I just got back from a glorious weekend trip away with my mom to Nashville! This blog post is in collaboration with Pack Up + Go, a surprise travel agency. Nashville is commonly visited for Bachelor / Bachelorette parties, during long weekend trips, or by couples celebrating a romantic trip away, but it’s also great for families! Growing up, my mom would take my sister and I away one-on-one for a “special” mother-daughter trip. These weekends around New England, New York City, Quebec, etc. are times I’ll always cherish with my mom. This trip was the first time I was able to take my mom away for a girls trip, making it extra special. Keep reading to learn about some of the fun experiences we had in Nashville included in this list of 50+ unique things to do in Nashville.
Disclaimer: This blog post is sponsored by Pack Up + Go. They worked with me to go on one of their Surprise Plane Trips in exchange for content and a feature on my blog. My mom and I were truly so surprised when we found out our destination was Nashville, and I couldn’t recommend this experience to my readers more. As always, all opinions written here are my own, so keep on reading to learn everything about this unique surprise travel agency.
Unique Things To Do In Nashville, Tennessee
1. Drink on Broadway
This one doesn’t need much of an explanation. I’m kicking off this unique things to do in Nashville post with this one because whether you consider yourself to be a drinker or not, you will definitely find yourself on Broadway during your time in Nashville. This is where all the famous, multi-story bars and restaurants are located, like Jason Aldean’s and the FGL Bar. You’ll also find lots of fun Nashville shops here that are worth the browse – like boot stores and custom hat shops.
2. Take a chocolate making class at Goo Goo Chocolate Co.
I would’ve never thought to take a chocolate making class in Nashville, but this is definitely one of the best, unique things to do in Nashville! Nashville is actually quite famous for its Goo Goo Clusters – the first combined candy bar in the US. You hear that Reese’s and Snickers? Goo Goo did it first! Beginning in the early 1900s right here in Nashville, Goo Goo has been serving chocolates to all of Nashville and beyond. The original store, located right off Broadway, allows guests to customize their own cluster or even take a class! The class came with multiple tastings and was so fun and informative.
Address: 116 3rd Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201
3. Walk around Vanderbilt University
The first time I visited Nashville, I visited my cousin as Vanderbilt. Vanderbilt is one of the top-ranked schools in the US and happens to be right in the center of Nashville, not too far from the other major university – Belmont. Check them out!
4. Hangout in Centennial Park
Centennial Park is one of Nashville’s largest urban parks located about two miles west of downtown Nashville, near Vanderbilt. Within the 132 acres you’ll find the iconic Parthenon, a one-mile walking trail, Lake Watauga, the Centennial Art Center, an events center, dog park, and more.
5. See the Parthenon replica
Located in the center of Centennial Park, you’ll find a full-scales replica of the original Parthenon in Athens that was built in 1897 as part of the Tennessee Centennial Exposition. There are exhibits inside, so check the event schedule before your visit to Nashville. You probably wouldn’t expect to see a site like this in Tennessee, but visiting the Parthenon is one of the most unique things to do in Nashville.
Pro-tip: Tickets cost $10 for adults to enter and $8 for all children and seniors.
6. Shop in the Gulch neighborhood
The Gulch is an upscale neighborhood in Nashville known for its chic hotels, high-end fashion boutiques, and trendsetting restaurants. Here you’ll find the Frist Art Museum, various music venues, and some of Nashville’s most iconic murals.
Pro-tip: Looking for the famous wings shot? Head to the “What Lifts You” wings mural by Kelsey Montague at 230 11th Ave S.
7. Take photos at the murals in the 12South neighborhood
Speaking of murals, three of the other most famous ones are located within the 12South neighborhood. 12South Ave is covered in famous paintings, coffee shops, boutiques, and yummy restaurants. To find two of the most famous murals, you’ll want to walk down to Draper James, which just so happens to be Reese Witherspoon’s boutique.
Blue & White Striped Wall: On the side of the building here is where you’ll find the famous blue and white striped wall.
