The capital of Tennessee, Nashville is the cultural capital of the heartland of the United States.
Between country music, gorgeous landmarks, stunning parks, successful sports teams, and a vibrant food scene, you will never run out of things to do in Nashville.
Below are the five best things to come out of Nashville, Tennessee that make the area well worth visiting during a trip to that part of the country.
1. Country Music
If you were to ask ten people on the street about Nashville, nine of them would reply by mentioning country music. There is no doubt that Nashville and country music go hand in hand.
The most iconic and successful country music singers from the past few decades either grew up in Nashville or moved to the city to establish their careers. The likes of Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Taylor Swift, Luke Bryan, Sam Hunt, Martina McBride, Jason Aldean, and Maren Morris have extensive roots in Nashville.
Nashville is home to some of the most iconic music venues in the United States, including the Grand Ole Opry, Country Music Hall of Fame, Johnny Cash Museum, Ryman Auditorium, and the District.
Anyone who plans to spend a few days in Nashville must check out the local music scene. Aside from the iconic venues that everyone knows, places such as Robert’s Western World, Mercy Lounge, and The Station Inn are all worth a visit.
Nashville and country music go together as well as butter and toast. Elvis Presley even spent time in the city while recording his famous record, “From Elvis in Nashville.”
2. Stunning Landmarks
Aside from the country music venues mentioned above, there are plenty of stunning landmarks in the Nashville area. Gaylord Opryland is a must-visit, with the stunning property home to a spa and golf course.
If you have an interest in older architecture, The Parthenon is worth a trip to see. While you may not find it as incredible as the Greek equivalent, The Parthenon in Nashville is an exact-size replica of that structure.
Frist Art Museum is another great place to visit, as you can view many fine art pieces in a classic deco building. Anyone with an interest in history and politics may want to visit Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage, an estate where the late President of the United States lived.
Belle Meade Historic Site and Winery is another great place to spend time. Between the natural beauty, gorgeous architecture, and delicious wines, you may never want to leave. Aside from all the fun activities in the area, you can also take a tour that helps explain the century-long history of the location through the era of slavery, emancipation, and beyond.
3. Beautiful Parks
Nashville may be a sprawling city with active nightlife and bustling neighborhoods, but you are never short of gorgeous natural beauty to admire in this part of the United States.
Centennial Park is a very pleasant green space near downtown Nashville, which is within walking distance from the Parthenon structure. If you are visiting the Parthenon to admire its architectural beauty and take a few photographs, a short walk to Centennial Park is a must.
Percy Walker Park is another great place to spend time if you are in the downtown area. The urban recreation area is home to many trails you can walk while admiring the natural beauty around you.
4. Passionate Sports Fans
Nashville may have a reputation as a music city, but the area’s sports fans will tell you that it is very much a sports town as well. There are several professional sports teams in Nashville, along with Division I NCAA college sports teams.
The Tennessee Titans are a very impressive team in the National Football League. While they may not have any recent Super Bowl titles to their name, the team does have an incredibly passionate fan base. Games are often a sellout, while tailgating outside the stadium is a sight to behold.
Even though Nashville is not in a part of the United States known for its freezing winters, they do have an ice hockey team in the Nashville Predators. The Predators are currently in the midst of their preseason, as they prepare for another year of National Hockey League action.
Nashville is also home to the Nashville Soccer Club MLS team, which is one of the most recent additions to the top division of American men’s soccer. Nashville SC may be a relatively new team, but they are already impressing fans and pundits. They currently sit in second place in the Eastern Conference and are an outside shout to win the MLS Cup at the end of the season.
5. Delicious Food
The world most definitely owes Nashville a thanks for some of the delicious food that originated in or was made famous by the city. Hot chicken is a staple of Nashville cuisine. Anyone who takes a trip down to Music City must sample a hot chicken sandwich.