nashville tourist info center

Nashville Visitors Guide

Get the Nashville Visitors Guide for all your trip-planning needs. 

The Nashville Visitors Guide is the official city guide to assist with planning a trip to Music City. It’s designed to help you explore key events during each season of the year, provide insider tips on what to see & do, and provide the best lists and resources available to help plan your best experience yet in this must-see city!

• View the Online Guide

REQUEST A GUIDE TO BE MAILED TO YOU. We are currently unable to ship internationally. We hope all our international friends will enjoy the digital guide (above) and this website to explore more of Music City from afar.

Need Visitors Guides in bulk? Order here .

• Save BIG on Nashville attractions and tours with the Music City Total Access Pass.
• Do more for less with these special offers, discount tickets, package deals, and giveaways.

Get weekly news and exclusive discounts right in your inbox.

• Stay Inspired

Get exclusive stories delivered right to your inbox.

Please use a valid email address.

Check your email — trip inspiration will be hitting your inbox soon.

Travel is good for the soul.

We'll email you inspiration.

• Chattanooga
• Pigeon Forge
• Sevierville
• Explore all cities & regions
• Eat & Drink
• Outdoor Adventure
• Scenic Trips
• Explore all Experiences

Things to Do

Places to stay.

• Event Calendar
• Trails & Byways
• Trip Inspiration
• Tennessee Music Pathways
• Kid Reviewed
• TN Playcation
• Explore all ways to plan

Explore Nashville, TN

Downtown nashville visitor center.

501 Broadway Nashville , TN 37203 United States

Click to Interact

Nearby Attractions

Still exploring? Try these popular ideas in and around Nashville.

Eat & Drink

Puckett's 5th & Church

A Southern community kitchen with live pickin’ performances, authentic comfort food, barbecue smoked slow ‘n’ low over cherry wood, home-cooked sides, and even a few upscale dishes.

AJ's Good Time Bar

AJ's GOOD TIME BAR Live Country Music-No Cover-Historic Downtown Views

B.B. King's Blues Club - Nashville

Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center

Come experience the energy and excitement of Music City at Gaylord Opryland Resort.

Springhill Suites Nashville Downtown

A chic retreat just steps from Music City Center, the Country Music Hall of Fame, Ryman Auditorium, Bridgestone Arena, Nissan Stadium and Lower Broadway.

Residence Inn Nashville Downtown

Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort

Located 10 miles from downtown on Percy Priest Lake, enjoy a water park, ropes courses and zip lines, RV campground, lakeview cabins, marina, and boat rentals.

Nashville Armory

The Southeast's Premier Indoor Firearms Complex!

Mewsic Kitty Cafe

We're Tennessee's first cat cafe! Cuddle with adoptable rescue cats in our honky-tonk themed cafe!

Sign up to receive trip ideas and inspiration from Tennessee Tourism.

No thanks, I’m not into adventure Read our Privacy Policy

SoundWaves at Gaylord Opryland

This Is Not A Waterpark. This Is Your New Happy Place.

World-Famous Grand Ole Opry 

Experience where country music stars and fans align. 

Outland Expeditions

Raft the world famous Ocoee River! Give us a call at 800.827.1442.

Adventure Awaits

Get your free 2024 Tennessee vacation guide

Discover the best of Tennessee as told by the people who make it so special.

Get Tennessee Inspiration Sent Straight to your inbox

Build your family’s

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Nashville International Airport Guide

Neighborhoods to Know

Public Transportation Guide

Driving in Nashville

Day Trips From Nashville

Jack Daniel's Distillery Tour

Top Things to Do

Free Things to Do

Things to Do With Kids

Best Museums in Nashville

Top Country Music Attractions

Nashville's Best Parks

Outdoor Escapes Near Nashville

Live Music Venues

Guide to the Grand Ole Opry

Nashville's Top Annual Events

Food to Try in Nashville

Nashville's Best Restaurants

Best Bars in Nashville

Top Nashville Breweries

Your Trip to Nashville: The Complete Guide

TripSavvy / Ivey Redding

There once was a time when travelers planned a visit to Nashville simply to attend a music festival or spend hours in the city's legendary honky tonks listening to the latest up and coming country band. While those activities remain deeply rooted in the local culture, Nashville now has much more to offer travelers as well.

Over the past decade or so, it has become a culinary hub , offering some of the best food found anywhere in the southern U.S. The city also features an array of outdoor green spaces to explore, a thriving art scene, and some of the best local breweries to sample too. Oh yeah, and the music still remains pretty great, offering a mix of genres and big name stars, along with the hottest new talent looking to make it big.

This guide will give you a good overview of what to expect when visiting the Music City, providing you with valuable information that will help you make the most of your stay.

Planning Your Trip

Best Time to Visit : The good news is that the honky tonks are open all year round and live music can be found pretty much every day of the week in Nashville. That said, the city is well known for its hot and humid summers, which can be challenging for visitors to endure. That also happens to be the busiest tourist season too, with larger crowds filling up hotel rooms, restaurants, bars, and other attractions. The shoulder seasons of mid-March through May and late-September through November provide better temperatures and fewer people to contend with. Winters are relatively free of snow and ice, although it can still get quite cold. Just pack a warm jacket and you'll be fine.

Getting Around: Nashville's public transportation system mainly consists of semi-reliable bus service. The purple WeGo buses can be found throughout the city and can get you to where you want to go provided you're not in a hurry. The Music City Transit Tracker app can help make it easier to catch the bus, but honestly using the transit directions option in your favorite maps app (Apple Maps or Google Maps) is just as good, if not better. Nashville is a driving city however, so most visitors bring a vehicle, rent a car, or use ride sharing apps. Electric scooters are common throughout the busier parts of the city as well and are a popular option for getting around.

Check out our guide to Nashville's public transportation for more info on the MTA bus system.

Travel Tip: Nashville welcomes around 16 million visitors annually   and a lot of them are long-weekend visitors, meaning travelers tend to show up on Thursday and head home on Sunday. That means the city can be surprisingly quiet from Sunday evening through Wednesday. If you can plan a visit at that time of the week, you'll find crowds are less of a hassle. Or, if you can extend your stay to incorporate one or two of those days, you'll have an easier time booking a reservation at that hot restaurant or getting into a music show.

Things to Do

For many visitors to Nashville it is all about live music. If that's your goal, chances are you won't be disappointed as there are always bands playing somewhere. But the city also has plenty of great food to sample as well and a number of top-notch breweries too. You'll also find historical places to explore, unique shopping, surprisingly great parks, and an array of professional sports teams as well. Whether you're coming for just a day or two, or have an extended stay planned, chances are you'll find plenty of things to keep you busy in the Music City.

Music: If you have trouble finding live music in Nashville, you're simply not looking all that hard. You're likely to find artists and bands playing at the airport upon your arrival, but for a more suitable venue head down to Lower Broadway to check out the honky-tonk scene. Many of the bars in Nashville have bands playing every night, but for a real treat check the schedule at the Ryman , which just might be one of the best live music venues on the planet.

Museums: Nashville has a wide variety of museums to explore, which are great on a hot, muggy day. The Country Music Hall of Fame is a must-see for fans of the genre and the Tennessee State Museum is a walk through the local history and it's absolutely free to visit. Kids of all ages will love the Adventure Science Center , where you can actually have fun and learn something new at the same time.

History: For a slice of Civil War history, head over to Fort Negley to learn about the largest fortification built for Union troops after the city fell in 1862.   Nashville's Hermitage allows people to learn about the life of President Andrew Jackson and of the people enslaved there through tours of the estate. Nashville's Hermitage was For a different kind of history, head over to Music Row to see the iconic Nashville recording studios, some of which have been named to the National Register of Historic Places .

Parks: The Nashville greenway crisscrosses the city in a variety of places, offering visitors a place to take a quiet stroll and just stretch their legs a bit. But several other parks have a lot to offer as well, including Centennial — which has a full-size replica of the Greek Parthenon – and Radnor Lake , which features six miles of walking trail and the chance to spot an array of wildlife.

Sports: The Music City is home to both the Tennessee Titans of the NFL and the Nashville Predators of the NHL. It also has a AAA baseball team called the Nashville Sounds and a pro soccer team called the Nashville SC (soccer club). In short, that means sports fans will find a lot to love no matter what time of year they visit.

What to Eat and Drink

Nashville is one of those great destinations where the food can range from simple, down-home fare up to gourmet options that are so good you'll think you've died and gone to heaven. The city's signature dish is without a doubt Nashville Hot Chicken, which brings enough spice to test the taste buds of the most adventurous eaters. Give it a try at Hattie B's or Princes Hot Chicken to see what the fuss is all about. For something a bit more elevated and upscale, try the homemade pastas at Rolf & Daughters or sample just about anything on the menu at City House and Adele's .

As with most cities across the U.S., Nashville is home to some outstanding breweries as well. Yazoo is probably the most well known of the local brands, but places like Jackalope and Black Abbey make many fine options as well. If bourbon is more your style, head over to the Oak Bar to sample their stock. The famous and historical bar has been open for more than a century and has 130 bourbons to choose from. For great wine and great atmosphere, pack a picnic lunch and head out to Arrington Vineyards , where the setting is just as enchanting as what's in the bottle.

Where to Stay

There are a number of great hotels to choose from in Nashville, with many of them being centrally located in the downtown area. This makes them a convenient option for those visiting Lower Broadway, or partaking in the city's vibrant nightlife. You'll find some well-known chain hotels located on the periphery of the region, but places like the Hermitage Hotel and Noelle are found right in the middle of the action. If you want to stay a bit further out, the Opryland Hotel is a popular choice, with restaurants, shops, lush gardens, and even a waterpark found on premises.

Getting There

The best way to get to the Music City is by flying directly into the Nashville International Airport . The airport services around 18 million passengers annually.   Centrally located in town, travelers can rent a car, catch a bus, take a taxi, or use a ride-sharing service. It is roughly a 20-minute drive to downtown in a car. Alternatively, many people drive into Nashville too, with interstates 24, 40, and 65 providing good access from several directions.

Culture and Customs

In case you haven't figured it out just yet, music is the soul of Nashville. But don't be fooled, this isn't just a place for country fans. On any given night, visitors can find blues, jazz, rock, bluegrass, and a number of other genres being played too. Don't expect to find any locals wearing cowboy hats or boots, this is a rapidly growing, forward-thinking, and enlightened city where diversity, culture, and creativity are embraced.

That said, the city is still Southern to the core, which means the local hospitality is warm and welcoming. While Nashville has grown dramatically in recent years, it has also stayed in touch with its roots. Technology has become just as pervasive as barbecue and fried chicken, making this large city feel like a small hometown at the same time.

Money-Saving Tips

• Most live music is free. Sure, some bars will charge a cover, but it is easy to find places that to don't charge an admission fee to listen to the band.
• The area parks are free to use as well and often host events like farmer's markets, art festivals, sports activities, and even live music.
• Several of the city's museums, including the Tennessee State Museum and the Tennessee Agricultural Museum have no entry fees.
• Take a self-guided walking tour of downtown. There is a lot to see and do in the downtown area of Nashville and it is easily accessible on foot. You'll find shops, restaurants, parks, and other attractions that you can explore completely on your own.
• Discover more free things to do here .

Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. "Statistics & Facts."

Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, Tennessee. "Fort Negley's History."

The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority. "BNA to Close One Runway for Full Reconstruction." April 3, 2020.

Downtown Nashville's Hotels

A Guide to Nashville’s Neighborhoods

The 9 Best Hiking Trails in Nashville

48 Hours in Nashville: The Ultimate Itinerary

Henry Horton State Park: The Complete Guide

Nightlife in Nashville: Best Bars, Honky-Tonks, & More

The 15 Best Things to Do in Nashville

The 15 Best Free Things To Do in Nashville

Your Trip to Memphis: The Complete Guide

10 Can't-Miss Annual Events in Nashville

6 Destinations to Beat the Post-Breakup Blues

The 15 Best Bars in Nashville

September in Nashville: Weather, What to Pack and What to See

Where to Go on a Family Vacation in 2019

10 Best Things to Do in the Southeast This Fall

Your Trip to Minneapolis: The Complete Guide

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes
• Destinations

30 Best Things to Do in Nashville, From Civil Rights Exhibits to Live Music

Locals weigh in on how to explore this energetic capital city.

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

If Nashville holds a spot on your must-visit list, you’re not alone — in 2022, more than 14 million people made their way to Music City to take in the sights, sounds, and tastes of the cultural hub (and yes, that number includes bachelorette parties ). While Nashville’s reputation as a country music destination precedes itself, there’s more to Tennessee’s capital than the honky tonks on Broadway, the Grand Ole Opry, and The Bluebird Cafe (although travelers should make a point to visit all three). It’s home to top-tier museums, sprawling green spaces, historical markers, and no shortage of places to eat or grab a drink. “The quality of the food and restaurant scene has really exploded over the past 10 years,” says Meredith DiMenna, director of programming for Hutton Hotel and its live music venue, Analog . No matter where you choose to dine in Nashville, your itinerary must include two things: hot chicken and a meal at a meat-and-three (more on that later). “ Prince’s is my go-to for hot chicken, while Puckett’s always impresses with their meat-and-three,” says chef Maneet Chauhan, who owns three restaurants in Nashville: Chauhan Ale & Masala House , Tansuo , and The Mockingbird .  

Famous music sights and non-negotiable Southern dishes will quickly fill up your days and nights over a long weekend getaway, but there’s so much more to discover within the metro area. To help narrow down the list of the best things to do in Nashville, we tapped a few residents, DiMenna and Chauhan included, to share what’s on their “must-do” agenda for anyone spending time in Tennessee’s largest city.  Related : 5 Best Hotels in Nashville

Listen to live music at Robert’s Western World.

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

If you can only fit in one stop along Nashville’s famed Honky Tonk Highway, make sure it’s Robert’s Western World . “You can’t beat the traditional country music every night there,” says Stephen Rose, founder of The Peach Truck . If you’re feeling a bit peckish, order a fried bologna sandwich to go with your cold beer.

Have a meal at a meat-and-three.

This Southern food concept is straightforward: Pick your meat and your three sides. “[Meat-and-threes] used to be pretty much the only food in Nashville, before it became the food Mecca it is today. There are so many good places that offer this, [but] I’m partial to Martin’s BBQ ,” says DiMenna.

Snap a photo in front of a mural.

Jason Kempin/Getty Images

You’ve probably seen one of Nashville’s many murals on Instagram, but nothing compares to seeing them in real life. Get a picture with artist Kim Radford’s Dolly Parton in East Nashville, or line up in front of the black-and-white “Nashville Looks Good on You” mural in 12South. No matter which neighborhoods you visit, you’ll probably run into one of the city’s many large-scale creations.

Get tickets for a show at The Bluebird Cafe.

Robert Alexander/Getty Images

You never know who will stop by The Bluebird Cafe to play a few songs — Maren Morris, LeAnn Rimes, and Taylor Swift among them. The listening room only has 90 seats, so it’s an intimate and special experience for both the performers and the audience. “It’s such a great spot for a date night, girls’ night, etc., and you could be watching the next biggest country music superstar,” says chef Chauhan.

Tour the Civil Rights Room at the Nashville Public Library.

Paul Natkin/Getty Images

The Civil Rights Movement in Nashville, which took place during the 1950s and 60s, is well documented inside the Nashville Public Library. Powerful photographs showcase the work and events that eventually led to desegregation, and there’s also a symbolic lunch counter, where you can read the Ten Rules of Conduct carried by the protesters during the sit-ins.

Walk around one of Nashville’s many public parks.

Ivey Redding/Travel + Leisure

In between meals, you may want to get your steps in, and there are myriad ways to do so. “When visiting, you must walk across the [John Seigenthaler] Pedestrian Bridge, and check out Nashville’s selection of public parks,” says DiMenna. Centennial Park and Bicentennial Park are two of the more well-known spots, but there’s also Shelby Park, Percy Warner Park, and Cumberland Park. “It’s easy to forget that there is a lot of nature in Nashville, and if the weather is right — don’t try this when it’s super hot — you can get the feeling of being on a true nature walk while you’re still within city limits,” she adds.

Snack on a donut from Five Daughters Bakery.

Courtesy of Five Daughters Bakery

If you have a sweet tooth, schedule a trip to Five Daughters Bakery . There are several locations around Nashville, but the 12South store might be the most picturesque. Once you’ve acquired a donut or two, you can take an Instagram-worthy photo in front of the iconic “I Heart Donuts” mural.

Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

To truly understand Nashville and its role in music over the years, you must visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and its extensive collections. “In a stroll through the galleries, [you will] experience everything from Thomas Heart Benton’s The Sources of Country Music painting and Elvis Presley’s 1960 Gold Cadillac to the American Currents: The State of the Music exhibit, which takes a broad look at the genre’s contributions to art and life across the last year,” explains Lisa Purcell, executive vice president of external affairs for the museum.

Get a taste of hot chicken.

rez-art/Getty Images

Have a cold glass of sweet tea on standby when dining on hot chicken, especially if you’re sensitive to a bit of heat. “Hot chicken is obviously a must in Nashville, and my go-to is Bolton’s in East Nashville. You can’t ever have a bad experience there,” says Rose.

Shop around 12South.

Courtesy of Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.

One of the more walkable areas in Nashville, the 12South neighborhood is filled with coffee shops, bakeries, and boutique stores. Imogene + Willie is known for denim pieces, and White’s Mercantile, owned by Holly Williams, is billed as a “general store for the modern tastemaker.”

Pick up local produce at a Nashville farmers’ market.

Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

If you want to experience Nashville as the locals do, head to one of its many farmers’ markets. “I recommend 12 South Farmers Market in beautiful Sevier Park on Tuesday nights and Richland Park Farmers’ Market on Saturday mornings,” says chef Tony Mantuano, who, along with his wife Cathy, guides the food and beverage program at The Joseph, a Luxury Collection Hotel.

See a show at the Grand Ole Opry.

Self-described as the “home of country music,” the weekly live country music radio broadcast has been around since 1925. From 1974 on, it’s been housed in the Opry House, where acts ranging from up-and-comers to big names play multiple nights a week. If you want backstage access before the show, be sure to book a tour in advance.

Book a stay at one of Nashville’s best hotels.

A tourist destination as large as Nashville must meet demand with a variety of accommodation options. Choose from luxurious newcomers like Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Nashville and Conrad Nashville , or veer more toward boutique hotels — Graduate Nashville , Hutton Hotel, Bobby Hotel , and Urban Cowboy are all great choices. The latter, according to Rose, is also ideal for pizza and cocktails. “The vibe is always super on point, with the location housed in a gorgeous mansion in East Nashville,” he adds.

Bowl a few games at Pinewood Social.

A night out in Nashville doesn’t have to include fighting the crowds along Broadway. Instead, you can opt for dinner, drinks, and bowling at Pinewood Social . The six lanes made of reclaimed wood are open seven days a week, and ball and shoe rentals are included.

Buy a pair of cowboy boots.

When in Nashville, right? There are several places to purchase your own pair of boots, including Boot Country , Nashville Boot Co. , and Betty Boots . If you want an extra-luxe experience, custom boot fittings are offered in the VIP loft at Lucchese . “Guests of The Joseph have unique access to schedule a custom fitting at the Lucchese store in The Gulch. Guided by their experts, [you] choose [the] style, materials, shape — everything from toe to heel,” says chef Mantuano.

Pose in front of The Parthenon.

Bruce Yuanyue Bi/Getty Images

Photo ops are widely available in Nashville, but The Parthenon might be one of the more impressive ones. “The Parthenon in Centennial Park is a full-scale replica of the original Parthenon in Athens, and it's so unique and stunning to see,” says chef Chauhan.

Get your biscuit fix at The Loveless Cafe.

Courtesy of Loveless Cafe

Biscuits are par for the course in the South, so you can’t leave Nashville without having one or two for breakfast. The Loveless Cafe has been serving its famous biscuits to Nashvillians and visitors since 1951; try them with country ham, fruit preserves, or the red-eye gravy.

Explore the National Museum of African American Music.

The National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) opened in early 2021, preserving and celebrating the Black music experience across genres. Interactive technology lives alongside artifacts, memorabilia, and clothing to create six engaging exhibits that highlight the history of hip-hop, gospel, blues, jazz, R&B, spirituals, and more. “This is the newest edition to the music museums, and it is absolutely incredible. You can spend hours in here if you’re a music fan,” says DiMenna.

Make a souvenir at Hatch Show Print.

Jackson Vance/Travel + Leisure

Part of the Country Music Hall of Fall and Museum, Hatch Show Print has been creating designs and show posters with its vintage type and hand-carved imagery since 1879. Visitors can stop by to learn more about the letterpress print and design shop or they can opt to make something themselves. “Advance book your slot in hands-on workshops, called Block Parties, which invite participants to use some of Nashville’s most recognized imagery to make Hatch Show Prints of their own,” says Purcell.

Swing by the Nashville Zoo.

Misty Mullican/Getty Images

“The Nashville Zoo is a great place to visit for the day, [and it's] enjoyed by both adults and children,” says chef Chauhan. The expansive zoo has more than 3,000 animals and hosts programming that includes overnight camping experiences, classes, and more.

Karaoke at Santa’s Pub.

For more than a decade, Santa’s Pub has been welcoming guests 21 and over for cold beer and karaoke. Like many things in Nashville, it’s something you have to see to believe. “Sunday night at Santa’s Pub. Just trust me,” says Rose.

Stroll around Lower Broad in the evening.

The Lower Broad section of the Broadway Historic District has a variety of sights and sounds to experience. Along with Robert’s Western World, you’ll find Tootsies Orchid Lounge , Legends Corner , and Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row . “It captures the pulse of the city, and you get to see and hear so many amazingly talented musicians,” says chef Chauhan.

Go for a hike at Radnor Lake.

“Radnor Lake is a thing of beauty — our family loves to enjoy great hikes, beautiful scenery, wildlife, and more here, and it’s only minutes away from downtown Nashville,” says Rose. The state park boasts over 1,300 acres of nature preserve, and the Lake Trail is accessible for those with all-terrain wheelchairs.

See a performance at Ryman Auditorium.

Chef Mantuano says that seeing a show at the Ryman is a “truly religious experience.” Known as the “Mother Church of Country Music,” the Ryman has more than 2,300 seats and has hosted acts like Elvis, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Lizzo, and Harry Styles over the last 130 years. To immerse yourself in this landmark’s history, take a tour (either guided or self-guided) through the venue.

Spend a day at Cheekwood.

Depending on the season and the weather, Cheekwood Estate and Gardens is the perfect place to explore with the whole family. The 1930s estate includes a 30,000-square-foot mansion and 55 acres of gardens. Visitors can purchase tickets to access the botanical garden, arboretum, and museum, and there’s also a 1.5-mile woodland trail with outdoor sculptures.

Attend CMA Fest.

Larry McCormack/ABC via Getty Images

“ CMA Fest , which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2023, is the largest and longest-running country music festival in the world,” says Purcell. Recent performers have included Darius Rucker, Luke Combs, Lainey Wilson, and BRELAND. The 2024 festival will be held June 6 through June 9.

Catch one of the rotating exhibits at the Frist Art Museum.

Housed in a building that formerly served as the city’s main post office, the Frist Art Museum has no permanent collection, and its mission is to “inspire people through art to look at their world in new ways.” “This is a really approachable yet super high-quality museum. They do a great job of mixing internationally known selections with local artists,” says DiMenna.

Learn about Nashville’s recording history at RCA Studio B.

RCA Studio B , described by Purcell as a “time capsule and working studio,” is a Nashville music staple, known for its role in making Nashville the recording center it is today. A guided tour allows you to see where the “Nashville Sound” came to be, and where country and pop stars like Dolly Parton, Charlie Pride, Waylon Jennings, and Elvis once recorded some of music’s most iconic songs.

Browse the Fisk University Galleries.

Travelers interested in American art and American history should make a point to visit Fisk University, Nashville’s historically Black university. The Fisk University Galleries — including the Carl Van Vechten Gallery and the Aaron Douglas Gallery — showcase pieces by Pablo Picasso, Georgia O’Keefe, and Diego Rivera, among other artists.

Hear the Nashville Symphony.

Music comes in all forms in Nashville. If your tastes lean more classical than country, listening to the Nashville Symphony at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center may be more up your alley. “The building is an architectural gem with incredible acoustics, and the musicians are among the world’s best,” says chef Mantuano.

Related Articles

North America Chevron

United States Chevron

Tennessee Chevron

Nashville Chevron

The Everything Guide to Nashville

By Chris Chamberlain

Best Season to Go Hard to beat Nashville in autumn, when temperatures are still in the 80s and the city's big sports franchises—Predators hockey, the Tennessee Titans, and Vanderbilt college football—are all competing. Bonus: Nashvillians are very friendly to visiting fans, even if they are whupping our local teams. Music lovers also turn out for events like the annual Country Music Association Awards (CMAs, on Nov. 2 this year) and induction ceremonies to the Musicians Hall of Fame and Country Music Hall of Fame.

How to Use Public Transportation Like a Local Thing is, locals don't necessarily use public transit—they prefer to drive, and rush hour can get nutty. Avoid the chaos by renting a bike through Nashville’s B-Cycle program. Since this is a river city, many downtown streets slope toward the Cumberland, so you can coast down at affordable prices. You might want to Uber back uphill, though.

The Museum You Should Visit Now Fisk University has an arrangement with the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Arkansas to share the famous Alfred Stieglitz Collection , donated by Steiglitz's widow, the not-a-bad-artist-in-her-own-right Georgia O'Keeffe, after his passing in 1949. Each museum displays the roughly 100-piece collection—sculptures, Modernist paintings, lithographs by everyone from Renoir to Toulouse-Lautrec—for two years before swapping. Fisk has dibs until 2018, so go see it in their Carl Van Vechten Gallery.

The Museum You Should Always Revisit Frist Art Museum has no permanent collection, so its galleries are always changing to show off exhibits from around the world. Shows range from paintings by Impressionist masters to a celebration of the souped-up automobile designs of 20th-century Italian car makers. Even if you're not sure what to expect inside, the exterior of this building is a beauty: Originally built in the Deco-mad '30s, it once served as Nashville's central post office.

The Restaurant to Go for a Special Occasion In the buzzy Gulch neighborhood, just across the street from the Thompson Hotel, Prima is as much a restaurant as it is a showpiece for a huge fiberoptic light sculpture by British artist Bruce Munro. But the art doesn't distract from the food so much as complement it. Chef Salvador Avila's Tennessee upbringing and Mexican roots combine in dishes like grilled lamb "chorizo" with burnt avocado salsa and octopus a la plancha with corn and chimichurri.

Those are bonuts, folks: doughnut holes made with biscuit dough.

The Most Instagrammed Restaurant in the City Right Now After waiting in line (trust us, it's worth it) for brunch at Biscuit Love diners definitely feel the need to share their experience with their Instagram followers. Taunting your friends with a shot of the East Nasty, a fried chicken and cheese biscuit smothered in sausage gravy, is just par for the course.

Where to Get the Best Hot Chicken in Nashville Prince’s is still the revered originator of Nashville’s iconic mouth-melting chicken dish, but judging by the lines out the door, Hattie B’s wears the crown as current king. And if you're a glutton for punishment, there's a Hot Chicken Festival every Fourth of July.

The Neighborhood to Visit Now Germantown was Nashville’s first “suburb,” even though it’s only a few blocks north of downtown. Now, though, it is a hotbed of restaurant and boutique openings. Look for rows of beautiful, well-preserved 19th-century homes, streets lined with more than 100 varieties of trees, and, owing to those Teutonic roots, an annual Oktoberfest.

The Three Hotels We Love The Hermitage Hotel exudes classic luxury and Southern hospitality. The 404 Hotel is a modern five-room "invisible service" property (translation: don't expect a concierge to be there when you arrive) right in the middle of the action in Nashville’s hot Gulch neighborhood . The new Thompson Nashville is right next door to the 404, but its 12 stories of stylish accommodations offer loftier views through floor-to-ceiling windows in every guest room.

The Hermitage Hotel

The Best Place for a Cold Brew If your idea of cold brew is coffee, try Frothy Monkey for a fantastic cup of sustainably sourced beans steeped for 23 hours. But if you’re seeking a brew in a different sort of mug, Robert’s Western World will sell you a beer, a bag of chips, and a fried baloney sandwich for $5.

Jessica Puckett

Scott Laird

Lucy Bruton

Jahnavi Bhatt

The Three Best Places for a Perfectly Poured Cocktail The Patterson House popularized the craft cocktail movement in Nashville and is still one of the best. Bastion and Old Glory are both new options that nail the high-low mix of top-shelf cocktails paired with bar snacks like nachos. If you're feeling indecisive, head to Bastion for a new-fashioned old-fashioned with the liquor of your choice; if you're feeling adventurous, Old Glory's drinks have ingredients that run the gamut from beet infusions to Greek yogurt (sometimes together).

Where to Buy Souvenirs Hatch Show Print sells letterpress printed postcards and posters that have been used as advertising materials for everything from lectures at libraries to headline shows at the Grand Ole Opry for more than a century. You can watch the printing process in real time as you shop.

Where to Buy a Little Something for Yourself White's Mercantile is a postmodern general store on the edge of 12 South neighborhood. Imagine a dry goods store where every item, no matter how basic, was made of the absolute finest materials: The deodorant has natural eucalyptus, ginger, and rosemary; the doggie beds from organic cotton. The store also holds yoga classes and the occasional jewelry-making workshop, making it as much experience as shop.

Where to Spot a Celebrity Nashvillians are noted for treating their celebrity neighbors as, well...neighbors. This lack of fawning attention and autograph hounding means you might very well spot Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman sharing a plate at the dining counter at Whole Foods or Taylor Swift taking a trail walk in Percy Warner Park.

The Sporting Event That Is So Nashville Take in a minor league baseball game at First American Park, home of the Nashville Sounds, and you can track the balls and strikes on the stadium’s iconic guitar-shaped scoreboard and enjoy a frozen whiskey drink at The Band Box in right field.

The Outfit Everyone Seems to Be Wearing (and Where to Get It) For the bachelorette party set, sundresses and cowboy boots are still de rigueur, even during the chillier months. Nashville native Reese Witherspoon's 12 South boutique, Draper James will set you up—you may even spot Witherspoon herself, who's been known to stop by occasionally to visit with her fans and customers. Lower Broad is full of discount boot stores, or you can splurge on a custom pair by Texas outfitter Lucchese, which has an outpost in the Gulch.

Two Old Hippies in the kind of Gulch store we love.

The Best Neighborhood for a Walkabout Super-hip East Nashville sometimes gets called the Brooklyn of Music City, but this neighborhood has a singular, hard-earned charm. Start in the Five Points area packed with bars and shops, then head east on Woodland or north on Gallatin to see more of what this 'hood has to offer (like a lot of good craft beer).

Where We Go to Hear Live Music Right Now The Ascend Amphitheatre is attracting new acts like Eric Church and Old Crow Medicine Show as well as nostalgic tours by Earth, Wind & Fire, Peter Frampton, and Cheap Trick. They all play big open-air shows against a beautiful backdrop of downtown Nashville.

The Local Trend Everyone Is Talking About Everyone already knows about Nashville's music and food chops—but the fashion scene is particularly hot right now, thanks to designers making an impact on runways around the world. Project Runway alum Amanda Valentine produces her own fashion line out of a studio in a converted factory, while brands like imogene + willie and Otis James are making names for themselves with custom denim and bow ties, respectively.

The Local Trend Everyone Loves to Hate While some residents might grumble about the growth of Airbnb and VRBO listings, those rentals sure have made it easier for visitors to experience other neighborhoods in Nashville that aren’t only near downtown or the airport. Don’t let the lack of hotel rooms deter you from staying in fun and funky neighborhoods like East Nashville or Germantown.

The Views of the City We Love Most Fans of the Nashville TV series think that the only reason locals meet on the Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge linking East Nashville with downtown is for conspiratorial tête-à-têtes. The truth is that the span offers dramatic views of the riverfront and the sparkling neon skyline of Lower Broad.

Recommended

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Nashville   Travel Guide

Courtesy of SeanPavonePhoto | Getty Images

28 Best Things to Do in Nashville, Tennessee

There’s more to Nashville than the live entertainment and bars on Broadway (though those are very much worth experiencing – especially on a guided tour ). In recent years, Nashville has propelled its "It City" status by becoming a beacon for

• All Things To Do
• 1-Day Itinerary
• 2-Day Itinerary
• 3-Day Itinerary

Grand Ole Opry Grand Ole Opry

U.S. News Insider Tip: Take the “Women of Country” tour to learn about the women who shaped country music, from Dolly Parton to Carrie Underwood, complete with mimosas and petit fours. – Kellie Walton

The Grand Ole Opry began as a radio show in 1925, and it put Nashville on the map as the "Country Music Capital of the World." Throughout its history, the Grand Ole Opry has called several different places home (including the Ryman Auditorium ), but has always hosted country performers from legends like Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton to favorites like Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban.

Ryman Auditorium Ryman Auditorium

IU.S. News Insider Tip:  Take the tour to learn of this building's fascinating history, and check the calendar to see if you can experience a live performance. The intimacy of the space and amazing acoustics are one-of-a-kind. – Rachael Hood, Senior Editor

There's no better place to start absorbing Nashville's musical heritage than the Ryman Auditorium. It's no longer home to the Grand Ole Opry , but the venue continues to host contemporary acts like Trace Adkins, Blake Shelton and Luke Combs. The Ryman is not only for country stars however; it has hosted musicians like Paul Simon and comedians such as John Mulaney. Recent visitors suggest opting for a tour to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the legendary music venue. Sit in on the "Soul of Nashville" screening for a multidimensional experience that uses archival images and footage of performers from the Ryman's past to illustrate its role in music history. Plus, you can learn about the building's backstory with its "Workin' on a Building" exhibit, which displays artifacts from the Ryman's construction. What's more, you can test out your own pipes at the recording studio (subject to availability). The Ryman is also a featured stop on many of the city's top guided tours .

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

U.S. News Insider Tip:  Check the calendar for Songwriter Sessions (typically on Saturdays) in the Ford Theater, for a glimpse into the songwriting process. – Rachael Hood, Senior Editor

Music and history lovers can mix and mingle over the exhibits found at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Peruse the plaques dedicated to country music's finest – from Patsy Cline to Reba McEntire to Alan Jackson – and walk among artifacts like Johnny Cash's guitar and Elvis Presley's "solid gold" Cadillac limo. For an interactive history lesson on the roots and evolution of country music, take a self-guided walk through the "Sing Me Back Home: A Journey Through Country Music" exhibit. In addition to its permanent exhibit, the museum hosts various revolving temporary exhibits, which often focus on particular artists. Stop to browse the two-story wall plastered gold and platinum country records, and then head to Historic RCA Studio B . One of the world's most influential recording studios and a Music Row landmark, Studio B produced more than 35,000 songs by legends like Dolly Parton, Waylon Jennings and Roy Orbison. (Note: Studio B is about 1.5 miles southwest of the museum.)