“I Believe In Nashville” Mural: The opposite side of the alley is home to the legendary “I Believe In Nashville” mural, located at 2702 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204.
“Nashville Looks Good On You” Mural: In the parking lot behind the Moda Boutique at 2511 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204.
8. Shop in Opryland / See the Opryland Convention Center
The Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center sits adjacent to the Grand Ole Opry and is a 9 acre property. There’s SoundWaves, the city’s premier aquatic attraction, indoor garden atriums, award-winning restaurants and bars, and over 750,000 square feet of meeting space.
Address: 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214
9. Ride on a Pedal Tavern
This has to be one of my TOP recommendations for unique things to do in Nashville. BOOK A PEDAL TAVERN TOUR! Even if you’re just with one other person, you can book two seats on a public ride. If you have a large group, you can rent out the whole thing! Each tour lasts 1.5 hours and brings you all around town. The highlight was definitely the cruise around Broadway, including a quick bar stop and photo-op. The taverns are BYOB, except for wine / champagne, and hard alcohol.
10. Walk across the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge
This bridge connects Broadway to the Nissan Stadium and is one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the world. It has super cool views from the center as one side shows the skyscrapers downtown and the other is the windy and lush Cumberland River.
11. Tour the Tennessee State Capitol
One of the oldest working capitols in the United States, the Tennessee State Capitol serves as home of the Tennessee General Assembly and houses the governor’s office. The building, one of 12 state capitols that does not have a dome, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970 and named a National Historic Landmark in 1971. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the Capitol Monday through Friday from 9-4 pm.
Address: 600 Dr. Martin L King, Jr. Blvd., at the top of Capitol Hill.
12. Photo Op in Printer’s Alley
In 1915, thirteen publishers and ten printers were located in the area serviced by the alley. Nashville’s two largest newspapers, The Tennessean and the Nashville Banner, had their offices here at one time. The street contained hotels, restaurants, and saloons, many of the latter becoming speakeasies when Prohibition went into effect in 1909. Nightclubs opened here in the 1940s. They alley is between Third and Fourth Avenues, running from Union Street to Commerce Street.
13. See a Tennessee Titans Game
Nissan Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Nashville. It’s the home field of the Tennessee Titans and the Tigers of Tennessee State University. If you are a sports lover, catching a game is a fun, unique thing to do in Nashville.
Pro-tip: You can walk across the pedestrian bridge mentioned above to get there from Broadway!
Address: 1 Titans Way, Nashville, TN 37213
14. Hang out at Pinewood Social
This is a trendy hangout featuring New American cuisine, cocktails & bowling in an industrial-chic space.
Address: 33 Peabody St., Nashville, TN 37210
15. See a Predators game at Bridgestone Arena
Bridgestone Arena is a multi-purpose venue in downtown Nashville. Completed in 1996, it is the home of the Nashville Predators of the NHL. Lots of concerts and events are held here too!
Pro-tip: Be sure to check the concert calendar here too for events!
Address: 501 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203
16. Ride the Nashville Party Wagon
The Nashville Tractor operates Nashville’s biggest Tractor Party Wagons. This company provides the only rolling entertainment where you get non-stop partying and dancing for 75 minutes. You can book a private one or ride the public party, which holds up to 35 people.
17. Shop for cowboy boots
While walking down Broadway, you’ll notice pretty much everyone rocking cowboy boots. If you failed to pick up a pair of your own before your trip, no worries – there’s boot stores on every corner here. I personally recommend French’s Boots. It’s on a side street off Broadway and has a bargain basement, so much cheaper than shopping on Broadway, where boots average $200-$300 a pair.
Address: 126 2nd Ave N, Nashville, TN 37201
18. Shop at the mall at Green Hills
Speaking of shopping, for Nashville’s best mall, you’ll want to drive over to Green Hills. This mall is home to over 120 stores, and has Tennessee’s only Nordstrom.
