Summer Vacation Ideas for Nashville, Tennessee

Where live music and true Southern charm abounds, Nashville, Tennessee is a vacation hotspot for all traveling styles. Its central location in the United States makes for a relatively easy flight or drive, and the endless attractions and exciting places to eat will satisfy everyone. Known as the “small town trapped in a big city,” Nashville will get you on your feet and enjoying the true South – with a little more rhythm and melody. Grab your boots, pack your bags and get ready for an exciting adventure to the Music City.

Family Travel Fun in Nashville

Things to Do for Families: Fun is around every corner in Nashville, especially for those with families big and small. Take advantage of the Omni Kids Crew program at the Omni Nashville Hotel, which gives all kids a backpack filled with goodies upon check-in. This hotel is connected to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and offers a rooftop pool that will wow the entire family. Begin the day with pancakes at Fido, a coffee shop and restaurant located in Hillsboro Village, or Pancake Pantry in the same neighborhood. Both restaurants are kid-friendly and welcome families of all sizes.

As expected, the musical attractions in this city pepper the streets and will put pep in the step of kids and adults. As it’s within close proximity to the hotel, visiting the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is an easy choice to peruse. If the trolley is a-rockin’ then it can only be Old Town Trolley Tours-Nashville! Whether it’s a long weekend or a day trip, these hop on hop off, fully-narrated tours are the best way to achieve perfect harmony with Music City. Take a ride down Broadway, the main vein when it comes to live music and nightlife, check out the Mother Church of Country Music, the Ryman Auditorium and so much more! With more than 2.5 million artifacts, including photographs, costumes, instruments and recordings spread across all genres of music, this museum is an absolute must-see and will surely entertain members of the entire family.

Nashville is also home to the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, which houses more than 350 species and the exciting Soaring Eagle, an air adventure that takes patrons 110 feet in the air to get a birds’ eye view of the zoo. For dinner, check out the Pastaria in Sylvan Park. They offer a “family hour” with half-price kids menu options, crayons for little ones and drink specials for the adults.

Adventurous Travel in Nashville

Nashville Adventurers: National Geographic placed Nashville in the top 10 of their "Cool List" and rightfully so. This city, rich with music-related history, is a great destination for adventure seekers looking to get their groove on during their travels. Kick off that one-of-a-kind trip to the Music City with a booking at Nashville Shores. This is a destination within itself, consisting of an RV park, cozy lakeside cabins, water park, zipline and aerial ropes courses and a marina.

If you are able to venture away from this activity mecca, head out for a hearty breakfast at Biscuit Love Gulch. The original establishment is located within – you guessed it – The Gulch and is quickly becoming a rising star of breakfasts in the city with their specialty biscuit sandwiches.

Next, head to the heart of the city and rent a Nashville B-cycle to easily zip around town and take in all of the sights. With more than 30 locations strategically placed throughout downtown, picking up and dropping off a bicycle is easy and convenient for those wanted to reduce their carbon emissions.

Squeeze in a little culture in the trip with a visit to the Cheekwood Estate & Gardens. This 55-acre botanical garden and art museum are located on the Cheek estate, which was established in 1929. The Estate features breathtaking gardens and top class art exhibitions.

On your way back to your lodging, end the night at the Patterson House with an artisan cocktail that will take you back to pre-Prohibition times.

Nashville Couples Retreat

Nashville Couples: Couples will truly be wowed and charmed by Nashville’s musically-Southern style no matter the activity or eatery. Kick off the romantic getaway with a stay at the Inn at Fontanel. This lodging experience is unique in that it’s built like a Tennessee farmhouse and overlooks a courtyard with a waterfall, fountain, pond and luscious gardens. Be sure to visit Natchez Hills Winery and Vineyard, which is within close distance of the Inn. Enjoy a wine tasting facilitated by winery staff and stay for live music, shopping or an event if you happen to catch one.

For lunch, grab a bite at the Midtown Cafe located within the Marriott on West End Avenue in Midtown. This “high class” cafe serves up delicious American cuisines with Southern flair. Order a cocktail from the fully stocked bar before heading out on any one of the number of art museums located throughout the city, including the O Gallery or Frist Art Museum.

Next, enjoy what really makes Nashville stand out – its affinity for musical culture. Take your partner out for a groovy adventure at Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar. While it may not scream romance, this New Orleans-inspired bar will get you both dancing and enjoying true Nashville nightlife with live music nightly. Or, kick off your boots at Wildhorse Saloon, home of the city’s largest dance floor and hosts live country bands and line dancing sessions.

Hidden Local Gems in Nashville

Hidden Gems/Local Favorites: Local favorites and hidden gems abound in the vast city of music and excitement. With countless unique neighborhoods that make up the city, Nashville has plenty to offer those looking to veer off the beaten path of usual tourist adventures. First, book a room at Thompson Nashville, a boutique hotel nestled overlooking The Gulch, and enjoy close proximity to some of the most popular spots frequented by the locals. Step over to Barista Parlor Golden Sound for a pour-over coffee and a homemade poptart to kick of the day.

For lunch, head over to local favorite Pharmacy Burger Parlor & Beer Garden and enjoy burgers or sausages, along with a house-spun milkshake or malt. Enjoy Nashville’s musical spirit by stopping into any of the area’s record stores, including Third Man Records, founded by Jack White, or Grimey’s New & Preloved Music.

Nashville is also home to plenty of local breweries waiting to show off their unique creations. Fat Bottom Brewing Co., East Nashville Beer Works and Black Abbey Brewing Company are just a few of what makes up the ever-growing beer scene. Cheer for local Triple-A baseball team, the Nashville Sounds, at the First Horizon Park and sport a Sounds cap to blend into the rambunctious crowd.

Have you taken a trip to Nashville, Tennessee?

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