Civil War Days Weekend
Johnsonville State Historic Park in New Johnsonville, one of Tennessees best-preserved Civil War sites, has a Civil War Days weekend of interpreted Civil War history Nov. 2-3. The 154th anniversary weekend activities include an encampment and living history demonstrations, with Union activities at the Johnsonville park in Humphreys County and Confederate activities across the Tennessee River at Nathan Bedford Forrest Park in Benton County.
Details: 931-535-2789
Things To Do In Nashville: 12 South
12 South is one of those neighborhoods that youll want to wander around and explore on your Nashville trip. There are quirky storefronts, hip coffee shops, and colorful murals along 12th Avenue South. Its home to the iconic, I Believe In Nashville mural, too. Its not a massive neighborhood by any means, so youll be able to explore it on foot in a short amount of time.
First, youll want to be fully caffeinated for wandering, so stop by Frothy Monkey for a cup of coffee or espresso beverage.
Next, set out on your own two feet and discover the shops and street art on 12th Avenue South. Shopping in 12 South is a great Nashville weekend itinerary addition because there are so many unique shops. I popped into Whites Mercantile, a modern day general store with intriguing gifts and unique wares, owned by the granddaughter of Hank Williams. Another shop I browsed was Draper James, the clothing store owned by Reese Witherspoon. The clothes are beautiful, though a little out of my price range.
Speaking of murals, there are so many splashed across buildings and walls in 12 South. Peer around every corner, and youll stumble upon some beautiful works of public art. Discovering amazing street art was one of my favorite activities to do in Nashville in 3 days.
I tried another coffee shop in 12 South because you cant have too much coffee, right? Portland Brew is a few doors down from Frothy Monkey, so you really have no shortage of options for an excellent cup of coffee.
Stroll Through Walk Of Fame Park
TripSavvy / Ivey Redding
History buffs will love visiting Fort Negley, which holds the distinction of being the largest inland stone fortification built during the Civil War. The site’s visitor center offers up insightful information about this important location and is fun to stroll through as well. But self-guided tours of the remains of the fort are absolutely free, with the grounds being open and accessible during daylight hours. You’ll even find an expansive fossil dig located at the site, which gives travelers the chance to discover their own fossil and take it home with them.
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Listen To Music Live On The Green
On selected dates in August and September, crowds gather in Public Square Park for Live on the Green a festival attracting visitors from all over the world. An extensive line-up consists of up-and-coming musicians and well-known acts, with previous names including Jimmy Eat World, Sheryl Crow, Alabama Shakes, and Mumford and Sons.
The festival has a great approach to sustainability with a mission to become a completely carbon-neutral event. All merchandise is made from eco-friendly materials, waste is recycled and composted, and visitors are encouraged to shop locally for their festival-needs.
Roam Around Or Relax In One Of The City Parks
Nashville has an abundance of green spaces in and around the city. Downtown, the 11-acre Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park is not just a lovely place to relax, but visitors can also learn about Tennessees history with a World War II Memorial and a 200-foot granite map of the state.
Alternatively, hop over the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge to Cumberland Park, located along the riverfront. This space is great for children with a dedicated nature-inspired childrens activity area, complete with a sandpit, bouncing pad, climbing wall, and green maze.
Hot Tip: The Tennessee State Museum overlooks Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, so its a good idea to pair-up these attractions.
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Nashville Weekend Getaway: Friday
Plan to head to Nashville on Friday evening. Depending on how early you arrive and how youre feeling, you should have time for dinner and some hijinks. This is Nashville, yall, hijinks are a requirement.
Youll start your weekend in Nashville at one of the best restaurants weve been to in a long time
Browse Nashville Farmers Market
Open year-round, Nashville Farmers Market is home to a variety of not only farmers but artisans, restaurateurs, crafters, and more. Since it began in the early 1800s, the market has been a bustling place and a must see in Nashville.
The Farmers Market covered farm sheds host up to 100 farmersdepending on the seasonalong with dairies, cheese-makers, and others selling their products. Inside the market are 16 restaurants and shops. Whether youre looking for gourmet pizza, Jamaican specialties, or anything in between, youre likely to find it here.
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Fun Family Things To Do In Nashville
If you plan on visiting Nashville with the kids, you may be looking for more family-oriented attractions to enjoy. Dont worry. Weve roamed the city and found the most fun family things to do in Nashville. From hands-on learning to museums and live music, you and your family are sure to enjoy your time in the Country Music Capital of the World.
Night Market At Nashville Farmers’ Market
The Nashville Farmers’ Market, at 900 Rosa L. Parks Blvd., not only has fresh produce and artisan products, but also some seasonally themed monthly night markets 5-9 p.m. on the third Friday. These are “shop and sip and give” experiences, with local and regional farmers, artists, restaurants, food trucks, craft beer, Tennessee wine, live music and local nonprofits. This Friday the theme is Peach Jam Night, with live music, flea market vendors, and peach samples. Free admission. On Saturday there will be more peach sampling, Mr. Bond the Science Guy at 10 a.m., a cooking demonstration and a live performance by The Nashville Pieholes at 1 p.m.