Popular Tours

Nashville Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour

(4282 reviews)

from $ 46.92

Nashville Biggest & Wildest Party Public Tractor Tour (Ages 21 + )

(1761 reviews)

from $ 44.95

Grand Ole Opry Show Admission Ticket in Nashville

(1690 reviews)

from $ 57.70

Broadway Broadway free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Bar hop among the different Broadway bars to hear some of the most talented singers in the city. Bring some cash to tip the musicians and request your favorite country songs. – Erin Evans, Managing Editor

While many people visit Nashville to soak up the history of country music at the city's museums (like the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum ), others prefer enjoying the tunes in person. The best way to do that is to visit Broadway, downtown Nashville's main thoroughfare. Lower Broadway is nicknamed the "Honky Tonk Highway" because of the numerous spots that host live acts daily. What's more, there's no cover charge to the establishments, so you can bar hop as you please.

National Museum of African American Music National Museum of African American Music

The city of Nashville embodies more than just country music, and nowhere is this more apparent than at the National Museum of African American Music. Opened in 2021, the museum aims to educate visitors on the influence of African American people on more than 50 genres of popular music, including jazz, gospel and hip-hop.

Each of the museum's galleries focuses on how African American music changed through specific time periods. The "Wade in the Water" gallery highlights the call-and-response spirituals of the 1600s, while the "Crossroads" gallery showcases the emergence of blues music. The "A Love Supreme" gallery teaches museumgoers about the musical traditions of New Orleans and the emergence of the music now known as jazz, and the "One Nation Under a Groove" gallery details the emergence of R&B starting in the 1940s and chronicles music popularized by the civil rights era. Finally, "The Message" gallery offers a detailed look into hip-hop, rap and youth culture up until the present day. Interactive elements and musical artifacts like sheet music and costumes add to the informative displays. Recent visitors came away deeply impressed with everything from the comprehensive history presented to entertaining interactive exhibits.

Tootsie's Orchid Lounge Tootsie's Orchid Lounge

After a day exploring the roots of the "Country Music Capital of the World," why not experience the sounds of Music City first-hand? If you're looking for a fun atmosphere with top-notch performances, Tootsie's "World Famous" Orchid Lounge on Broadway is the place to go. Since the days when the Grand Ole Opry  called the  Ryman Auditorium  home, this downtown bar has been featuring performances by both world-renowned and up-and-coming artists. Indeed, the place abounds in country music history: part of the Loretta Lynn biopic "A Coal Miner’s Daughter" was filmed here, and legend has it that Willie Nelson got his first songwriting job after performing at Tootsie's.

Patrons have mixed opinions about Tootsie's with some complaining about average food, expensive drinks, and musicians assertively soliciting tips, while others say the multiple floors of first-rate music make up for the woes. Though some travelers bemoan the bar's cramped atmosphere, many believe it's part of the Tootsie's experience.

Best Nashville Tours

Nashville Tours

The 15 Best Nashville Tours of 2024: Music, Food & More

May 16, 2024

Photo Tour: The Hermitage Hotel in Nashville

May 15, 2023

Photo Tour: The Kimpton Aertson Hotel in Nashville

May 12, 2023

Bluebird Cafe Bluebird Cafe

U.S. News Insider Tip: This intimate venue is where stars like Garth Brooks were discovered. Check the calendar at least a month prior to your visit to get tickets in advance. There's a very limited amount of tickets that might be released the day of, but it's a must-experience spot in Music City. – Rachael Hood, Senior Editor

The Bluebird Cafe is an intimate, 90-seat music venue that presents two shows per night every night of the week. Despites its unimpressive appearance, location in a strip mall outside of downtown and small size, the Bluebird achieved a reputation as a songwriter's space, and many significant performers have graced its stage over the years. Garth Brooks, for instance, performed at its open mic night before hitting the big time. Be aware that the cafe has a "Shhh policy" which encourages folks to stay quiet during all performances. (As souvenir you can buy a T-shirt with "Shhhh!" printed on the back.)

Centennial Park Centennial Park free

Encompassing the site of the 1897 Tennessee Centennial Exposition, 132-acre Centennial Park boasts an art center, a lake, a walking trail, a band shell, volleyball courts, a dog park and various historical monuments. It's also home to the Parthenon as well as the Centennial Sportsplex, a facility for swimming, tennis and year-round ice skating. The park hosts numerous festivals as well as free concerts on Saturdays in spring and fall.

Reviewers frequently say that this peaceful, well-maintained greenspace is a lovely place to take a walk. Many say the Parthenon is the must-see attraction here.

Nashville to Jack Daniel's Distillery Bus Tour & Whiskey Tastings

(1528 reviews)

from $ 129.99

Grand Ole Opry House Guided Backstage Tour in Nashville

(1833 reviews)

from $ 46.24

Discover Nashville City Tour with Entry to Ryman & Country Music Hall of Fame

(1698 reviews)

from $ 103.53

Historic RCA Studio B Historic RCA Studio B

In its heyday, this recording studio welcomed greats like Elvis Presley, Chet Atkins, and the Everly Brothers through its doors. It is now part of the nonprofit Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum , and has been restored and renovated to reflect its historic roots. Built in 1957, the studio became famous for promoting the "Nashville sound" and put the city on the map as an international recording center. Today, visitors can take a tour of the studio to see where the stars recorded their music. Visitors give high marks to informative and engaging guides, with many saying the tour was a highlight of their visit to Nashville.

The studio is about 1.5 miles away from the Country Music Hall of Fame, where the tours depart (transportation is included). One-hour tours of Studio B are offered between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Tickets for adults are $51.95 and include admission to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Youth tickets are $41.95. More information can be found on the website .

Nelson's Green Brier Distillery Nelson's Green Brier Distillery

Fans of Tennessee whiskey and bourbon should make time for a stop at Nelson's Green Brier Distillery during their visit to Nashville. The distillery's roots reach back to the late 1800s, when Charles Nelson, a German immigrant, started producing whiskey in Greenbrier, Tennessee. It became so popular he ended up selling about 2 million bottles of whiskey in 1885 alone. Nelson was one of the first distillery owners to sell whiskey in bottles rather than more cumbersome jugs or barrels, which allowed him to achieve wide-spread distribution. He died in 1891 and his wife Louisa took over, though in 1909, Tennessee’s statewide Prohibition forced her to shutter the operation. Nearly 100 years later, the couple's great-great-great-grandsons, brothers Andy and Charlie Nelson, restored the business and brought the operation to Nashville. Today, the venue features the distillery, a tasting room, an event space and a gift and bottle shop. Tours of the distillery run on weekends.

Past travelers called the tasting fun and informational. Others said to sign up for a tour. Visitors said the friendly staff members were particularly knowledgeable and all the whiskey samples were excellent.

The Hermitage The Hermitage

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you're a history buff, be sure to visit this historic site for a glimpse into the life of Andrew Jackson, as well as the realities of the lives of the enslaved people of the estate. – Rachael Hood, Senior Editor

Constructed between 1819 and 1821 for President Andrew Jackson, this Federal-style mansion stands as a National Historic Landmark and a preserved window into the home life of Jackson. Many may be familiar with Jackson from his role in the War of 1812, his stint as president and his appearance on the $20 bill, but a tour of the massive estate provides a more up-close-and-personal look. Along the guided tour you'll see the main house, plus have (unguided) access to the garden, the quarters where enslaved people lived, Jackson's tomb and the Old Hermitage Church. 

Cheekwood Estate & Gardens Cheekwood Estate & Gardens

U.S. News Insider Tip: While the blooms may fade in colder weather, the grounds are just as stunning when covered in mums and pumpkins each fall and draped in one million dazzling lights each holiday season. – Kellie Walton

Art aficionados and nature lovers alike should plan on making a stop at the Cheekwood Estate & Gardens. With its greenhouses, sculpture trail and chromatic flower display, the 55-acre Botanical Garden offers sanctuary from downtown's bustle. In fact, the garden comprises multiple distinct gardens, including one dedicated to boxwoods, another focused on dogwoods, a rose garden, a Japanese garden, an herb garden and one intended to inspire writing that features a small amphitheater for literary events. The on-site art museum is just as striking. Housed in the original Georgian-style Cheek family mansion, the museum boasts an impressive collection of 19th- and 20th-century American paintings as well as antique furniture, photographs, prints, sculpture and artifacts from around the world.

Fifth + Broadway Fifth + Broadway free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Prolific restaurateur Sam Fox debuted a multistory restaurant concept that connects to Fifth + Broadway. Keep your eyes peeled for a hidden door on the street level that leads to an underground margarita bar, Pushing Daisies. – Kellie Walton

Broadway is one of Nashville’s top destinations, made even more desirable through the addition of the city’s largest mixed-use development, Fifth + Broadway. From retail shops to restaurants and residential space, Fifth and Broadway offers a plethora of options adjacent to Music City’s famed honky-tonk bars. Stroll the outdoor plaza to shop at retailers like Apple, Tecovas, Free People, and locally-loved boutiques like REVV and The Nash Collection, then stop for a pick-me-up at Elixr Coffee Roasters or Jeni’s for a sweet treat. 

General Jackson Showboat Lunch or Dinner Cruise in Nashville

(1099 reviews)

from $ 113.08

Nashville "Homes Of The Stars" Narrated Bus Tour with 30+ Celebrity Homes

(1019 reviews)

from $ 65.00

Taste of Nashville Food & Sightseeing Tour

(1289 reviews)

from $ 114.10

Radnor Lake State Park Radnor Lake State Park free

Though Nashville is a bustling metropolis, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors right on the outskirts of town. Located less than 15 miles south of downtown, Radnor Lake State Park is a calm and serene getaway for those looking to go for a walk and observe nature. The 1,368-acre park features a variety of plants and animals, including owls, waterfowl and herons. Plus, there are numerous jogging, hiking and biking trails in the park, many of which provide impressive lake views. If you're looking to learn more about local birds in the area, check out the Barbara J. Mapp Aviary Education Center for interactive displays, ranger-led programs and panoramic views of the surrounding hillside.

Parkgoers say they loved going on peaceful walks in this park and were astonished at the amount of wildlife they saw. Some people advise getting there early to get parking if you drive.

The Johnny Cash Museum The Johnny Cash Museum

Uncover the enigma behind "The Man in Black" with a visit to The Johnny Cash Museum. The museum boasts the world's largest collection of Johnny Cash artifacts and memorabilia, including items from the film "Walk the Line" (which is about Cash's life), handwritten notes and letters penned by Cash and costumes worn during his career. Exhibits spotlight different periods in Cash's life, including his years in the Air Force, his marriage to June Carter and his famous prison concert tour. And because the museum is officially endorsed by the Cash family, you can bet you'll stumble across other personal mementos not available to the public anywhere else, like a stone wall excavated from Johnny and June's Hendersonville house.

Fans love the wealth of information on display at this museum. Not much of a Cash devotee? Museumgoers say you should still make time to visit. Some warn, however, that it can get crowded. Others complain that admission fees were too high for the small museum.

Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery

U.S. News Insider Tip: The historic home tour is worth the trip, and be sure to allow time to visit the winery for a tasting. – Rachael Hood, Senior Editor

Belle Meade, which sits 8 miles southwest of downtown Nashville, offers a look into the lives of Tennesseans throughout the 1800s. The Greek revival-style mansion was built in 1853 and 1854 and is centrally located on the historic site's 32 acres of manicured grounds. Guides offer tours of the mansion's interior. 

Nashville Bus Tours Nashville Bus Tours

Bus tours offer almost effortless means of taking in what Nashville has to offer, whether you simply want to see the city's top attractions or have specific interests, such as music, comedy, celebrities or a certain adult beverage. Here are some to consider:

Old Town Trolley Tours – Nashville Hop-on Hop-off Trolley Tour: Explore the sights and sounds of Nashville at your own pace on this hop-on hop-off excursion. Vehicles stop at 13 prime attractions, including the Country Music Hall of Fame , Ryman Auditorium , Belmont Mansion and Centennial Park . Tours feature live commentary. They occur daily between 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Tickets cost about $55 for single-day tours. You may be able to score discounted tickets if you book online in advance. Riders say this tour offers a great way to learn about the city and praise its knowledgeable, entertaining guides.

Arrington Vineyards Arrington Vineyards

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you’re a fan of Arrington Vineyards, join Kix’s Wine Club to receive select bottles quarterly (with shipping available), and unlock discounts and special pricing for your next visit to the grounds. – Kellie Walton

Nestled in a south Nashville small town, Arrington Vineyards is a stunning winery co-owned by Kip Summers and country music star Kix Brooks (formerly of Brooks and Dunn). The rustic retreat boasts a primary farmhouse for wine tastings and multiple retail areas to grab a bottle or a flight of the brand’s signature wines, which range from red blends to white varietals and sparkling wine. Arrington Vineyards also offers a rotating seasonal frosé, which is especially refreshing during scorching Tennessee summers. 

1-Hour Nashville Line Dancing Class

(724 reviews)

from $ 40.00

Best of Nashville City Sightseeing Tour on Double Decker Bus

(1798 reviews)

from $ 39.95

Helicopter Tour of Downtown Nashville

(658 reviews)

from $ 99.00

Belmont Mansion Belmont Mansion

If you love history or art, make time for a tour of Belmont Mansion – the largest house museum in Nashville. This Italian-style villa was constructed in the 1850s for Adelicia Acklen, one of the wealthiest women in the country at the time and, according to some, Nashville's own Scarlett O'Hara. Although it was originally built to be a summer home, the mansion was quite stately and featured an art gallery, a bowling alley, a zoo and gardens. A tour of the approximately 20,000-square-foot mansion leads visitors through rooms ornately decorated with 19th-century antiques and lavish art.

Visitors praise the nicely preserved interior and knowledgeable docents stationed throughout the mansion. However, some visitors felt their guides did not spend enough time acknowledging the backbreaking work of the property's enslaved workers, who, along with European immigrant servants, built and maintained this opulent mansion. Unfortunately, many physical remnants of the enslaved people at Belmont Mansion were destroyed over the course of history, but you can still learn some information about some of the property's enslaved families on the Belmont Mansion website .  

The Parthenon The Parthenon

Nashville is a city of many nicknames and most of them have to do with music. Still, the city is also known as the "Athens of the South" thanks to the numerous higher education institutions established there. This identity is reinforced with the Parthenon, a full-scale replica of the one found in Athens . Although Nashville's Parthenon was only meant to be temporary – it was built for the Tennessee Centennial Exposition in 1897 – it has since become a beloved attraction, housing models of the statues found in the original structure as well as an impressive art collection. Travelers praise the well-kept grounds, peaceful atmosphere and magnificent building, recommending an evening visit to see it illuminated. Others rave about the fascinating exhibits and love the giant statue of Athena.

Located in Centennial Park about 2 miles west of Music Row , the Parthenon is open every day, though hours can vary by the week and the season. Check its website before you visit for current hours. Admission costs $10 for adults and $8 for seniors (older than 62) and children ages 4 to 17. However, you can tour the exterior of the building and its grounds for free.

John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Grab your camera (or phone) and walk this picturesque bridge, stopping midway for a fantastic selfie with the Nashville skyline. If it looks familiar, it's likely because many music videos have utilized the vantage point from this spot. – Rachael Hood, Senior Editor

Formerly called the Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge (and before that, the Sparkman Street Bridge), the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge – which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places – was built from 1907 through 1909. It was constructed to connect downtown Nashville to the suburbs of East Nashville. Designed by Howard M. Jones, the chief office engineer of the Nashville, Chattanooga, and St. Louis Railway, the bridge contains 48 spans, including four steel trusses and two reinforced concrete trusses. They're the only concrete trusses to be known of in Tennessee. In 1998, the city stopped allowing vehicles on the bridge due to its poor condition, and in 2003 it was restored and became a pedestrian-only walkway. There is also 15-foot-wide central bike lane in the middle of the bridge. Pedestrians can stop and relax at one of four overlooks along the bridge, which offer panoramic views of Nashville to the north and south. 

Music Row Music Row free

With record companies, recording studios, music publishers and related organizations as well as the Historic RCA Studio B , Music Row stands as the center of Nashville's storied music industry. In addition to the sites where musical history was made, this area southwest of downtown also has plenty of eateries and shops.

Music Row may not be as flashy or brassy as Broadway , but the area is a must-see destination for music lovers. Because the neighborhood is comparatively nondescript, many travelers recommend taking a guided tour to learn the history of the area. Several of the best tours in Nashville visit Music Row.

Tennessee State Museum Tennessee State Museum free

Located in downtown Nashville next to the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park and the Nashville Farmers' Market, the Tennessee State Museum preserves the unique and storied history of the Volunteer State. The large museum showcases permanent exhibits that display the heritage of Tennessee's natural history; Native American history; military and sporting history; and Civil War history. Plus, there are rotating temporary cultural and art exhibits on display as well. Several attractions at this museum specifically cater to children. The museum's Children's Gallery is specifically geared toward kids aged 3 to 8. In addition, the museum hosts many events and educational programs on-site throughout the year.

Museumgoers say the exhibits are well organized and highly informative. Many also appreciate the free admission.

