A Weekend in Nashville | What to do, Where to Eat and Where to Stay

Downtown Nashville at Dusk

Nashville, Tennessee, is truly a gem buried within the South. It’s hard to even say “Nashville” aloud without having a slight twang to it. The culture, the history, the pulse, and the city itself make it one of America’s best cities. Lots of history has occurred since Nashville was founded in 1779, leading to it being a diverse cultural area, but also, its location along the Cumberland River made it a prime location for many to flock to for a weekend trip to Nashville..

Nashville is known for several things, but most notably, it is renowned for its country music scene, which embodies the essence of what a music scene should offer. There are dive bars, open mic nights, and honky tonks lined along Broadway - the main music strip in Nashville. The city is also known for its architecture, something I wasn’t aware of, due to its likeness to Athens, Greece. Nashville is often referred to as the Athens of the South, and when you look at the vibrant culture and activities in Nashville, TN, it’s easy to see why the city stands out.

No matter when you plan a trip to Nashville, TN, you’re promised a hootin-tootin good time with the music, food, and things to do. We had an amazing time in Nashville, but didn’t get to explore nearly enough of this awesome city.

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Top Restaurants to Try in Nashville, Tennesee

1. Hattie B’s Hot Chicken

A fried chicken staple. They say fried chicken is the best in the South, and now I know why. Hot chicken is such a craze right now, pretty much everywhere. If you’re in Nashville and are hungry for some well-cooked southern fried chicken, this is your place. Get the chicken tenders or the dirty bird fries and finish it all off with some sweet desserts, which makes it one of the tastiest things to do in Nashville this weekend for food lovers.

2. Pinewood Social

Just a few steps from Riverfront Park downtown, Pinewood is a great place to visit because of its great food, but also, they have a bowling alley inside! I mean, who doesn’t love bowling with table service?! The food there is really good too. They’re more about their bar and food than their bowling; that’s just a perk, so enjoy some craft cocktails and elevated American food during your weekend Nashville trip.

3. Ellington’s

This is such an awesome place. It’s on the fourth floor of the Fairlane hotel and serves vibes and views. Given that this restaurant is a few floors up in the sky, their outdoor deck has some incredible views, and thanks to the nice weather Nashville tends to have year-round, you’ll be able to enjoy the mid-mod interior and exterior all the time. For anyone planning a weekend in Nashville, Tennessee, Ellington’s is a polished choice that delivers both style and flavor.

4. Martin’s BBQ

You’ll find a lot of good BBQ all over Nashville, but Martin’s does it right. Martin’s can be found in a few areas of the South. That’s because their BBQ has become so well-known that everyone wants it! Their elevated but still down and dirty BBQ has been highlighted in many food magazines, so if you’re looking for things to do around Nashville, TN this weekend, grabbing a plate here should be on your list.

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Where to Stay in Nashville, Tennessee

1. The Hermitage

Wow. This is southern class right here. The Hermitage has been a staple in Nashville luxury hospitality in Nashville since 1910. Built way before Nashville was any kind of big city, this building sprang to life, so the amount of history that has come through Music City is unlike anything else you’ll find. And they’re pet-friendly! For travelers planning a weekend trip to Nashville, The Hermitage combines heritage, elegance, and location, making it one of the most iconic stays in the city.

2. Union Station Hotel

Stay at the former train depot and be amazed at the preservation and decoration here. This building was an old train station stop in Nashville. Getting reinvented into a modern hotel experience has made Union Station a go-to for travelers. If you’re considering a weekend in Nashville, TN, Union Station offers the perfect blend of nostalgia and convenience. It’s walking distance to Broadway yet far enough to enjoy a quieter night’s sleep.

3. Gaylord Opry Resort

Walking into the Gaylord Opry Resort is like being transported into a different universe. This is a fun place for everyone. Once you walk inside, you’ll see rivers, and gardens, and small cottages, and just so much camp and gaud. It’s really fun and feels like you’re walking into a Vegas hotel in a way, and for families or couples looking for places to go in Tennessee for the weekend, Gaylord Opry delivers entertainment, dining, and resort-style relaxation under one roof.

4. Vandyke Bed and Beverage

A fun and upbeat place for energetic travelers. A very modern accommodation with cocktails to match. The hotel only has 8 rooms, and they’re all dedicated to a different liquor that is served in the bar. It’s a pretty great place for locals to go to, so if you’re up for meeting locals rather than tourists, this is a good option. For those seeking weekend getaways in Nashville, TN, with personality and boutique flair, Vandyke is an unbeatable choice.

