It's always hard and often impossible during a short visit, to see everything that a new city has to offer. Nashville is no exception!
There are plenty of museums, plantations, and gardens that you will have to pick and choose from but here is an example of how you can get the most out of a short trip to the diverse city of Nashville.
Day 1: Be a Tourist
Everyone knows Nashville is the hometown of country music. Start off your trip right by visiting the Country Music Hall of Fame. It is located in the heart of the city so it will only be a short walk to the main downtown area. Head to the city's most colorful street, Broadway and spend the rest of the day walking around. There are plenty of places to grab food and purchase some authentic country boots. Walk over to the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge and take in the views over the Cumberland River. Later on hang around for the nightlife and make sure to visit Tootsies World Famous Orchid Lounge. Honky Tonk Central is another classic three floor bar and ACME Feed and Seed is the place to be if you're looking for rooftop views and a younger crowd.
Day 2: Get a Little More Local
Start the day off by grabbing some coffee at Fido, Taylor Swift's favorite coffee shop on 21st Ave South. It's in an adorable area with plenty of unique shops and boutiques. Right down the street is the Pancake Pantry where there will always be a well-deserved line to wait in. But if you're not hungry until later, order a burger or wings at the Double Dogs sports bar and enjoy the laid back feel and an impressive number of flat screens. Without going far from the area, visit Centennial Park and see the full-scale replica of the Parthenon. Also, go right next door if you want to stroll through the Vanderbilt campus. Take a drive through Music Row to see the heart of the Nashville music industry on your way to the Midtown area. Get some local hot chicken at Hattie B's Hot Chicken. You're not the only one looking for hot chicken though, so be prepared to wait in line. Afterwards, enjoy the bars in Midtown and Demonbreun, and make sure to make a stop at Rebar.
Day 3: Take a Day Trip
Enjoy a scenic drive to nearby Arrington Vineyards. Try some wine tasting and bring a picnic to enjoy in their awesome outdoor space. After you fall asleep on one of the bench swings, jump back in the car and head to the Grand Ole Opry. Take a tour through one of the most famous music venues and be sure to go next door to the Grand Ole Opry Hotel, which features a giant indoor garden and river. Head back into East Nashville and explore the artsy shopping scene in that part of town. For dinner, stop at The Pharmacy Burger Parlor & Beer Garden. The servings are generous and there is a wide beer selection to enjoy in the outdoor beer garden seating. Finish off the night by trying out another downtown area, The Gulch, where you'll be sure to find some bars with a lot of character.
Begin the day in the 12 South neighborhood. This area includes the Frothy Monkey coffee house, The Filling Station where you can stop for some quality beer, Corner Music Inc. (look for the guitar signed by multiple music stars), and a handful of modern and laid back shopping options. Don't miss a photo opp as there's a multitude of murals along the street. After you've gotten your fill here, head north to wander around the very old and very huge Farmer's Market. While you're at it take a stroll through the Bicentennial Mall close by. In the evening, go out with a bang and catch a show at Ryman Auditorium. There area always amazing shows going on and this is a perfect last impression before departing from the capital of country music!
Have you studied abroad? Share your story with the College Tourist
Follow us on Instagram @officialcollegetourist | Tag your photos #collegetourist.
Follow College Tourist on Twitter: www.twitter.com/collegetourist