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I’m a travel advisor with The Magic’s Yours Travel and I send clients on vacations of all kinds all over the world. My specialty is Disney travel!
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I recently got home from a three-night getaway in Nashville, TN, the home of country music and so much more. On this trip, I focused on the highlights of the city, particularly its rich country music history. Though this was my second time visiting, it felt like a first in many ways. My first trip was over 15 years ago, and Nashville has changed so much in that time. The city has experienced incredible growth over the past decade, becoming an even more popular destination for travelers. With its evolving skyline, buzzing music scene, and revamped neighborhoods, I was excited to explore the city again with my husband, who was a first-time visitor.
Arrival & Hotel Review
We flew into Nashville, arriving at BNA airport. I really enjoyed the airport itself because there were plenty of stores and dining options to explore. It was clean and felt up to date.
Getting our checked luggage was a breeze; however, getting to the rideshare pick-up area was another story. There is a dedicated pick-up space for rideshares and shuttles, which is separate from where friends and family use curbside pick-up. The signage was poor and unclear. If you’re looking to grab a rideshare, you’ll need to go down an additional level from baggage claim and then head out to the parking garages. Look for rideshare signs, although it is also the area for rental cars, so following those signs might actually be easier. Once you reach the garage, you’ll see crowds waiting for their rides. Lyft and Uber had separate lanes in the waiting area.
When choosing a hotel for this trip, I wanted a room with a kitchen so we could prepare our own meals. I also wanted a location with some green space or nearby neighborhoods where Scott could run outside rather than on busy city streets. I booked us at Homewood Suites by Hilton Nashville Vanderbilt. This hotel is located right next to the Vanderbilt University campus and Centennial Park. It was still just a quick ride into Downtown Nashville, making it a great location for us. However, if you’re looking to be in the center of all the action, I would recommend staying at a hotel downtown near Broadway.
The hotel itself was a great experience. The lobby was welcoming and comfortable, with a small store for souvenirs and a few packaged food options. This is also where the included breakfast buffet is located. The breakfast offerings were basic, with nothing particularly exciting or memorable. One standout feature of the hotel is its happy hour on weeknights. Included in your stay, you can enjoy a glass of beer or wine along with some snacks. During our visit, they served a light salad bar, cookies, cut fruits and vegetables, cheese and crackers, and snack mix. The hotel also has a gym and an indoor pool so they have all your basic needs covered.
We stayed in a 2 Queen Beds, 1-Bedroom Suite. The room was very spacious and felt more like an apartment. It appeared to have been recently renovated. I appreciated having the kitchen space, and the TVs were especially large with options to connect to Netflix and other streaming services. We had a lovely view of the Vanderbilt campus.
As for the negatives, the beds felt small to me, more like doubles than queens. The pillows were very uncomfortable. Due to the location of our room, we were directly above what appeared to be the building’s HVAC system, which made a loud, constant whirring sound. It was always noticeable in the bedroom. I eventually tuned it out, but it was definitely annoying.
Overall, I felt this was a positive hotel experience, and the positives outweighed the cons for me. If I were taking the same trip again, I would be happy to stay here. This is not a luxury hotel, but we did not pay luxury prices or have luxury expectations.
Directly behind the hotel is a Martin’s BBQ location. They have plenty of dine-in seating and also offer to-go service. We placed an order online through their website, and the pick-up process was simple. The meats were excellent. The brisket, turkey breast, and whole chicken were all delicious. They also offered a variety of sauces, which were fun to try and very tasty. The baked beans and hand-cut chips were also excellent. There are several Martin’s locations throughout the Nashville area, and I highly recommend visiting if you enjoy barbecue.
There was also a Chili’s right next door, along with a few other dining options within walking distance. Notably, there was a Dunkin’ Donuts about a five-minute walk away, which is great if you prefer something other than the basic coffee and tea provided by the hotel.
That wrapped up our travel day!
Day 1: Downtown Nashville Highlights
Taking advantage of our location, Scott started his day with a run through Centennial Park, located close to the hotel. This is home to Nashville’s Parthenon, a full-scale replica of the original in Athens. It’s a wonderfully quirky attraction and quite beautiful to see in person.
To kick off our day, we took a short rideshare to the Country Music Hall of Fame, located in the heart of downtown Nashville’s tourism and entertainment district. The museum presents a well-organized timeline tracing the evolution of country music, from its early roots to the present day. The exhibits are up to date and thoughtfully curated.
