By Expedia, on February 26, 2019

How to Spend a Weekend in Nashville

Are you looking for ideas on how to spend your 2 or 3 days in Nashville? Creating an itinerary for your weekend in Nashville is essential so that you can take in all the notable attractions and superb dining options as well as the amazing nightlife and live music scene. Here are some tips on how to get your weekend rolling in Music City.

weekend in nashville
Be sure to try Nashville’s many great restaurants

Friday Evening

Friday in Nashville is exciting because you have the whole weekend ahead of you. The best way to kick-start your 72 hours in Nashville is with a mouth-watering meal. After you’ve settled into your hotel, make your way to The Southern, a steak and oyster restaurant that’s located right in the heart of downtown Nashville. Enjoy authentic Southern fare, such as oysters out of the shell and tender steaks.

After you’ve tucked away your share of oysters, you can head over to the iconic Whisky Bent Saloon for cocktails and live country music.

music row nashville
Music Row in Nashville

Nashville is known for incredible live music, which you can hear wandering down the famous Honky Tonk Highway on Lower Broadway. One recommended stop is the Nashville Underground on Broadway. This 40,000-square-foot venue has three stages along with a mechanical bull, a dance club, a full menu, and plenty of signature cocktails.

Saturday Morning

It’s Saturday morning. With only 48 hours left in Nashville, it’s time to get cracking. Start with a substantial breakfast at Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant. Their breakfast skillets and omelets are highly recommended and will fill you up for an eventful day.

What’s the best way to burn off that breakfast? Wandering down Lower Broadway and doing some shopping. You’ll find a wide selection of authentic Nashville goods at quirky boutiques and shops.

Next, take a stroll down the mile-long walking trail in Centennial Park. While you’re there, stop by to see the Parthenon. It’s a full-scale replica of the Greek monument, and it also houses Nashville’s most notable art museum.

centennial park, nashville
Centennial Park in Nashville

After shopping and some sight-seeing, it’s time to take in a late lunch. Sample the hot chicken dishes at Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack. It’s the go-to spot if you want to try this Nashville specialty. Get ready for the heat! But don’t worry; those with milder tastes will be accommodated as well.

Saturday Afternoon and Evening

You’ve still got some time before dusk settles in, and no trip to Nashville is complete without a visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame in SoBro (south of Broadway). So, make it your next stop. Make sure you set aside some time because you could easily spend hours here, checking out all of the exhibits and activities.

Saturday is your big night out in Music City, which means it’s time to channel your inner cowboy or cowgirl. Hit up the iconic Grand Ole Opry to take in a show. Check ahead to see who is playing while you’re in town and book your tickets.

grand ole opry in nashville
Grand Ole Opry in Nashville

Before the show, grab some dinner at the Opry Back Porch BBQ, which is a food truck right on site at the Grand Ole Opry. You can get some of the best classic Nashville BBQ and even snack on it during the show. Now that’s how you round off a Saturday night in Nashville!

Sunday Morning

The sun is up, and it’s Sunday morning in Nashville. You had a great night out but might want a lazy start to the day. You can sip an outstanding cup of coffee at Nashville’s oldest coffee company, Frothy Monkey. If you’re working up an appetite, order their famous brunch. For coffee lovers, they offer tours of their nearby roasting facility by appointment only.

You’ve got less than 24 hours left for your weekend in Nashville. How about a walk around Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, located in downtown Nashville? Along with getting some exercise and enjoying the lovely scenery, visitors can learn about Tennessee’s rich history. The 19-acre park has a WWII memorial and a 200-ft granite map of the state and other monuments.

Once you’re re-energized from breakfast and touring, indulge your inner fashionista at the eclectic clothing boutiques in the trendy 12 South neighborhood.

Stylish 12 South is also the perfect spot for lunch. Try Edley’s Bar-B-Que for traditional meat and three, a Southern U.S. menu design where the customer picks one meat dish and then three sides to accompany it.

bbq in nashville
Edley’s BBQ in Nashville, Trover Photo by Nica F!

Sunday Afternoon and Evening

After lunch, pop by the Belmont Mansion, which is the largest antebellum mansion in Tennessee. This stunning home was built in the mid-1850s and has been meticulously restored. It offers unique insight into Tennessee history, the Civil War, art, and architecture.

belmont mansion
Belmont Mansion in Nashville, Trover Photo by Sandy Smith

As your weekend in Nashville winds down, finish strong with a memorable Sunday night. For a distinctive experience, enjoy dinner and a show at House of Cards. Your visit begins with a trip down a secret tunnel to an expansive entertainment space. Guests will dine while being entertained by master magicians.

To cap off your Sunday night in Nashville, take in some more live music at Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar. Nashville’s vibrant live music scene isn’t just about country music. In fact, this bar has a regular lineup of talented blues musicians every night. The food and drinks will boost your mood too.

Ready for the perfect weekend getaway?

Nashville is an ultimate weekend destination. Although the city is famous for its country music, visitors can expect to see and do so much more. Nashville, Tennessee is bursting with history, cultural experiences, delectable dining, shopping, and an immersive live music scene. Vacations here are also great value because you can pack so much into a single weekend. Are you ready? Nashville is waiting for you!

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