The Perfect Nashville Weekend Itinerary for Music Lovers
The Perfect Nashville Weekend for Music Lovers curated by a rock n’ roll couple who wanted to authentically explore Music City
Music City; is the perfect weekend getaway for music enthusiasts of all genres. Nashville, Tennessee is known for being the heart of country music, but it has evolved into much more over the years. We must admit, a lot of the city has catered itself to the many bachelorette parties that frequent the town. Although it seemed off-putting to us at first, we made it our mission to find some of the best spots for authentic fun. (With a little mix of the NashVegas debauchery that everyone should experience at least once) Let the buzzing energy of Broadway’s honky-tonks guide your way to the ultimate weekend of history, art, landmarks, and cold drinks with The Perfect Nashville Weekend for Music Lovers.
Day 1: Music History, Museums & Broadway
Country Music Hall of Fame – Experience It All Package
Immerse yourself in the evolving history and traditions of country music at the Country Music Hall of Fame. This museum showcases exhibits, publications, interactive displays, and the memorabilia of country music’s greatest stars. The Experience It All Package gives you access to the museum galleries and exhibits ( Recommended 1-2 hours), as well as the Historic RCA Studio Tour (1 Hour) and Hatch Show Print Tour (1 Hour).
Historic RCA Studio B Tour
Visit the Historic RCA Studio B, where music legends like Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, and Waylon Jennings recorded timeless hits. This iconic studio, pivotal in crafting the “Nashville Sound” from 1957 to 1977, helped transform Nashville into a global recording hub. While touring the “Home of 1,000 Hits”, you’ll not only stand in the very spot where countless hits were born but also hear the riveting stories behind them.
Hatch Show Print
From custom concert and film posters to advertisements for businesses, circuses, and state fairs; Hatch Show Print has been a working letterpress print shop since 1879. During a hands-on Hatch Show Print Tour, you will experience the visual history of Nashville and beyond. The tour gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the show-poster creation process. You even get to hand-print your own letterpress poster as a souvenir.
Take The Music City Walk Of Fame
On your walk to your next destination, don’t miss The Music City Walk Of Fame on Nashville’s Music Mile. Much like the Hollywood Walk Of Fame, you will find stars with the names of industry greats. These stars are a landmark tribute to those from all genres of music who have made a significant contribution to the industry with a connection to Music City.
Johnny Cash Museum – Lunch with a Legend
After a morning of music history, you’ll likely work up an appetite. Luckily Mr. Johnny Cash has you covered for lunch and your afternoon music lesson. Ranked one of the #1 Music Museums in the world, the Johnny Cash Museum is a great place to learn about the legendary Man In Black. Open every day 9 am until 7 pm, this self-guided museum houses personal mementos, artifacts, and memorabilia that you can’t see anywhere else. You can also visit Cash’s Bar & BBQ to experience the warmth of Johnny and June Cash’s Home and southern favorites.
Drinks and Shopping With a Side of Honky-Tonk
Whether it is just you and your other half, or a full group there are lots of options for drinks, shopping, and music on Broadway. And yes, it is okay to visit Broadway during the day. In fact, we liked it much better before the sun went down. The bars still have one (or two) bands playing. And they are more likely to play some better tunes. At night you find the same covers being played over and over again. We understand – they’re playing for requests, but it does get repetitive.
Aside from bars, there are also many shopping spots to find the best souvenirs from your trip. Some of our favorite shops and bars were:
Fifth + Broadway: A multi-level blend of retailers and restaurants. Assembly Food Hall has some of the best food in Nashville under one roof. Five Daughters Bakery specializes in handmade donuts and pastries with premium locally sourced ingredients. Garage Sale Vintage is a vintage clothing store where you can shop drink-in-hand.
Goo Goo Cluster: Nashville’s Official Candy since 1912. You can stop in to try one for yourself, or even book a class to make one for yourself.
Betty Boots: Locally owned for 40 years, this boot boutique is an affordable fashion find for your Nashville style.
Runaway To JBJ’s Nashville
Our favorite rooftop bar and restaurant on Broadway is JBJ’s. The five-story venue houses a fusion of rock n roll and country that we couldn’t get enough of. JBJ’s was created by the renowned singer, songwriter, actor, and philanthropist Jon Bon Jovi. This is a place you will enjoy whether you’re visiting during the day, or late at night.
So, take a stroll down Broadway and decide where you want to get cocktails with a side of live music. And if you’ve never done it, adjust our itinerary below and spend the entire night getting “Nashty” on Broadway.
