Things to do
The Hermitage
Andrew Jackson’s plantation east of town. History that is not cute — the site does not hide the enslaved labor.
Guide
Things to do
Places in this guide.
Things to do
LeQuire Gallery and Studio
Alan LeQuire’s studio — he sculpted the Athena in the Parthenon. Sculpture in a real working space.
Live music
Things to do
Grand Ole Opry
The show that made Nashville Music City — country, bluegrass, and gospel on a stage every first-timer should see once.
Live music
Things to do
Tennessee Performing Arts Center
Broadway tours, ballet, and the Jackson / Polk theaters when you want a proper night out that is not a honky-tonk.
Things to do
Marathon Village
Old Marathon Motor Works reused as shops, distilleries, and studios. Good walking block west of downtown.
Live music
Things to do
Ryman Auditorium
The Mother Church of Country Music — a former tabernacle with pews, stained glass, and a calendar that is not only country.
Things to do
Frist Art Museum
Rotating exhibitions in the old downtown post office. The building is half the reason to go.
Outdoors
Things to do
Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
A walkable state park next to the Farmers Market — granite map of Tennessee and fountains.
Things to do
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The deep cut on country music — instruments, costumes, and the stories behind the hits, a block from Broadway.
Live music
Things to do
Third Man Records
Jack White’s label shop, novelties, and a tiny stage. Buy vinyl. Watch someone cut a record if the lathe is running.