Nashville Combo Tour: Sightseeing, Murals, and Brewery

(535 reviews)

from $ 109.68

Nashville Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

(1044 reviews)

Explore the City of Nashville Sightseeing Tour by Golf Cart

(2205 reviews)

from $ 55.41

Nashville Zoo at Grassmere Nashville Zoo at Grassmere

If you're an animal lover or in the mood for a family outing, then the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere is an excellent spot to visit. The zoo boasts more than 325 different animal species and more than 3,000 animals, including clouded leopards, monkeys, meerkats, red pandas, white rhinoceroses, alligators and anacondas. Plus, there are fish and bird exhibits showcasing both local wildlife and exotic creatures. There are a number of hands-on exhibits that are popular among kids, including the Critter Encounters (where you can get up close with various animals), Kangaroo Kickabout (where you can pet kangaroos) and Lorikeet Landing (where you can see Australian parrots and feed them for a small fee). What's more, the zoo also features a historic home and garden, a zip line, a 4D theater, an animal-themed carousel and a Wilderness Express Train.

Recent visitors were impressed with this zoo, with many reviewers complimenting the well-designed and well-kept facilities. Several families recommend this attraction when visiting Nashville with kids because of its various on-site activities.

Adventure Science Center Adventure Science Center

Take a break from history and country music and treat your kids to some hands-on educational entertainment. Interactive displays at the Adventure Science Center allow little ones to learn about science, from how beekeepers do their jobs to what goes on thousands of light-years above our heads. Kids can learn what it takes to become an astronaut and use an augmented reality mirror to get a peek at what their muscles and bones look like. Regular demonstrations and crafts further keep children engaged and shows in the planetarium are entertaining for the whole family. The facility also features a flight simulator. Museumgoers say this is a must for kids, as the facility has plenty of activities to keep children interested. They also laud the friendly staff. However, some say the exhibits could be better maintained.

Located almost 3 miles south of downtown Nashville, the Adventure Science Center is open Monday, Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with extended hours to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Adults pay $22; youths ages 2 to 12 enter for $18 and children younger than 2 get in for free. Admission to the planetarium and certain simulation activities costs extra. Free parking is available. For more information about the exhibits and upcoming events, visit the Adventure Science Center website .

Frist Art Museum Frist Art Museum

Located in a gorgeous 1930s art deco building that was once the city's main post office, the Frist Art Museum offers an ever-changing set of exhibitions, covering everything from paintings to sculptures to photography. Past exhibits have featured European armor, works of Albrecht Dürer and Picasso's renderings of the human form. Artwork by local artists and students are regularly in rotation as well. The museum runs programs, talks and activities to complement the exhibits. Families will want to make sure to visit the Martin ArtQuest Gallery, which offers interactive stations and creative hands-on learning. Recent visitors say even if you are not a big art lover, seeing the building alone is worth a visit. Multiple travelers were disappointed by how small the traveling exhibitions are. Many observe that staff members are friendly and knowledgeable.

Located downtown, the museum is just a few blocks from the Country Music Hall of Fame . The museum opens at 10 a.m. and closes at 5:30 p.m. Thursday through Monday except for Sunday, when it opens at 1 p.m., and Thursday, when it closes at 8 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for seniors and college students. Those 18 and younger can enter for free. Parking in the museum's lot costs $2 per hour. For more information, visit the museum's website .

Shelby Bottoms Nature Center & Greenway Shelby Bottoms Nature Center & Greenway free

Located on an expansive stretch of the Cumberland River about 5 miles east of downtown Nashville, the Shelby Bottoms Nature Center & Greenway is a sprawling green space where visitors can learn about the local landscape and take advantage of outdoor recreation opportunities. When you visit, start at the nature center, where you can view cultural history exhibits and artwork. You can also rent a bicycle from the on-site BCycle station to explore or participate in an environmental education program and learn about things to do on the greenway. The 950-acre Shelby Bottoms Greenway has about 17 miles of unpaved and paved pathways (perfect for strolling and biking) that pass through wetlands, streams, forests and fields.

Parkgoers say the atmosphere is relaxing and quiet; the trail system is easy to follow and clean. Many say cycling is quite fun here. Indeed, Shelby forms part of the 26-mile Music City Bikeway that connects Percy Priest Dam and the Warner Parks. Visitors also report glimpsing deer and other wildlife here.

Soundwaves at Gaylord Opryland Soundwaves at Gaylord Opryland

The Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center stresses that its SoundWaves is an "upscale" water park. The indoor/outdoor facility features a variety of water rides, including a total of 11 slides, and wave pools complemented by music. It also boasts waterfalls, lazy rivers, play structures and a surfing simulator, among other heart-pumping attractions. There is also a splash pad and activity pool for small children. Adults can enjoy two pools all to themselves (one indoor and one outdoor) plus a bar. Cabanas and private party rooms are available for rental. Soundwaves at Gaylord Opryland is also featured in a list of best bachelorette party destinations .

Parkgoers deem this water park exceptionally fun with a great deal to do for people of all ages. It's frequently described as clean and well attended by lifeguards. While the park is open exclusively to those staying in the resort, some say this helps keep it from becoming overcrowded.

Nashville to Memphis Daytrip with Graceland VIP Tour and Sun Studio Admission

(335 reviews)

from $ 328.85

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Admission in Nashville

(1443 reviews)

from $ 29.95

Grand Ole Opry Admission with Post-Show Backstage Tour

(137 reviews)

from $ 99.30

Things to Do in Nashville FAQs

Explore more of nashville.

Best Hotels

When To Visit

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

Recommended

The 28 Best Water Parks in the U.S. for 2024

Holly Johnson|Timothy J. Forster May 8, 2024

The 18 Best Napa Valley Wineries to Visit in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Sharael Kolberg April 23, 2024

The 25 Best Beaches on the East Coast for 2024

Timothy J. Forster|Sharael Kolberg April 19, 2024

The 50 Best Hotels in the USA 2024

Christina Maggitas February 6, 2024

The 32 Most Famous Landmarks in the World

Gwen Pratesi|Timothy J. Forster February 1, 2024

9 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in Florida for 2024

Gwen Pratesi|Amanda Norcross January 5, 2024

24 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in the U.S. for 2024

Erin Evans January 4, 2024

26 Top Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts for 2024

Zach Watson December 28, 2023

Solo Vacations: The 36 Best Places to Travel Alone in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Erin Vasta December 22, 2023

26 Cheap Beach Vacations for Travelers on a Budget

Kyle McCarthy|Sharael Kolberg December 4, 2023

Nashville Convention and Visitor's Bureau

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travelers

Nashville Convention and Visitor's Bureau - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• (0.03 mi) Walk to the honky tonks / 1 block to Broadway / Nashville Rock Loft by Music
• (0.09 mi) Noelle
• (0.07 mi) Courtyard by Marriott Nashville Downtown
• (0.11 mi) Dream Nashville
• (0.14 mi) Bobby Hotel
• (0.01 mi) Elegy Coffee Downtown
• (0.04 mi) Ty’s Soups and Sandwiches
• (0.08 mi) Another Broken Egg Cafe
• (0.09 mi) Deacon’s New South
• (0.12 mi) Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar

17 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Nashville, TN

Written by Bryan Dearsley , Colin J. McMechan and Catherine Hawkins Updated Mar 18, 2024 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Nashville is the capital of Tennessee and is centrally located in the state along the Cumberland River. One of Nashville's top attractions—a replica of the Parthenon—along with its many universities and colleges has earned it the nickname the "Athens of the South."

Nashville began building its reputation as the capital of country music around 100 years ago with the creation of the radio station dedicated to the Grand Ole Opry. The city is now home to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Music Row . One of the most popular music-themed walks is the Music City Walk of Fame located on Nashville's "Music Mile."

Keep walking to one of Nashville's greenway trails that includes spans over the Cumberland River: John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge and Cumberland River Pedestrian Bridge. Another popular attraction and wandering place is Bicentennial Capitol Mall. Grab a beverage and pastry from the adjacent Nashville Farmers' Market.

The city is a jumping-off point to explore the rest of Tennessee. Many historical attractions, including old plantations and Civil War sites, are no more than a half-hour drive away. Numerous hiking trails around Nashville offer a chance to get active.

Learn about the best places to visit with our list of attractions and things to do in Nashville.

See also: Where to Stay in Nashville

1. Grand Ole Opry

2. country music hall of fame & museum, 3. ryman auditorium, 4. make the scene in downtown nashville, 5. learn about the man in black at johnny cash museum, 6. belle meade historic site, 7. groove in glorious gardens at gaylord opryland resort, 8. andrew jackson's hermitage, 9. nashville parthenon, 10. rca studio b, 11. visit exotic friends at nashville zoo, 12. cheekwood estate and gardens, 13. make a recording at musicians hall of fame and museum, 14. belmont mansion, 15. tennessee state museum, 16. view vintage cars at lane motor museum, 17. cruise on the general jackson showboat, where to stay in nashville for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to nashville, best time of year to visit nashville.

The Grand Ole Opry radio show is the longest-running radio program in the United States . Since its first broadcast in 1925, the Opry has presented more than 5,000 shows. It continues to contribute to Nashville's identity as Music City.

In 1974, the venue for the show shifted from the Ryman Auditorium to the 4,000-seat Grand Ole Opry House northeast of downtown. Throughout its history, performers have entertained fans of country, bluegrass, gospel, and old-time music, along with popular music and comedy.

Join in the fun by attending one of the broadcasts. Purchase your Grand Ole Opry Show Admission Ticket in Nashville in advance to assure your seat and free parking in nearby Opry Mills Mall. Consider a scheduled backstage tour to experience the bright lights of show business from a different angle. The Grand Ole Opry House Guided Backstage Tour in Nashville is your VIP pass.

Address: 600 Opry Mills Drive, Nashville, Tennessee

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is located in the heart of downtown. The tall windows of this striking building cleverly resemble the keys of a piano.

The museum features a multimedia display of historical performances, costumes, instruments, gold records, and memorabilia. Other highlights include a Cadillac that belonged to Elvis, a massive 40-foot guitar, a tour bus, and a recording booth. Guided tours of the nearby historic RCA Studio B are also available.

Tour yourself through the museum and enhance the experience with the audio backup of stars such as Dolly Parton. Visit a replica of a tour bus to record your own country music song. And look for the gold record of your favorite bestselling country music album from the thousands on display along many walls.

Address: 222 Rep. John Lewis Way S., Nashville, Tennessee

The Ryman Auditorium , home of the Grand Ole Opry from 1943 to 1974, is still being used to host broadcasts of the famous radio show. Originally opened in 1892 as the Union Gospel Tabernacle, the Ryman offers superior acoustics for regular performances of classical and bluegrass music, musical theater, and television shows.

The Ryman is often referred to as the " Carnegie Hall of the South ." Located just off Honky Tonk Row, the auditorium features a museum with exhibits related to its rich musical past. Guided and self-guided tours are available. Try your hand at cutting a record of your own in the Air Castle Studio. Fun backstage tours are available but book ahead to avoid disappointment.

Address: 116 Rep. John Lewis Way N., Nashville, Tennessee

In the heart of every city are areas that have become a destination. Manhattan has Midtown, Miami has Little Havana, and Music City has Downtown Nashville.

Many of the go-to music attractions in the city are located in Downtown Nashville: Ryman Auditorium, Honky Tonk Row, museums honoring the best-known country music performers such as Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline, and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Broadway is the hub for nightlife in this neon-lit district, where live country music wafts out into the street.

While strolling through Downtown Nashville and experiencing its contemporary tourist attractions, you are following in the footsteps of the city's past. Evidence of the earliest settlers can be found along the shores of the Cumberland River at Fort Nashborough , which offers self-guided tours. The views in Downtown Nashville feature landmarks that you can see from the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge.

Johnny Cash, known as the "Man in Black," had a hardscrabble life that he surmounted to win the Grammy award 13 times (and earn an impressive 35 nominations!), becoming one of the most beloved stars of country music. Visit the museum in his honor in downtown Nashville.

Among the exhibits, the museum features handwritten lyrics for two of the most famous of the 1,500 songs Cash recorded: "Folsom Prison Blues" and "I Walk the Line." Johnny Cash's costumes, instruments, letters, artwork, marriage licenses, and songs are on display. There's also a museum store, where you can buy souvenirs, and a café next door, where you can buy whatever you need to fuel an extra hour of touring the museum.

Consider a trip upstairs to visit the Patsy Cline Museum . View videos, memorabilia, and personal items of this gifted country music star. Her career as a country music star tragically ended in a plane crash when she was only 30.

Address: 119 3rd Ave. S. Nashville, Tennessee

Constructed in the mid-19th century, the Belle Meade Mansion is designed in the Greek-Revival style and surrounded by what remains of the former antebellum plantation. During the two-day Civil War Battle of Nashville in 1864, Union and Confederate forces fought on the front yard of the mansion. Evidence of gunfire can still be seen in its tall stone columns.

Guided tours are available, including one that's devoted to telling the history of the estate from the perspective of the slaves forced to work and live here. Attend one of the culinary experiences and seasonal programs offered at Belle Meade. Explore the plantation stables, gardens, and grounds. If time allows, be sure to grab a bite to eat at the on-site Belle Meade Meat & Three restaurant (a popular spot for lunch), or an ice cream at the Coop N' Scoop, located in a 160-year-old chicken coop. Belle Meade Historic Site is nine miles from downtown.

Address: 110 Leake Ave., Nashville, Tennessee

You don't need to be staying at the Gaylord Opryland Resort to enjoy its most famous asset: its collection of 50,000 tropical plants, many of which are rare international specimens. This magnificent exhibition is a visual and olfactory feast, housed on nine acres of indoor space and tended by 20 full-time horticulturalists.

One-fifth of the collection is in the Garden Conservatory, which features palms and banana trees 60 feet tall. These plants were so tall, they had to be installed in the glass-topped atrium before its construction.

Florida was the source of more than 8,000 tropical ornamentals chosen for the Cascades Atrium. You'll find a 40-foot palm tree, and ginger bushes as tall as the average man.

Delta Atrium, the third large garden, ushers you into a zone of subtropical plants that you can explore in a delta flatboat. Pass beneath the Wishing Banyan tree and make a wish. Admire exotics such as black olive trees and mahoganies dripping with Spanish moss, more than 100 palm trees, banana trees, gardenias, and camellias. Marvel at the entrance to the Delta Mansion, glorified by two 40-foot Southern magnolias.

Address: 2800 Opryland Drive, Nashville, Tennessee

The Hermitage was the home of America's seventh president, Andrew Jackson . The estate is one of the most picturesque spots in Nashville. Located 14 miles from downtown, the Hermitage was originally constructed in 1819 and rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1834.

Visitors to the Hermitage experience the place as it would have looked when Jackson lived here from 1837 to 1845. The mansion includes a museum with exhibits of Jackson's private and public lives.

Participate in a formal guided tour of the property. Other fun activities include draft horse-powered wagon rides and themed events such as ghost tours. The grounds are well-maintained and include the burial site of Jackson and his wife. Visit the nearby Tulip Grove mansion, the one-time home of family members Emily and Andrew Jackson Donelson.

Address: 4580 Rachel's Ln., Hermitage, Tennessee

If you're looking for one of the best free things to do in Nasvhille , see the iconic landmark of Nashville , a reproduction of the Parthenon in Athens. Located in Centennial Park and a short walk west of the city center, the original Parthenon replica was built of wood, plaster, and brick in 1897 to commemorate the state's first century. The current full-scale replica of the original Greek temple is made of concrete.

Inside the Parthenon is a permanent art collection of 63 works by 19th- and 20th-century American painters. Admire the 42-foot-high model of the statue of the goddess Athena Parthenos covered with gold leaf. Replicas of the famed 5 th century BCE Parthenon Marbles are also on display.

Address: 2500 West End Ave, Nashville, Tennessee

RCA Studio B is near Music Square in the area known as Music Row . This is the heart and soul of the nation's music industry, and RCA Studio B is its most protected historic landmark. The "home of 1,000 hits" thrived for about 15 years starting in 1957.

This recording facility is credited as the birthplace of the unique "Nashville sound" that defined so many big hits of the 1950s and 1960s. While the site closed as a recording studio in 1977, it has become a teaching facility. Visitors come on scheduled tours arranged by RCA Studio B's owner, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

Address: 1611 Roy Acuff Place, Nashville, Tennessee

The Nashville Zoo is a great place for tourists to visit with children. Explore the plains of Africa, delve into the rainforests of South America, and discover the many animals of Asia. More than 3,000 animals from 350 species can be viewed, including clouded leopards, Baird's tapirs, toucans, and Sumatran tigers. Animals at Nashville Zoo reside in habitats that represent their natural environments.

Lorikeet Landing allows you to enter an aviary and be surrounded by around 85 Australian parrots. Come to the zoo to ride the Wild Animal Carousel and Wilderness Express Train. Kids naturally know what to do on the zoo's large Jungle Gym, where they slide, swing, climb, crawl, and explore. The Soaring Eagle Zip Line takes your visit to the zoo to new heights.

Address: 3777 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, Tennessee

Cheekwood Estate and Gardens is a sumptuous 55-acre haven of peace and grace. This elegant park-like setting is a tranquil place to visit on a sunny day. Galleries of contemporary art in the historic mansion exemplify the Cheekwood's commitment to the arts and arts preservation.

After your tour of the mansion and the Cheekwood's indoor collection, step onto the Sculpture Trail to experience creatively landscaped installations, including "The Glass Bridge for Nashville." Marvel at the diversity of garden designs and influences and range of trees and shrubs, especially when flowering in season.

This historic attraction also hosts regular music performances, including an "under the stars" concert series in the summertime.

