If you’re planning to visit Nashville, Tennessee, or the surrounding area and are trying to figure out what to do, here are some of my favorite places and activities from my time there.
One thing I didn’t expect when I traveled to TN was how pretty the state was! Everywhere I went there was greenery; trees, bushes, and vines. Coming from an area dominated by red rock, Tennessee was definitely a change of scenery for me. Driving along the freeway, old stone walls were covered in vines with huge trees hanging over them. The hilly nature of the state made for some awesome hiking. The humidity took some adjusting to as well. Since I visited in October, it wasn’t terrible, but it’s something to consider for your own trip. It wasn’t unbearable, but it was noticeable during hikes.
I am a huge history buff, and Nashville and the surrounding area are rich with history! I was able to explore some really cool old historical sites and learn about new things while we were there. Having so much history was a huge draw for me when deciding to travel to Nashville. After providing some background on the state, here are some activities I highly recommend for your time in Nashville.
Sites
Bicentennial Capitol State Park
This place is filled with history! I had assumed I was just going to see some cool landmark and then the capitol building but I got so much more than I bargained for. There were big blocks of some sort of stone that told the story of WWII. At the top of these big blocks, there were words that described the soldiers who fought in the war, such as Resolve, Valor, Conviction, and Courage. Reading the story of the war was very touching.
Another cool site in this park was the Nashville Carillon bells; there are ninety-five total bells – one for each of the counties in the state. Every half hour they play a song. It was quite cool because it got super quiet, in a place filled with tourists. From the bells, you can see the capitol building on the hill, which you can walk to. It is definitely a bit of a walk, and you do have to walk uphill. But it was worth it; along the walk, I encountered many state flags, adding to the sense of taste pride and patriotism.
Gaylord Opryland Resort Gardens
It’s not everyday you are able to see large-scale nature, large trees, and waterfalls, inside a building; much less a hotel. I was expecting a small greenhouse, nothing to the actual scale of the gardens that were inside this hotel. There were fountains and gazebos inside this hotel garden. Something I have never witnessed before.
John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge
This bridge is pretty popular, but one thing that most people don’t know about it is to walk on it at night! It would be sketchy going alone, but as long as you are in a group you will be just fine. The reason you should go on this bridge in the dark is that it gives a really good view of the city all lit up. Additionally, they illuminate the bridge with lights, creating a beautiful reflection on the river as you approach it.
The City of Franklin
Located about a half an hour outside of Nashville is this charming city that is full of history. One of the bloodiest battles of the civil war was fought near this town and the wounded were kept here. The town has an old time feel, walking down mainstreet made me think of all those soldiers who died for our country. There are many historical places to visit throughout the city. One interesting place is The Factory, it is a mall that used to be an old factory that they have transformed. You can definitely tell that it used to be a factory, you could still see parts of the old structure such as the pipes.
Stone River National Battlefield
There are many memorials for the battles that were fought during the civil war, they are located all over the south. This is just the one that I went to and it was moving. There were rows of grace markers that lined the battlefield, some had names and some were unknown soldiers. That part was sad, a mother doesn’t know where her sons were buried. There are also memorials for the soldiers that fought, there also were old cannons laying around the cemetery.
Hiking
I discovered two places during my hikes that were exceptionally beautiful and enjoyable, and I highly recommend them. Both of these hikes take you a little bit out of the Nashville area, but it is totally worth it for the gorgeous scenery on the drive there and once you arrive at each of the locations.
Machine Falls – Located in Tullahoma, TN
This hike was my favorite one that I did our entire trip, although it is a little bit of a drive. If you are staying in Nashville it is about an hour and fifteen minutes away, so just be aware of that when planning your trip itinerary.
This gorgeous hike goes into the woods and the trail is walking through the forest. The hike wasn’t particularly difficult, more easy to moderate based on your skill set. As you are hiking down to the falls, there are some great views of the falls. I also saw this cool stone structure built from stone, moss, and trees.
Once you get to the falls there are some large boulders you can climb on and go closer to the falls. And if you really wanted to you could go swimming in the river at the bottom of the falls, some of the kids in our group did – they said it was quite cold but they had fun all the same.
If you would like to make the hike a little longer, you can follow the river and walk alongside it. I was able to get some really pretty views this way and get more steps in. This hike was gorgeous and one that I highly suggest to anyone who has the time.
Burgess Falls State Park – Located in Sparta, TN
This was another of the places that I went that I liked, it is about an hour away from Nashville itself. This hike is definitely on the easier side, as it is a state park and it has a clear walkway and a handrail. Just a warning, you are walking downhill (and then uphill on the return trip).
Before you arrive at the main falls, along the short little trail there are some other small waterfalls that you will see. This trail was lined with green foliage!
One thing that awed me about this waterfall was the sheer size of the falls! It was huge and had so much rushing water all at one time! Also surrounding the falls on the other side of the river where the trail is located is sheer rock walls.
Murals
Nashville had so many murals around the entire city! More so than any other city I have ever been to. Here is a list of some of my favorites:
2900 12th Avenue S
Clinton Street, 625 Main St., and 2702 12th Avenue St.
1120 4th Avenue N
2702 12th Avenue S
11th Avenue South and Laurel St.
509 Hillsboro Rd, Franklin
There are so many more murals all over town, here is a list of some of the others I stopped at.
5th Avenue and Monroe St.
11th Avenue S and Laurel St.
1512 5th Avenue S
1974 New Hwy 96 W
919 Columbia Avenue
Food
I didn’t eat out much during my stay, only once or twice, because I stayed with family. Normally, I would dine out a little more frequently. However, I did find this cute little cafe that I fell in love with, not only was it super cute, the food was amazing!
Biscuit Love
I am pretty sure there are multiple locations in the Nashville area, so it makes it easier to stop by because it was extremely busy when I went. The food was worth it though. We got the cronuts which came with this delicious fruit sauce. We also got some biscuits and gravy which were the best I have ever had anywhere, the south knows how to make their food that’s for sure! Those were the two things that we got that I loved, everything else we got was good and I would get it again, but those two things were so good I recommend them for sure.
Whether you’re a music lover, a foodie, or an adventurer, this vibrant city has something for everyone. I hope this guide helps you make the most of your visit. Nashville promises unforgettable experiences around every corner. Enjoy exploring all that Music City has to offer and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Safe travels and happy exploring!