Things to Do/Places to Visit
Nashville has a rich musical heritage, and one of the best places to experience that is the Ryman Auditorium. It was once the home to the Grand Ole Opry, but now it hosts the likes of Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, and more. When visitors come to Ryman, most prefer to take a behind-the-scenes tour of the famous music venue. One of the best displays is the “Soul of Nashville”, a screening which takes past footage of performers to show Ryman’s role in the music industry. At the recording studio, you can sing and even record your own CD to take back with you as a souvenir. Most visitors enjoy the tour, but the real experience is at the concerts. Make sure you stay updated with the websiteof the venue to learn more about upcoming performances. Ryman Auditorium is open daily from 9 am to 4 pm. Self-guided tours cost $21.95 for adults and $16.95 for kids aged 4 to 11. If you choose the Backstage Tour option, there is an additional charge.
Ryman Auditorium might be the best place in Nashville to experience the music, but the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is hands down the best place to learn the history of music. The country music’s finest artists have plaques dedicated to them, which you can view. Aside from plaques, the museum is also littered with musical artifacts such as Elvis Presley’s solid gold Cadillac limo and Jimmie Rodgers’ guitar. If you head to Studio B, you can see that it produced over 35,000 songs by several country music legends. For more of a historical approach to country music, take the walk through the “Sing Me Back Home: A Journey Through Country Music” exhibit. The facility is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Entrance for adults is $25.95, $15.95 for kids aged 6 to 12, and free for those younger.
You’ve probably heard of the Parthenon in Greece, but did you know there’s an almost exact look-a-like in Nashville. It’s the exact same size as the one in Greece too. It was built in 1897 as a temporary attraction, but its still here today. The statues from the original one is even replicated in the Nashville Parthenon. Around the Parthenon is plenty of greenspace, perfect for family picnics. The Parthenon is located near downtown Nashville in Centennial Park. It’s open Tuesday to Saturday from 9 am to 4:30 pm and from 12:30 to 4:30 pm on Sundays. Entrance for adults costs $6, $4 for seniors ands kids aged 4 to 17, and free for kids younger than 4.
The Hermitage is a mansion built for President Andrew Jackson back in 1821. The mansion, built as a Greek Revival home, is part of the National Historic Landmark list. It also offers a view into President Jackson’s home life. The guided tour offered at the mansion allows visitors to see the “main house, the kitchen, an original log cabin, Jackson’s burial place, and the Old Hermitage Church.” Around the property are several popular exhibits, with one of the most popular ones about the slaves that worked in the property. The Hermitage is open every day of the year, with the year split into two different operating times. From October 16th to March 14th, the mansion is open from 9 am to 4 pm. From March 15th to October 15th, the Hermitage is open from 8:30 am to 5 pm. Admission ranges from $10 to $20, depending on the date and age of the visitor. Kids aged 5 and below has free admission.
Johnny Cash is arguably the most popular country singer of all time, and this museum is dedicated to his legacy. Since it is supported by the Cash family, it offers the most artifacts and memorabilia of Johnny Cash than any other places in the world. Some items include films, personal notes and letters, as well as costumes that he wore. The museum is lined with exhibits, most of them portraying different times in his life. Even if you’re not much of a country song devotee, visitors still recommend visiting it. The Johnny Cash Museum is open every day from 9 am to 6 pm. Adults get charged $19.95 for admission, while seniors, students, and military members pay $18.95. Kids aged 15 and below are charged $15.95 to get it. Those younger than 6 are free.
Best Way to Tour Nashville, TN
- The best way to tour the city of Nashville (as well as many other cities) is by chartered buses and vans. Explore at your own pace within the safety of your private vehicle. Don’t worry about ordering an Uber or Lyft when you have your own exploration vehicle. Through Prompt Charters, you can order the buses you need. Prompt Charters is an amazing, affordable chartered vehicle company that caters to your every need. Whether you need a bus for school trips, marriages, parties, campaigns, or whatever else, Prompt Charters can help you. Prompt Charters offers buses, mini buses, school buses, party buses, and more. Most activities and destinations listed above and below are accessible by chartered buses. Visit the promptcharters.com to book your rental bus today!
Best Places to Shop/Eat
- Mall at Green Hills–If you’re looking for a great place to shop, the Mall at Green Hills is probably it. It houses stores such as Nordstrom, J. Crew, Apple, Louis Vuitton, as well as plenty of dining options. Some include the Cheesecake Factory and Carrabba’s.
- Hill Center – If you’re looking for a mall with more of a homely appeal, Hill Center is what you need. They offer several popular stores, with more of a local vibe. They also have several good places to eat.
- The Shoppes On Fatherland –The Shoppes on Fatherland are basically purely local. The community features a mix of about 20 local businesses. The Shoppes on Fatherland are great if you want to buy souvenirs, locally made clothing, chocolate and sweets, and more.
- The Chef and I on Ninth – The Chef and I is an American restaurant that offers meat options, vegetarian and vegan options, as well as gluten free options. The Chef and I is rated the #1 fine dining restaurant in Nashville by tripadvisor for 2019.
- Monell’s Dining & Catering – Most cities have popular, local joints, and Monell’s is that of Nashville. The American restaurant serves popular, local dishes made from locally sourced products. Monell’s is rated the #1 local cuisine restaurant by tripadvisor for 2019.
We hope you enjoy Nashville!