Address: 2126 Abbott Martin Rd, Nashville, TN 37215
19. Catch dinner and a show on the General Jackson Showboat
While “rollin’ down the river,” you’ll enjoy stunning views, a delicious meal freshly prepared by chefs and toe-tapping entertainment. One of the largest showboats ever built, the grand General Jackson has been cruising the Cumberland since 1817.
Unique Things To Do In Nashville For Music Lovers
20. Tour the Ryman Auditorium
Originally opened as the Union Gospel Tabernacle in 1892, the Ryman Auditorium is well known for being the birthplace of Bluegrass and is music’s most iconic stage. It was the home of Grand Ole Opry from 1943 – 1974. This 2,362-seat live-performance venue is located on John Lewis Way, right off Broadway, and was listed on the Register of Historic Places in 1971. The Ryman is known for its pivotal role in the popularization of country music.
Address: 116 5th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219
21. Take a backstage tour of the Grand Ole Opry
The Grand Ole Opry is a live music venue, meaning there’s only two ways to see the inside – either by attending an event or by taking a backstage tour. I highly recommend the backstage tour! The tour gives you an inside look at everything from the dressing rooms to an exclusive photo-op at the circle on the stage. This tour is one of the most unique things to do in Nashville, especially if you love country music. I did it on my 11 day USA road trip a few summers ago and LOVED this experience!
Address: 2804 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214
22. Listen to live music on Broadway
This one is fairly obvious for a weekend trip to Nashville, but it truly can’t be missed. Any restaurants or bars you go to on Broadway will have live music. There’s tons of restaurants with live music too.
23. Visit the Johnny Cash Museum
Whether you’re a huge fan of Johnny Cash or not, check out this red brick museum right off Broadway. This museum features the world’s largest, most comprehensive collection of Johnny Cash artifacts and memorabilia. I recommend buying tickets online and in advance for this.
Address: 119 3rd Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201
24. Tour the Country Music Hall of Fame
The Country Music Hall of Fame may not be the most unique thing to do in Nashville, but it has to be one of Nashville’s most iconic attractions. The hall of fame is one of the world’s largest museums and research centers. The museum has amassed one of the world’s most extensive musical collections.
Pro-tip: If you try to walk into the Country Music Hall of Fame, you’ll see the ticket line wrapped around the building. Instead, buy tickets right on your phone online! You can hop right into the entry line and breeze through.
25. Walk around Music Row
Home to record label offices, radio stations and recording studios, Music Row is at the heart of Nashville’s country music industry. The iconic Historic RCA Studio B, where legends like Elvis Presley and Dolly Parton recorded hits, is open for tours.
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26. See a show at the Bluebird Cafe
The Bluebird Cafe is a pristine music venue that over the past 39 years, has gained worldwide recognition for where the “heroes behind the hits” share their stories and perform their original songs. Artists such as Garth Brooks, Faith Hill and Taylor Swift have had career defining moments at the club along with countless hit songwriters whose music is represented on a wide-range of charts.
Address: 4104 Hillsboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37215
27. Catch a show at Musicians Corner
Since 2010, Musicians Corner has provided free public access to live music in the heart of Music City. Located in beautiful Centennial Park, the series generally takes place in May / June and September each year. Over 1,500 artists have been showcased on the Musicians Corner stage, including legendary artists Emmylou Harris, Chris Stapleton, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Vince Gill, and Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Musicians Corner is a program of Centennial Park Conservancy, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that aims to preserve, enhance, and share the Parthenon and Centennial Park.
Address: 2500 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203
Unique Things To Do In Nashville For History Lovers
28. Visit Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage
Nearly every facet of Jackson’s life revolved around his mansion at The Hermitage. It served as much as an office, gathering hall and place for entertaining as it did as his home. Purchase tickets ahead of time to view the grounds and explore Jackson’s 1,000+ acres of beautiful scenery and historic architecture.
