I can’t tell you how long I’d been dreaming of going to Nashville after hearing nothing but good things from everyone I knew who had visited. Over Labor Day Weekend, it was finally my turn to visit Music City, and it did not disappoint! Nashville is a lively city with a small town feel. Everywhere you turn you’ll find incredibly talented musicians who you are certain are going to make it big one day, and fried chicken, and biscuits. Lots of biscuits. If you love music, food, dancing, or any form of fun, you’ll love it here.

Before you go, be sure to check on my post on 5 Tips for Nashville First Timers for a few things I wish I had known before my trip! But without further ado, here’s my full guide to a long weekend in Nasvhville. Enjoy!

Day One

Hop off the plane at BNA, and head straight to brunch. As far as brunch spots in Nashville go, Pinewood Social is basically the cream of the crop. Because it’s so popular (and for good reason), you might want to try making a reservation ahead of time. Aside from delicious food and bubbly drinks, there’s also a bowling alley and a pool. I mean you might as well just spend the rest of the day here. But don’t do that, because there’s so much more to see and do!

Head to the Country Music Hall of Fame and be sure to carve out a few hours to wander around and read about the history of country music and stars of the past and present. Even if you aren’t super interested in country music, it’s still an interesting and interactive museum that I think everyone visiting Nashville should check out. No matter your preference, it will undoubtably give you a greater appreciation for country music.

Before you leave, head to the Hatch Show Print Shop where you can pick up the perfect souvenir. Hatch Show Print is a 138 year old print shop known for its design of concert posters for various famous artists throughout the years, and they still remain in business today. You can choose to browse around the store and select one of the many designs available that suits your fancy to take home with you, or you can even do a tour there and press your own poster to take home!

Next, walk a short distance to scope out the Ryman Auditorium, the birthplace of bluegrass and original home of the Grand Ole Opry. We didn’t go inside, but you can do a tour there as well if you’re interested and need a couple of hours to kill!

Stroll into the Goo Goo Shop, home of the infamous Goo Goo clusters created in Nashville in 1912, and snag yourself a little chocolatey pick me up. You can also pop into the Johnny Cash Museum right next door.

Go grab some spicy chicken at Hattie B’s for dinner. I’ll be upfront- I didn’t actually get to go there during my trip to Nashville, but it was at the top of my list of places to go and recommended to me by several people. I was SO sad that we missed it, but if you just look at pictures of their crispy chicken and creamy mac n cheese, you’ll understand why it’s a must. I’m determined to go back one day to get my Hattie B’s.

There’s no better way to end your first night than heading to Broadway to dance your heart out. Every bar is filled with incredibly talented musicians jamming to all the songs you know and love. From country music, to classic rock, to today’s hits and everything in between- Music City will be sure to live up to its name. Nudie’s, Acme, Tootsies Orchid Lounge and Kid Rock’s Big Honky Tonk are just a few that won’t disappoint.

Day Two

You had a jam packed first day in Nashville and you’re probably in dire need of some caffeine. Head to Barista Parlor in Germantown for a bourbon vanilla latte and biscuit sandwich. Still dreaming about that biscuit sandwich… Not to mention, you’ll get alll the cute Nash vibes in this quirky java joint.

Start your stroll to the Nasvhille Farmer’s Market, but stop by the World War II Memorial on the way (look for the giant spinning globe- you can’t miss it!) This memorial was a pleasantly stumbled-upon surprise that we found to be so interesting. After a quick 5 minute skim, we were able to learn so much about the history of Nashville and its involvement in World War II that we didn’t know before.

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Head into the Farmer’s Market to shop around for some local goods, grab a snack if you need it, and definitely sip on a wine slush from Natchez Hills Winery. They have unique seasonal flavors like tea flavored wine. Definitely don’t knock it til you try it. If you’re as lucky as we were, you can grab a seat there and soak in some acoustic tunes from a live musician. Walk outside and browse the fresh produce, flowers and other local goods.

Next, catch a ride to 12 South, a long street lined with restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques and LOTS of murals! A few favorite stops along this avenue are Frothy Monkey for coffee, the infamous Five Daughters Bakery, Taqueria del Sol for the best queso in Nashville, and Draper James for some shopping and a complimentary cup of sweet tea in hand.

To end the day, head to the Grand Ole Opry to spectate the radio “barn dance” that made country music famous many moons ago. Make sure to buy your tickets online ahead of time, and scope out which popular artists are playing on which days! But be aware that because of the structure of the show, each act is only about 3 songs long, so even the stars only have a limited time on stage. Tickets can be pricey, so I would say this is something you can probably skip unless it’s something on your top list of things to do!  

Not interested in spending the money or looking for something a little more “off the beaten path”? Head to bars in East Nashville like Walden Bar, or The Gulch for the a variety of dinner options (Peg Leg Porker, the Pub or Burger Republic) & bars with live music including Rudy’s Jazz Room.

Day Three

Head to The Gulch area for your final brunch, and I arguably saved the best for last! Milk & Honey was such a cute spot with an outdoor patio and delicious food paired with equally delicious coffee. Burrata & a lavender honey latte? Don’t really think life gets much better than that. After brunch, meander your way around the neighborhood and stop into a few of the eclectic boutiques you’ll find along the way like Two Old Hippies. Make sure to snag a photo in front of the What Lifts You mural right down the street from Milk & Honey.

After you’ve taken all the photos of all the murals, head to the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge, which you can walk across and catch remarkable views of the city. Once you cross the bridge, you’re back on Broadway, so it’s time for some day drinking and more live music (because there’s no such thing as too much live music when in Nashville)! Some of our favorite spots were Dierks Bentley’s for country music and dainty southern touches, Jason Aldean’s for stellar rooftop views, and Florida Georgia Line House for unique whiskey cocktails.  

It’s your last night, so end it with a true local Nashville experience… and yes, it does involve live music. Find a listening room; there are a bunch sprinkled throughout the city. We went to the Station Inn, an intimate space that hosts bluegrass artists every night. Another highly recommended spot is the Listening Room Café which hosts performances by up-and-coming singer/songwriters and offers dinner and cocktails. Wherever you go, sit back & take it all in, because there’s no place like Nashville!

Enjoy your stay! xo, The Girl Out of Texas