The most engaging part for me was the memorabilia from the 1990s to today, especially the iconic stage outfits worn by some of the genre’s biggest stars. There are several displays dedicated to Taylor Swift, including interactive exhibits for children inside the Taylor Swift Education Center.
At the end of the experience, the museum leads you into the Hall of Fame rotunda. This solemn and impressive space houses plaques honoring each of the artists who have been inducted. It’s a fitting and reflective end to the tour, celebrating those who have reached the pinnacle of their profession.
In the lobby, you’ll find a small coffee counter with light snacks (the only on-site food option) as well as a large gift shop filled with books, music, and souvenirs.
I enjoyed my visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame. While it may not be a must-see for every visitor, it is a well-done museum that I would most highly recommend for country music fans.
Right next door is Hatch Show Print. Hatch has been printing show posters for Nashville artists and beyond for over 100 years. They use the traditional art of letterpress printing to create unique artwork, and many of the biggest names in country music and iconic venues have commissioned pieces from them over the decades.
Originally housed in a shop on Broadway, Hatch became part of the Country Music Foundation in 2019 and moved to its current location next to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Anyone can visit Hatch, peek into the shop through large glass windows, or browse the retail store filled with prints and merchandise. They also offer a tour and hands-on class experience.
The tour accommodates up to about 24 people and takes place in an art classroom lined with walls full of original Hatch prints. You’ll learn about the company’s history and get a behind-the-scenes look at the letterpress printing process. As part of the experience, you’ll have the chance to use a small press and create a pre-designed print of your own. The entire experience lasts about an hour.
I highly recommend this activity. I loved getting to use the press and make my own poster. Hearing the history of this business and their artistic contributions was genuinely fascinating. I would, however, skip this with younger children. Unless they are particularly interested in design or printing, I don’t think it would be very engaging for kids under age 13.
This tour is sold through the Country Music Hall of Fame.
After our tour at Hatch, it was time for lunch. Just a five-minute walk from the Hall of Fame complex is Broadway, also known as the Honky Tonk Highway. We stopped at the shopping and dining complex Fifth & Broadway to grab lunch at Hattie B’s, a popular Nashville-based chain known for the city’s signature hot chicken.
This location offered both indoor and outdoor seating. Arriving around noon we waited in a line that stretched outside for about 20 minutes before ordering, but we had no trouble finding a table once we placed our order. Food is ordered at a counter and then delivered to your table.
The entire menu focuses on chicken. You first choose your style, such as a platter, sandwich, or tenders. Then, you select your preferred heat level. The spice levels range from “Southern Style,” which has no heat, to “Shut the Cluck Up,” which is made with ghost peppers. All the chicken is fried and breaded, except for the grilled tenders, which are also the allergy-friendly and gluten-free option. They have a very detailed allergy menu available online, which was especially helpful.
We both ordered the grilled chicken tenders. I chose the “mild” level. While it tasted great, my very low spice tolerance still found it too spicy, but I powered through because the flavor was so good. Scott chose the “hot” level, which he really enjoyed. He has a high spice tolerance and felt that it wasn’t too spicy at all. Next time, he plans to try a hotter option.
We also sampled a few sides. Our favorite by far was the black-eyed pea salad, which was fresh, tangy, and full of flavor. On the other hand, the southern greens were a miss. They were too watery and lacked seasoning, so we would recommend skipping those.
While we enjoyed these a little later in the day, I’ll cover them here. Also located in the Fifth & Broadway complex is Elixr Coffee, which features a unique and creative menu of coffees and teas. I tried the Strawberry Oatmilk Hot Latte, described as “strawberry milk and beetroot latte topped with single origin espresso.” It was good, creamy, and not particularly sweet. The café itself had a comfortable atmosphere with plenty of seating. If you’re looking for an upscale coffee stop on Broadway, this is a great option.
We also visited Five Daughters Bakery, a well-known Nashville-born bakery with several locations around the city. They are famous for their 100-layer doughnuts, which looked absolutely amazing. I was intrigued by their paleo doughnut selection, which are gluten- and dairy-free, like my own diet. We tried the sunflower butter paleo doughnut, but unfortunately, it was a letdown. It lacked flavor and felt a bit dry. To be fair, I knew I was taking a chance with a paleo treat, but I had hoped for something a little more exciting given the bakery’s reputation.
That being said, their regular 100-layer doughnuts looked fabulous. If you can eat traditional baked goods, I would definitely recommend checking them out.
This shopping area also had several interesting stores showcasing Nashville based items, and souvenirs.
