Things To Do
Mel's Favorite Bars
Nashville is a drinking town with a music problem. While the honky-tonks are fun, the spots where the locals hang aren't downtown. All of these locations are in East Nashville close to our home. Best Cocktail: the yumyum drink at The Pearl Diver - https://www.pearldivernashville.com Coolest Vibe: Hubba Hubba Tiki Tonk - https://www.hubbahubbatikitonk.com Best Roof Deck: Rosemary & Beauty Queen - https://www.rosemaryandbeautyqueen.com Coolest Outdoor Space/Best Bar Food: Urban Cowboy Public House - https://www.urbancowboy.com/nashville/public-house/ Best Spot to Talk Without Shouting: the patio at Canvas - https://canvasnash.com Local Fave: Dino's (they also have award-winning burgers) - https://www.dinosnashville.com Best Spot for Live Music: The 5 Spot - https://the5spot.club
National Museum of African American Music
Possibly the best museum in Nashville. NMAAM is the kind of place you can come back to over and over and still find something you haven't seen or a song you haven't heard.
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
A really fun look at the history of Country music, touching on everything from early instruments to modern costumes to Elvis's very decked out car.
Ryman Auditorium
Even if you don't have time to catch a show here (but if you do, we recommend it), they offer great tours throughout the day for you to learn the history of the original home of the Grand Ole Opry.
Acme Feed & Seed
Maybe the only Downtown bar we'll visit (not to say you shouldn't visit Tootsie's Orchid Lounge if it's on your checklist). They have three levels of dining, live music, bar games, and a great rooftop with views of both the Cumberland River and the Downtown strip. Grab a can of their Table Salt before you leave town.
Robert's Western World
Look, you can go to Tootsie's, but Robert's is the best honky-tonk on Broadway and an authentic Nashville classic. Catch live bands and cheap beer.
Hattie B's Hot Chicken - Nashville - Lower Broadway
Austin's favorite Hot Chicken spot. They offer spice-free options for gentler souls and a "Shut the Cluck Up" level (purchasable as a single chicken tender) for the brave or foolish.
Tennessee State Museum
Honestly, a pretty cool spot. Free and great for lovers of history and geology alike.
The Parthenon
Definitely an underrated gem. Not only is this the only 1:1 scale replica of the Greek Parthenon where you can see building how it would have looked when it was first built; it's also three museums in one. Down stairs, you'll find a history of the park and an explanation as to why there's a full-scale Parthenon in the middle of Tennessee, a permanent art collection, and a rotating local art exhibit. Upstairs, is the 41-foot tall gilded statue of Athena as well as replicas of all the external statues for you to see up close and personal. Added bonus: it has maybe the most affordable admission in Nashville.
Fatherland District
Right near our home, this is a great spot to grab a coffee and do a little shopping at curated, local boutiques with plenty of food and great bars nearby.
I Dream Of Weenie
A hot dog so good, they received multiple offers from customers to burn down the new hot dog place going in across the street (which turned out to be their new location and not a competing business; no arson was committed).
Sid Gold's Request Room
A piano karaoke bar where you can sing along with some of the most talented piano players in Nashville. If you're not interested in taking the stage yourself, you can usually catch a performance by one of the pianists earlier in the evening - or stick around and just watch the karaoke night; Nashville karaoke is on a different level.
Graze Nashville
Tasty vegan food in East Nashville. They even have a killer hot tempeh sandwich so you don't have to miss out on the Nashville hot craze due to dietary restrictions.
Dee's Country Cocktail Lounge
Great music, drinks, and bar food. This is a spot the locals love and want to keep a secret.
Cheekwood
A beautiful 55-acre botanical garden and museum built on the former estate of the creator of Maxwell House coffee. It's a great spot for a leisurely stroll or a picnic, but it should be especially spectacular in April.