Address: 1200 Forrest Park Drive, Nashville, Tennessee

Not to be confused with the Country Music Hall of Fame is the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum , which honors the musical heroes who helped to create the stars . These talented session artists hail from Nashville, Motown, Muscle Shoals, New York, Los Angeles, and recording studios.

Along with their instruments, these are the fellows that made the hits happen. That's why there's so much emphasis at this 30,000-square-foot museum on the presentation of studios, stages, and guitars.

View the studio where Elvis recorded hits such as In the Ghetto . Behold the stage where young Jimi Hendrix performed, as well as one of his guitars. See guitars played by Glen Campbell, who was a session musician before he became a star. Other instruments on display were played by Johnny Cash, Garth Brooks, and Elton John.

If you're into the process that creates superstars of all musical stripes, you can happily learn and experiment at this interactive museum. Here you can try things out–from mixing music and trying out instruments to making your own recording.

Address: 401 Gay Street, Nashville, Tennessee

Built in the 1850s, the Belmont Mansion is the largest antebellum house in Tennessee. It is considered one of the finest mansions of its kind in the United States. Many rooms have been preserved with much of their original décor and furnishings. Designed in the style of an Italian villa, the mansion features elaborate gardens with outbuildings. Belmont also has permanent art exhibits.

Entering Belmont Mansion, the historic splendor of the building is enhanced by furniture, paintings, and original statues by American artists. Following a guided introduction, you are free to explore the mansion on your own.

During the holidays, one of the top things to do at Belmont is attending its Christmas Tour. You'll get to see the mansion dressed up in Victorian decorations and learn about 19th-century holiday traditions.

Address: Belmont Blvd. & Acklen Ave., Nashville, Tennessee

Learn more about the rich history of Tennessee's social and natural history at the Tennessee State Museum . Located adjacent to Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, this spacious state-of-the-art museum covers an area of 137,000 square feet that efficiently accommodates the large collection of original items, interactive exhibits, and multimedia displays.

The museum's diverse collections are considered the "Smithsonian of Tennessee" and filled with artifacts relating to the state's role in the Civil War, including period weapons and furniture. There's also a vast collection of artworks and paintings, in addition to displays related to music and musicians. Notable features that bring the state's past to life include a theater, an education and learning center, and on-site gift shop.

Address: 1000 Rosa L Parks Blvd, Nashville, Tennessee

Lane Motor Museum showcases a large collection of vehicles, most of which are from Europe, but also includes exhibits from Japan and the United States. The collection includes the tiniest French-made minicar, with room for only one person and requiring no driver's license. Among vintage cars, there are streamlined Adler coupes dating back to the 1930s. The motorcycle collection includes a 1964 folding scooter.

The museum is not just a space for displaying vehicles. It's a showplace for vehicles that have been restored, as closely as possible, to their original condition. The museum also put its engineering expertise into creating a replica of one of the most unusual cars ever made–a 1933 Dymaxion. The brainchild of Buckminster Fuller, designer of the geodesic dome, this streamlined vehicle is so unusual, it looks like it could power an extra-terrestrial. Only three prototypes were ever produced.

The museum displays about 150 vehicles from its collection of more than 580. To view some of the other cars, consider hopping on one of the guided vault tours on the weekends.

Address: 702 Murfreesboro Pike, Nashville, Tennessee

The General Jackson Showboat is the modern version of the 1800s classic four-deck paddle-wheel steamship. This showboat is a great way to get your country music fix while cruising on the Cumberland River.

If you're looking for fun things to do in Nashville at night, this pleasant outing offers a unique view of the cityscape from the water. A highlight is passing under the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge.

Simplify your planning by booking the General Jackson Showboat Lunch or Dinner Cruise in Nashville . Everything is included: Southern cooking during a lunch or dinner cruise, onboard entertainment, and unsurpassed views of Nashville and the Cumberland River.

Address: 2812 Opryland Drive, Nashville, Tennessee

Downtown Nashville beats with a country heart, and this is where first-time visitors will want to stay. This area is home to music venues, the historic 2nd Ave, the Tennessee Performing Arts Center, the world-famous Ryman Auditorium, and Printer's Alley. At the southern end of downtown, sports fans will find Bridgestone Arena. Below are some highly rated hotels in convenient locations:

Luxury Hotels:

• Nashville's The Hermitage Hotel , housed in a Beaux Arts building dating from 1908, is right by the State Capitol and offers an experience in grandeur from the turn of the century.
• Opened in late 2022, the Four Seasons is one of Nashville's newest five-star properties. Its large suites are outfitted with music-inspired touches, like lamps that resemble recording studio microphones. It offers packages that immerse tourists in Nashville's music scene.
• Next door to the Bridgestone Arena and steps to Ryman Auditorium, the recently renovated all-suite Hilton Nashville Downtown offers large rooms, and may be a good option for families.
• Fully integrated with the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Omni Nashville Hotel is well located just a short stroll from the hip and lively Broadway Avenue.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Mid-range hotels tend to be clustered near Vanderbilt University, an easy drive two miles southwest of downtown on Broadway Avenue. This is a nice area, with lots of parks and The Parthenon historical site, a full replica of the original Greek Athenian Temple. Great for families, the Homewood Suites Nashville Vanderbilt offers full kitchens. This hotel has an indoor pool.
• Another all-suite option is the Home2 Suites by Hilton , located in the same area and offering similar amenities.
• The Hilton Garden Inn Nashville/Vanderbilt has standard rooms, a fitness center, and an indoor pool.

Budget Hotels :

• The fully-renovated Red Roof PLUS+ Nashville Airport offers decent rooms and a shuttle to/from the airport. A convenient base for the budget-minded is the area near the airport. It's a straight shot down Interstate 40, seven miles from the attractions downtown
• A few miles farther out, and featuring an outdoor pool, is the Sleep Inn .
• Just across the street is La Quinta Inn & Suites Nashville Airport , with basic rooms and an outdoor pool at a fair price. Surrounding both hotels is a good selection of chain restaurants.

City Sightseeing :

• Depending on your schedule, you can choose between a morning or afternoon departure for the half-day Discover Nashville tour, which packs in all the city's top attractions in a 3.5-hour tour. Music Row, Riverfront Park, and the Tennessee State Capitol are included on the itinerary, and the cost includes admission to Ryman Auditorium and the Country Music Hall of Fame.
• If you prefer to do things at your own pace, opt for a Nashville Hop-on Hop-off Trolley Tour . This handy option allows you to stop wherever you choose, and spend as long as you like exploring favorite attractions including Music Row, the Parthenon at Centennial Park, and Vanderbilt University, all accompanied by a guide's informative commentary.
• When you're on a tight schedule or just want to get your bearings at the start of your visit to Music City, opt for the one-hour Best of Nashville City Tour on a Double Decker Bus . This tour will zip you by 100 of the top landmarks and attractions, and offers live commentary by your driver.

Helicopter Tour :

• Fly above the skyscrapers and crowds on Honky Tonk Row while scanning the city like an eagle in the Helicopter Tour of Downtown Nashville . During the 15-minute ride, you learn about Music City from your pilot while experiencing Nashville in your own whirlybird.

The spring and fall are the best times of the year to visit Nashville , when the weather is pleasant and the temperatures are comfortable. You will also encounter slightly fewer tourists on either side of the booming summer season, which can be a relief for those who want to avoid crowds.

Fewer tourists also means more availability for tickets to high-demand places like the Grand Ole Opry , and easier access to other music venues. Hotel rates will be slightly lower in the spring and fall than they are in the summer when prices are inflated.

During the spring and fall, weather is nice enough to go to the many outdoor concerts around the city and enjoy patio dining at local restaurants. Spring is the start of fun free outdoor events , like Musicians Corner with live music at Centennial Park, and outdoor concert dates continue into the fall.

If you cannot decide between spring and fall, it is best to scout out the Nashville festival scene and pick dates based on what strikes your interest.

While summer has some exciting events in Nashville like the CMA-festival, if you are not going for a specific reason during this window of time then it is best not to. Summers in Nashville are sweltering. In contrast, the spring and fall temperatures average in the 70s.

Even in the more comfortable months there can be occasional unpredictable storms and high humidity, so it's a good idea to pack for a range of weather conditions.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Popular Nashville Day Trips : When you're done exploring Nashville, be sure to spend at least a little time exploring the surrounding area. Top-rated day trips within an easy drive include a visit to the Carter House and Carnton Plantation, as well as the Historic Sam Davis Home and Plantation, both of which became famous as battlegrounds during the Civil War.

Another great destination with a rich musical history, Memphis is perhaps most famous as the home of Elvis Presley's Graceland. Memphis is also famous for its fun Beale Street Entertainment District, as well as the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum.

The Great Outdoors : For a fun back-to-nature experience, head to the Smoky Mountains , home to the country's most visited national park. Popular outdoor activities include hiking, biking, camping and white water rafting. And if fishing's your thing, Tennessee is famous for its superlative fly fishing , boasting an impressive 22,000 miles of streams and some 29 reservoirs in which to cast a line.

More on Tennessee

• Neighborhoods
• Happy Hours
• Eat & Drink

‹ More Events

The 20 best attractions and sights in nashville.

Whether you’ve lived here for years, just moved to town, or are visiting for the weekend, there’s no excuse for being bored in Music City. From must-see museums to iconic music venues, consider this your Nashville bucket list.

Nashville Zoo

Kids of all ages can enjoy a field trip to the Nashville Zoo , which has grown leaps and bounds since taking over the Grassmere property in 1996. Interactive exhibits like Critter Encounters and Lorikeet Landing as well as exhibits dedicated to flamingos, and meerkats keep local animal lovers intrigued.

Get more details

Cheekwood Estate & Gardens

Perhaps the most gorgeous 55 acres in the greater Nashville area, Cheekwood is a hit with locals and visitors year-round. From the Cheekwood Mansion art gallery to the estate’s 12 sprawling gardens to special exhibits from world-renowned artists, you could spend hours taking in all kinds of stunning visuals. Cheekwood also has a variety of seasonal installations including Cheekwood in Bloom , Cheekwood Harvest , and Holiday Lights at Cheekwood .

Frist Art Museum

With exhibits that rotate every six to eight weeks, no visit to the Frist Art Museum is ever the same—but you’re always guaranteed to leave inspired. Housed in an art deco building, Nashville’s hub for visual art displays works from local, state, and regional artists as well as national and international exhibitions.

Get more detailS

The Hermitage

The home of Andrew Jackson, located on the outskirts of town, is one of the most popular attractions in the state. Open as a museum since 1889, The Hermitage sits on more than 1,000 acres and comprises the seventh U.S. president’s stately mansion, its surrounding gardens and grounds, and the Jackson family tomb. The million-dollar exhibit, Andrew Jackson: Born for a Storm , features interactive displays and a deep dive into his multifaceted life.

GEODIS Park

GEODIS Park , situated in the heart of Wedgewood-Houston, is home to the Nashville Soccer Club. This 30,000-seat stadium is the largest soccer-specific stadium in the United States and Canada. Looking to catch a match? See the Nashville SC’s home game schedule here .

Get More Details

Fifth + Broadway

Fifth + Broadway is a mixed-use development conveniently located on Broadway in Downtown Nashville. The building combines restaurants, shops, office space, a museum, and residential units. Restaurants include local favorites like Slim + Husky’s and Hattie B’s as well as nationally-known eateries like Shake Shack and Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams. On the retail side, visitors can purchase Nashville-centric apparel at The Nash Collection or shop at one of the only brick-and-mortar Ariat stores in the world. Explore the 55,000-square-foot National Museum of African American Music or stay indefinitely at The Place.

GET MORE DETAILS

Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum

It’s known as “the Smithsonian of country music” for good reason, The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum spans 350,000 square feet of prime Downtown Nashville real estate, which it packs with thousands of artifacts, two performance theaters, and countless rotating special exhibitions. The museum’s permanent installation, Sing Me Back Home , takes visitors through the evolution of country music from its roots in the nineteenth century to today’s biggest hitmakers.

Bluebird Cafe

The world-famous and incredibly intimate Bluebird Cafe is where you go to hear your favorite songs—and their backstories—straight from the people who wrote them. (Yes, just like on TV.) Nearly every night, this tiny cafe hosts a group of songwriters who play and banter their way through acoustic rounds, captivating those who got lucky enough to score a seat.

Grand Ole Opry

An essential Nashville music experience is a trip to the historic Grand Ole Opry —it’s the only place where country music stars of past, present, and future have shared the same stage. Spring for the backstage tour, where you can see the Opry’s 18-themed dressing rooms, learn behind-the-scenes secrets, and, if you’re lucky, step foot in “The Circle” yourself.

John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge

The John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge , completed in 1909, is a steel-trussed bridge that connects East Nashville with the hustle and bustle of Downtown Nashville. Runners, commuters, and sightseers alike can be found crisscrossing this skyline landmark at all hours of the day, often pausing to admire the picturesque Cumberland views.

Ryman Auditorium

Your first show at the prestigious Mother Church—famed for its acoustics and pew seating—will be a turning point in your concert-going experience. Formerly the home of the Grand Ole Opry, the Ryman now shines on its own as a hallowed performance hall for all genres of musicians as well as comedians and authors. Self-guided tours are available daily, tickets are $27+ for adults and $18+ for children (4-11).

Broadway Honky-Tonks

Though they might complain about it, even locals have a hard time staying away from Nashville’s glittering main strip—it’s that much of a good time. Lined with perennial honky-tonks like Robert’s Western World and Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge , Lower Broadway has seen a revitalization with trendier establishments like Acme Feed and Seed and Miranda Lambert’s Casa Rosa .

Radnor Lake State Park

Offering 1,300 acres of serene forests, trails, and wildlife, the Radnor Lake area is a literal breath of fresh air for cooped-up Nashvillians. And this natural treasure offers even more than just exercise and a break from daily stressors—The Barbara J. Mapp Aviary Education Center can turn your visit into a full-on learning experience.

Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery

Stop at Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery for a part history lesson and part good old-fashioned whiskey tasting. Brothers Andy and Charlie Nelson revived their great-great-great-grandfather’s family business in 2009. The tour guides here will take you back to the start over a century ago and its subsequent shutting down during Prohibition—cheers to the Nelsons’ happy ending!

The Parthenon

The Parthenon , originally constructed as a temporary exhibit for Tennessee’s 1897 Centennial Exposition, is a full-scale replica of the iconic Athens structure that became so popular it is now a permanent Nashville fixture. Updates over the years have included the creation of the surrounding Centennial Park, a complete overhaul of the structure’s exterior, and the installation of a 42-foot-tall Athena statue. When you visit, don’t miss the fine art museum on the lower level.

Goo Goo Shop and Dessert Bar

The Goo Goo Cluster isn’t just your ordinary sweet treat—it’s the world’s first-ever “combination candy,” a swirl of caramel, marshmallow nougat, peanuts, and chocolate. Fittingly, the Goo Goo Shop and Dessert Bar’s headquarters isn’t just a shop—it’s a decadent destination, featuring Goo Goo’s rich history, a dessert and coffee bar, and a clear view of the confectionary kitchen’s skilled candy makers.

“I Believe in Nashville” Murals

You won’t find a more “Nashville” photo-op than the “I Believe in Nashville” murals . Music City native Adrien Saporiti has created two of them across town, one each in 12 South and Marathon Village —both neighborhoods are a must-visit!

Johnny Cash Museum

Whether you’re a casual listener or a die-hard fan of the Man in Black, it’s hard not to be emotionally moved as you walk through the Johnny Cash Museum . From his humble beginnings in Arkansas to his groundbreaking Folsom Prison performance to his love affair with June Carter, this is a fully-encompassing journey of Cash and his legacy.

First Horizon Park

First Horizon Park , is home to The Nashville Sounds, a Minor League Baseball team of the International League. This massive ballpark situated in Germantown, boasts an unrivaled view of the field, a guitar-shaped scoreboard, and limitless concessions. The stadium also hosts occasional concerts, events, and festivals.

Soundwaves + Gaylord Opryland

SoundWaves , the upscale indoor-outdoor water attraction at  Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center , offers over four acres of entertainment, including 11 slides, a wave pool, FlowRider wave simulator, rapid and lazy rivers, an activity pool, a restaurant, adults-only pool and bar, private cabanas, and kids areas. This attraction is open year-round.

Subscribe for FREE and get the newest restaurants, events, and fun things to do in your inbox each week!

7 Comments on "The 20 Best Attractions and Sights in Nashville"

looking forward to visiting

I need to see my beautiful city! Summer 2001 here we come!!!!!

Hello, thank you for the information. I would like to suggest one more place to enjoy night life in Nashville and it is called as Legend’s Corner.

Free 1910 year old car factory museum showing how they made car in the early 1900s

I will be visiting Nashville soon, so excited can’t wait!!!

Shed Some Light

Note: We believe in shedding a positive light on Nashville. We don't approve self-promoting, hateful, distasteful, or overly negative comments.

Name (will be displayed) *

Email (won't be displayed) *

I Visited Nashville for the First Time, Here’s Where the Local’s Said To Go

I’ve got you covered on what to see, where to eat, and where to stay when you visit Nashville for the first time.

In Nashville, Southern hospitality is the heart of the community, music tingles the senses, and good food warms the soul. Music legends like Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, and others helped put ‘Music City’ on the map.

Discover some of the best things to do in Nashville, from seeing a world-famous Grand Ole Opry show to pigging out on Tennessee BBQ. 

What To See, Where To Eat, and Hear Live Music in Nashville

Music City at Visitor Information Center.

I’ve been dreaming of visiting Nashville for years, and when the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp (Nashville CVC) invited me for a hosted stay, I jumped at the chance. All opinions are my own.