Details: Nashvillefarmersmarket.org.
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Print Your Own Poster At Hatch Show Print
Hatch Show Print is one of the oldest operational letterpress print shops in the world and has many of the posters that advertised Nashvilles golden era of music. As a print shop and working museum, you can watch the printing process and purchase your own souvenir posters.
Its free to enter the Hatch Show Print, but if youre keen to learn more about the history and have a go at printing yourself, book on to a 1-hour guided tour.
Hot Chicken At Hattie Bs
Yes yall, we saved the best for last: Nashville Hot Chicken.
I actually first tried hot chicken in Louisville a few restaurants selling Nashville style hot chicken have migrated north in recent years .
But as travel lovers and foodies, Jeremy and I both know that you havent REALLY tried a local food until youve had it in the place where it was invented. And so, we headed straight to one of Nashvilles best Hot Chicken restaurants to officially try this Tennessee foodie staple: Hattie Bs Hot Chicken.
Hattie Bs is one of those quintessentially Nashville places that we were looking forward to from the minute we started planning our weekend trip. I mean, look, Im a Kentucky girl, so you know I appreciate good crispy fried chicken.
But Nashville takes fried chicken to a level of its own. Spices are worked straight into the batter and fried up for perfectly crispy, spicy, delicious chicken. Throw in some pimento Mac and Cheese and the best sweet baked beans weve ever had, and hot dayum, our love for Nashville was cemented for life.
- Travel Tip: There is a Hattie Bs located around the corner from our hotel, but the Midtown location is popular and often has long lines. We were on the verge of hanger, so we hopped back in the car and headed for the West location, which was blissfully line-free.
- Foodie Tip: Save room for dessert, if you can. Their banana pudding was amazing, but I still have dessert regret over not ordering a Peach Cobbler, too!
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Best Time To Visit Nashville
Before you start planning your trip, youll want to make sure youre setting up your travel arrangements for the best time to visit Nashville.
The best time to visit Nashville falls sometime between April through October. This is considered peak season.
Though the Christmas decorations in Nashville are hard to beat, temperatures during the wintertime fluctuate between lows in the 30s and highs in the 50s.
Certainly not ideal if youre looking for a warmer, southern getaway.
Springtime or fall are both ideal times to visit Nashville, since you may be able avoid some of the intense summer heat .
Support Some Local Heroes The New Football Coaches At Tsu And Vandy
$$East Nashville and West End/VanderbiltAfter some down years, the football programs at Tennessee State University and Vanderbilt have dipped into the local well for coaches committed to turning their ships around. Ex-Titans legend Eddie George will helm the Tigers team, and longtime fans know he never lacked for fire or enthusiasm. New Vandy coach Clark Lea is an alum of the school and is fresh off a stint running Notre Dames ferocious defense. So get to their stadiums to be a part of the renaissance of local college football!
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Free Yoga At The Library
There are various levels of yoga classes at 6:30 p.m. Mondays at the Southeast and Goodlettsville library branches Tuesdays at 10:15 a.m. and 5:15 p.m. at Bordeaux Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. at Edgehill and Bellevue and at 6:30 p.m. at the Donelson branch. More sessions are listed on the library calendar on the website.
Details: library.nashville.gov
Learn About History In The Civil Rights Room
The Civil Rights Room on the second floor of the Nashville Public Library focuses on the protests against Jim Crow laws that took place in the city. Visitors can read about activists efforts to end segregation and can sit at a symbolic lunch counter of the kind occupied by protesters in 1960. Reproductions of the arrest records of future Congressman John Lewis, who played a leading role in the sit-ins, are also in display.
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Goo Goo Shop And Dessert Bar
The Goo Goo Cluster candy confection was created in Nashville in 1912. Whether youve tried a Goo Goo Cluster before or not, this is a great stop for all ages. Its located just off Broadway, in an area known as SoBro.
In addition to sampling the featured treat, you can watch the clusters being made behind a glass wall. If chocolate and caramel isnt your thing, they have retro candy, sodas and coffee available to purchase as well.
More Things To Do In Nashville
This is precisely how I spent 3 days in Nashville. You might notice that I didnt set foot into many museums or quintessential attractions. Ive discovered that when I travel to a new place, I like to wander around as much as possible. Its best, of course, when I can discover a new place with friends or even meet local residents. They always know the best spots.
