Your Insider’s Guide to Nashville, TN: Top Spots and Hidden Gems
Often referred to as “Music City”, Nashville has long been a musical mecca, especially for country music, but the lively spirit of the city goes well beyond just tunes. Full of surprises and hidden gems, Nashville has something to offer to every kind of traveler. Bask in the Southern hospitality that lives within the city, breathing life into the entertainment, food, attractions, and even the cities close by.
Discovering something new at every turn can be exciting, but it’s always nice to have a map that leads you right to the treasure. Memorable experiences and fascinating journeys lie just on the other side of this insider’s guide.
Stay Local Nashville: Your Local Guide from Attractions to Accommodations
In a city as large as Nashville, it is always nice to have an expert on call. That is exactly what Stay Local Nashville provides for all of its guests, amongst a few other things. Impeccably designed with every guest in mind, Stay Local Nashville offers the most swoon-worthy vacation rentals that Nashville has ever seen.
The perfect Nashville rentals can be hard to come by, but every home in the Stay Local collection is hub and haven for entertainment, relaxation, and pleasure. Guests will enjoy inspired amenities such as rooftop terraces and secret speakeasy rooms, creative details in murals and local artwork, along with spacious floor plans. Every rental is sure to be a home you love when you book your stay with Stay Local Nashville.
Here are some of our favorite Nashville rentals:
The Bel Vandy
Boasting amenities, such as a speakeasy room and shuffleboard table, this stunning home accommodates up to 12 guests with 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms!
Cashs Speakeasy
Guests will fall in love with amenities, like an outdoor deck and balcony. This is a legendary space for the whole family, accommodating up to 12 guests with 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms!
Nashville Ladies Lounge
Unique due to its amenities, such as a custom mural and balcony, this lively rental accommodates up to 12 guests with 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms! Perfect for your next girls getaway.
The Jasmine on Wedgewood
Ultra chic in every detail, this Nashville vacation rental is most popular for its incredible location a short walk away from Hillsboro Village. Bring all of your friends along as this home accommodates up to 12 guests with 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms.
Nashville After Dark: Where the Night Comes Alive
Nashville has an iconic history as the birthplace of country music, earning its “Music City” moniker in the 1920s. Having long been a hub for musicians, Nashville boasts iconic venues such as the Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium, shaping the cultural identity of the entire region. Today, visitors can feel the energy of Nashville’s iconic music roots through their nightlife, a spirited blend of its country roots and modern music scene.
From the honky-tonk bars all along Broadway, to the intimate live music venues. Nashville nightlife is charming, unique, and guaranteed to create memories that last a lifetime.
Honky-Tonks, Bars, and Clubs
In areas such 5th and Broadway and Printer’s Alley, Nashville nightlife comes to life. From the honky-tonk bars such as Redneck Riviera, Honky Tonk Central, and Nudies, to celeb bars such as Morgan Wallens, Jelly Roll’s Goodnight Nashville, and Lainey Wilson’s Bell Bottoms Up, Nashville will not disappoint.
When visiting Printer’s Alley be sure to make a stop at Blues and Boogies Bar and Skull's Rainbow Room.
Other trendy spots for fun night out:
- Tiger Bar: A 1930s sideshow inspired Gin Joint. Perfect for a few drinks and delicious small plates.
- Chopper: Uniquely designed as a robot-fueled tiki bar, this incredible space is meant to transport guests to the world of Island X.
- Coral Club: Inspired by the relaxing atmosphere of a coastal hideaway, this is meant to be a space where guests can escape and unwind with a delicious drink in hand.
- Patterson House: Designed as a classic experience that is high-quality in every way, this library-themed cocktail bar is a great place to enjoy a timeless cocktail and a sweet treat. You even get your check in a timeless book!
- LA Jackson: This rooftop bar in The Gulch area truly values a great time, providing guests with the perfect blend of fresh and innovative cocktail recipes and classic drinks.
