Planning A Short Trip To Nashville? Here’s What You Need To Know
Trips to Nashville are up 6% since the last fiscal year and it doesn’t take much to see why. The bustling Music City has a lot to offer to draw in tourists. But what if you’re someone who is nonetheless drawn in by the idea of Hot Chicken sandwiches, Johnny Cash souvenirs, and streets packed with bars but have little time and little money to spend? Well, you’re in luck. We just happened to take a short weekend trip down ourselves and here’s what we experienced.
Choose 2-3 Big Highlights You Want To Experience
Like I said, Nashville has a lot to offer. A LOT. If you’re taking a short trip you may be tempted to cram as many things in as possible, but if you do that you’re not going to give yourself time to really enjoy the sights you’re looking forward to the most and experience them to the fullest. When we went, we had in our minds a list of places we wanted to go and things to do, but we really only got to around 3 of the things on our list. That’s why we recommend narrowing down your list to just 2 or 3 things total.
Not sure what highlights you prefer? Ask some locals what they think or do a little research ahead of time. We got to see the Parthenon, spent an evening along Honky Tonk Highway, and tried Hot Chicken sandwiches together at a nearby bar.
Choose A Time Of Year Where It’s Off-Season
Just like any trip, especially one where you’re short on time, its best to choose a weekend that is more of an off-season. The days between Memorial Day and Labor day, or between the holidays, are the days you want to avoid if you can. We went mid January and felt that the weather wasn’t terribly cold (the lowest was about 45-50 degrees), and the crowds were just right.
We live up in the North, so we knew anywhere south would be far better than the 10 degree chill and mountain of snow waiting for us back home. But, if you’re someone who thinks 45 degrees is too low for you, try going around March-May, or in the month of September.
Consider Staying Somewhere Right Outside The City
It may be appealing to stay within the city limits in an attempt to save a few gas and parking dollars (parking for us ended up being about $20 once we were able to locate a garage). But, in the long run you save more booking an Airbnb or hotel a little beyond the city limits. We were fortunate enough to have some friends living in Gallatin, which is just a 30min drive outside of Nashville. The drive into the city was easy enough, and we got to experience a little more of the state of Tennesee.
If you’re someone who wants to be in the heart of the Music City, and have the cash to blow, then go aright head. However, if you’re wanting to avoid the extra expense and willing to drive a little (as well as still have access to your local Walmart and chain restaurants) consider staying in Gallatin, or any of the other areas bordering Nashville.
Go Honky Tonk it Up
Do you like drinking and live music? Well you need to take a stroll down Honky Tonk highway. This street packed with bar after bar is bustling with activity all year long. Not only that but you’ll hear all ranges of musicians and bands play live. It’s rare you’ll find a bar playing music through any old sound system. Every bar, no matter how small, manages to pack in a stage and their favorite musicians. If this is the first thing on your list, just keep in mind our next piece of advice.
If You’re Gonna Drink, You’re Gonna Have To Pay Up
If you’re on a budget but wanting to have a few drinks be warned – drinks are not cheap. Tennesee has the highest drink tax in the United States, heavy drinkers will empty out their wallets quickly. We found ourselves spending anywhere from $14 – $25 per drink, whether it was in a glass masor jar or a 6oz plastic cup. And that was on both seemingly high- and low-end bars and restaurants.
Take A Drive (Or A Walk) Around The City
The best part of Nashville for us was the first time we drove into the city. We took our time really taking in the sights and sounds and smells as we drove down the main streets with our windows down. You’ll notice the closer you get to Honky Tonk Highway the more side street musicians you’ll see lined up along the roads trying to catch your ear.
Driving through Nashville at night is a special treat overall. Seeing the many unique marquees all lit up, watching the purple and red lighting reflect off the towering glass buildings, and watching the crowds come and go brings a lively, energizing atmosphere into the city.
Not a big fan of the whole bar scene? Don’t fret!
We know Nashville is known for its music, bars, and food, but if you’re someone wanting to enjoy the city for its historic value don’t worry we have you covered! There are just as many, if not more, amazing museums, historical landmarks, and unique architectural treasures you can experience in The Music City!
The Parthenon was a big one that we thoroughly enjoyed. Featuring a full sized Athena statue, The Parthenon is a near exact replica of the same one in Athens, Greece. It also acts as Nashville’s largest museum. It’s also a great spot for pictures outdoors, with it’s towering columns and placement right in the heart of Centennial Park.
Speaking of museums, Nashville has a TON. From the Johnny Cash museum to the Lane Motor museum, you could spend a whole weekend learning all about the city’s rich history. There are also a handful of landmarks, such as Johnny Cash’s mansion you can either tour or drive past if a photo on the wall leaves more to be desired.
Explore Beyond The City
While Nashville may have been the key that drew you in, there are a multitude of beautiful sights outside the bustling city limits. Like I said before, we stayed out in Gallatin, and could have spent the whole weekend enjoying the local buisnesses there. One of our favorite highlights was Kave a small coffee shop filled with beautiful, unique wall art.