Nashville…this town is known for honky-tonks, good ol’ southern cooking and was my home for nearly six years. You may have seen the TV show, Nashville, but what is Music City really about??

Now there’s no way I can cover everything, so all of you Nashvillians who are reading this, please feel free to comment and add to this list!

That being said, here we go! Things to do in Nashville!

• Go Honky Tonkin’
  

Ok, you may be wondering…what is a honky tonk? Well a honky tonk is a bar that provides live music (typically country music). Tootsie’s, The Stage, and Robert’s Western World are just a few of the honky tonks located in downtown Nashville on Broadway. No matter the day, time, rain or shine, you can find country music playing on Broadway. I performed at Tootsies and other honky tonks on a weekly basis, and the crowds were always a lot of fun.

(Note: Many locals avoid Broadway…it is very touristy and can get crowded, especially on the weekend. That being said, it’s definitely worth the visit, but I wouldn’t go there if you want to meet a lot of locals)

• Hatch Show Print

Hatch Show Print is a printing show located on Broadway that became famous because of their unique posters. Back in the day, they made all of the posters for the big country shows that came through town, and even today they make iconic posters for music performances, restaurants, shops, etc. Stop by to look at the posters and purchase a souvenir.

(Note: If you want a personalized poster made, call the shop for quotes)

• Tour the Iconic Music Landmarks

Ok, you are in Music City, so why not check out some of the iconic music landmarks? Just to name a few, you’ve got the Ryman Auditorium (old home of the Grand Ol’ Opry), RCA Studio B (famous studio where Elvis, Dolly Parton, and many other legends recorded), Music Row (area of town where many record labels, publishing companies, and other music businesses are located), and the Country Music Hall of Fame.

• Shop and wander around Hillsboro Village

Hillsboro Village is one of my favorite areas of town. Drive down 21st and stop to wander around the shops located between Wedgewood and Acklen. Pangea is my favorite shop on this strip and has eclectic knickknacks, jewelry, clothes, etc. Fire Finch and Posh are two other great shops on this strip, although they are a bit pricier. If you get tired, stop in a Hot & Cold for some of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream or Las Paletas (a Mexican-style gourmet popsicle). If you have extra time, check out a movie at the Belcourt Theatre (typically shows foreign and independent films).

• Hike at Radnor Lake

Radnor Lake is a must stop if you love nature and hiking. Fall is the best season to visit Radnor since the leaves will be changing color. There are multiple trails you can walk along, but make sure to walk out on the bridge behind the visitor’s center for a beautiful view of the lakes and surrounding trees.

• Visit Centennial Park

Yes, you saw the picture correctly…Nashville has its very on Parthenon, and it’s located in Centennial Park. During the spring, summer, and fall, the park is filled with local Nashvillians and hosts a plethora of festivals and events. Check the park’s website to see what’s on the calendar during your visit.

• Attend a Local Event

Nashville is a town full of events. Any day of the week there are local shows, festivals, and events. How do you find out about local events? Check out the Nashville Scene, a free local magazine that is published every week and available at any coffee shop (its information is also available online). You also can check out Now Playing Nashville, a website detailing theater, arts, music, and sports events around Nashville.

Your favorite activity not listed? Share your activity in a comment below!!

(Featured Image: Personal photo of downtown Nashville)