Address: 4580 Rachel’s Lane, Nashville, TN 37076
29. Tour the Belmont Mansion
The Belmont Mansion, also known as Acklen Hall, and originally known as Belle Monte, Belle Mont or Belmont, is a historic mansion located in Nashville, Tennessee. Constructed between 1849 and 1860, Belmont Mansion was the home of Adelicia and Joseph Acklen, and was the largest home built in Tennessee prior to the Civil War.
Address: 1901 15th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37212
30. Explore the Tennessee State Museum
The Tennessee State Museum is a large museum in Nashville depicting the history of the U.S. state of Tennessee. It’s open from Tuesday – Sunday and admission is FREE!
Address: 1000 Rosa L Parks Blvd, Nashville, TN 37208
31. Explore the Cheekwood Mansion and Botanic Gardens
If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, I highly recommend hoping in an Uber or car and driving 25 minutes outside of the city to the Cheekwood Estate. This estate was built and owned by the Cheek family in 1929. The top floor of the estate has been transformed into an art gallery which can be visited by tourists. Additionally, the grounds of the estate are equally as beautiful and totally worth the visit. Walk through the various flower gardens, past the pond, into the Japanese Zen garden, and enjoy the seasonal exhibitions – such as the pumpkin patch.
Address: 1200 Forest Park Dr., Nashville, TN
Unique Things To Do In Nashville: Where To Stay
32. Nashville Union Station
Established in 1900, this former train terminal was converted into a grand boutique hotel. The bar here, Ergo, is open daily and offers curated cocktails, local & domestic drafts, savory wines, and small plates.
Address: 1001 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203
Unique Things To Do In Nashville: Where To Eat & Drink
33. Try Frothy Monkey Coffee
While strolling around the shops in 12South be sure to grab a latte from the Frothy Monkey. This chain is a café, speciality coffee roaster, and bakery. If you head to this neighborhood on a weekend, prepare to wait for a table for brunch.
Address: 2509 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204
34. Eat donuts at Five Daughters Bakery
Five Daughters is a yummy bakery in the 12South neighborhood. They have different flavors of the week, homemade donuts made from scratch, and mini donuts. You can get them by the singles, half dozen, or dozen. There’s a cute deck here with a mural too.
Address: 1110 Caruthers Ave, Nashville, TN 37204
35. Try famous Nashville hot chicken at Hattie B’s
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken is a classic Nashville chain that shouldn’t be missed. Known for its wings and sandwiches ranging from no-heat southern to “shut the cluck up” (which comes with a burn notice), this popular spot usually has a line but is worth the wait. It’s quick service.
Address: 112 19th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
36. Drink at Arrington Vineyards Winery
Known for its affordable luxury wines and scenic views, this winery is a popular spot to visit from April to November and has become known as “Nashville’s Wine Country”. Tennessee is super famous for its wine, making this spot a unique thing to do in Nashville.
Address: 6211 Patton Rd, Arrington, TN 37014
37. Eat at Martin’s BBQ Joint
Looking for some of the best BBQ in Tennessee? Head to Martin’s BBQ joint! There’s a few locations, but I recommend the one by Vanderbilt. It’s a quick service restaurant, but so yummy. Try the pulled pork!
Address: 2400 Elliston Pl, Nashville, TN 37203
38. Drink at Yee-Haw Brewing Company
Beginning in Johnson City, TN, the Nashville location is such a fun spot to visit if you like beer! The Nashville taproom shares a space with Ole Smoky Moonshine and White Duck Taco Shop. This is the largest property and hosts big events out in the back beer garden, including local artists, touring bands, and epic watch parties.
Address: 423 6th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
39. Dolly Parton’s White Limozeen bar
This is the all-pink cocktail bar that you’ve probably seen on TikTok. White Limozeen is the rooftop bar at the Graduate Hotel. If you’re looking to dine here you’ll need a reservation. I just recommend taking the elevator in the lobby up to the pink roof for fun drinks!
Address: 101 20th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37203
40. Hampton Social day drinking
The Hampton Social is a fun American restaurant off Broadway in Nashville. This spot is super Instagrammable with their “Rose All Day” sign and day drinking / brunching atmosphere.
