Whether you’re traveling to Nashville (Naysheville?) for a bachelorette party of just a weekend away with hubbie, you’re bound to ask yourself from time to time what is the best bar in Nashville for dancing? Or, what is the best bottomless brunch in Nashville? Well, having lived through it all, we thought we’d compile a list of the best WEEKEND in Nashville so you can cross everything off your bucket list at once. Let’s make Nashville your best trip yet!
Day 1 (Your main day to checkout Nashville)
You’re finally in Nashville, the town you’ve heard to much about for it’s country roots and Elvis impressionists (oh wait, that’s Vegas, and his Graceland home is in Memphis). Well, time to create your own history! Here’s a kick off of things to do to get the most out of your day!
Eats
I would highly recommend stopping by Merchants for a Brunch to remember. The ambiance feels like you are walking into an old-fashioned dinner, but with a modern twist. You can just tell that businessmen and women have been doing big time deals there for centuries under the gaze of a calm Nashville afternoon. The natural lighting coming in through every angle gives off a sense of livelihood and happiness that could make even the saltiest date feel sweet.
So, how about some dinner? Maybe even an early dinner?
More Eats + Drink
Head to Acme Feed & Seed Dinner for the best three story pub a hungry traveler could ask for! You can order downstairs at the bar then roam their three stories of pub magical goodness, plus an outdoor rooftop at the very top of the building overlooking Titan’s stadium.
Dinner
Make a reservation for the Bourbon Steakhouse, located on the very top of the JW Marriot Hotel. This is a view/experience you do not want to miss. They have free french fries too! Did I just say that? Yes, when you order a drink or entree at their dinner tables ask for their free french fries (we got them, so if they deny you say DearTraveler sent you!)
Off the beaten track of Broadway you will find a 4-5 story restaurant with all sorts of cuisines from Italian to Diner food to even Sushi up top – all at The Diner! Great stop for your first night because it comes with a view of the town, plenty of locals and nice bartenders to talk to, and it’s even open way late.
Nightlife
Any bar on Broadway will do the trick. There are endless open doors offering your live music and pretty decent dancing. Our favorites included Honkie Tonk (great dancing and historic photo ops), Nudies (youthful bar with open windows, super hot live bands that sing all sorts of classic rock music my favorite being the early 2000s rock, and dancing!) and Tin Fish (cool beachy vibes and cheap cocktails). It can get a little fratty down there so if frat/sorority parties aren’t your style, catch a Lyft back uptown or deeper in the historic parts of the city for a lowkey drink with a view, the options are endless and each venue brings it’s own unique style.
Bridgestone Arena is also a local fav, it’s a huge venue with lower level VIP attractions like the Lexus Lounge and good for everything from Basketball to a little Impractical Jokers Tour stop (so good!) The people working there can be a bit stiff with their rules – we got kicked out of the locker room area during an autograph signing because our bracelets weren’t the right color, I mean come on – so just avoid them and act like you know what you’re doing at all chances. Also, buy your T-shirts early because they will close on you at the end of whatever you are attending there.
Day 2 (You’re still alive, might as well make the most)
If you wake up early and are feeling energetic, grab a quick boost of energy aka coffee at Frothy Monkey in the historic district and get a quick walk by the river in to wake up. You’ll be the in perfect neighborhood to start your day, near the Country Music Hall of Fame and plenty more parks and fancy brunch spots, so your sleeping friends can just walk down the road and meet up!
Daytime Activities To Do in Nashville
For all of you country music fans out there or history buffs, the Country Music Hall of Fame should definitely be a stop along the way. One of our favorite parts was getting to see Elvis’s and Webb Pierces over the top luxury cars. Imagine the ultimate luxury car of the 60s with a TV and carpet everywhere. One of the cars in there actually has guns attached to it with humungous replicas of a famous musicians favorites.
Before heading out for dinner take an Uber over to the famous Greek/lookalike Parthenon Monument. It’s like the Parthenon in Athens but slightly smaller, however still an amazing tribute to the Greek culture nearby. After your done taking numerous selfies, hop on some electric scooters and take a ride around the historic Vanderbilt University. Maybe even crash a frat party or two? 😉
Healthy Eats
If you are Vegan, Vegetarian, and Gluten-free, or just want to try some DELICIOUS and HEALTHY options. The Wild Cow is perfect for your hangover cure/cleanse. You can visit this bar on your way to the airport too, like we did, just be sure to arrive at least 1 hour 45 minutes before gates close if you’re flying United!
Last night bash? (Hopefully everyone hasn’t left you yet?)
Nashville is one of those cities you visit for all the fun in the world, then somehow find yourself leaving about 24 hours later. But if you happened to book an extra night in this transient music infused charade, you can actually have an amazing extra night or two.
Check out the Rooftop Pool Bar at Holston House. The roof deck will blow you away for it’s cool pool and sexy bartenders (which also serve up a nice set of brunch apps and drinks all day!). It’s a casual scene with good drinks and cheap small plates you can snack away on all night, plus nice local beers for your bros. Or if you’ve missed them, any other spot above in this article will do equally amazing things for your last night in Nashville.
Conclusion – Tell us how Nashville treated you!
Nashville is for most of us not what you expected. It’s not so much the wild west or a southern charming town, but more of a concrete jungle of music-preneurs surrounded by a small town like Philadelphia or Boston. They’ve tried hard to convince people it’s the center of the country music universe, and even if the living legends like Waylon Jennings, Elvis, Reggie Young or so many others don’t exactly roll thru town on a regular basis anymore, but the town has been on the map forever, so give them a chance. Overall, a visit to Nashville when it’s nice out is one of the best short vacations you can ask for. So, we hope this list of the best things to do on a Nashville weekend has satisfied your thirst for country living.