What to Do and Eat While in Music City

Nashville is known as Music City, and although a lot of artists do come to the city to get discovered, there are so many wonderful restaurants and attractions that make up this great place. Bring the family or a few friends to experience all that Nashville has to offer.

What to Do in nashville

Nashville Zoo at Grassmere

For the young and young at heart, the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere is a must-visit destination when in Music City. With exhibits covering over 80 acres, events, camps and classes, there is something interesting around each bend. If looking for a more in-depth visit, sign up for the guided backstage tours to get behind-the-scenes access and enhance your zoo experience.

Cheekwood Estate & Gardens

Cheekwood is an historic estate and botanical garden that was completed in 1932. Upon entering the home and walking its halls, you quickly see why this home is considered one of the finest examples of an American Country Place Era estate. Modeled after the 18th-century Georgian estates of Britain, this beautifully-constructed building takes you back in time with its impeccable architecture. While moving from room to room, you learn about the Cheek family and view various heirlooms as well. The home sits on 55 acres with 12 distinct gardens filled with colorful flowers, herbs, plants and trees. In partnership with the Frist Foundation, Cheekwood has a rotating collection of art and exhibits for guests to enjoy. Throughout the year, Cheekwood hosts an array of special events like Cocktail Crawls, Father’s Day Classic Car Show, and Songwriters Under the Stars.

Centennial Park & Parthenon

Only a few miles from downtown Nashville is Centennial Park and The Parthenon. Modeled after the Parthenon in Athens, Greece, this monument is a true-to-size replica of the original. Not only are park goers able to bask in the beautifully-designed structure and admire the craftsmanship, but you are able to step inside to view paintings by 19th- and 20th-century artists as well. After viewing The Parthenon, take some time to walk the one-mile trail, view the colorful flowers in the sunken garden, or spend some time with your furry friend in the dog park.

Opry Mills

With over 200 stores, great restaurants, and entertainment options for the whole family, Opry Mills is a must-visit outlet destination when in Nashville. Opry Mills houses retailers ranging from children’s apparel to sporting goods. With stores like Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, Coach, Forever 21, Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, and more, it is no surprise that Opry Mills is visited by thousands each year. For entertainment, visit Madame Tussauds to view the wax museum, Dave & Buster’s for some family fun with arcade games and bowling, or Regal Opry Mills 4DX, IMAX & RPX to catch the latest movies on the big screen. Options like Bavarian Bierhaus and Rainforest Cafe are available if you are looking for full-service dining options. However, there are also quick options like Johnny Rockets, Pyramids Cafe and Panda Express as well.

6th + Peabody

With Ole Smoky Tennessee Distillery and Yee-Haw Brewery Company under one roof, 6th & Peabody has created an adult oasis featuring live entertainment, tasting areas, big screen TVs, and a beer garden. While there, you can grab a bite from the famous Prince’s Hot Chicken food truck or tacos from White Duck Taco Shop and enjoy beer, cocktails and moonshine by the glass. If you want to sip on Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine and Yee-Haw Beer at home, jars and bottles are available for purchase.

Where to Eat in Nashville

East Park Donuts & Coffee

Nestled in East Nashville and offering up an assortment of delicious donuts is East Park Donuts & Coffee. This family-owned restaurant has donuts ranging from powdered sugar, cinnamon, blueberry lavender and maple bacon to vegan, keto and gluten-free options as well. If you have a taste for something other than donuts, then try their biscuits, parfaits or one of the delicious smoothies.

Slim & Husky’s Pizza Beeria

Offering gourmet and artisan pizzas, Slim & Husky’s Pizza Beeria has perfected the American classic. Throughout the restaurant, you will find ties to classic hip hop and R&B music, art and urban culture. You will find mouthwatering selections from the menu like “Got 5 On It,” “California Love” and “Rony, Roni, Rone!” If customization is your preference, you can also build your own pizza with their locally-sourced ingredients. For dessert, try one of their delicious cinnamon rolls from The Roll Out which is across the street from the original location.

Stay Golden

Priding themselves on offering specialty coffee, restaurant quality food, and craft cocktails, Stay Golden is a wonderful option for breakfast, lunch or brunch. Dishes are made from regionally-sourced ingredients and range from avocado toast and granola to roasted chicken sandwiches and The American Breakfast which includes local farm eggs, Kentucky bacon or porter road sausage, crispy potatoes and Dozen sourdough or a biscuit.

Henley

Located in Midtown inside of Kimpton Aertson Hotel, Henley offers up daily breakfast, lunch and dinner for hotel guests and locals. The restaurant prides itself on offering seasonally-inspired dishes so menu items rotate regularly. On the weekends, brunch is offered accompanied by live music on Sundays. Although you cannot go wrong with any selection from the brunch menu, the Breakfast Burrito (Soft scrambled eggs, chorizo, crispy potatoes, Kenny's cheddar, lime crème, ranchero sauce) and the Biscuit + Gravy (Sunny-side-up egg, country sausage black pepper milk gravy) are highly recommended.

Cafe Roze

Cafe Roze is in East Nashville and has become a favorite amongst locals and tourists alike. With pink and marble decor, this all-day cafe offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. The morning drink selections include various coffees, teas and freshly-squeezed juices. All of which can be paired with a breakfast menu item like Stout Waffles or the Simple Breakfast that comes with eggs, seared tomato, bacon or shiitakes, and buttered toast. For lunch or dinner, try the juicy, grilled Chicken Sandwich or the Pinewood Farms Grassfed Burger. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.

When you come to Nashville, expect to hear great music, but be sure to visit some of the local favorite attractions and restaurants during your stay. Explore more things to do in Nashville.