Weekend in Nashville
Nashville is a great destination for a weekend getaway. The downtown area is very walkable and if the weather cooperates, you can even walk to the Gulch area on the southwest edge of downtown. The Gulch is home to even more restaurants and music opportunities. With so much to offer, it is no wonder that we love a weekend in Nashville.
Weekend in Nashville – Where to stay:
Oh GOSH, so many choices!!!! My top 5 are:
1) Country Music Hall of Fame – This is just about 5 blocks from the Hampton Inn.
They have different tours. We did the Museum Experience. Admission was $27.95/ adult. When I go back, I want to do the Studio B experience. This takes you by bus/ van to Music Row and you tour the studio where Elvis recorded and talks about the Nashville sound. Admission is $40.95/adult. Plan on 3 hours in the museum and 5 if you do the Studio B tour. The buses leave hourly from 10:30 – 2:30 for Studio B. Be at least 10 minutes early for you bus.
2) Johnny Cash Museum – Also easy walking distance from the Hampton Inn. This museum does a great job not only with the life and music of Johnny Cash but also talks about his contemporaries like Roy Orbison and Buddy Holly. This museum is ranked the number 1 music museum by Conde Naste, Forbes and National Geographic. Admission is $19.95. Plan on 2 – 3 hours JohnnyCashMuseum
3) Ryman Auditorium- The original Grand Ole Opry. It is called the Mother Church of Country Music. There are self-guided ($21.95) and backstage guided ($31.95) tours. Absolutely a must do! You can feel the presence of all the great singers. You may want to check the schedule to see who is playing at the Ryman when you are there. The acoustics are incredible!!!!! Warning: you sit on church pews!!!
4) Music and Adult Beverages on Broadway- There is a TON of talent in Nashville. You may just catch a rising star at one of the local bars. My favorite is Legends right next to the Ryman. If you get there early you can grab a table so that you can comfortably enjoy the show. Tip: head to the upper area in back. The view is better, the bar is less crowded and it is cooler. Tootsies is the iconic spot. It is a bit too crowded for my taste but if you went at lunch time it might be ok. Second Fiddle usually has a good band and has a few tables. Make sure you hit Legends but then just wander and head in where the music sounds good.
A couple favorites:
The Southern Steak and Oyster 150 3rd Ave South close to the hotel and great food! TheSouthernNashville
The Farmhouse 210 Almond St 3 blocks from the Hampton Inn absolutely great! TheFarmHouse
The Marsh House 401 11th Ave S (you may want to take a cab or an Uber as it will be HOT to walk to this restaurant. It is probably a little over a mile from the Hampton Inn) John Besh is the chef behind this restaurant it is is fabulous. TheMarshHouse
Merchants 401 Broadway corner of 4th and Broadway. 3 story restaurant with different menus on each floor. MerchantsRestaurant
Paradise Trailer Park Resort – fun old Americana food. Worth the look even if you don’t want to eat here. ParadisePark
Finally across from the Johnny Cash Museum is the Goo Goo Cluster Shop and Dessert bar. If you have never had a Goo Goo Cluster, they are the things dreams are made of. I loved them as a child and find them hard to resist now. Definitely worth the calories. GooGooCluster
For more about Nashville check out my other posts.
CountryMusicHallofFame
TheResoundingRyman