The Kings and Queens of country music have called Nashville home for decades, as musical talent from all over the US travels to the city to try and make it big. However, there’s plenty to be done here besides catching live acts, with everything from horse racing, living the casino experience or disconnecting from the world with nature reserves to check out. Here are some of the highlights we know will make your trip one to remember.
Grand Ole Opry
Although included on many of the city’s numerous bus tours, it’s very much worth taking a good amount of time out of your day to go and visit the famous stage at the Grand Ole Opry, which is the spiritual epicentre of country music.
Tread the boards, steep yourself in the history, bump into some stars backstage and then be sure to get a front row seat for a big show.
The Kentucky Derby
A short ride north of Nashville lies one of the most famous racetracks in the world, Churchill Downs. This beautiful old course is slap-bang in the middle of town, meaning you can step straight off a flight or bus into the winner’s enclosure.
Don’t worry yourself about whether you know anything about horse racing or the casino games because there are plenty of experts for those in need of guidance.
Check Out Broadway Music Bars and Cafes
The Grand Ole Opry is great, but if you like your music with a bit of spit and sawdust then you owe it to yourself to visit some of Nashville’s underground music bars and cafes, where everyone from Taylor Swift to Melissa Etheridge got their start.
Some of the most iconic venues include The Bluebird Café, The Basement East and The Station Inn. Who knows, you may just see a star of the future.
Radnor Park
If all that music and revellery starts to give you a headache, it is very much worth heading a few kilometres out of town to visit this tranquil state park.
With a whole host of mountain bike and running trails that weave their way through beautiful natural beauty spots, this is the perfect nature getaway.
The Johnny Cash Museum
Fans of Johnny Cash have no choice but to visit this museum that is completely dedicated to the singer/songwriter. Then once you’re done with paying homage to the great man you can head on over to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