Just a block up from Broadway, we toured the Ryman Auditorium, one of Nashville’s most iconic landmarks. Often called the “Mother Church of Country Music,” the Ryman has a rich history dating back to 1892 when it originally opened as a tabernacle. It became the home of the Grand Ole Opry in 1943 and helped launch the careers of countless country music legends. Today, it still hosts concerts and events in an intimate, historic setting that feels special the moment you walk in.
The self-guided tour starts with a short film that was actually really well done. It used modern technology and immersive visuals to tell the story of the Ryman in a way that was both informative and genuinely entertaining. I wasn’t expecting much from the video but ended up really enjoying it.
After the film, you’re free to walk around the auditorium at your own pace. There are exhibits throughout highlighting the Ryman’s history and showcasing some of the legendary performers who have taken the stage over the decades. One of the highlights was getting to step on stage for a photo—it’s included with your ticket and makes for a fun souvenir. Don’t miss the wall of show posters, many of which are Hatch prints and all signed by the artists. It’s such a cool visual timeline of the talent that’s come through this venue.
The whole experience took only about an hour, so it’s easy to fit into your day without it feeling rushed.
Overall, this was a great experience and one I’m glad we did. That said, the ticket price was on the higher side. If you’re on a tighter budget, I would recommend prioritizing the Grand Ole Opry over the Ryman. However, I really believe these are two parts of a bigger story. If you can swing both, they complement each other beautifully and give you a fuller picture of country music’s roots and evolution.
And of course, if a tour isn’t your thing, or you want to add to the experience, you can always catch a live show at the Ryman. It’s an unforgettable way to enjoy the space just as countless artists have for over a century.
After wrapping up our visit to the Ryman, we made our way back down to Broadway (the Honky Tonk Highway). This stretch is loud, colorful, and packed with music around the clock. It’s a must-see, even if only for a short walk. We weren’t looking for a big party scene, so we chose to visit in the early afternoon on a weekday. There were still plenty of people out and about, but nothing felt overly crowded or overwhelming. It was the perfect time to explore without fighting through shoulder-to-shoulder crowds.
We popped into a few celebrity-owned spots, including Garth Brooks’ Friends in Low Places and Alan Jackson’s AJ’s Good Time Bar. Each one had its own vibe, multiple floors, and live music playing nonstop. The energy was upbeat but not wild, and it was fun to see how each artist put their own personal style into their venue. It really feels like just about every major country artist has a bar here.
In between bar stops, we wandered through some of the boot shops and souvenir stores that line Broadway. If you’re in the market for cowboy boots, hats, or rhinestone anything, this is the place. Most stores had massive boot deals (think buy one pair, get two free), though the prices are still on the higher end, so it’s more of a fun browsing experience unless you’re ready to splurge.
If you’re looking for a calmer way to experience Broadway, we highly recommend going during the day. But if you want to go big, this area is known for its packed, high-energy party scene in the evenings so expect crowds, music blasting from every building, and a full-on honky tonk experience. And yes, it’s also bachelorette party central, so don’t be surprised if you pass a dozen matching outfits and tiaras along the way.
This area is also home to Bridgestone Arena, where the Nashville Predators play. If you’re a hockey fan, be sure to check the schedule to see if there’s a game while you’re in town.
Day 2: History, Music, and More
Jumping into our second day exploring the city, we grabbed an Uber to Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage, the historic home and now museum dedicated to President Andrew Jackson. The travel time from central Nashville to the Hermitage is about 30 minutes.
Once we arrived, we began our visit with a short introductory video about the life and presidency of Andrew Jackson. Jackson is a polarizing historical figure, and I appreciated that the video and museum exhibits made a thoughtful effort to present both sides of his legacy by exploring the context of his decisions during his lifetime and how we reflect on them today.
After the video, we toured a small museum before heading into the guided house tour of the Hermitage itself. The museum had some interesting artifacts, including an actual carriage that Jackson used while in Washington, D.C.
The guided house tour was conducted in small groups and allowed us to see both floors of the mansion, including the main hall, dining rooms, bedrooms, and the President’s study. The tour shared the history of the house and Jackson’s family, and many of the pieces inside the home are original. Unfortunately, photography wasn’t allowed inside the mansion. My favorite part was the stunning wallpaper in the main foyer.
After the house tour, the grounds of the property were open for exploration. This included several outbuildings and a garden that contains the family graveyard, where President Jackson is buried.
There weren’t any real food options on-site, though they did offer wine tasting and, of course, a gift shop. Overall, if you’re interested in American history, I’d definitely recommend a visit. It’s a bit out of the way, so be sure to set aside a few hours for the experience.
