Planning a Weekend Trip for Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville, Tennessee

Are you planning a trip to Nashville, Tennessee? Here is my suggestion of a 3 day itinerary for visiting Nashville. This will give you a good variety of music, museums, nature, and nightlife. Although I don't cover everything you can see and do in Nashville, this is a good start.

Broadway Street

River Front Downtown Nashville

Johnny Cash Records

Day 1

For your fist day, make your way downtown to Broadway Street. I suggest this first while you are full of energy. Broadway is what gives this city the NashVegas nickname.

Ryman Auditorium

Dive into Nashville’s rich history with a visit to the Ryman Auditorium. Known as the “Mother Church of Country Music,” this historic venue offers a fascinating tour that takes you behind the scenes of its storied past. Take a guided tour to learn the history of the original home of the Grand Ole Opry or buy tickets to a live event or concert as it is still an active entertainment venue. For another venue, head down the block and get tickets to a Predators Hockey game as well as a concert at Bridgestone Arena.

Assembly Food Hall

Trying to find something to eat with a large group can be a total nightmare. To avoid the stress, I suggest you go to the Assembly Food Hall on 5th and Broadway. It is like a hipster food court, where everyone can pick the type of food they want to eat. You really can’t go wrong with this option.

Johnny Cash Museum

If you want to learn about all about music, then you can visit the trifecta of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the National Museum of African American Music, and the Johnny Cash Museum. They all offer the opportunity to step in time and learn about great artists that have shaped the music we listen to today.

If you are needing a little snack to keep you going, then check Goo Goo Chocolate Co and enjoy their tasty Goo Goo Cluster. Another option would be to head to Mike’s Ice Cream on 2nd street. It is a great way to cool down in the southern heat.

Once you have your energy levels back up, then you can shop at the many boot stores on Broadway to buy a new pair of boots. You can break in those new boots by learning how to line dance at the Wildhorse Saloon.

End the night hopping from honky tonk to honky tonk.

Broadway Street

Day 2

If you had a long night of line dance and live music at the Honky Tonks, you will definitely be needing your morning coffee. Head to the Frothy Monkey in the 12 South neighborhood.

Once you are caffeinated, then explore the neighborhood shops. One can’t miss shop is Reese Witherspoon’s Draper James. Now that you are feeling the southern hospitality of Nashville, snap a selfie right around the corner at the “I believe in Nashville” mural.

I Believe in Nashville Mural

Belle Meade Mansion

Next take a tour at the Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery to marvel at the Greek Revival architecture and 19th century decor. There is a lot of history at this site. So plan a couple of hours for this visit. If you are of age, then don’t miss the wine sampling at the end of the tour.

Hungry? Eat at the Belle Meade Meat and Three to indulge in some southern cooking and smoked meats.

Parthenon in Centennial Park

Athena Statue

After lunch, drive to Centennial Park to visit the impressive full-scale replica of the Parthenon. You can take a tour inside, which is a small art museum. However, the main attraction is at the end of the museum with a larger than life statue of the goddess Athena.

End the evening cheering on the Nashville Sounds Minor League team by attending a home game. This is a great activity especially for families. There are many activities for kids to enjoy, such as an ongoing wiffle ball game and inflatable slide.

Nashville Sounds Game

Day 3

Spend your last morning enjoying a beautiful hike at Radnor Lake. Be on the lookout as there are many different wildlife roaming the area. If you are one of the lucky ones, then you may be able to spot the majestic bald eagle in the viewfinders at one of the lookout points.

Radnor Lake

Since you are already on the south side of Nashville, drive a little further to the city of Franklin (a suburb of Nashville) and tour the Carnton Plantation and Carter House with a combo ticket. The Battle of Franklin greatly impacted these two homes. Carnton was turned into a hospital for Confederate soldiers. The Carter House served as the U.S. Army Headquarters with the property as the main location of the battle.

Carnton Plantation

Carter House

End your last night walking Franklin’s historic downtown. There are numerous restaurants and cute shops to explore. If you are visiting in the beginning of December, then plan your trip around their Dickens of Christmas Festival. This festival brings out numerous characters from Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol.

Dickens of Christmas in Franklin, Tennessee

Dickens of Christmas in Franklin, Tennessee

Nashville offers an exhilarating blend of music, history, and Southern charm that’s sure to leave you with lasting memories. With this itinerary, you’re set for a weekend full of memorable moments and unique experiences. Pack your bags and get ready to immerse yourself in the heart of Music City!

Check out the vlog

Want more Nashville? Follow along on my 3 day Itinerary for Nashville, Tennessee.