There are many places that I didnt get the chance to visit. With only 3 days in Nashville, theres only so many hours in the day. Id love to attend a concert or see band play at a local venue. Although Im not really a fan of country music, I understand that Nashville is home to all genres of music. If you love country music or the local music scene, check out this Nashville music pass to see all of the famous sites.
Like I mentioned previously, Id like to walk around the interior of the Parthenon building. It would also be interesting to tour the Ryman Auditorium, check out the gardens at the Cheekwood Estate, or visit the Belle Meade Plantation.
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Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge
Whether youre walking to a Tennessee Titans game at Nissan Stadium or want an epic view of the Nashville skyline, the Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge is a popular spot for visitors. This free pedestrian bridge is the gateway to the stadium, the other side of the river, and several parks too.
But best of all, the Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge provides the best view of Nashvilles cityscape. For that picture-perfect Instagram shot of the city, this is where youll want to head!
What Is Honky Tonk Highway
Honky Tonk Highway is the center of entertainment in Nashville. The long stretch of glittering lights on both sides of Broadway Avenue illuminates the honky-tonk establishments, each one containing its own stage, cold beverages, and nightly live entertainment leading way to a party that is sure to be a memorable night on your Nashville weekend itinerary.
The free entertainment starts in the early afternoon for families to enjoy and turns to an older crowd as the night goes onand onoften until 3am. There is NO COVER CHARGE. The bands are free to listen to for the honky-tonk guests, but they play for tips, so make sure you add to the tip jar and are gracious on your way out.
***Please note: Restaurants and bars are currently operating at half-capacity with socially distanced tables of 8 or less. Restaurants and bars that serve alcohol may stay open until midnight. Please check directly with your places of interest. Masks are required everywhere.
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Warner Park Nature Center
Sitting within Edwin and Percy Warner Parks, the Nature Center is a living laboratory thats open for both kids and grown-ups to explore. Along with its natural history museum and working organic garden, the center provides free programming throughout the year. Check the schedule to see what’s happening.
Bluebird Cafe Early Show
Because of limited seating and high demand, it is no easy feat to get a seat at the famed Bluebird Cafe. But some do get lucky.
There are several free admission opportunities. There is never a cover charge for the Sunday Spotlight, Sunday writers nights or Monday open mics. Most early shows do not have a cover.
However, there is a $3.28 reservation charge when you reserve a spot online, and there is a $10 food/drink minimum per person for all shows except open mics.
If you go for one of the first-come, first-served walk-up seats, you don’t have to pay the website fee. Good luck.
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Hang Out At Pinewood Social
Pinewood Social iswell, its almost impossible to come up with a short phrase to describe this distinctive, genius space. A restaurant, coffee shop, bowling alley, outdoor oasis, and co-working space all rolled into one, Pinewood Social serves just about every need morning, noon, and night. Its one of the best places to visit in Nashville.
Pinewood Social is a great place to have a cup of coffee and get some work done during the day before visiting the pool and grabbing dinner and a craft cocktail in the evening. And dont forget the bocce ball.
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
The Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center is truly a gorgeous sight to see. Nine acres of indoor gardens, beautiful rushing fountains, retail shops and a broad selection of dining options are all encased in the hotels 600,000 square feet of glass atriums. The resort is also just minutes from the Grand Ole Opry and the General Jackson Showboat.
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Free Music On Honky Tonk Highway
Enjoying some music is a must when youre in Music City. After all, live music is playing every day of the year.
That means you can walk down Upper Broadway or Lower Broadway, known as the Honky Tonk Highway, and find a live music venue.
It could be a restaurant, bar, or saloon with a dance floor at any time of day.
Theres more free music in other parts of the city, too! Check out the free music section below to find more venues.
Go Wine Tasting At Arrington Vineyards
Just a half-hour from downtown, a visit to Arrington Vineyards is one of the fun things to do near Nashville. On weekends and nice days, it seems like the whole property is full of families and groups of friends having picnics, playing games, and drinking wine from Arrington.
With about 20 reds, whites, and dessert wines to choose from, the vineyard offers tastings and bottles for sale. There is frequent live music and a rotating list of food trucks on Fridays.
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Learn And Have Fun At The Adventure Science Center
The Adventure Science Center is fun and educational for kids and adults, with plenty of interactive experiences. The center is split into different exhibits where visitors can learn about the human body, the universe, the physics of flight, earthquakes, and much more.
The 75-foot Adventure Tower has lots of exciting interactive features, climbing frames, and slides before you reach the top for views out to downtown Nashville.
Admire City Views From John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge
The John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge crosses the Cumberland River, connecting downtown Nashville to the eastern suburbs. Brilliantly lit up at night, the bridge is a great spot to admire the city skyline with raised boardwalks and 4 pedestrian overlooks.
In 1998, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places as the first bridge in North America to have concrete arched trusses.
Hot Tip: Check out the best travel cameras to ensure you capture the incredible views from the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge.
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