After wrapping up our visit to the Hermitage, we took another Uber, which took about fifteen minutes, over to the Grand Ole Opry for a behind-the-scenes tour.
The Grand Ole Opry is one of the most iconic venues in American music history, and being there felt like stepping into a living piece of country music history. The tour began with a welcome film that was honestly very cool and surprisingly emotional. It wasn’t just your average intro video, it even had 4-D effects. Within minutes, I felt a deep emotional connection to the Opry, even though I wouldn’t call myself a hardcore country music fan. The film does an incredible job capturing the Opry’s spirit, history, and legacy through music and storytelling.
From there, we were taken backstage, where we got to see the artists’ entrance, backstage, and dressing rooms, each space full of stories and memorabilia. One of the stops was the wall of name plaques, honoring every member of the Opry past and present. It’s a striking display, and standing there looking at all the names, legends and rising stars alike, really put into perspective just how meaningful it is to be part of this institution.
Of course, one of the highlights was getting to stand (and have your photo taken) on the famous wooden circle center stage, which was taken from the original Ryman Auditorium and placed here to preserve the Opry’s legacy. Standing there, imagining all the legendary performers who’ve stood in that same spot, was so exciting.
Our guide was knowledgeable and engaging, sharing behind-the-scenes stories that added even more depth to the experience. Whether you’re a country music fan or just love live performance and American culture, the Opry tour is a must-do.
The ultimate Opry day would be to top it off with a show that evening at the Grand Ole Opry. Unfortunately, the timing didn’t work out for us, but we did visit the large gift shop just outside the venue. Right next door is the massive Opry Mills Mall, a popular spot for both tourists and locals. It’s packed with outlet stores, themed restaurants, and entertainment options it’s perfect if you’re in the mood for some shopping or want to grab a bite to eat after your tour.
Next, we took a rideshare over to Marathon Village, home of the historic Marathon Motor Works.
Marathon Motor Works is a former early-1900s automobile factory that’s been transformed into a creative hub full of character and history. The industrial brick buildings now house a collection of locally owned shops, art studios, and tasting rooms.
The old factory itself is fascinating and remnants of that history are still visible all throughout the building. It’s a fun place to explore, especially if you enjoy a bit of vintage charm and local flair.
While there, we stopped into Corsair Distillery. Corsair is known for its innovative, small-batch spirits, and the atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming. Scott sampled a few unique whiskeys and enjoyed them. If you’re into craft distilling or just want a casual tasting experience, Corsair is a great option.
That wrapped up our day. We headed back to the hotel and started packing up for an early trip to the airport the next morning. It was a full day of history, music, and exploring, one that gave us a deeper appreciation for Nashville’s rich culture and character.
We ordered dinner from Koi Sushi & Thai, located near our hotel. The Thai dish was just okay (nothing memorable) while the sushi was pretty it ranged from extremely bland to outright unenjoyable. Unfortunately, this is one spot I wouldn’t recommend.
The trip home was uneventful and I once again appreciated the number of stores to browse at the Nashville airport.
Nashville Coffee Rankings
I made it a point to sample several local coffee shops while in Nashville—because what’s a trip without great coffee? Here’s my personal ranking of the spots I visited, along with which ones I’d recommend and which I’d probably skip next time.
Recommended!
- Frothy Monkey: This was great!! I had the signature Monkey Mocha and loved it.
- Coffee Love: Their toffee hot latte was delicious and not too sweet despite the name.
- Elixir Coffee: Strawberry hot latte was good with a unique flavor as their strawberry also had beetroot mixed in.
- Barista Parlor: The bourbon vanilla hot latte felt like a good Tennessee option. It was good but not as exciting as I hoped it would be.
Skip!
8&R: Tried this at the airport and both my americano and Scott’s latte were watered down.
See Y’all Next Time!
Nashville truly lives up to the hype! It’s a city filled with incredible music, warm and welcoming people, rich history, and unforgettable food. Two full days was just enough to hit some of the major highlights, but there’s still so much more left to explore. We had a wonderful time and are already talking about what we’d like to do when we return someday.
Whether you’re a country music fan or not, Nashville has something for everyone—and I already can’t wait to go back!
That was our Nashville trip! I hope you found this interesting and informative. Considering a trip to Nashville?
I’m a travel advisor and would love to work with you!
Check out my website katievtravel.com to request a vacation quote or email me at katiev@themagicsyours.com with any questions.
I’d love to make your vacation dreams a reality!
Katie Vassalotti - Travel Advisor - Travel Blog 