The best things to do in Nashville

Music City Food & Wine Festival returns to Centennial Park on April 24-27, bringing a multi-day event celebration of Nashville’s vibrant culinary scene. The event features intimate dinners, tasting tables and a full-scale festival. Ticket holders will have the opportunity to sample bites from over 80 restaurants, while attending exclusive experiences like a six-course dinner and disco brunch. 

Throughout the weekend, Nashville will highlight its most innovative chefs, restaurants and food purveyors like Julio Hernandez of Maiz de la Vida, Dung “Junior” Vo of Noko, and Deb Paquette and Jess Lambert of Etch. Don’t miss out—check the full schedule and book your tickets now.

Whether you’re trying to destress during your trip or looking to make a wellness stop, Therapaint—founded by Jackie Laurian—is a peaceful (and sustainable) paint throwing studio nestled in the heart of Music Row. Visitors are provided with their own private paint throwing studio, painter clothes and toxic-free paint to fling, rub and throw at a paper canvas. After the session, guests are invited to meditate in a cozy reflection nook, or spend time in the quaint garden, where all paper canvases are composted and used to fertilize the garden. This is truly a unique experience, ideal for birthdays, bachelorette parties or even for those that just had a tough day.  

Though Broadway is a major throughway in Downtown Nashville, one section has attracted tons of buzz over decades: Lower Broad. Known for its country music lore (Chris Stapleton allegedly played outside on the street of Lower Broad), fans will relish in the Rhinestone Cowboy vibes from morning to night. It has legendary honky-tonks, bars and restaurants, so you can spend hours dipping in and out of the various spots. Tip: If you’re traveling with children, stick to lunchtime hours, as things can get rowdy later on. 

When in Nashville, the hot chicken sandwiches are a must-try. The fried chicken is dipped in buttermilk, squished between two slices of white bread and served with a pickle. If you’re looking for the OG, try Prince’s Hot Chicken or Bolton’s in East Nashville. Hattie B’s Hot Chicken is solid, too, and has multiple locations across the city.

Known as the Mother Church of Country Music, this live-performance venue was once home to Union Gospel Tabernacle. Today, it’s celebrated for its exceptional acoustics, drawing music lovers and artists alike. Some of the world’s most iconic performers—Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley and Taylor Swift among them—have graced its stage. The venue still features its original oak pews, allowing you to soak in its rich history while enjoying live music. This April, catch performances from CeCe Winans, Japanese Breakfast and Tracy Lawrence.  

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by NMAAM (@thenmaam)

A testament to the history and impact of Black music in America, the National Museum of African American Music winds visitors through a series of exhibitions that explore African American contributions to over 50 music genres, beginning with indigenous African music that survived slavery through contemporary hip hop. Interactive technology brings the exhibits to life, like the ability to record a gospel song in the “Wade in the Water” hall and the virtual dance battle in the “One Nation Under a Groove” gallery.

The Civil Rights Room is a freestanding exhibit on the second floor of the main public library. It illustrates Nashville’s essential role in the U.S. Civil Rights Movement and desegregation. These powerful photographs, videos and displays showcase the sit-ins and protests that changed the face of America, making it a must-visit for history buffs

Nothing captures the traditional Nashville aesthetic like a letterpress-made poster from Hatch Show Print. This shop, connected to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, has been making posters since 1879 for acts and artists like Dolly Parton, Chuck Berry and Kacey Musgraves. After taking a tour to learn about the history of letterpress printing, browse the shop to buy a poster to remember your trip by. It’s the ultimate Nashville souvenir. 

Occupying a sliver of a strip mall, this 90-seat listening room has become a legendary spot for songwriters to perform their own songs. It’s the place where Taylor Swift and Garth Brooks have launched their careers. The history alone is enough to go, but if you need additional reasons, check out the open mic, which is brimming with local talent. Be sure to book tickets in advance as space is limited (tickets go on sale Tuesday mornings). 

Seeing that Nashville is in the heart of Tennessee whiskey country, it would be impolite not to see how the locals get things done on a distillery tour. You can take a pretty drive in the countryside to visit Jack Daniel’s Distillery, or stay in the city and check out spots nearby like Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery or the Corsair Distillery. If you want something completely different, grab flights paired with 12 signature doughnuts at East Nashville’s Donut Distillery.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Arnold's Country Kitchen (@arnoldscountrykitchen)

Part of the city’s iconic food scene, meat-and-three eateries include one meat dish, like beef tips or fried chicken, and three sides, which are typically Southern classics like mac and cheese, collard greens and mashed potatoes. At institutions like Arnold’s Country Kitchen and Swett’s, the daily menu changes slightly, so be sure to check out the menu in advance. Food can err on the heavier side, so plan any afternoon activities accordingly. 

Celebrating its centennial anniversary, the Grand Ole Opry (broadcast on WSM) has delighted listeners and audience members with its variety show of performers playing country, bluegrass and more. All year, artists clamor to the Magic Circle (a portion cut from the Ryman stage) for their Opry debut, a major rite of passage for country music artists. If you have time to spare, book a tour of the Opry’s backstage to learn more about its history and check out its unique dressing rooms. 

Located in Downtown Nashville, this 11-acre park is lined with touches of Tennessee’s history, from a World War II Memorial to a 200-foot granite map of the state. After exploring the grounds, grab lunch at the Nashville Farmers' Market and picnic in the park, so long as it’s not too hot. Tall trees on the east side replicate the topography of the state. Every hour (on the hour), you can hear the bells toll, playing “Rocky Top” and the “Tennessee Waltz.”

A 55-acre botanical garden and art museum located on a historic 1929 estate, Cheekwood features over 250,000 blooming buds in the spring along with events and festivals year-round—like outdoor jazz nights and a fall harvest festival. Inside the estate, you’ll find the Cheek family’s personal art collection, while the gardens feature winding walking paths and a children’s playscape with a “Little Engine that Could” storybook trail.

Located in the right field of First Horizon Park, The Band Box is ideal for hanging out during a Nashville Sounds minor league baseball game. You'll find gourmet spins on the classic burgers and dogs, plus leveled-up ballpark food like quinoa kale salad, empanadas and jalapeño corn fritters. 

This is a free party on the first Saturday of the month, where you walk door-to-door and check out the work of new artists at some of the city’s top art galleries downtown. Expect a festive atmosphere (and free wine) to toast the best visual art in a city that values creativity and artistic expression.

Nashville has a bonafide soccer club with a rowdy fan base that relishes cheering them on to victory. Not only are the action-packed games a blast to watch in person, but the team’s home, Geodis Park, is a sleek new $355 million stadium that prides itself on keeping food and drink options local, with outposts of Prince’s, Rock'n Dough and other Nashville staples that are ready to fuel hungry fans.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Marathon Village (@marathonvillage)

Marathon Village is a car factory repurposed into a shopping and dining district. Don’t miss Third Coast Comedy Club or the Bang Candy Company. TV’s Mike Wolfe (of American Pickers fame) has an Antique Archaeology shop, too. Hint: It’s the store with  the line out front.