Address: 201 1st Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201
41. Go out at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge
Tootsies is the most famous honky tonk on downtown Nashville’s Broadway. It has hosted and nurtured dozens of Country Music’s legends. The bar is bright purple, so you can’t miss it!
Address: 422 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203
42. Brunch in the Gulch neighborhood
The Gulch is known for its trendy restaurants. For brunch I highly recommend trying Biscuit Love or Milk & Honey Cafe. These are two of the cutest restaurants in town, and is a top unique thing to do in Nashville if you like breakfast food.
43. Dinner at the Nashville City Winery
City Winery is Nashville’s only live music venue, fully-functioning urban winery, restaurant & private event space… all rolled into one! Eating here is one of the most unique things to do in Nashville if you’re a wine lover.
Address: 609 Lafayette St, Nashville, TN 37203
Unique Things To Do In Nashville For Couples
44. Tour the Bella Mead Plantation & Gardens
Greek Revival-style plantation house & grounds dating to the 1840s, with a winery & event spaces. There are tours here, so be sure to book tickets online and in advance to visit.
Address: 5025 Harding Pike, Nashville, TN 37205
45. Go Line Dancing at Wildhorse Saloon
The Wildhorse Saloon offers complimentary line dance lessons on the largest dance floor in Nashville every Wednesday – Saturday. No reservations are needed.
Address: 120 2nd Ave N, Nashville, TN 37201
46. Shop at the Nashville Farmers Market
Find fresh produce, artisanal food, restaurants, shops and crafts at the year-round Nashville Farmers’ Market. A stroll through here is the perfect weekend morning activity, and is a top, unique thing to do in Nashville for couples. It’s open daily from 8-6 pm.
Address: 900 Rosa L. Parks Blvd., Nashville, TN 37208
47. Relax at Woodhouse Spa
This award-winning day spa has over 80 locations, offering facials, massages, relaxing rituals, and body treatments.
Address: 2001 Division St., Nashville, TN 37203
48. Kayak on Cumberland River
Voted Nashville’s “Best View of the City”, this music city kayak journey offers stunning city views as you paddle along the riverwalk. Your trip will end downtown, offering the Nashville skyline as a backdrop for your post-paddle photo!
Unique Things To Do In Nashville For Families
49. Visit the Nashville Zoo
The Nashville Zoo at Grassmere is a zoological garden and historic plantation farmhouse located 6 miles southeast of Downtown Nashville. The zoo is home to 6,230 individual animals, encompassing 339 species. This is Nashville’s number one family attraction and is a fun, unique thing to do in Nashville for families.
Address: 3777 Nolensville Pk, Nashville, TN 37211
50. Do a Hop-On Hop-Off bus
Easy way for families to explore the city. This double-decker bus has an experienced guide on board who can point out things you may otherwise miss, such as the recording studios and certain sections of town, and all at a great price. This is a unique thing to do in Nashville that is perfect for families and kids.
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As mentioned above, my mom and I were able to enjoy a weekend in Nashville together all thanks to Pack Up + Go! Since we were celebrating my mom’s birthday, I told them she loves wine and chocolate. The travel planners at Pack Up + Go nailed our Plane Trip activities – including a dinner at a winery and a chocolate making class! Pack Up + Go provides curated recommendations for each Trip, based on the Pre-Trip Survey answers that travelers provide. Each Trip is truly curated to each traveler’s preferences.
I normally like to plan my own trips to ensure I cover all the things on my bucket list, but I would entrust Pack Up + Go to plan all my vacations for me after this experience. If you’re looking to surprise a loved one with a trip, like I did for my mom, consider checking them out. They even offer gift cards, so you can gift the surprise of a lifetime to a loved one.
And that makes 50! I hope this list of unique things to do in Nashville provides you with (more than) enough inspiration to plan your trip! Thank you again to Pack Up + Go for working with me.
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