5 Tips for Planning the Nashville Vacation – Stay Hostfolio
Whether you are planning a trip to Nashville for the first time or you are an experienced visitor, there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to planning the perfect Nashville vacation. These tips will help you find the perfect mix of music and history for a truly memorable experience.
Whiskey Tastings
Visiting Nashville is a great way to enjoy Tennessee whiskey. Many of the distilleries in the area produce top notch whiskies, and many offer tours and tastings. It’s also an easy city to get around, with neighborhoods that are contiguous and easily navigable by public transport or Uber. You should plan on doing at least one whiskey tasting in Nashville to get the full experience.
One of the most popular distilleries in Nashville is Jack Daniel’s. It is located just five minutes from downtown Lynchburg. You can take a tour of the distillery or just grab a bottle and head home.
Another great place to try bourbon is Ole Smoky Moonshine. They have a tasting room with indoor and outdoor seating, as well as a full bar and cocktail bar. They even have apple pie moonshine and salty caramel whiskey. You can’t discuss mash bills with them, but you can have a taste.
A new addition to the Nashville bar scene is House of Cards. This magic-themed cabaret lounge has a lengthy whisky list, as well as a small theater for 20-minute shows. Its playing card collection dates back to 1490.
You can also visit the Country Music Hall of Fame, which features memorabilia from some of the best country artists. If you are looking for more entertainment, you can visit the Johnny Cash Museum.
The Nashville SkyLounge is a great place to sample some of the best whiskey in the area. This restaurant has over 500 wine selections and more than 60 whiskeys. They also serve wood-fired pizzas, pub favorites, and southern classics.
Another option is to visit the Tennessee Whiskey distillery. They offer a tasting flight, which starts at $12. They are located in the Nations neighborhood. They are looking to open a downtown visitor center in the near future.
Live Music
Whether you’re planning a trip to Nashville to see the famous Grand Ole Opry or take in the sights, there are a few things to consider. The most important is that it’s a great destination for music lovers.
The city’s best-kept secret is The Listening Room. Located south of the downtown core, the place specializes in singer/songwriters. During a show, three or four songwriters will play alongside each other and take turns playing their songs. The Listening Room also serves food during the performances.
The city has a number of excellent museums. There are the usual suspects, but there are several less-known attractions worth checking out.
The Bluebird Cafe, a restaurant, bar and music venue, has been around for over 40 years. The place was the genesis of Taylor Swift’s career. This establishment has played host to other artists such as Faith Hill, Garth Brooks, Kathy Mattea, and the late Johnny Cash.
The John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge is a 3,150-foot truss bridge that offers a breathtaking view of downtown Nashville. It was built in 1909 and has been extensively renovated.
The Music City Walk of Fame is a short walk from the Hall of Fame and features sidewalk plaques for some of music’s most famous figures. The building itself isn’t very tall, but the views are still impressive.
The city also has a number of murals to be seen. The one on the top floor is particularly worth the price of admission. Depending on your interests, you might want to stay a few days to check out everything.
The aforementioned Bluebird Cafe is a great place to check out local songwriters. If you’re into beer, the City Tap House has a huge menu. If you’re in the mood for a meal, Hattie B’s is a great spot to grab some of Nashville’s famous hot chicken.
Country Music Hall of Fame
Visiting the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, Tennessee is a must for any fan of the genre. It’s one of the largest museums in the world, with over 2.5 million artifacts. Besides the exhibits, there are also several theaters and recording studios. You can even learn about the history of bluegrass and country music.
The Ryman Auditorium is the historic heart of country music in Music City. The venue dates back to 1892. It was once home to the Grand Ole Opry and is still a popular place to see live music. It is also an excellent place to take a self-guided tour.
You might also want to visit the Tennessee State Museum. It’s free to enter and is a great way to learn about the area’s history. Another cool thing to do is to take a stroll through Centennial Park, which has a replica of the Parthenon in Greece. It’s also a nice place for photo ops.
Another thing to do is to see the “hatch show print”. This is a cleverly-designed piece of artwork that displays examples of designs throughout the years.
The National Museum of African-American Music, or NAAMM, is the only museum in the US dedicated to the African-American music industry. Its main purpose is to teach visitors about the history of Black musical genres.
The Hop on Hop off Trolley is a convenient way to get around town. You can also kayak down the Cumberland River or rent canoes.
While the Ryman is definitely the star of the show, you might not have heard of the Hatch Show Print. This is a cleverly-designed piece that displays fonts, show posters, and other useful information.
Free Walking Tours
Whether you are traveling to Nashville for business or pleasure, one of the best ways to see this city is by taking a free walking tour. Not only will you learn a great deal about the history of the city, but you will also be able to take in some of the most iconic sites.
The first place you should visit in Nashville is the historic Tennessee State Capitol building. It is a national historic landmark and is open for self-guided tours on weekdays. The building contains exhibits about Tennessee’s history during the Civil War and the Reconstruction.
Next, head to the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. This park features monuments and informational plaques. It’s also easy to walk around and you can enjoy the scenic views. There are six miles of trails and wildlife.
Another place you’ll want to visit is the Dyer Observatory at Vanderbilt University. There’s a solar telescope and you can even make a reservation for a solar-powered telescope viewing. The observatory is free on Tuesdays.
You can also visit the National Museum of African-American Music, which is the only museum in the country dedicated to preserving the music of Black Americans. There are exhibits that show the history of Black musical genres and how they influenced American culture. You’ll also have a chance to see the 95-bell carillon that plays the “Tennessee Waltz” on the hour.
If you’re looking for something a little different, consider taking a Nashville Food Tour. You’ll get to sample a variety of Nashville’s own cocktails, as well as local dishes, while learning about the history of the city.
Nightlife
Whether you are visiting Nashville for the first time, or the 10th, there are plenty of things to do and see. With a little planning, you can maximize your vacation while keeping your wallet happy.
The Grand Ole Opry has been one of the most famous places to catch a show in Nashville. You should make a reservation well in advance, and plan to spend at least half a day there. The Ryman Auditorium is another great place to visit.
Printers Alley is an historic street that was home to two of the largest newspaper corporations in the early 1900s. It is now a hot spot for nightlife.
The Loveless Cafe is one of the most popular Southern restaurants in town. It’s also a fun place to sit down and enjoy a meal.
The Hampton Social is trendy and has coastal-inspired food and cocktails. It’s located just minutes from Broadway Street, so it’s a convenient spot for a nice brunch.
The Opryland Hotel is a great option for people who like to stay in a luxurious setting. It’s also home to a great waterpark, and has an impressive list of restaurants.
The Pinewood Social is another fun spot to try. It offers high-quality, inventive cocktails, along with great food. It’s also a bit of a splurge, but it’s worth it if you’re looking for a unique experience.
The best way to get around Nashville is by car. But, if you don’t want to rent a car, you can always take advantage of ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft. These are a great way to enjoy the sights of Nashville without the headaches of driving.
The best time to visit Nashville is from June through August. This is when you can avoid the summer heat, but still catch some live music.
Closing Thoughts
Planning your perfect Nashville vacation can seem daunting, but it’s worth the effort! With its famously vibrant country music scene, incredible food, and unique culture, planning your trip to Music City will be sure to pay off. Start by planning out a solid itinerary: research activities you would like to do around town, find locations with great ambiances and vibes that match the kind of musical experience you’re looking for, and decide on what type of lodging suits you best. Next, book tickets or reservations for the activities that require them. Lastly don’t forget to ask around or search online reviews in order to make sure you get the most out of planning your perfect Nashville vacation!
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