Here’s a breakdown by each popular neighborhood. 

Highlights: Frist Art Museum, Gibson Garage, Peg Leg Porker BBQ, Third Man Records

The Gulch prides itself on being a LEED-certified community. Fun things include exploring the Frist Art Museum (inside a historic Art Deco building) and the Gibson Garage. Park at the museum, and when you’re done viewing the exhibits, walk to the Gibson Garage.

When you walk inside the Gibson Garage , I bet the first thing you’ll think is, “Wow.”

Demo the guitars, buy some swag, and maybe you’ll even see a famous musician walking around.

Gibson Garage Store.

After you’ve had enough electric or acoustic fun, drive or catch a ride to Peg Leg Porker BBQ . I had the ribs, potato salad, and green beans. Oh, and don’t miss trying the Kool-Aid pickles. They are just what they sound like – pickles soaked in Kool-Aid.

I’ve got to get my hands on Pitmaster Carey Bringle’s BBQ for Dummies book because that’s some good cooking.

Peg Leg Porker BBQ restaurant and Third Man Records Storefront.

To walk off the BBQ food coma, visit Third Man Records , the brainchild of musician and entrepreneur Jack White (from The White Stripes). Fans can buy tickets to tour the facility, learn how vinyl records are created, and get a peek at the day-to-day operations.

No pictures are allowed inside; I won’t spoil details for you now. You’ll have to see for yourself.

Highlights: Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, Martin’s BBQ Joint, Hatch Show Print, Good Goo Clusters

Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum in Nashville.

The South Broadway (a.k.a. SoBro) neighborhood is home to Nashville’s newer venues, hotels, and restaurants. Spend a few hours checking out the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum and then grabbing lunch at Martin’s BBQ Joint . Both are local favorites.

After lunch, tour the Hatch Show Print , well known for creating the show posters of many famous musicians, including Elvis. Then, swing by the Goo Goo Cluster Shop , where you can make your own candy bar! Emphasis on the “!” (I get excited about chocolate).

East Nashville

Highlights: Jane’s Hideaway, The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club

The locals like to go to East Nashville for eclectic shopping, coffee, dinner, and drinks. Check out Jane’s Hideaway for dinner and live music, and then head to speakeasy The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club for after-dinner craft cocktails. I don’t know about you, but I think speakeasies are fabulous.

North Broadway + Downtown

Highlights: Ryman Auditorium, National Museum of African American Music, Nashville Barrel Company, Ophelia’s, Printer’s Alley, Musician’s Hall of Fame & Museum

Image Credit: Visit Music City.

Ryman Auditorium is one of the most iconic music venues in Nashville. It hosts over 200 shows a year. If you’re not visiting for a performance, you can take a tour to learn how the Ryman Auditorium was the previous home of the Grand Ole Opry and other fun facts.

While exploring this part of town, spend time at the National Museum of African American Music . My favorite part about the National Museum of African American Music is reading about all the artists who helped shape music in America, from the blues to jazz and hip hop.

While in the area, explore the entertainment district hailed as Printer’s Alley. It was a booming place for speakeasies during the Prohibition Era, followed by nightclubs in the 1940s. Jimi Hendrix was even known for playing in clubs here back in the day.

If you love music, add the Musician’s Hall of Fame & Museum to your Nashville vacation.

Local favorites for grabbing drinks or lunch are at Nashville Barrel Company and Ophelia’s . Ophelia’s has pizza.

Highlights: Trendy Neighborhood, Shopping, Instagram Worthy Murals

12 South is great for walking around, dining, shopping, and finding locally created goods. Fragrance lovers will appreciate the Ranger Station , and if you’re looking for authentic U.S.-made clothes , imogene + willie is where to go.

Photographers will love seeking out the colorful murals in this part of town.

Belmont-Hillsboro Village

Highlights: International Market, Belmont Mansion, Belcourt Theatre

Close to Belmont and Vanderbilt Universities, this area has a college vibe and is teaming with trendy places to eat and grab coffee. The International Market is a popular place to find fantastic cuisine.

Popular attractions include the Belmont Mansion , a famous antebellum home, and the Belcourt Theatre , where visitors can learn more about film and classic cinema.

Highlights: Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage, Sweetmilk, Airport

President Andrew Jackson’s gravesite.

Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage is a notable attraction in the Donelson area. Located roughly 10 miles east of downtown Nashville, it’s the nation’s third most visited presidential estate. You can even see his gravesite.

Brunch at Sweetmilk restaurant in Nashville.

Start the day by grabbing breakfast or brunch at Sweetmilk – get the cheese grits. Then, take a tour of the Hermitage. Afterward, head to another trendy neighborhood or relax at your hotel.

FYI – Donelson is the part of Nashville where the airport (BNA) is located.

Highlights: Art Galleries, Diskin Cider, Adventure Science Center, Present Tense

Diskin Cidery in Nashville.

WeHo, short for Wedgewood-Houston , is Nashville’s art district. Have fun touring the local galleries like the Julia Martin Gallery or David Lusk Gallery, then grab a hard cider at Diskin Cider . Diskin Cider is a gluten-free facility for everyone who is gluten-free – like me.

If there’s still time, check out the Adventure Science Center . Inside is a climbing gym, planetarium, and more. If you have kids, you’ll get the “Parent of the Year” award for taking them here.

Present Tense was one of my favorite places I ate in Nashville. The flavors of all the food were incredible, and they also had many gluten-free options. Get the aged tuna and crispy tofu – I wish I had some right now.

Great Places To Hear Live Music in Nashville

Reba McEntire show at the Grand Ole Opry.

Nashville is more than country music. In fact, most of the locals I talked to want visitors to know that all genres of music can be found across this famous town.

Broadway, The Bluebird Café, and the Grand Ole Opry are the three music areas and venues you should visit on your first trip.

Lower Broadway

Think of Broadway like you think of “The Strip” in Las Vegas. Broadway is a street lined with bars hailed as the Honky Tonk Highway . The cool thing about many of these bars is that there is no cover charge, so you can bar hop all night listening to amazing music. 

The Bluebird Cafe

This small venue is a famous place tucked into a strip mall away from the downtown scene. It’s the spot where world-renowned songwriters come to perform the hit songs they wrote. Think MTV’s Unplugged for the vibe. Heads up — tickets for The Bluebird Café can be hard to get.

While there, I enjoyed seeing famous songwriter Victoria Shaw and her friends Andrew Hyatt, Sarah Buckley, and Kaylee Bell. It was incredible, and I loved the intimate vibe.

Kaylee Bell won a Country Music Award (CMA) a few days later. Congrats, Kaylee – I had your song “Keith” stuck in my head for a week.

You never know who you’re going to see in Nashville.

Grand Ole Opry

People from all over the world flock to attend Country Music shows at the Grand Ole Opry . While visiting, I saw Reba McEntire – the Queen of Country Music herself. 

A little history: in 1925, WSM Radio went live with its first show in the Ryman Auditorium. As time passed, the show moved to the Grand Ole Opry, where folks can see live performances now. If you can’t attend a concert live, listen in on WSM Radio every Friday and Saturday.

Have dinner and some famous Tennessee hot chicken (hot fried chicken) at Scoreboard Bar & Grill before going to the Grand Ole Opry show – that’s what we did.

Where To Stay in Nashville

Gaylord opryland resort & convention center.

View from my balcony at the Gaylord Opryland.

The Gaylord Opryland Resort is incredible. It’s like staying in a giant greenhouse. The resort has three atriums on nine acres with over 50,000 species of plants.

Accommodations are beautiful, with over 2,000 rooms to choose from. There are 18 dining options and even an indoor waterpark called Soundwaves. The fun doesn’t stop there. Guests can take a magical riverboat ride through the atriums.

WSM Radio is also located in-house. I walked by one morning and saw the live broadcast.

The Gaylord Opryland Resort is only a 5-minute drive to the Grand Ole Opry, making it the perfect place to stay if you’re in town for a show.

Four Seasons Hotel Nashville

Four Seasons Hotel Nashville.

For an elevated experience downtown close to Honky Tonk Highway, the Four Seasons opened in November 2022. It’s the perfect place for a romantic weekend getaway for two .

The beds are comfortable, the views are incredible, and all the amenities are luxurious.

I loved my view of the Cumberland River. It was great for watching the sunrise.

Mimo Italian Restaurant and Bar Four Seasons Hotel Nashville.

The hotel has an infinity pool, gym, spa, and a fantastic Italian restaurant and bar called Mimo. You don’t have to stay at the hotel to enjoy their restaurant. There are lots of gluten-free options, and I enjoyed dining here. I honestly can’t wait to visit again.

Book directly with the hotel for the best rates, and be sure to ask if there are any special seasonal rates. 

Where to Fly Into Nashville

Fly into the Nashville International Airport (BNA). The airport is about 15 minutes from downtown.

How To Get Around Nashville

No Car Option – If you’re going to stay at a hotel downtown and focus on listening to music and bar hopping along Broadway, you don’t need a car. You can catch an Uber or Lyft from the airport.

If you’d like to see all the different neighborhoods and not worry about parking, you can still get away with not renting a car and catching an Uber or Lyft.

Take a Tour – I went on a Nashville City Tour on the second day, and it was nice because our guide showed us the lay of the city. We saw the Parthenon, the Tennessee State Capitol, and Centennial Park and heard unique stories about the community. So, this is a neat option if you don’t want to rent a car but you’d like to see more of the city.

Rent a Car – If you want the freedom to drive around Nashville and head to Lynchburg, Tennessee, and the Jack Daniel’s distillery , which I highly recommend, you’ll want to rent a car.

Have Fun Visiting Music City

From music and food to culture and historical sites, Nashville has so many things to do.

Don’t worry if you can’t do it all in one trip. Nashville’s the kind of city you visit again and again.

Save on Pinterest for Later

Save this guide to help plan your trip later.

More Articles From The Happiness Function:

• Finger-Licking Good: 7 Best Restaurants in Townsend, Tennessee
• 12 Reasons People Are Flocking to the Smoky Mountains for Outdoor Adventures

The Guidebook

Published twice a year, The Guidebook is the best resource for all there is to do, play, eat, shop and see in Downtown Nashville. Download as a PDF .

Or, pick up a FREE copy at the following locations:

• Nashville Downtown Partnership Office
• Visitor Information Center  at Bridgestone Arena
• Music City Center
• Most  downtown Nashville Hotels
• Plus, most restaurants and retailers located on Broadway, 2nd Avenue, inside the Arcade and many other locations in downtown Nashville!  

Need a box of 90 books or more?  Email Alexis Bell at  [email protected]  to coordinate.

You can escape the downtown Nashville crowds here: Local hidden gems

From overlooked roadside attractions to offbeat museums and obscure natural wonders, Local Hidden Gems will showcase some of the unique and unexpected treasures that make America extraordinary. We will emphasize charm, surprise and delight.

Local hidden gem:  Radnor Lake, Nashville

Downtown Nashville, among the city’s most popular tourist destinations, is known for its symphony of twangy guitars emanating from the windows of honky tonks . But visitors who are looking for some peace and quiet don’t have to go far.

Radnor Lake State Natural Area and State Park , about a 25-minute drive from Lower Broadway, offers a far more muted soundtrack courtesy of its wildlife. That includes owls, waterfowl, otters and more throughout its 1,389 acres (and counting).

Roughly 10 miles from Nashville’s urban center, Radnor feels a world away. You could spend much of the day there if you want, but it’s just as easy to duck in for a quick walk or find a place to perch and watch the water.

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Radnor is free to visit and open all year from 6 a.m. until 20 minutes after sunset. The park offers more than seven miles of hiking trails flanked by wildflowers, mosses and fungi. Visitors can also jog, ride bikes and stroll with pets where there is asphalt or gravel.

Local hidden gem: A perfect symbol of resistance in New York

The park’s Barbara J. Mapp Aviary Education Center – a short hike from nearby parking areas – hosts open houses on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Self-guided tours offer a chance to see birds of prey, snakes and turtles.

Pro tip: Parking can fill up quickly, so consider taking a rideshare.

Address: 1160 Otter Creek Road, Nashville, TN 37220

More information: https://tnstateparks.com/parks/radnor-lake

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

Nashville Visitors Center

"One-Stop Tourism Information Source"

What's Nearby?

Email Collection

Share/invite, booking details, create new collection, cancellation page, cancellation status, edit collection.

Visit A City is having some trouble loading.

Please try again in a couple of minutes or send us an email to [email protected] .

Nashville Visitor Guide 2024: Everything you need to know

The home of country music is a common feature on many USA bucket lists. Whether you’re seeking a visit to the Grand Ole Opry or looking to hit up a classic honky-tonk, Nashville is one of those cities that oozes charm and offers access to a whole array of fun activities. 

Situated directly on the Cumberland River, Nashville is the capital of Tennessee. The city dates back to 1779 when it was first founded and named after an American Revolutionary War general, Francis Nash. Following the American Civil War, it boomed as a hub for the manufacturing sector before becoming known for music. 

Today, the city’s musical roots are evident and as strong as ever. In fact, Nashville is commonly dubbed ‘Music City’. It is also a thriving business center for industries like banking, healthcare, automotive and publishing, meaning that it draws a significant number of business travelers in addition to general vacationers.

A weekend in Nashville

Love discounts and traveling?

Sign up for our newsletter and get 10% off your next booking.

8 Best Ways To Experience Nashville In 2024

When you start to get tired of listening to the twang of guitar strings and the lyrics of endless country songs, it's time to find something else to do in Nashville other than go to a live music bar. The companies listed below will get you out and about on bicycles, on paddleboards and in kayaks, take you around local distilleries, or immerse you in civil rights history. And when you drop off your unneeded bags at a Bounce luggage storage in Nashville, you’ll be ready to explore the city unencumbered. Read on to find out how to make the most of your stay in Music City, and you'll be so pleased you did, you might even write a song about it.

Best SUP and Kayak Tours – Big Willie's Nashville

Nashville may be a landlocked city in Tennessee but that doesn't mean you need to be a landlubber when you're visiting there. Nashville is intersected by the meandering flow of the Cumberland River which is a great waterway for stand-up paddleboarding. If you want to give it a go, get in touch with Big Willie's Nashville and they'll sort you out with all the equipment you need or take you on a guided sunset paddle if you prefer.

Contact Big Willies Nashville about paddleboarding by emailing [email protected] or give them a call on 1-615-933-9402.

Best Music Tour – Music City Rollin' Jamboree

There really is no escape from music in Nashville so you could find yourself singing along. You'll definitely be stretching your vocal cords if you go on a night out with Music City Rollin' Jamboree – and laughing too. These guys combine their love of country music with a healthy dose of comedy as they drive you from bar to bar in Nashville. You'll hear hilarious anecdotes, sing along with some great tunes and maybe even catch sight of a famous face or two.

Get ready to sing along with Music City Rollin' Jamboree by emailing them at [email protected] or give them a call on 1-615-430-3109 for more information.

Best Distillery Tour – Big Machine Tour & Distillery

A tour around the Big Machine Distillery in Downtown Nashville will be a real eye-opener if you've never given much thought to how your favorite tipple is made. This award-winning Tennessee distillery has as many medals for their whiskey and vodka as there are bottles on their store shelves. Tours take just under an hour and include a generous amount of sampling so don't go with an empty stomach or you'll end up with a souvenir hangover.

Contact the Big Machine Tour & Distillery by emailing [email protected] or call 1-615-345-4539 to schedule your visit.

Best Walking Tour – Experience Nashville Tours

Set out on foot to pound the sidewalks of Music City with a guide from Experience Nashville Tours and you'll find out all manner of interesting things. On this two-and-a-half-hour stroll around the Nashville streets, you'll learn about its history, the music, and the people like Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson who started their climbs to fame there.

Get in the know about Nashville with Experience Nashville Tours by calling 1-615-788-6384 or drop them an email at [email protected] for more details.

Best Bike Tour – Green Fleet Bicycle Tours

Nashville is a widespread city so one of the best ways of seeing it in the shortest time is to mount a bicycle and get pedaling. You can hire a bike from Green Fleet Bicycle Tours and self-guide your way around or head out in a small group with one of their qualified local guides. If you're not feeling as fit as you'd like to be, get an e-bike instead of a normal one and it won't be such hard work.

Get ready to cycle Nashville with Green Fleet Bicycle Tours by emailing them at [email protected] or call them on 1-615-379-8687.

Best Black History Tours – United Street Tours

This specialized tour conducted by United Street Tours concentrates on the city's Afro-American culture and the civil rights movement in Nashville and Tennessee. It's a walking tour that embraces many different aspects of the black community including its history, renowned personalities, the arts, and the food scene.

Join this insightful tour with United Street Tours by emailing [email protected] or call 1-615-447-8107.

Best Food Tour – Dabble Studios

Food tours with Dabble Studios aren't just about going from restaurant to restaurant tasting a variety of dishes. When you take a food tour with Dabble Studios you can combine it with sightseeing major landmarks, make it a paint and sip event, a special date night, or even turn it into a cookery class so you can continue making your favorite Nashville food when you get back home again.

Learn how to prepare shrimp and grits by contacting Dabble Studios on 1-615-678-8784 or email them at [email protected].

Best Kayak Tour – River Queen Voyages

Turn kayaking into an even more fun adventure by going on a scavenger hunt with River Queen Voyages . You do need to be multi-skilled as it involves reading clues on a mobile phone app while you're paddling down the Cumberland River, but once you've mastered that, it's non-stop diversion all the way. The scavenger hunt makes for a great day out if you're traveling with friends. River Queen Voyages will also guide you on a variety of kayaking tour routes so if you don't want to go solo you don't have to.

