Welcome to Nashville, Tennessee, home of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Dolly Parton and whiskey. The “Country Music Capital of the World” has a rich history dispersed with quirky facts.
For instance, did you know William Strickland, who designed the Tennessee Capitol, is entombed above the building’s cornerstone? He’s not the only physically immortalized individual within the city’s walls. Entrepreneur and philanthropist Samuel Morgan is buried in a crypt on the south wall.
Now that we’ve gotten the dark tourism enthusiasts settled down, it’s time to dig into what Nashville has to offer families.
But First, Where to Stay?
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Deciding where to stay in Nashville depends entirely on the type of weekend you intend to have.
Music City is a vibrant place with a buzzing music scene that comes alive at night. The Gulch is highly recommended, especially for young families. The neighborhood’s trendy restaurants and boutiques offer an eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary tastes.
For night owls, there’s the Station Inn, where you can jam to bluegrass music.
Music City Loft suggests downtown for visitors wanting to be where the action is. Its central location offers many accommodation options, including the best hotels with stunning city views.
The area is an open invitation to experience Nashville’s local culture and live music venues.
If you’re planning a quick weekend getaway, the city is ideal for multi-generational family holidays. The best part? There’s something for everyone!
#1. Scavenger Hunt
This is no ordinary outdoor activity. Urban Adventure Quest is a fun-packed Amazing Race-style scavenger hunt that will bring your family closer or drive a wedge between siblings.
You have the opportunity to explore Nashville from an entertaining point of view. Taking the Amazing Race concept, the guys at Urban Adventure Quest combined it with a three-hour city tour.
Using only a smartphone, teams explore unseen parts of the city, solving clues and completing challenges, while learning about Nashville’s history.
#2. Think Biking
Bike the Greenway is a mobile bike rental company that operates on Nashville’s Greenway system.
They’ve devised various routes and tours depending on your fitness level. The cool part about their bikes is that each has a bag that fits smartphones for display while riding. You can document your adventure and upload it onto social media.
The routes take visitors on trails winding through green spaces, parks and creeks. You can easily bike into downtown Nashville for a lunch break.
There’s the option of doing a two-hour rental or a half-day rental.
#3. Cavern Fever
Located outside Davidson County, Cumberland Caverns is an adventurous outing for the little ones. For claustrophobes, it’s preferably their worst nightmare.
But stick it out, and you’ll be rewarded with caves, underground passageways and crystal pools. Walking tours, adventure tours, and overnight packages are on the agenda and suited for all ages and skill levels.
The caverns once hosted live music concerts. However, that has been put on hold until further announcements are made.
All tours are guided and staff recommend visitors wear comfortable shoes suitable for hiking.
#4. Game Over
How about some eighties nostalgia? From pinball machines to arcade games, Game Terminal Nashville will blow your mind.
With a large selection of arcade games, the 10,000 square feet of indoor space offers endless fun for young and old. Game Terminal has private rooms and venue buyouts for teams.
Casual gamers and pros will appreciate the authenticity of the space with its flashing lights and familiar sounds. Don’t fret if you’re not into high scores or “fight to the death,” there’s an All-American diner, cocktail and craft beer bar.
#5. Downtown City Life
Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the city in downtown Nashville. Fifth + Broadway has everything under one roof.
The multi-level mixed business precinct houses exclusive restaurants, bars, performance stages, and a food hall.
There’s a special surprise for culture vultures. The National Museum of African American Music is the only museum dedicated to preserving the history of Black music. Curated collections integrate interactive technology to reawaken the past.
#6. Showboating
A mainstay of Nashville, the General Jackson Showboat is one of the largest showboats built.
The experience combines the best of Southern-style cuisine with a live show in the two-story Victorian theater.
Watch the big city lights as the steamboat sets course down the lazy Cumberland River during an evening cruise. Taking its cue from the American Victorian era, the boat pays homage to the grandeur of the South.
Nashville Dreaming
These experiences are meant to showcase Music City in a new light. The best part is that no one gets left out of all the lively fun.
Don’t forget to get your fill of Nashville’s famous hot chicken and Goo Goo Clusters. Think of them as the foodie version of “Been there, done that, got the T-shirt.” And, if time allows, pop into the Johnny Cash Museum and the Nashville Public Library.
