Explore Nashville: Your Ultimate Guide to Music, Dining and Culture

Itching for a road trip? Nashville offers a perfect location to explore, dine and relax.

Nashville, Tennessee skyline
Nashville Skyline with General Jackson Showboat

Nashville, the heart of country music, offers visitors historic landmarks, a vibrant creative scene, and a gracious Southern style. Whatever vibe you seek, you’ll surely find it here. Plan a weekend or longer to explore all that is uniquely Nashville.

Where to stay in Nashville

Rising above the Nashville skyline, the JW Marriott’s towering structure offers panoramic views of the city, from the iconic Music City Center to the rolling hills beyond. Rooms and suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows, plush bedding, and contemporary furnishings. Guests can unwind in the expansive spa, enjoy a cocktail at the rooftop bar with a stunning view of the city, or dine at Bourbon Steak, a critically acclaimed restaurant helmed by celebrity chef Michael Mina. The hotel’s proximity to attractions like the Ryman Auditorium and Bridgestone Arena makes it an ideal base for exploring the best of Nashville.

For those seeking a more intimate and artistic stay, the Kimpton Aertson Hotel offers a boutique experience in Midtown, a vibrant neighborhood known for its eclectic mix of restaurants, shops, and live music venues. The city’s creative energy inspires the hotel’s interiors, featuring local artwork and bespoke furnishings that reflect Nashville’s rich cultural heritage. The hotel’s rooftop pool and lounge offer guests a place to relax while enjoying the city views.

The famous Batman building in downtown Nashville, TN
Wedgewood Houston "WeHo" neighborhood in Nashville, TN

Tune in for live music in Nashville

If country music is what you have come for, you’ll find it in the honky tonks along Broadway, as well as the singer-songwriter venues such as the Bluebird Cafe and The Listening Room. But no trip to Nashville is complete without experiencing the Grand Ole Opry, the longest-running radio broadcast in American history.

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A show here is a rite of passage for both legends and up-and-coming stars. Try to score a ticket to the pre-show for a meet-and-greet with the stars before the show. The Ryman Auditorium, known as the “Mother Church of Country Music,” has hosted countless legendary performances, and the building’s history is as rich as the music that fills its walls.

The Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN

Music & Museums

Any music lover will appreciate the Country Music Hall of Fame. In the permanent collection, highlights include memorabilia with everything from Elvis Presley’s car to Kacey Musgraves’s performance costumes. Be sure to stop in Hatch Show Print, one of America’s oldest working letterpress print shops that has been creating iconic posters for concerts and events since 1879. You can watch the printmakers at work and even create your custom print as a memento.

The National Museum of African American Music takes you back to the soul, jazz, and pop artists that make you want to clap your hands and stomp your feet. For a hands-on experience, guitar enthusiasts and music lovers can experience the world of Gibson guitars at Carter Vintage Guitars. Take a tour, watch live performances, and check your own sound in the interactive spaces.

Ryman Auditorium exterior
Ryman Auditorium, Location: Nashville TN, Architect: Hastings Architecture Associates

A taste of Nashville: Places to eat and drink in Nashville

Known for hot chicken, regional cuisine, breweries, and distilleries, Nashville offers plenty of tasty treats. For lunch, order a sandwich at the original Hattie B’s, or indulge in a smash burger at Joyland. For a sugary pick-me-up, stop in the GooGoo Shop and Dessert Bar to sample creative takes on the classic confection and even make your own. For dinner, Deacon’s New South offers an updated, creative take on regional, traditional cuisine, as well as Gulf seafood. But their specialty is their in-house dry-aged steaks.

If cocktails are what you seek, enjoy a tasting at Nashville Barrel Co. Distillery and Whiskey Bar and take home a favorite blend to enjoy later. And for IPA enthusiasts, find yourself at Bearded Iris Brewing for a tour and tasting in the taproom.


The Guide: Great places to stay, things to do, and food to eat in Nashville

Places to Stay in Nashville

Things to do in Nashville

Food and Drink in Nashville

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