Musically Inclined
Curating the ultimate summer playlist for Nashville? With live performances, culinary adventures, family activities, fresh exhibitIons, distinctive festivals and events all set against a backdrop of summer sunshine and the great outdoors, Nashville is the ideal destination for a summer escape. So, buckle up and head to to Music City!
From tours, music, and the arts to food, sports, and shopping, a special “only in Nashville” experience awaits you.
Sports Fan
Although Nashville is passionate about its music, the city is even more passionate about their teams! Home to four professional sports teams and several NCAA Division I program, it’s always gameday in Nashville.
During the summer, if you’re heading down to get a kick out of a major league soccer team, then your first stop would be GEODIS Park to see Nashville SC, with League Club play coming up at the end of this month.
After a game, grab a bite from Nashville Underground (105 Broadway) just 12 minutes from the soccer stadium. Nashville Underground is a vibrant hotspot featuring Mimi's Hot Chicken and BBQ, Broadway Bowl & Bull, and its famous multilevel rooftop dance club. This expansive venue embodies the renowned music, cuisine, and spirits of the city, offering an authentic Nashville experience. Recognized as a “Top 20 Celebrity-Owned Restaurant” by the Food Network, it serves Southern-inspired dishes, including its signature Nashville hot chicken and barbecue. The venue boasts five bars with locally crafted wine, beer, and spirits, including the coldest beer in Nashville, served below freezing.
Situated in the heart of downtown, Nashville Underground holds the title for the largest capacity venue on historic Broadway, spanning 55,000 square feet. It features a multi-level rooftop with stunning riverfront views, multiple stages, bowling lanes, arcade games, two mechanical bulls, and a rooftop dance club. The newly expanded third floor offers Broadway's first and only bowling alley, complete with both regular and duckpin lanes. At Nashville Underground, you can drink, taste, and hear the essence of Nashville all in one place.
To end your night, enjoy a stay at Hilton Garden Inn Nashville Downtown / Convention Center (305 Korean Veterans Blvd), only 10 minutes from GEODIS Park and only three minutes from Nashville Underground. Take in all-day dining at their restaurants, the Hoppy Bird & the Garden Grille. You can also enjoy a drink at their on-site bar the Purple Iris, and they even have a rooftop pool, 24-hour fitness center, and free wifi. The hotel features over 6,000 square feet of flexible meeting space.
Arts Lover
A city where creativity flourishes with an accessible arts scene that rivals its famous music culture, Nashville offers an array of visual art, including colorful murals, captivating street art, and diverse public installations. Numerous art galleries and museums further enrich the cultural landscape. Throughout the year, Nashville comes alive with art crawls, festivals, and events, offering endless opportunities to explore and appreciate its dynamic visual arts offerings.
On the first Saturday of every month, dive into Nashville's lively art scene with fellow art lovers in the Wedgewood-Houston area, where approximately a dozen art spaces welcome visitors. The WeHo Art Crawl is a 100% free public event that takes you behind closed doors for a chance to experience new art, see live music, and have a fun night out. In the neighborhood, you can embrace what makes Nashville special by immersing yourself in the distinctive art and culture of the community.
After the Art Crawl, end your night at House of Cards (119 Third Ave. S.). Known as Nashville’s most unique dining and entetainment experience. House of Cards celebrates the art of magic, classic American cuisine and fine hand-crafted cocktails under one roof. Guests are encouraged to explore the rare collections and be entertained by some of America’s top magicians performing throughout the venue to provide mind-boggling illusions and tricks all evening long.
For dinner, enjoy their highly rated grilled pork chop or braised lamb shank, with a delicious side of three-cheese macaroni or garlic roasted broccolini. Cap off the evening with one of their signature cocktails like the Houdini Martini or Floating Apple. Please remember this restaurant enforces a dress code and has a strict no photography policy. This restaurant is only open to ages 21 and up for dinner Monday through Sunday, but does offer brunch for all ages on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
After an action-packed dinner, prepare to wind down at the Gaylord Opryland Resort (2800 Opryland Drive). The Gaylord Opryland offers an experience that goes beyond a typical stay. With its expansive atria, nearly 20 dining options, and a variety of shopping and entertainment venues, this iconic hotel is a destination itself. Adjacent to the legendary Grand Ole Opry House, the resort features nine acres of indoor atriums filled with lush greenery, meandering pathways, and stunning waterfalls. Guests can even enjoy a flatboat ride on the Delta River that runs through the hotel. Amenities abound, including indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a luxurious indoor/outdoor water attraction, a full-service spa, and an award winning golf course. The convention center boasts over 750,000 square feet (about twice the area of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool) of meeting space, making it an ideal location for events of all sizes.
Family Outing
If you & the kids are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of downtown Nashville, then your best option would be to immerse yourself in nature at The Adventure Park at Nashville (801 Percy Warner Blvd). Swap your typical weekend activities for an exhilarating experience. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, the Park is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Adventure Park at Nashville, located just minutes west of downtown, offers a unique outdoor experience perfect for thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike. This expansive park features an array of tree-to-tree climbing courses suitable for all skill levels, with various ziplines, rope bridges, and challenging obstacles. Safety is a top priority, with a self-guided system that ensures both adventure and security. The park is designed to cater for all ages, making it an ideal destination for family outings, group events, or solo adventures. In addition to the climbing courses, The Adventure Park at Nashville provides stunning views of the surrounding natural beauty, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the great outdoors. Whether you're a local or a tourist, this park promises an unforgettable experience filled with excitement, fresh air, and the opportunity to create lasting memories.
After soaring through the skies at the adventure park, it’s time to grab a bite to eat and it wouldn’t be a trip to Nashville without hot chicken! Prince’s Hot Chicken (5055 Broadway Place) is the originator of Nashville hot chicken. Their menu includes four chicken tenders served on a slice of white bread (to combat the heat) and your choice of two sides, but it doesn’t stop there. You get to choose between eight levels of spicy! Starting at plain and ranging all the way up to xxx hot for those that like more than a little kick. After that you can wash it all down with their famous handmade strawberry lemonade, and finally to top it off enjoy a sweet slice of pie.
– Kennedy Penn