I’m not a big one for travel “repeats.” Truthfully for the longest time I was appalled at the idea. Why would I go back to somewhere I had already been, when there were still so many other places to see? Well, Nashville broke me of that mindset- big time!
The first time I visited Nashville was the summer of 2017 with Jess, one of my best friends from high school. We made it the main destination of a 10-day road-trip and had an absolute blast! While we were there, I decided I would have to return at some point for a show (preferably two…or three…) and a hockey game. Two years later an upcoming concert e-mail from the Ryman enticed me back for solo trip to see a Brother’s Osborne show in February of 2019, plus I tagged on a few days in Memphis. I even made a quick, 3-day Valentine’s weekend trip in 2020 for more musical performances and a Predators game!
Obviously the city has endeared itself to me, and since the whole point of this blog is to share my passion of travel, I figure it’s about time that I share some of my Nashville favorites with you!
The Ryman & Lula Cafe
There’s a reason they call the Ryman the Mother Church of Country Music! Even if you aren’t a big country fan, there is still so much history and Nashville culture that exists because of this beautiful place. I’ve witnessed three shows from the Ryman’s pews and have been on the building tour twice, and I’m sure I will do it all again! And as far as music venues go, the Ryman is definitely one of my favorites. You could maybe say that I’m a little obsessed…
My suggestion: Make sure to check out a tour during the day, and don’t forget about the Lula Cafe. They’re a little spendy, but hot chicken with waffles and a local beer is a pretty sweet treat, especially before a show! Pro tip: If you’re renting a car and going to a Ryman show, get a Nissan! Because they are business partners, the Ryman offers free valet parking for Nissan drivers.
GooGoo Clusters
GooGoo Clusters are something that I grew up eating, but I never knew that they were made in Nashville! An Alaskan friend who grew up in Missouri suggested that I stop in during my visit, and I’m glad she did! This tiny hole in the wall shop is probably not something that would have even been on my radar without her suggestion. Plus, their boxes make great souvenir goodies to bring home and share with friends!
My suggestion: GooGoo clusters are great little treats in between meals! They were actually originally marketed as a ” nourishing lunch for a nickel.” If you’re fuller than full of good Nashville food but still feeling indulgent, snack on a GooGoo while you explore and wander along Broadway Ave.
Donut + Dog
This was another friend’s suggestion that would have never been on my radar (thank goodness for the amazing people in my life who support my travel addiction)! While the Donut + Dog is about a 10 minute drive from downtown (30 minutes by public transport), it is well worth the visit! This little boutique restaurant has such a fun vibe, and great picnic tables if you’re lucky enough to visit on a sunny day!
My suggestion: Order ahead! The first time I tried to visit the Donut + Dog, I missed out on a lot of options because I didn’t realize just how popular they were. They also have donut making classes that I really want to try out in the future!
Hattie B’s
When I first started my list for this post, I texted Jess and asked her if I was missing anything. “Nashville itself or the whole [road] trip?” she responded. “Because let’s be real here, Hattie B’s, it definitely lives up to all the hype!” I have occasionally wondered why a place makes it to the top of a TripAdvisor list, but that was obviously not the case here. What can we say? We love hot chicken and we love Hattie B’s!
My suggestion: Yes, their hot chicken is to die for, but don’t forget about the sides and desserts! Whether you’re ordering out or eating in, I personally love their peach cobbler and banana pudding (which on the rare occasions there are leftovers I have maybe been known to eat for breakfast the next day…).
Frist Art Museum
Ok, to be fair, I should mention that if you didn’t know already, my full-time job is teaching high school art, so I’m biased. Just a little disclaimer! However, I discovered the Nashville Art Museum during my second trip to Nashville when I was traveling solo, and quickly fell in love. It’s right up the street from the Tootsie’s end of Broadway and is absolutely beautiful.
My suggestion: Even if you’re not a big art museum kind of person, this is the perfect stop for a rainy day! In addition to the museum, Nashville has some great murals and street art scattered throughout the city.
Predators Hockey
If you’re a hockey fan, the Predators Arena is conveniently located right in the heart of Nashville! My third trip to Nashville included a Predators game against the Blues and it was a great time! The arena is huge, and if hockey isn’t your thing the Titans arena is also located right near downtown.
My suggestion: If you’re short on time, don’t be afraid to double up events! We got tickets for a Sunday night hockey game so that we could also make it to a concert at the Ryman later that night. Enjoying live music on Broadway is also a great after-game activity!
Dance Your Way Down Broadway
The first time I was in Nashville with Jess, I had already been dancing quite a bit in Anchorage and was excited to kick my boots up on Broadway! You can imagine my shock when I realized that being the Home of Country Music does not automatically make Nashville a hot-spot for country dancing. Yep…you read that right. If you want to dance, you have to make your own scene! I love country dancing, so that’s exactly what I did.
My suggestion: Jess and I found a little bit of line-dancing at Wildhorse Saloon downtown, so that’s one option. During a later trip a friend and I we would dance to a song or two in each bar before moving along to the next one (with a drink or two thrown in here and there. ) There are so many live musicians playing on any given night in Nashville, and we wanted to experience the variety!
Boot Shopping in Downtown Nashville
Whether cowboy boots are a staple of your wardrobe or just something you’ve always wanted to try, Nashville has a pair of boots for everyone! Alaska doesn’t have a whole lot of “western wear” options so when it comes to finding a quality pair of boots to dance in, I love shopping on Broadway and then breaking them in with a little thanks to all the live music!
My suggestion: Know your price range and keep it practical for you! I’ve bought “fancy,” more expensive boots specifically for dancing and I’ve also spent $60 on a cute little pair of Roper ankle booties that I wear on an everyday basis. And if you don’t think you’ll wear them? Window shopping is still fun! There are some wild western styles out there!
Ernest Tubb Record Shop
I love a good record, and Ernest Tubb Record Shop is a great stop as you wander down Broadway! Founded by Grand Ole Opry star Ernest Tubb in 1947, this shop actually has a little bit of everything. There’s even a little shrine to Loretta Lynn in the back of the store.
My suggestion: Because I travel so frequently I’m not big on souvenirs, but bringing home a little vinyl from the home of country music is something I can definitely get behind!
Museums Galore! (Country Music Hall of Fame, Cash, Opry, etc.)
In addition to the Ryman tour, there are so many ways to dig into the history and culture of Nashville. The Country Music Hall of Fame is monstrous, the Johnny Cash Museum is tucked away right across from the GooGoo factory, and you can’t forget the Grand Ole Opry!
My suggestion: There’s honestly a museum and a little history for everyone. Let your own interests and time-frame be your guide!
Whether it’s food, night life, sports, art, or music that draws you to Nashville, there’s a little something for everyone.
Even after a best friend trip, solo visit, and whirlwind 3-day weekend, I’m sure that I’ll be back for another version of Nashville in the future! My list of spots to check out “next time” include: Printers Alley, Bluebird Cafe, a show at the Grand Ole Opry, Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage, a Donut + Dog cooking class, and of course, more dancing! Plus, I’ll always say yes to a show at the Ryman. Always, always. What can I say, I love Nashville!