Nashville Travel Guide

Planning a trip to Nashville? Then check out this Nashville Travel Guide to help you plan!

Before we moved to the Nashville area I had only been here twice. I knew I liked the general area but I hadn’t done a lot of sightseeing. I was excited when we moved here to get out and check out new things. One thing I’ve really loved doing is trying new restaurants. Now that I am far less picky than I was growing up, I actually enjoy trying new places and if you love BBQ or southern food (which I do) you’ve come to the right town! This travel guide is by no means all inclusive. But it’s just an idea of some things to get you started if you’re planning a trip to Nashville.

Places to See: We’re still working on trying to see all of these things. There is just so much to do!

–Country Music Hall of Fame– so if you’re coming to Nashville it’s pretty likely that you like country music. The Country Music Hall of Fame is a great place to start. It’s right downtown and covers everything from the beginning of country music to right now. We went when the Carrie Underwood exhibit was up and really enjoyed it.

– The Ryman– I still have not made it here yet but it’s definitely a must see in Nashville and on my list of things to see very soon. I’d love to go to a performance there so I could really see it in action.

–Broadway– You can’t come to Nashville and not see Broadway. This is where all the honky tonk bars are, everyone has on their cowboy boots and there is a lot of bars and live music. It’s not really my scene but it’s something you need to at least see, even if it’s not your thing.

–Music Row– This is a great area to drive through and it’s fun to see all of the old houses that are now recording studios or writers places. There are big recording studios in that area as well and it’s just fun to see.

– The Grand Ole Opry– We went here last June to see Carrie Underwood and it was fantastic. It was CMT Fest week, so a lot of big names were at the Opry this week so it was a great time. So much history and they offer great pre or post show tours which I would love to go to.

– Opryland Hotel– While you’re at the Grand Ole Opry you’ll want to head next door to check out the Opryland Hotel. It is something to see. It has an indoor river, waterfalls and gardens. We have not stayed here yet but I’d love to on a little staycation. I’ve heard it’s beautiful at Christmas and hope to make it up there this year to see it.

Vanderbilt Campus– It’s a beautiful campus with a fun area around it  that has a lot of places to eat and check out. Park your car and walk around this beautiful area including Centennial Park which has a scale replica of the Parthenon!

Places to Eat: Like I said it’s become really fun for me to try out new restaurants. Normally Tyler’s already tried them out because he eats out a lot for work then he can tell me which ones I’d like and we head to them!

–The Southern– If you’re looking to spend a pretty penny on a very delicious dinner then head here! The food is so good, it has a very cool atmosphere and who knows you might even run into a celebrity. I’ve heard tell of people seeing Keith Urban there.

– Puckett’s Grocery– This is a delicious restaurant with a very yummy brunch. There is one in downtown Nashville and also another one in Old Town Franklin.

– Edley’s BBQ– I love Edley’s. One of my requirements for a BBQ place is that it have macaroni and cheese and Edley’s does so I love it! Some days they have cheese grits as a side but I’ve yet to get there early enough to enjoy them, Tyler says they are delicious.

– The Row– This is where Brooks met Dunn. The food is great and it has a really cool atmosphere with the history of Nashville all over the walls.

– Burger Republic– If you’re looking for a delicious burger, homemade tater tots and spiked milkshakes then I suggest you head here. Oh my gosh, so good!

– The Smiling Elephant– If you love Thai food then you’re in for a treat with this hole in the wall restaurant downtown. The Pad Thai is excellent and this recommendation comes from my sister who spent many summers in Thailand!

–Arnold’s Country Kitchen– Ok if you love southern food then you’ll want to try this meat and three. Fair warning though, it is incredibly popular so your best bet is to probably go for an early lunch around 11 or a really late one around 2. Otherwise you’ll most likely find yourself standing in line. It’s only open M-F so plan accordingly!

–Martin’s BBQ– This is Tyler’s favorite bbq place in Nashville. The bbq is delicious but they don’t have macaroni and cheese which is why I lean more towards Edley’s. But really you can’t go wrong with bbq in Nashville!

–The Pancake Pantry– I have not made it here yet but it’s on my list. Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day and with the good things I’ve heard about this restaurant I know I would love it!

Are you as hungry as I am now? We’re constantly trying new restaurants and seeing new sights here so I’m sure there will be a follow up to this post eventually with even more ideas! I would love to hear your favorite spots in Nashville if you’ve been? And if not where would you go first?