Friends Weekend Getaway in Nashville

Plan the perfect friends weekend getaway in Nashville. From daytime adventure to nightlife fun, we've curated an itinerary all your friends will love. Get active or creative at these Nashville stops. Easily gather ideas for your upcoming group vacation here.

Broadway Historic District: Honky Tonk Highway

Kick up your heels under the bright neon lights of Nashville’s Broadway. Free music every day of the year pours out from honky tonks that line both sides of the street. Step into historic spots like Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, which has been in operation since 1960, and Robert’s Western World, which opened in the early 1990s. Dance to your favorite tunes at places like Rippy’s Honky Tonk, The Stage on Broadway and Honky Tonk Central.

National Museum of African American Music

The only museum dedicated to the preservation and celebration of the many music genres created, influenced and inspired by African Americans, the National Museum of African American Music is a must-see. Conveniently located on Broadway, the museum brings to life history and modern-day music contributions through interactive elements such as a recording studio, dance studio and immersive exhibits. As you move through the museum, scan you RFID bracelet over each interactive station’s sensor to save playlists, videos and more so you can download your media when you get home to enjoy all over again.

Goo Goo Cluster Chocolate Experience 

A great group activity, try your hand at custom candy making at the hands-on chocolate experience at Goo Goo Shop & Dessert Bar. The Taste of Goo Goo Class includes making your own candy bar and tasting Goo Goo confections all while diving into the delicious brand’s history. You’ll wrap up your class by taking home your apron and your one-of-a-kind Goo Goo creation. Additional experiences include the Secrets of Goo Goo Class which includes wine, custom candy making and chocolate tasting as well as the Goos & Booze Class featuring custom candy making, local spirits and chocolate tasting.

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum 

Step into the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum that preserves country music history inside its 350,000 square-foot facility of exhibition galleries, retail stores, event space and archival storage. You’ll see artifacts, photographs, recorded songs, archival video and interactive touchscreens. Check out the steady schedule of educational programs, workshops and creative classes. Enjoy the visual art exhibitions inside the Haley Gallery, take a tour of one of the nation’s oldest working letterpress print shops Hatch Show Print, and see where Elvis and Dolly recorded some of their hit songs on a Historic RCA Studio B tour.  

Grand Ole Opry

Experience the world-famous Grand Ole Opry, the world’s longest running broadcast. It’s the show that made country music famous. Grab a ticket to see today’s country music stars, superstars and rising stars all on one stage every week. The Opry is the biggest stage in country music and a must-experience for any music fan. Enhance your experience with a backstage tour to see artists prep before their performance.

Frist Art Museum

Stroll among the many different galleries at the Frist Art Museum. Sculptures, mixed media, paintings and immersive artwork around a variety of different topics like the Black American experience, fashion (“Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray: Rendez-Vous” is on display May 30-Aug. 25, 2024) and Southern art. After marveling at the artistic works, get creative with activities in the Martin ArtQuest space that delight and inspire. The ArtQuest activities range from drawing to animation, prints, paint and more for artists of all ages. 

Plaza Mariachi 

Celebrate cultural diversity at Plaza Mariachi. You’ll find food, drinks and amazing entertainment such as salsa dancing, Mariachi bands, ballet and more. Acrobatic performances from the Beyond Wings Circus takes place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday and include aerial performances, juggling fire and more. Enjoy a variety of dishes from El Salvador, Honduras, Peru and Mexico. Shop for a variety of clothes and dresses from Mexico, Central and South America. 

Cheekwood Estate & Gardens

Spend a morning among the beautiful gardens at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens. Begin your stroll in the Bradford Robertson Color Garden to see the flowers and foliage. Then, enjoy some quiet time in the Blevins Japanese Garden featuring an Eastern garden design. The Robinson Family Water Garden includes calming cascading water among ferns, hellebores, hostas and heucheras. Take a tour of the Cheekwood Mansion to see what life was like in the early 1930s as well as the artistic works found in the Permanent Collection Galleries upstairs. Snap a photo on the balcony where you’ll find the iconic Wisteria Arbor and views of the surrounding Warner Parks.

Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery

Immerse yourself in the stories behind Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery. The family-run business began when Andy and Charlie Nelson discovered their triple great grandfather was one of the most successful whiskey distillers in Pre-Prohibition America. Hear all about their story and sample the spirit based on the recipe for Tennessee’s oldest whiskey, high-rye bourbons and savor the caramel pecan liqueur. After your tour, grab some lunch Wednesday to Saturday. And, if you’re looking for a more personal experience, reserve one of the exclusive cocktail classes and whiskey pairings led by their expert mixologists.

Ryman Auditorium 

Take a self-guided tour of the Ryman Auditorium, the Mother Church of Country Music to engage in over 130 years of iconic performances and pop culture moments. Get a professional souvenir photo onstage, marvel at new artifacts at Rock Hall at the Ryman, explore the Hatch Show Prints gallery and check out this season’s star-studded exhibits. Book a guided backstage tour to see the Ryman how your favorite artists do. Enjoy insider stories, exclusive photo opportunities, access to everything on the self-guided tour and step into the footsteps of music legends backstage. 

Nashville Restaurants

Assembly Food Hall in Fifth & Broadway 

Where can you experience Nashville’s largest rooftop and more than 30 local restaurants and bars? Head to Assembly Food Hall. Here, you can find unique Nashville cuisine like Prince’s Hot Chicken, Smokin Chikin, The Pharmacy Burger and The Pharmacy Garden (vegan and vegetarian options), and Thai Esane for must-have Thai cuisine. Looking for something sweet? Hattie Jane’s Creamery, The Liege Waffle Co. and NoBaked Cookie Dough have you covered. Take in incredible views and dance to live music on the rooftop. 

Pinewood Social 

Bowling, bocce ball and incredible food, coffee and cocktails can all be enjoyed at Pinewood Social. Reserve a bowling lane for you and your friends (up to 8 bowlers) on the 1950s Bowl-O-Rama retro bowling alley. Have a delicious breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner to savor the locally sourced ingredients into each comfort dish. Start your day with challah French toast or chicken and waffles. And, for lunch and dinner, choose salmon and Brussels sprouts grilled to perfection, turkey and brie sandwich, the classic Smashburger or short rib mac and cheese. 

Bastion

For an elevated Southern experience, make an advanced reservation to Bastion, a 24-seat restaurant that serves a multi-course, pre-set tasting menu by Chef Josh Habiger. The Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood restaurant has been named best restaurant by a variety of publications. For a more laidback atmosphere, grab a seat at the cocktail bar that serves loaded up nachos. 

Peg Leg Porker

You can’t come to Nashville and not have barbecue. When you’re craving smoked meats, head to Peg Leg Porker which has been ranked among the best in the South. The family-owned and -operated restaurant serves up ribs, pulled pork, half chickens, sandwiches piled high with pulled pork and Cole slaw and divine desserts like banana pudding and fried chocolate, peach or apple pies.  Wings, nachos and Kool-Aid pickles (don’t knock them ‘til you try them) round out the menu. 

The Greenhouse Bar

Plant yourself at The Greenhouse Bar for cocktails and bites in a stunning oasis. Grab a garden seat in a cozy corner among hanging plants and dim lighting for vibrant cocktails and brunch, lunch and dinner. Start your dinner with bacon popcorn or a charcuterie board. Then, enjoy classics like the tarragon almond chicken salad sandwich, ham and brie biscuits, taco salad, The Greenhouse Salad or birria tacos con consommé.

Day Trips from Nashville

Nashville is close to charming small towns and incredible experiences just a few miles from downtown. Take a scenic drive to Lynchburg to experience Jack Daniel Distillery tours and tastings. Gallatin is north of the city and is a great place for shopping, hikes in state parks and incredible lakeside dining. Columbia is south of Nashville and features President James K. Polk’s ancestral home, shopping in the historic downtown and is close to waterfalls. Head east to Cookeville for outdoor adventure like waterfall hikes, scenic overlooks and caving.