Friends Weekend Getaway in Nashville

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 to complete your weekend getaway in Nashville. 

• Parking Information: Public paid parking can be found at the Holt Lot, Gruhn Lot, 333 Garage, and Smead Lot. Use this interactive parking map to discover the best places to park in downtown Nashville.
   
• Operational Hours: Every Honk Tonk has their own standard hours of operation, but most establishments open around 10 AM and close at 3 AM daily.

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 your Nashville getaway all over again.

• Parking Information: Museum guests are encouraged to park at the Fifth + Broadway garage, operated by Metropolis. Visit the validation kiosk inside the museum for a discount. The garage entrance is located on Broadway between 5th and 6th Avenues. 
   
• Accessibility Options: The museum is wheelchair accessible with lift access and adapted facilities.
   
• Operation Hours: NMAAM is open from Tuesday to Sunday, until 5 PM.
   
• Seasonal Highlights: Enjoy "Nissan Free Wednesdays" where visitors can enjoy complimentary access to museum galleries every first Wednesday of the month-- A great opportunity to make your weekend getaway in Nashville more affordable.
   
• Pricing: Museum admissions start at $29.33.

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.

• Parking Information: Recommended parking areas include: Music City Center, Premier Parking 222 Garage, and Surface lot at 127 3rd Ave S. 
   
• Operation Hours: Open 7 days a week, 10 AM - 6 PM
   
• Pricing: The taste of Goo Goo class is priced at $55 a person.

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.

• Parking Information & Accessibility: All Museum visitors have the opportunity to park at the Walk of Fame Parking Garage (161 4th Ave. S.) or the SoBro Tower Garage (210 3rd Ave. S.) for a flat rate of $15 (up to 3 hours) or $25 (up to 6 hours). Offered daily between the hours of 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM with validation from the Museum. Check out the museum's accessibility efforts here.
   
• Operational Hours: The Country Music Hall of Fame is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM.
   
• Pricing: Museum tickets are priced at $31.95 for adults.

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. Any show will make for an unforgettable time with your friends on a weekend getaway in Nashville.

• Parking & Accessibility: Refer to the Grand Ole Opry's website for parking information that is specific to your visit. Accessible seating is available through select ticket purchase.

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.

• Parking & Accessibility: The Frist provides a convenient parking lot that is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please refer to their accessibility page for more information.
   
• Pricing: Museum admission is $20 for an adult ticket.

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.

• Parking Information: Plaza Mariachi provides free on-site parking for their guests.
   
• Hours of Operation: Plaza Mariachi is open 7 days a week.

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.

• Parking Information: Cheekwood has parking onsite, but during busy days and events, parking may be limited.
   
• Pricing: Adult tickets start at $20 each.
   
• Seasonal Highlights: Explore Cheekwood's event calendar for seasonal offerings, such as holiday lights, to group art classes like a stained-glass workshop.

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.

• Parking Information: there is plenty of street parking all around the building as well as a paved parking lot directly across the street from Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery.
   
• Pricing Information: Distillery tours of Nelson's Green Brier Distillery, which finishes with a premium tasting of 4 seasonal offerings are priced at $25 for adults. 

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.

• Parking Information: Self-Parking for all Ryman events is available directly across the street at the Fifth + Broadway garage.

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.

• Hours of Operation: Assembly Food Hall opens daily at 9 AM, hours may vary from vendor to vendor. 
   
• Parking Information: Paid parking is available onsite in the 5th and Broadway Garage.

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.

• Parking and Accessibility: There is parking on-site and a free parking garage for Pinewood guests. Pinewood social has a wheelchair accessible entrance, bathroom, and parking lot.  

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.

• Parking and Accessibility: Bastion offers a free parking lot and is fully wheelchair accessible.  

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.

• Parking and Accessibility: There is free parking lot for diners and the restaurant is fully wheelchair accessible.
   
• Hours of Operation: Peg Leg Porker opens daily at 11 AM.

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.

Parking and Accessibility: There is free on-site parking and Greenhouse Bar is fully wheelchair accessible.

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. Any of these amazing towns can be easily added on to a Nashville weekend getaway or make for some of the best weekend trips from Nashville itself.