We love living in Nashville! There are so many things to do, you can never really be bored. Before I moved here, I visited here 3 times and fell more and more in love every time! That being said, there are definite places that we love to visit. These are our top 12 places we recommend whether you are on your first Nashville trip or you live here.

1. The Grand Ole Opry House

Location: 2804 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214

I LOVE going to the Opry! It is a great way to see lots of artists at one time. Whenever I have people come visit, we have to see a show. You can also tour the backstage and see the rooms that all the greats have used. Each dressing room has a different theme. It is definitely a must as well!

2. Opry Mills Mall

Location: 433 Opry Mills Dr, Nashville, TN 37214

This mall has everything! It is considered outlet mall but has many upscale shops as well! Worried that your husband will be bored? There is a huge Bass Pro Shop as well as an Imax theater to keep them (and you) entertained. Be sure to stop by the free whiskey tasting (for those 21 and older). There is also a Madame Tussauds you can tour and take pictures with your favorite stars.

3. Chuy’s Mexican

Location: 163B Opry Mills Dr, Nashville, TN 37214

Location: 1901 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203

They are located all over, but the one I visit the most is the one in the Opry Mills mall. This is a must in my opinion. I absolutely love the jalapeno ranch dip (has a little kick but not too spicy) and they even have a queso bar where you can make your own dip and nachos! The fajita burrito is my favorite item on the menu.

4. The Parthenon

Location: 2500 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203

YES, you read that right, Nashville has its own Parthenon. CeCe and I love to walk around the area! You can pay to tour inside (I would do it once for the experience) and see the”gold woman”. There is usually a festival going on in the area, which is always a must do!

5. NoBaked Cookie Dough

Location: 117 28th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37203

Located right by the Parthenon, it is the best dessert ever! They have multiple flavors and you can get more than one in your cup. Their patio is also dog-friendly and has a “Bo’s Dough” for your pup to enjoy! So delicious!

6. Whitts

Everyone always recommends Jack Bar-B-Que, when visiting Nashville, which is for sure delicious, but I love Whitts. Jack’s has more variety with their sauces, however the pulled pork loaded baked potato, with it’s two sauce options, is outstanding at Whitts. It’s huge, so no need to order any extras!!!

7. “What Lifts You” Wings

Location: 302 11th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203

There are so many Instagram worthy murals around Nashville. The wings are definitely my favorite. There are two sizes of wings so you can take many pictures to make sure you have the perfect one. When I went, the smaller set was the perfect size for my dog CeCe!

8. The Pub

Location: 400 11th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203

Located in The Gulch, the Pub is a great restaurant/bar with a patio. It is small, so make sure you get there early to get a great spot outside or at the wraparound bar. The happy hour and atmosphere there is amazing! It honestly feels just like a British Pub!

9. The Nashville Zoo

Location: 3777 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, TN 37211

I love to go and visit the zoo. They are always adding new animals and exhibits so every time it feels like my first visit. My favorite exhibit is the Kangaroos. I have seen many Kangaroo habitats, but the one here is by far the best ever! They are always active no matter what time you go and if they are on the path you get to pet them.

10. Downtown Nashville “Broadway”

You can’t visit or live in Nashville without going downtown to Broadway. The many honky tonks  are open day and night for music, dining, and drinking. They don’t call it “Nashvegas” for nothing! Most bars have live music, so if you like country music, you can’t go wrong! When the Predators are playing, the local hockey team for those non-sports fans, the streets become packed with gold and blue, since the arena is right on Broadway. 

11. The Ryman Auditorium

Location: 116 5th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219

 Concerts at the Ryman are amazing! The building itself is beautiful and filled with history.  Tickets sell out fairly quickly because the venue is smaller that the Opry, but there isn’t a bad seat in the house. The acoustics are amazing too! I’ve seen everyone from Vince Gill to Twenty One Pilots, and every show is just as awesome as the one before!

12. The Johnny Cash Museum and Cafe

Location: 119 3rd Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201

This museum is a must-see while you’re in Nashville! I absolutely love Johnny Cash and this museum and cafe were ranked the number one music museum in the world by Forbes, Conde’ Naste, and National Geographic Traveler!