Plan your kayaking scavenger hunt with River Queen Voyages by emailing them at [email protected] or give them a call on 1-615-933-9778 for more details.

Many of Nashville’s notable attractions revolve around music and you’ll absolutely want to add some of these to your itinerary, but if you’re not a music lover, don’t despair. There’s a whole range of other activities to keep you entertained during your time in Nashville.

If you’re in Nashville for a short time on a business trip or perhaps a weekend getaway, the following sites are a perfect taste of the city. You’ll get to see some of the best the city has to offer without needing a lot of time. 

• Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum: This museum was founded in 1964 and is dedicated to the preservation of country music. You can join a tour or wander through the extensive collection of exhibitions on your own to see how the music industry has evolved.
• Grand Ole Opry: For those of you lucky enough to time it right, you can opt to see a live gig at the famous Grand Ole Opry. Even if nobody is playing while you’re in town, a visit to this iconic venue will not disappoint. It’s an absolute must for music-lovers.
• Centennial Park: If you’re looking to move away from the music-themed attractions, head to Centennial Park. It boasts a replica of the Athens Parthenon and a pond that provides the perfect backdrop for picnics, and is often host to various free events.
• Broadway: There’s always something going on at Broadway in Downtown Nashville. Stop by for a live gig, a good meal or a drink at one of the many bars. If you want to head straight out in the evening, put your daypack or shopping into a Bounce luggage storage locker in Nashville and you’ll be ready to dance the night away.

Nashville Lockers

There’s nothing more inconvenient than being stuck with your bags on vacation. It might be due to a late check-in, early check-out, or even a stopover, but whatever the reason there’s no denying that it can be a real hassle. Bounce luggage storage service in Nashville makes traveling easy by providing flexible storage for your belongings, allowing you to explore this great city stress-free. Simply drop your bags, hit the streets and pick them up when it suits you – it’s that easy.

Off the beaten path in Nashville

If you want to get to know Nashville beyond the popular tourist attractions, take a look at our list. These sites will allow you to see the city through the eyes of a local and give you an entirely unique perspective.

• The Pancake Pantry: Some of the best food can be found in hole-in-the-wall establishments that are not listed on ‘top 10’ lists or in tourist guides. The Pancake Pantry is one of them. Locals love this little cafe that boasts more than 23 pancake options. 
• Nashville Pedal Tavern: Looking for a bar crawl with a twist? Join the Pedal Tavern. Enjoy a drink while pedaling around town on a bicycle built for… 15! Cruise through popular areas and little streets that you wouldn’t otherwise know existed.
• Frist Art Museum: The Frist Art Museum is home to a range of exhibitions across every genre of art. Try visiting on the first Saturday of the month when the venue holds different events.

What to do alone in Nashville

Nashville is well set up to accommodate solo travelers whether you are on a short business trip or an extended leisure vacation. There’s even easy-to-use bag storage in Nashville that will allow you to navigate the city without the hassle of your luggage, daypack or even shopping. If you’re looking for things to do alone in Music City, add these items to your itinerary.

• 12 South: If you want to indulge in some retail therapy or some people watching over a coffee or a meal, head to 12 South. This area has a range of quaint shops and restaurants where you can easily spend an afternoon.
• Music Row: Immerse yourself in the music environment of Nashville with a walk down Music Row. The strip is home to various record labels and publishers, making you feel as though you are experiencing the real Music City.
• Live gigs: No trip to Nashville is complete without some live music. The good news is that, as a solo traveler, you can pick to see whichever band you like!

The best souvenirs in Nashville

You’ll have such a good time in Nashville that there’s a good chance you’ll want something to remember your trip. You also might need to find gifts for family and friends. Well, you’re in luck, because Nashville has a range of options for souvenir shopping.

Circa on 5th Avenue is a great option for everything from basic tourist objects like shot glasses and bags to more unique Nashville products. For locally made items and jewelry, head to Nashville Music City Visitors Center on Broadway. Nashville Farmers Market is also a good option, particularly if you are looking for artisan goods.

Explore the world

Get the bounce app.

Instantly find locations nearby to drop off your luggage wherever you go.

TBR | The College System of Tennessee

The tennessee board of regents (tbr) is tennessee's largest higher education system, governing 40 post-secondary educational institutions with over 200 teaching locations. the tbr system includes 13 community colleges and 27 colleges of applied technology, providing programs to students across the state, country and world., service center associate, procurement and travel.

• Nashville, Tennessee, United States
• Staff Full-Time
• Closing on: May 29 2024

Title: Service Center Associate, Procurement and Travel

Employee Classification:  Clerical & Secretarial

Institution:  System Office

Department: Service Center

Campus Location: Tennessee Board of Regents System Office

Job Summary

The Associate, Procurement & Travel is responsible for ensuring that all requisition, travel, and purchasing transactions are provided in a timely and accurate manner and in compliance with all applicable institutional, TBR, State, and Federal regulations, policies, and guidelines. The Associate, Procurement & Travel executes complex purchasing transactions utilizing sophisticated technology to provide professional services. The Associate, Procurement & Travel works closely with institutions of the TBR system and is expected to provide a high level of customer service to all institutions served. Depending on circumstances, remote work may be an option.

• 55% - Procurement • Researches and utilizes comparative analysis and recommendations to support the development of specifications and bid lists for RFIs, RFQs, and RFPs • All RFI, RFQ, and RFP processes including: preparing formal Invitations to Bid, managing bids, notifying all bidders of award decision, processing purchase orders, and reviewing completed/signed TBR Sole Source Vendor Forms for Sole Source Vendor Purchases for completeness and accuracy • Assists in the administration of procurement card program, ensuring compliance with TBR policies and guidelines • Issues open encumbrance reports related to POs not receipted in Jaggaer • Assist with Jaggaer user administration and vendor catalog offerings • Provides consultation regarding best vendor and prices during vendor selection process - (Essential)
• 20% - Travel • Maintains standardized forms for travel claims and processes travel claim submissions • Reviews, audits, and approves travel claims submitted for compliance with TBR travel policies • Forwards approved travel claims to accounts payable for processing • Coordinates the system-wide and Shared Services travel card program • Maintains travel and expense files - (Essential)
• 15% - Customer Service • Develops and provides trainings, as necessary, regarding the procurement database and procurement and travel policy and procedure changes • Communicates to employees and administration regarding procurement related issues • Fields employee questions and researches procurement and travel claim questions and concerns • Works cooperatively and effectively with other departments • Provides consultative services to institutions based on functional area expertise in support of procurement related best practice implementation - (Essential)
• 5% - Reporting • Prepares institutional, TBR, State, and Federal required reporting, as well as ad hoc reports - (Essential)
• 5% - Other Duties • Performs additional duties as assigned - (Marginal)

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 2 years of procurement experience OR a high school degree/GED and a minimum of 5 years of procurement experience OR a comparable combination of education and experience • Experience or training in Windows operating system and Microsoft applications

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in procurement in a college or university setting • Experience within a shared services operating environment • Experience in procurement at a TBR institution or state administration • Experience with Banner or similar ERP system • Experience with Jaggaer or similar procurement system

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of procurement terminology and practices • Broad knowledge of federal and state laws and guidelines • A willingness and passion to learn new hardware and software systems that are consistent with duties • Ability to effectively analyze data and inquiries, think critically, and make appropriate decisions • Effective organizational and time management skills • Ability to work as part of a team or work alone without close supervision • Strong interpersonal skills • Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally • Ability to understand customer needs and provide quality service • Ability to maintain confidentiality in compliance rules and regulations, including HIPAA and FERPA guidelines on the disclosure of information

Sign up for Job Alerts here!

Refer a friend, ready to apply.

Refer someone to this job

This website uses cookies.

We use cookies to personalise content such as job recommendations, and to analyse our traffic. You consent to our cookies if you click "I Accept". If you click on "I Do Not Accept", then we will not use cookies but you may have a deteriorated user experience. You can change your settings by clicking on the Settings link on the top right of the device.

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

Solar Storm Intensifies, Filling Skies With Northern Lights

Officials warned of potential blackouts or interference with navigation and communication systems this weekend, as well as auroras as far south as Southern California or Texas.

By Katrina Miller and Judson Jones

Katrina Miller reports on space and astronomy and Judson Jones is a meteorologist.

A dramatic blast from the sun set off the highest-level geomagnetic storm in Earth’s atmosphere on Friday that is expected to make the northern lights visible as far south as Florida and Southern California and could interfere with power grids, communications and navigations system.

It is the strongest such storm to reach Earth since Halloween of 2003. That one was strong enough to create power outages in Sweden and damage transformers in South Africa.

The effects could continue through the weekend as a steady stream of emissions from the sun continues to bombard the planet’s magnetic field.

The solar activity is so powerful that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which monitors space weather, issued an unusual storm watch for the first time in 19 years, which was then upgraded to a warning. The agency began observing outbursts on the sun’s surface on Wednesday, with at least five heading in the direction of Earth.

“What we’re expecting over the next couple of days should be more significant than what we’ve seen certainly so far,” Mike Bettwy, the operations chief at NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, said at a news conference on Friday morning.

For people in many places, the most visible part of the storm will be the northern lights, known also as auroras. But authorities and companies will also be on the lookout for the event’s effects on infrastructure, like global positioning systems, radio communications and even electrical power.

While the northern lights are most often seen in higher latitudes closer to the North Pole, people in many more parts of the world are already getting a show this weekend that could last through the early part of next week.

As Friday turned to Saturday in Europe, people across the continent described skies hued in a mottling of colors.

Alfredo Carpineti , an astrophysicist, journalist and author in North London, saw them with his husband from the rooftop of their apartment building.

“It is incredible to be able to see the aurora directly from one’s own backyard,” he said. “I was hoping to maybe catch a glimpse of green on the horizon, but it was all across the sky in both green and purple.”

Here’s what you need to know about this weekend’s solar event.

How will the storm affect people on Earth?

A geomagnetic storm watch or warning indicates that space weather may affect critical infrastructure on or orbiting near Earth. It may introduce additional current into systems, which could damage pipelines, railroad tracks and power lines.

According to Joe Llama, an astronomer at Lowell Observatory, communications that rely on high frequency radio waves, such as ham radio and commercial aviation , are most likely to suffer. That means it is unlikely that your cellphone or car radio, which depend on much higher frequency radio waves, will conk out.

Still, it is possible for blackouts to occur. As with any power outage, you can prepare by keeping your devices charged and having access to backup batteries, generators and radio.

The most notable solar storm recorded in history occurred in 1859. Known as the Carrington Event, it lasted for nearly a week, creating aurora that stretched down to Hawaii and Central America and impacting hundreds of thousands of miles of telegraph lines.

But that was technology of the 19th century, used before scientists fully understood how solar activity disrupted Earth’s atmosphere and communication systems.

“That was an extreme level event,” said Shawn Dahl, a forecaster at NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center. “We are not anticipating that.”

Unlike tornado watches and warnings, the target audience for NOAA’s announcements is not the public.

“For most people here on planet Earth, they won’t have to do anything,” said Rob Steenburgh, a space scientist at NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center.

The goal of the announcements is to give agencies and companies that operate this infrastructure time to put protection measures in place to mitigate any effects.

“If everything is working like it should, the grid will be stable and they’ll be able to go about their daily lives,” Mr. Steenburgh said.

Will I be able to see the northern lights?

It is possible that the northern lights may grace the skies this week over places that don’t usually see them. The best visibility is outside the bright lights of cities.

Clouds or stormy weather could pose a problem in some places. But if the skies are clear, even well south of where the aurora is forecast to take place, snap a picture or record a video with your cellphone. The sensor on the camera is more sensitive to the wavelengths produced by the aurora and may produce an image you can’t see with the naked eye.

Another opportunity could be viewing sunspots during the daytime, if your skies are clear. As always, do not look directly at the sun without protection. But if you still have your eclipse glasses lying around from the April 8 event, you may try to use them to try to spot the cluster of sunspots causing the activity.

How strong is the current geomagnetic storm?

Giant explosions on the surface of the sun, known as coronal mass ejections, send streams of energetic particles into space. But the sun is large, and such outbursts may not cross our planet as it travels around the star. But when these particles create a disturbance in Earth’s magnetic field, it is known as a geomagnetic storm.

NOAA classifies these storms on a “G” scale of 1 to 5, with G1 being minor and G5 being extreme. The most extreme storms can cause widespread blackouts and damage to infrastructure on Earth. Satellites may also have trouble orienting themselves or sending or receiving information during these events.

The current storm is classified as G5, or “extreme.” It is caused by a cluster of sunspots — dark, cool regions on the solar surface — that is about 16 times the diameter of Earth. The cluster is flaring and ejecting material every six to 12 hours.

“We anticipate that we’re going to get one shock after another through the weekend,” said Brent Gordon, chief of the space weather services branch at NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center.

Why is this happening now?

The sun’s activity ebbs and flows on an 11-year cycle, and right now, it is approaching a solar maximum. Three other severe geomagnetic storms have been observed so far in the current activity cycle, which began in December 2019, but none were predicted to cause effects strong enough on Earth to warrant a watch or warning announcement.

The cluster of sunspots generating the current storm is the largest seen in this solar cycle, NOAA officials said. They added that the activity in this cycle has outperformed initial predictions .

More flares and expulsions from this cluster are expected, but because of the sun’s rotation the cluster will be oriented in a position less likely to affect Earth. In the coming weeks, the sunspots may appear again on the left side of the sun, but it is difficult for scientists to predict whether this will cause another bout of activity.

“Usually, these don’t come around packing as much of a punch as they did originally,” Mr. Dahl said. “But time will tell on that.”

Jonathan O’Callaghan contributed reporting from London.

An earlier version of this article misstated the radio frequencies used by cellphones and car radios. They are higher frequencies, not low.

How we handle corrections

Katrina Miller is a science reporting fellow for The Times. She recently earned her Ph.D. in particle physics from the University of Chicago. More about Katrina Miller

Judson Jones is a meteorologist and reporter for The Times who forecasts and covers extreme weather. More about Judson Jones

What’s Up in Space and Astronomy

Keep track of things going on in our solar system and all around the universe..

Never miss an eclipse, a meteor shower, a rocket launch or any other 2024 event  that’s out of this world with  our space and astronomy calendar .

A dramatic blast from the sun  set off the highest-level geomagnetic storm in Earth’s atmosphere, making the northern lights visible around the world .

With the help of Google Cloud, scientists who hunt killer asteroids churned through hundreds of thousands of images of the night sky to reveal 27,500 overlooked space rocks in the solar system .

A celestial image, an Impressionistic swirl of color in the center of the Milky Way, represents a first step toward understanding the role of magnetic fields  in the cycle of stellar death and rebirth.

Scientists may have discovered a major flaw in their understanding of dark energy, a mysterious cosmic force . That could be good news for the fate of the universe.

Is Pluto a planet? And what is a planet, anyway? Test your knowledge here .

• About Ascension
• Community Impact
• Community & Investor Relations
• Compliance Program
• History & Sponsorship
• Our Mission
• Mission, Vision, Values & Ethics
• Diversity & Inclusion
• Spiritual Care
• Workplace Spirituality
• Spiritual & Theological Formation
• Partnership in Ministry Award
• ACA Ascension Insurance
• Ascension At Home
• Ascension Care Management
• Ascension Global Mission
• Ascension Investment Management
• Ascension Leader Institute
• Ascension Living
• Ascension Maternal Health Report
• Ascension Technologies
• Ascension Ventures
• Associate Travel Program
• Community Health Ministries
• Medical Mission at Home
• The Resource Group
• News & Podcasts
• Ascension National News
• Good Day Ascension Podcasts
• Media Resources
• Search Ascension News
• Healthcare Website

Cybersecurity Event Update

Note for Media: The statement below can be attributed "to an Ascension spokesperson".

May 15 - 4:23pm CT

Ascension continues to make progress towards restoration and recovery following the recent ransomware attack. We continue to work with industry leading forensic experts from Mandiant to conduct our investigation into this attack and understand the root cause and how this incident occurred. In parallel, we have brought in additional cybersecurity experts from Palo Alto Networks Unit 42 and from CYPFER to help supplement our rebuild and restoration efforts. We are focused on getting systems back up and running as safely and as quickly as possible. We are also working on reconnecting with our vendors with the help of our recovery experts. Please be aware that it may still take some time to return to normal operations.

Our priority remains providing quality patient care and relaying up-to-date information when available as we work through this recovery process. Please continue to refer to this website page along with the regional update pages for more information. We encourage anyone seeking information surrounding the incident or with questions about the operational status of Ascension facilities to visit this page for the latest updates.

As we continue to progress in these recovery and restoration efforts, we want to express a sincere thank you to our patients and community for your patience and support through this difficult time.

Regional Updates

District of Columbia

General - Frequently Asked Questions

On May 8, Ascension detected unusual activity in our network systems, which we have determined is due to a ransomware attack. We continue to diligently investigate and address this ransomware attack, working closely with industry-leading cybersecurity experts to assist in our investigation and recovery efforts.

Systems that are currently unavailable include some electronic health records systems, some patient portals (which enables patients to view their medical records and communicate with their providers), some phone systems and various systems utilized to order certain tests, procedures and medications. We have implemented established protocols and procedures to address these particular system disruptions in order to continue to provide care to patients.

Downtime procedures are safe clinical practices born out of necessity. They are predefined steps that all healthcare organizations follow during a system or network failure developed in case of a potential threat. We are taking all necessary precautions at this time and our downtime procedures require our highly qualified, dedicated medical, nursing and clinical teams to utilize manual processes to ensure patients are properly cared for.

