48 Hours in Nashville: Your Ultimate Guide to Music City!
So you only have 48 hours to explore everything that Nashville has to offer? That’s going to be difficult, but I think that you will be able to explore a majority of Music City in two days. This 48 hour guide is going to be more for those visiting Nashville for the first time or those who want to experience the tourist scene. If this 48 hour guide to Nashville doesn’t fit the type of trip you are wanting to plan please reach out to me directly! I am happy to help you create a custom itinerary to make your trip memorable.
DAY 1:
You’ve got to start your day at Biscuit Love in the Gulch for a delicious breakfast of Southern-style biscuits and gravy. The Gulch is a very trendy and walkable neighborhood in the heart of the city that is home to some of Nashville’s best restaurants and shops.
After breakfast, head to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum to learn about the history of country music and see artifacts from some of the biggest stars. The Museum is located downtown and offers interactive exhibits, music performances, and a large collection of memorabilia.
Then take a stroll through Centennial Park and visit the Parthenon, which is a full-scale replica of the ancient Greek temple. The park is a beautiful oasis in the middle of the city, and the Parthenon is a stunning architectural feature that’s worth a visit.
For lunch, grab some hot chicken at Hattie B’s, a Nashville staple known for its spicy chicken. Definitely be prepared for a wait but the hot chicken is a must try when visiting Nashville, and Hattie B’s is one of the best places to get it!
After lunch, head on over to the vibrant and artsy neighborhood of East Nashville, home to unique shops, restaurants, and galleries. The neighborhood is known for its eclectic vibe and laid back atmosphere, and there’s ALWAYS something new to discover. There’s also murals located all over the city (stay tuned for a Nashville mural guide coming soon) but East Nashville has lots of art and murals spread throughout.
Take a tour of the historic Ryman Auditorium, the “Mother Church of Country Music” and former home of the Grand Ole Opry. The Ryman is a must-visit for music lovers and history buffs alike, and the tour offers a behind the scenes look at the iconic venue located downtown.
Finish off your first day in Nashville by heading to Broadway to experience the bustling nightlife and live music scene, with plenty of bars, honky-tonks, and street performers. Broadway is a Nashville staple and a great place to people-watch, listen to some great music, and have a great time!
Don’t miss out on last weeks blog post: Experience the best of Nashville: Beyond Broadway
DAY 2:
You must start off day 2 at The Pancake Pantry, a Nashville staple serving up delicious pancakes in a cozy, old school atmosphere. The restaurant has been around since 1961 and is a favorite to the locals and visitors. I would recommend getting there early because there is always a line out the door!
After breakfast, visit the Belle Meade Plantation, a historic mansion and grounds that offer a glimpse into the lives of the wealthy plantation owners who once lived there. The plantation is located just outside the city and is a great place to learn about the rich history of Nashville.
After visiting the plantation, take a stroll through the picturesque Cheekwood Estate and Gardens, with 55 acres of botanical gardens, art exhibitions, and a historical mansion. Cheekwood is a beautiful and tranquil place to relax and take in some of Nashville’s natural beauty.
For lunch, head to Germantown which is a trendy neighborhood north of downtown with plenty of great restaurants and shops. You should definitely check out the Nashville Farmers Market located on Rosa Parks Boulevard. There’s about 20 different restaurants and shops in their international food hall allowing everyone to have an opportunity to choose what they want for lunch. There’s also two covered open-air sheds where local vendors pop-up typically Friday through Sunday selling fresh produce, homemade goods, jewelry, and so much more! Along with a 24,000 square foot garden center attached to the end of market.
After lunch, tour the Johnny Cash Museum and learn about the life and career of the Man in Black. The museum is located downtown and offers a comprehensive look at Cash’s life, from his early years in Arkansas to his rise to fame in Nashville.
Since you’re already going to be downtown checking out the Johnny Cash Museum you should walk across the street to the Goo Goo Chocolate Company where you will be immersed into every chocolate lover's dream! The Goo Goo store offers a chocolate experience where you have the option to create and customize your very own Goo Goo chocolate bar. This experience will be one to leave you drooling and dreaming about your next trip to Nashville.
Finish off your 48 hours in Nashville with dinner at Sixty Vines located at the top of the Assembly Food Hall. Sixty Vines, a popular restaurant sought after by those visiting Nashville, is a casual New American restaurant offering 60 wines on tap (hence the name) along with a variety of pizza and pasta dishes.
This 48 hour itinerary will hopefully give you a taste of Nashville’s rich history, vibrant culture, and famous food. Nashville has so much to offer but this is exactly how I would spend 48 hours in Nashville! Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need help planning your next trip to Nashville. I am always happy to help!
