughter.
Biscuit Love – You WILL wait in line. If you’re like me, you will just move on to the next place because you hate lines, but this line is worth it. We waited in the 100-degree heat for 20 minutes and didn’t regret it for a second. They mix biscuits and donuts… AMAZING. They have so many savory breakfast options as well. I will return here every time I’m in Nashville. Plus, they have a lit-up Nashville sign that stars in so many Instagram feeds.
Paradise Park Trailer Resort – This bar is on Broadway and it is unique. When you walk in, you still feel like you’re outside with an old broken-down car in the entryway and turf on the ground. It’s meant to look like a trailer park where you can grab drinks, do some people-watching, and enjoy live music.
6th and Peabody
This building in SoBro combines Yee-Haw Brewing and Ole Smoky Distillery in one space. Enjoy the large backyard area with chairs and giant screens for sports game and other events. There are food options, so you can just relax and spend your entire afternoon hanging out a little off the Main Drag of Broadway. Add a visit to Pinewood Social to your list as well since it’s just a few blocks away.
Favorite Neighborhoods and Places to Explore in Nashville
East Nashville – This is a great neighborhood to find an Airbnb in. There are lots of restaurants, bars, and shopping in this area and you won’t have to spend the downtown dollars. The taxis & Ubers are affordable and easy to get so you can still party on Broadway.
The Gulch – If you are heading to Biscuit Love, make sure to spend some time exploring the neighborhood around there. You’ll find a collection of murals and art installations, plus some great shopping and places to hang out for a while. Pick up a new pair of cowboy boots or a new hat at one of the high-end retail spots.
Painter’s Alley – This was the nightclub district of Nashville in the 1940s. This small gritty street is where you’ll find some of the best bars and clubs in the city. It’s a great spot for a bar crawl, especially if you want to escape the bachelorette party madness of Broadway.
All the Music Spots – Nashville gets its name, Music City because it’s home to over 70 recording studios and is the headquarters of Country Music. Visit the Ryman Auditorium for a concert, explore the exhibits at the Country Music Hall of Fame, and see some songwriters perform at Bluebird Cafe. You’ll have more than a week’s worth of spots to explore, so pick a few that sound interesting and learn a little more about the roots of American music.
Centennial Park – Have you dreamed of visiting Athens but you don’t want to sit on a plane for hours? Head to this park and see a replica of the Parthenon right here in Nashville. In addition to this art museum, the park has a ton of green space to enjoy.
Franklin, TN – This town is about 45 minutes from Nashville and continuously makes the list of most beautiful small towns and best historic Main Streets of America. Learn about the important Civil War battles fought here and see buildings that have survived generations. It’s a great day trip if you want to see more of Tennessee.
Those are my favorites. Let me know what I’m missing and I’ll add it to my list next time we head through town.
Sample Weekend in Nashville Itinerary:
Check out our other weekend adventures like the Twin Cities and Shenandoah National Park.
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