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Top Gay-Friendly Bars and Clubs in Nashville

1. Church Street Gayborhood

Church Street is where you’ll find all your gay needs, whether it be bars, clothing, eats, or drinks. Located less than a mile west of Nashville, this is an easy place to get to or stay if you want to be near downtown but not on Honky Tonk Highway. For anyone mapping out their Nashville weekend trip, Church Street is the cultural heartbeat of the LGBTQ+ community.

2. Suzy Wong’s

An Asian-Fusion restaurant that has a drag brunch? We’re in. This is the Nashville staple for Drag Brunch. They’re only open Friday through Sunday. They have a huge selection of drag queens that perform, too, so you may see a familiar face! If you’re wondering about things to do in Nashville on the weekend, Suzy Wong’s is the go-to for high-energy brunches that mix food, flair, and performance.

3. Trax

If you’re in Nashville for a good time, not a long time - come here. A fun little dive bar with an awesome patio. You’ll get all your gay bar needs at night when Trax gets dancy. You’ll have a good time with good company, and among the many things to do in Nashville, Trax is the low-key option that surprises with authentic charm and a welcoming crowd.

4. Tribe

This is a fun, upscale place to hang out and have fun every night of the week. (Like showtune Sunday!) This place literally has it all. Bingo, karaoke, happy hours, and brunch events - you’ll have something to do every day of the week here. For those asking what to do in Nashville for a weekend, Tribe ensures your nights are never boring, whether it’s a casual hangout or a lively event.

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Top Music Venues to Visit in Nashville

1. Robert’s Western World

The home of the best traditional country music. This is continually rated one of the best Honky Tonks in Nashville. You’ll be hoot-tootin’ all over the place, and the consistent good country vibes are quintessential Nashville, making it one of the classic things to do in Nashville for a weekend if you want authentic live music.

2. Nashville Palace

A classic honky tonk with live music and good food, and a dance floor. This was once the home of the stars that sang at the Grand Ole Opry, and there was an old TV show that used to be filmed here, so there is no shortage of history at this Palace. For anyone planning a Nashville, TN weekend trip, Nashville Palace is a venue where music, food, and history all come together.

3. Layla’s Honky Tonk

One of the best venues on honky tonk row (S. Broadway) with amazing performers. Garth Brooks recently made a surprise visit here, and that is just one of the few surprises you may catch. If you’re asking yourself what to do in Nashville for a weekend, Layla’s is a lively spot where the unexpected often happens.

4. Legends Corner

One of, if not the best, bars in Nashville with its consistency. It’s called legends for a reason. So many legends have passed through these doors, like Toby Keith, Darius Rucker, David Nail, Ricky Skaggs, Justin Moore, Big N’Rich, Eric Church, Josh Thompson, and many more. For travelers spending a weekend in Nashville, Tennessee, Legends Corner offers the chance to enjoy a drink where country stars have made memories.

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Top Things to Do and See in Nashville

1. Broadway Street / Honky Tonk Highway

The center of all music in Nashville! If you’re not sure which Honky Tonk you want to go to, just walk down Broadway and let the sounds of the halls draw you in. Or just bar hop. It’s so easy to find something to do within every block, which is why spending time on Broadway is at the top of things to do in Nashville.

2. Grand Ole Opry

The original home of country music. A staple in the realm of country everything. This is the stage that housed a weekly show featuring country music back in the day. To this day, it’s still home to award shows and live performances. If you’re on a weekend trip in Nashville, attending a show at the Grand Ole Opry is a tradition that connects you directly with the city’s roots.

3. Radnor Lake State Park

A great outdoor attraction to run around and play in the sun with awesome scenery. It’s a 1,300-acre park and has an abundance of wildlife to see (like turkeys!). It’s a fun place to play volleyball, roller skate, or tan within walking distance to the urban center. Outdoor lovers searching for things to do around Nashville, TN, will find Radnor Lake the perfect mix of nature and accessibility.

4. Centennial Park and the Parthenon

An urban park with a replica of the Parthenon! Plus a lot of other great statues and buildings, and water features. The Parthenon is an exact scale, as well as the 42-foot-tall Athena statue that is found inside. The park itself has a mile-long walking/running trail and plenty of space to hang out with friends. For travelers exploring places to go in Tennessee for a weekend, Centennial Park combines culture, history, and open green space in the heart of the city.

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