Manual processes including moving to paper records and processing everything by hand are being utilized for varying clinical processes including dispensing medication, inputting health medical records, ordering and completion of diagnostic tests and procedures, contacting patients and sharing information securely.

Our restoration work will take time, and we do not have a timeline for completion. We will continue to provide updates as appropriate.

Investigations of this nature take time to complete. While we are not able to provide an exact timetable, we will continue to provide updates as appropriate. These updates can be found on our website at https://about.ascension.org/cybersecurity-event.

If we determine sensitive data was potentially exfiltrated or accessed as part of this incident, we will notify applicable individuals and parties in accordance with our obligations.

Patient - Frequently Asked Questions

Caring for our patients remains our highest priority. We understand there may be concerns, but our workforce is well trained in providing patient care with established downtime procedures.

Our teams are working directly with any patient whose appointment or procedure will need to be rescheduled. Unless instructed otherwise by their care team, patients should continue to attend appointments as scheduled.

Yes. Our hospitals and facilities remain open and are providing care. Caring for our patients remains our highest priority. We understand there may be concerns, but our workforce is well trained in providing patient care with established downtime procedures.

Our hospitals and facilities remain open and are providing care. However, due to downtime procedures, several hospitals are currently on diversion for emergency medical services in order to ensure emergency cases are triaged immediately. Safely caring for our patients remains our highest priority as we navigate this cybersecurity incident.

Our hospitals and facilities, including emergency departments, remain open and are providing care. Caring for our patients remains our highest priority. We understand there may be concerns, but our workforce is well trained in providing patient care with established downtime procedures.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please contact 911 and your local emergency services will bring you to the nearest hospital emergency room.

Previous Media Statements

May 13 - 4:30pm CT

Ascension previously reported that it experienced a ransomware attack that has caused disruptions to patient care in its network. Our priority remains on providing safe patient care. Ascension, with the support of leading cybersecurity experts, worked around the clock over the weekend to respond to the ransomware incident affecting our systems. We are focused on restoring systems safely. We are making progress, however, it will take time to return to normal operations. As systems and services come back online, we will share those updates so that our patients and communities can plan accordingly. We have established a dedicated website to share any updates we have across our system. We will be expanding the site this week to provide updates related to healthcare services as they relate to specific regions.

May 11 - 2:00pm CT

We continue to diligently investigate and address the recent ransomware incident, working closely with industry leading cybersecurity experts to assist in our investigation and restoration and recovery efforts. Additionally, we have notified law enforcement, as well as government partners including the FBI, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the American Hospital Association (AHA). We remain in close contact with the FBI and CISA, and we are sharing relevant threat intelligence with the Health Information Sharing and Analysis Center (H-ISAC) so that our industry partners and peers can take steps to protect themselves from similar incidents.

While our restoration work continues in earnest, our focus is on restoring systems as safely as possible. While we expect this process will take time to complete, we are making progress and systems are being restored in a coordinated manner at each of our care sites. We will continue to share updates on our recovery process.

On May 8, Ascension detected unusual activity in our network systems. We have determined this is a cybersecurity incident. We are working around the clock with internal and external advisors to investigate, contain, and restore our systems following a thorough validation and screening process. Our investigation and restoration work will take time to complete, and we do not have a timeline for completion.

Safely caring for patients remains our highest priority as we navigate this cybersecurity incident. We are actively supporting our ministries as they continue to provide safe, patient care with established downtime protocols and procedures, in which our workforce is well trained. It is expected that we will be utilizing downtime procedures for some time. Patients should bring to their appointment notes on their symptoms and a list of current medications and prescription numbers or the prescription bottles so their care team can call in medication needs to pharmacies.

Systems that are currently unavailable include our electronic health records system, MyChart (which enables patients to view their medical records and communicate with their providers), some phone systems, and various systems utilized to order certain tests, procedures and medications. We have implemented established protocols and procedures to address these particular system disruptions in order to continue to provide safe care to patients. Out of an abundance of caution, however, some non-emergent elective procedures, tests and appointments have been temporarily paused while we work to bring systems back online. Our teams are working directly with any patient whose appointment or procedure will need to be rescheduled. We understand the frustration this may cause and sincerely regret any inconvenience to our patients.

Due to downtime procedures, several hospitals are currently on diversion for emergency medical services in order to ensure emergency cases are triaged immediately. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please contact 911 and your local emergency services will bring you to the nearest hospital emergency room.

We are beyond grateful for the hard work and dedication of our care teams across the system, and their continued commitment to our patients. We also thank our patients and our community for their continued support and patience during this time as we work through a diligent, time-intensive process to restore systems as quickly, and as safely, as possible. To ensure all patients, staff, and stakeholders are kept informed during this event, we will continue to post updated information on our website as it becomes available.

Note for Media: The statement below can be attributed "to an Ascension spokesperson". For updates, please visit about.ascension.org/cybersecurity-event

On Wednesday, May 8, we detected unusual activity on select technology network systems, which we now believe is due to a cybersecurity event. At this time we continue to investigate the situation. We responded immediately, initiated our investigation and activated our remediation efforts. Access to some systems have been interrupted as this process continues.

Our care teams are trained for these kinds of disruptions and have initiated procedures to ensure patient care delivery continues to be safe and as minimally impacted as possible. There has been a disruption to clinical operations, and we continue to assess the impact and duration of the disruption.

We have engaged Mandiant, a third party expert, to assist in the investigation and remediation process, and we have notified the appropriate authorities. Together, we are working to fully investigate what information, if any, may have been affected by the situation. Should we determine that any sensitive information was affected, we will notify and support those individuals in accordance with all relevant regulatory and legal guidelines.

We are reaching out to our business partners to ensure they are aware of the situation so they can take appropriate steps to safeguard their systems. We encourage all business partners to coordinate with the Ascension Technology partners to address any specific questions.

This is an ongoing situation and we will provide updates on our website as we learn more.

• Skip to main content
• Skip to footer

AgriLife Today

Texas A&M AgriLife's digital magazine and newsroom

Department of Hospitality, Hotel Management and Tourism signs memorandum of understanding with Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center

New internship program will provide students with unique paid experiential learning opportunities  .

May 7, 2024 - by Paul Schattenberg

Students in the Department of Hospitality, Hotel Management and Tourism in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences will gain meaningful real-life experiential learning through an internship collaboration with the Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center.

The memorandum of understanding, MOU, signed by department head Brian King, Ph.D., and Greg Stafford, general manager of the Doug Pitcock ’49 Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center , in the lobby of the hotel on May 7, will provide students in the department with opportunities for two types of paid internship programs – operational and supervisory.

About the partnership

The hotel and conference center, located on the campus of Texas A&M University in College Station, is operated by Pyramid Global Hospitality, an international hotel and resort company with a portfolio of more than 240 properties in the U.S., the Caribbean and Europe.   

“This memorandum of understanding commemorates the first of such partnerships, and it is both appropriate and symbolic that we chose our own Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center to start the process,” King said. “It will be an example of how the hospitality industry can benefit from working with our department and the College.”

Pyramid Global Hospitality is a third-party hospitality management company formed by the 2021 merger of three hotel and resort management companies, with offices in Boston, The Woodlands, Cincinnati and London. For more information, go to: www.PyramidGlobal.com .

Student internships outlined in the MOU

The MOU outlines the expectations and responsibilities of the interns and Pyramid Global Hospitality at Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center as the industry partner. It provides two types of internships: an operational-level internship requiring 200 hours and a supervisory-level internship requiring 300 hours. 

“We value both formal and experiential education,” Stafford said. “Anyone with only a formal education would have a hard time getting into a supervisory or managerial position in the hotel industry. Through this internship program, we will provide participants with a legitimate learning experience that combines productivity with education.” 

Salaries for both internships will be commensurate with those of regular hotel employees having similar responsibilities.

Stafford said about 55% of the hotel and conference center’s labor force is students, and a stable leadership team is in place to work with students and help them develop professionally.  

While these internships represent a front-end investment by Pyramid, he said the company hopes the experience will lead participants toward longer-term employment with them.  

“We are very excited about the partnership between the Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center and the department,” said Calvin Banks, senior vice president – people development and culture, at Pyramid Global Hospitality. “This agreement demonstrates our commitment to growing future leaders in the hospitality industry. The agreement also further expands our internship and leadership development program opportunities across our global network of hotels and resorts. We look forward to creating a valuable experience as a part of each intern’s learning journey.”

Responsibilities as an industry partner

The responsibilities of those involved in the program are described in the Internship Handbook developed by department experts in collaboration with Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center human resources.

Per the memorandum, Pyramid Global Hospitality, through Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center, will serve as an industry-based teacher, offering the intern instruction and supervision, and using its operations to advance the intern’s professional competencies.

Along with interviewing the interns to ascertain their needs, interests, knowledge, skills and objectives, Pyramid will be responsible for:

• Orienting the intern to their objectives and working environment.
• Providing the intern with meaningful experiential education throughout the internship.
• Holding periodic evaluation sessions with the intern to review progress and discuss any concerns.
• As far as possible, helping interns satisfy their personal goals and objectives.

Pyramid will also conduct evaluation reports on intern performance, participate in virtual meetings with the intern and sign the intern’s final time sheet.

Responsibilities of interns

According to the MOU, the intern will be responsible for fulfilling internship expectations as provided in the handbook and course outline, in addition to following some general guidelines that include:

• Working with the internship coordinator to provide the necessary information and learn of any costs associated with program materials.
• Following the policies and duties outlined by the industry partner and in the Internship Handbook and meet all scheduled commitments made in connection with the assignments.
• Submitting any forms and reports as required by the university and the industry partner.
• Attending periodic conferences with the industry partner and, if needed, with the internship coordinator.

Before starting their internship, the intern will be asked to submit three personal goals, each accompanied by two to three objectives.

“Interns will be expected to perform work assignments to a professional standard throughout the internship and abide by Texas A&M’s code of conduct,” King said.

A member of Texas A&M AgriLife

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service | Texas A&M AgriLife Research | Texas A&M Forest Service | Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Lab | College of Agriculture & Life Sciences

Texas A&M AgriLife

Phone: (979) 803-1287 [email protected]

More Information

• Resources for Press and Media
• Story Suggestion

Find Us on Social Media

About texas a&m university.

• Find & Reserve
• Special Offers
• Meetings & Events
• Our Credit Cards
• About Marriott Bonvoy
• Careers at Marriott

SpringHill Suites Phoenix Scottsdale

• Experiences

Welcome to SpringHill Suites Phoenix Scottsdale

Brand new property located in scottsdale, az..

Travel in style at SpringHill Suites by Marriott the all suite hotel that seamlessly blends design and functionality offering the modern amenities you need to stay refreshed and focused all at an affordable price. Spacious suites and vibrant lobbies offer flexible spaces perfect for working, meeting or relaxing. Take the stress out of travel with free WiFi, relaxing pools and fitness centers. Our Market is open 24 hr for snacks and necessities. Enjoy our complimentary hot new breakfast buffet with fresh choices for a customized start to your day with eggs, bacon, waffles, muffins or Greek yogurt and oatmeal with a toppings bar for a variety of options. Quite simply from business trips to leisurely journeys SpringHill Suites is a breath of fresh air.

Rooms & Suites

Rates vary by date & room type

FEATURED AMENITIES ON-SITE

Hotel information.

Check-in: 3:00 pm

Check-out: 12:00 pm

Minimum Age to Check In: 18

Smoke Free Property

Pets Welcome

Non-Refundable Pet Fee Per Stay: $100

Maximum Pet Weight: 50lbs

Maximum Number of Pets in Room: 2

On-Site Parking

PerStay: $15.00

More Ways to Enjoy Your Stay

Fitness Center

GETTING HERE

1500 North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA, 85257

Uber or Lyft; fee: 20 USD (one way) ;on request

On-Property

Local Shuttle Complimentary

Bus Station

Property Details

Accepts: Credit Cards

Property has elevators

Languages spoken by staff: English, Spanish

For more information about the physical features of our accessible rooms, common areas or special services relating to a specific disability please call +1 480-716-1600

Accessible on-site parking

Self Operating lift or a sloped entry in hotel swimming pools

Service Animals are Welcome

Van Accessible on-site parking

Accessible Entrance to On-Site Pool

Entrance to On-Site Business Center is Accessible

Entrance to On-Site Fitness Center is Accessible

Main Entrance is Accessible

Meeting Spaces are Accessible

Hearing Accessible Rooms and/or Kits

Mobility accessible rooms

Roll-in Shower

Frequently Asked Questions

The check-in time at SpringHill Suites Phoenix Scottsdale is 3:00 pm and the check-out time is 12:00 pm.

The pet policy at SpringHill Suites Phoenix Scottsdale is:

The parking options at SpringHill Suites Phoenix Scottsdale are:

On-Site Parking: PerStay: $15.00

The property amenities at SpringHill Suites Phoenix Scottsdale are:

Yes, SpringHill Suites Phoenix Scottsdale has free Wi-Fi available to hotel guests.

Unlock your stay with the Marriott Bonvoy™ App

SPRINGHILL SUITES® BY MARRIOTT® PHOENIX SCOTTSDALE

1500 North Scottsdale Road,

Scottsdale, Arizona, USA, 85257

Top Destinations

Our company.

© 1996 – 2024 Marriott International, Inc. All rights reserved. Marriott Proprietary Information

Please select your preferred language

The americas, asia and oceania.

• Bahasa Indonesia

INTERNATIONAL

Resident Volunteer: VisitorCenter Host/Interpretation Duo or Single

35704 County Highway 26 Rochert , MN 56578 United States

Volunteer Position Overview

About this position.

Volunteers will provide support to visitor center staff in a variety of duties including providing information to the public, presenting interpretive programs and carrying out light maintenance of key public use areas.

Duties include welcome and orient visitors, providing accurate information including recreation opportunities and wildlife viewing. Open/close visitor center. Operate gift shop including cash register sales and assist gift shop manager and pricing and stocking merchandise. Answer and direct calls to staff, receive deliveries. Operate audio visual equipment. Light cleaning and maintenance of visitor center and bird feeding station. Assist with planning and staffing of special events. Assist with or lead environmental education activities for school groups and other youth groups. Present interpretive programs such as walks, talks, tours, children's programs depending on skills and interest. Assist with outreach events and activities.

Responsible for grounds keeping of the visitor center grounds which would include use of a riding lawn mower, push mower, weed whip, leaf blower, and hand tools. Some weeding of grounds as well.

Monitor information kiosks and stock brochures. Monitor hiking trails including litter pick-up and light maintenance. Clean public restrooms weekly. Assist with recycling as needed. Assist with data entry or other administrative projects depending on skills and interest. Opportunities to assist biology and maintenance staff will be available as well. Willing to learn about the ecology, wildlife and plants of the area.

Candidates must have the ability to communicate with a wide variety of visitors while providing excellent customer service. Must enjoy working with people. Physically able to operate a riding lawn mower, push mower, carry and operate a weed whip. Physically able to do light cleaning and lifting. Will to explore the refuge.

Will work 24 hours/week/volunteer including weekends in exchange for RV pad. Must commit to a minimum of 3 months.

Duties/Activities

More positions like this.

Resident Volunteer: VisitorCenter Host/Interpretation Duo or Single Volunteers will provide support to visitor center staff in a variety of duties including providing information to the public, presenting interpretive programs and carrying out light maintenance of key public use areas.Duties include welcome and orient visitors, providing accurate information... Volunteer Opportunity Interpretation & Education Visitor Services Recreation Management Difficulty level Average

Wild Wednesday Assistant The purpose of the Wildlife Wednesday program is to enhance a young child’s visit to the refuge through a one hour hands-on nature exploration activity during the summer season. The activity is offered at 10:00 am every Wednesday June- August. It consists of a story, craft, hike or other movement... Volunteer Opportunity Interpretation & Education Difficulty level Not Difficult

Wild Wednesday Leader The purpose of the Wildlife Wednesday program is to enhance a young child’s visit to the refuge through a one hour hands-on nature exploration activity during the summer season. The activity is offered once every Wednesday June- August. It consists of a story, craft, hike or other movement activity... Volunteer Opportunity Interpretation & Education Difficulty level Average

Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge Resident Volunteers Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge hosts Resident Volunteers year round. Our RV site is located on the refuge in East Lake NC, about 15 miles from our visitor center / headquarters in Manteo NC. Each site has electric (30/50amp), water and sewer hook-up, and a laundry and bath house with... Volunteer Opportunity Administrative/Support/IRM Ecosystem, Forest, and NR Management Interpretation & Education Maintenance Visitor Services Recreation Management

Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, Resident Volunteers Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge hosts Resident Volunteers year round. Resident Volunteers staff our Visitor Center and Gift Shop, assist with light maintenance duties, and also are given the opportunity to train for and assist in presenting educational programs to the public. Visitor center... Volunteer Opportunity Administrative/Support/IRM Ecosystem, Forest, and NR Management Interpretation & Education Maintenance Visitor Services Recreation Management Difficulty level Average

Stories About Volunteering

View All Stories

Other Ways to Work with Us

Are you looking for something different than a volunteer opportunity? The Fish and Wildlife Service employs around 9,000 people nationwide and offers great internship opportunities every year.

Want to see social media more specific to your area? Use the link below to find FWS facilities near you. You can see upcoming events, activities and social media for that specific location. 

You are exiting the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website

You are being directed to

We do not guarantee that the websites we link to comply with Section 508 (Accessibility Requirements) of the Rehabilitation Act. Links also do not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.