Music Venues
Live music has filled the night air in Nashville for years past and years to come, boasting a number of intimate venues that provide one-of-a-kind performances from legendary musicians. No trip to Nashville is complete without stopping into one of these incredible venues and experiencing true magic!
Visitors will fall in love with musical treasures such as The Basement and The Basement East, two different venues that celebrate diverse music, voices, and creative performances, as well as Exit/In, boasting 50+ years of legendary musical performances. Bluebird Cafe, where live music is the main attraction in a cafe setting, and the Listening Room, a space where the writers behind hits get a chance to grace the stage, are a couple more venues where visitors can have the experience of a lifetime.
The wonder that is Nashville comes to life when you step foot into these establishments, an encounter only a Nashville vacation can provide.
Food, Flavor, and Fun: Nashville’s Best Eats
Food plays a key role in shaping the atmosphere and culture of any region, but in Nashville, everything becomes art. Reflecting the city’s deep Southern heritage and diverse influences, Nashville has given birth to some of the most iconic recipes and culinary scenes.
From the iconic Nashville Hot Chicken to world-class BBQ, Nashville perfectly blends comfort food, bold flavors, and artistic creativity. In Nashville food brings people together, setting the tone for a warm, welcoming atmosphere that accompanies every meal.
Breakfast, Brunch & Lunch
A great meal can be had at any time of the day, a sentiment Nashville takes seriously. Nashville brunch spots take the cake for delectable and distinct experiences that leave every guest wanting more. Visitors should visit spots such as Loveless Cafe, Adele’s, and The Mockingbird, just a few of many we know you will love.
Other delicious stops for breakfast, brunch, and lunch:
Dinner
Dinner is where innovation and culinary art meet and blend, and Nashville has perfected the craft. Visitors can enjoy bold flavors of everything from Southern classics to global cuisine, and you may even get a show along with it. Amazing Nashville restaurants such as Saint Anejo, Bar Taco, and Once Upon A Time in France put Nashville on the map as one of the best cities to have the best meal.
Other exquisite stops for dinner:
From Idyllic Views to Landmarks: Attractions, Adventures & More
Nashville is more than just the glitz, glamour, and lights of downtown “Music City”, it is also a hub for outdoor expeditions and scenic escapades. Outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs will find more than enough locations that cater to their desire for thrill and excitement. Nashville attractions truly cater to every kind of traveler.
Outdoor Activities & Sightseeing
There’s a large number of things to do in Nashville, and visitors have the pick of the litter when it comes to thrilling journeys through nature.
Visitors will love visiting destinations such as Radnor Lake, Cheekwood, Gaylord Opryland, and Pedestrian Bridge. Enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, biking, and everything in between when you visit Nashville’s outdoor oasis!
History & Museums
As rich in history and culture as Nashville is, there are of course many places where the magic of the past comes to life. Those looking to learn something new while experiencing something unique will love visiting gems such as The Parthenon, The National Museum of African American Music, and the Frist Art Museum. Famed for its strong connection to history and culture, these are just a few of the spots you will love.
Other incredible history & museum stops:
Day Trips
Nashville has more to offer than just that within the city limits. For those up for a day trip, there are many sites to see and places to visit right outside Nashville’s door. Travelers will fall in love with destinations such as Downtown Franklin which is a historic Main Street district just 25 minutes from Nashville, or Dollywood just 3.5 to 4 hours away in the Smoky Mountains where theme parks, water parks, and dinner shows all exist in one place.
The Jack Daniels Distillery is in Lynchburg about 1.5 to 2 hours away, and is another incredible destination where visitors can see first-hand all things Jack Daniels! Each of these places and those not mentioned are the true hidden gems of Nashville, a drive you won’t regret making.
Nashville is a city that effortlessly brings magic into every individual's life, whether through its breathtaking scenery, lively energy, or warm culture, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Visitors will be immersed into the heart of Southern hospitality and historic charm with every hidden gem and quiet treasure the city holds close.
Whether in the city or just outside, the pleasure of Nashville reaches far and wide, and now you have a guide that shows you exactly where X marks the spot.