Dive Bar Dinner
After a day of diving into the past, it’s only right to travel back to the 1970’s at Nashville’s Oldest Dive Bar. Dino’s in East Nashville is a neighborhood haunt with a gritty charm. The graffiti and memorabilia-filled walls close in as you order from the bar. But their open seating outback lets you breathe in the scent of beer and burgers. Which is what they are known and loved for. In 2022, a giant lemon crowned with a giant rendition of Dolly Parton was placed out on the patio. They serve a boozy lemonade that is Parton approved. This may not be the place to dress up and dine, but it is a Nashville staple you don’t want to miss. Rockstar Tip: They are open until 3am if you need a place to sober up!
Upscale AfterDinner Drinks
Tiger Bar was our absolute FAVORITE bar that we visited on our most recent Nashville trip. It is a 1930’s Sideshow Inspired Gin Joint that serves more than just classic drinks. The quaint, dimly lit, interior houses all of the delightful elements of the sideshow. We sat at an extravagant booth with The Bearded Lady, but plan on sitting in the Romani Vardo wagon replica the next time we visit. The menu has 70+ different cocktails, with 50 of them rooted in the pre-1940s. The Split-Faced Girl was our cocktail of choice! But we will be back to try the Cotton Candy Negroni and Truffle Popcorn.
Day 2: Iconic Nashville Music Venues & Guitar Shops
If this is your first time in Nashville, you will want to visit two of its iconic music venues. Seeing a live concert is the best-case scenario. But if you can’t fit a concert into your schedule, consider taking one of the tours.
Grand Ole Opry
This legendary venue has been hosting live country music performances since 1925 and continues to feature a stellar lineup of artists. There are a number of different tours to choose from that give you backstage access to the history and events.
Ryman Auditorium
Often referred to as the “Mother Church of Country Music,” the Ryman Auditorium is a must-see. The acoustics here are almost as legendary as the venue’s rich history.
The Gibson Garage
This guitar-loving haven is a bucket list item for players and fans alike. Upon entering you are greeted by experts and one of the most beautiful guitar displays in town. You can try out an acoustic or electric guitar, take a lesson, or even see a live show on stage. But be sure you don’t miss out on the hidden gems of the free Orville Gibson exhibit. You can learn about the instruments that he invented as early as the 1890s. And view some of the last guitars he ever created.
Watch the full video of our experience at The Gibson Garage on our TikTok!
Carter Vintage Guitar
Carter Vintage Guitar is the number one vintage instrument consignment dealer in the world. Even if you don’t plan on purchasing a new guitar, browsing their collection is an exciting experiment.
Third Man Records – Jack White’s Record Store
For a unique experience, visit Third Man Records, founded by musician Jack White. This record store and label is a haven for vinyl enthusiasts and offers a peek into the world of indie music production.
Nashville Shopping Spots
If you’re looking for a place to walk around and discover local shops, take an Uber to one of the local neighborhoods. 12 South is a little strip of designer boutiques, quirky restaurants, and murals perfect for photo-ops. The Gulch, settled between Music Row and Downtown, houses a number of shopping and fine-dining restaurants to choose from.
Nashville Music Venues
In the evening, explore Nashville’s vibrant music venues like The Basement, EXIT/IN, The 5 Spot, Skull’s Rainbow Room, and Rudy’s Jazz Room. These spots showcase a variety of genres and up-and-coming artists, providing a taste of Nashville’s eclectic music scene. But there are so many more to choose from!
Singer / Songwriter Spots
If you’re looking for a place to catch singer/songwriters you may want to add these locations to your list. Starting with the Bluebird Cafe, renowned for its intimate performances and songwriter rounds. Tickets sell out fast, so plan in advance if you want to visit. Alternatively, check out The Local, Commodore Grille, The Listening Room Cafe, or 3rd & Lindsley for more live music experiences.
Day 3: Jack Daniel’s Distillery Day Trip from NashvilleJack Daniel’s Distillery Tour
The best place to explore off of Broadway in Nashville is about an hour away in the historic town of Lynchburg, Tennessee. Sound familiar? You must be a Tennessee Whiskey Drinker. That’s right, it is the home of Jack Daniel’s Distillery and the perfect day trip from Nashville. The BEST way to visit the distillery is through the Viator “Nashville to Jack Daniel’s Distillery Bus Tour & Whiskey Tastings”. (Otherwise known as the “Jack n’ Back Tour”) This 7-hour experience not only offers a special look inside the Old No. 7 brand, but it also tells the story of how the best-selling American whiskey in the world grew from one of the smallest counties in Tennessee.
Read our full review and book your tour here.
Is Nashville Worth Visiting for Music Lovers?
Whether you’re exploring the roots of country music or enjoying the latest sights and sounds, Nashville is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories. (And maybe a pair of souvenir cowboy boots!)