Unlock spectacular travel destinations with your Palmera Vacation Club membership.
What do you think of when you hear, Nashville?
Good music? Good food? Good times?
A haven for music lovers, songwriters, and aspiring musicians, it’s no wonder why Tennessee’s Capital is almost always referred to as Music City. The creative spirit doesn’t stop at just music, however, since this city is full of artistic talent that ranges from culinary to fine arts. Considered to be one of the best weekend getaway locations for those traveling from the Midwest and East Coast, Nashville truly has something in store for everyone.
Conveniently located on the Cumberland River, this area got its name from Revolutionary War General, Francis Nash, and was known as Fort Nashborough from 1779 up until 1784 when it officially was named Nashville. Because of its river port and eventual key railroad center, Nashville prospered. It wasn’t until 1925 with the creation of the Grand Ole Opry that Nashville got its famous nickname, Music City.
Let’s start with the legendary sites and must-see attractions:
Now a venue that hosts a variety of music genres and comedy performances, the Grand Ole Opry is a great stop to make to see a show or even take a backstage tour to learn about its impact on not only the city but the history of country music. Away from downtown Nashville and in its second location, this musical institution is within walking distance of great shopping, dining, and the Soundwaves Water Park within the Gaylord Opryland Resort.
Head downtown and your first stop will probably be Broadway. This iconic street is bursting at the seams with honkey-tonks and other restaurants where you can find local musicians playing tunes all day long. Certainly a lively street to walk down, you’ll hear bands through open doors, windows, and from rooftop bars as you wander up and down the sidewalks. Find great eats—you’ll have to try world-famous Nashville Hot Chicken while you’re in town—and your inner cowboy or cowgirl while shopping for boots and hats in iconic western wear shops along the way. There are also themed tours that you can take that are fun for groups of friends and even bachelor or bachelorette parties.
Walk far enough and you’ll run into the Cumberland River, where you’ll be able to cross the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge and walk through the beautiful riverfront park. Away from the river, walk back up Broadway and you’ll be close to another legendary site, the Ryman Auditorium. Once home to religious gatherings and then the original location of the Grand Ole Opry, it is now one of the most prestigious theaters in the world, having had some of the biggest names in music—across all genres—take the stage. Visitors can buy tickets for performances or take one of the many tours offered.
Incredibly close by and right on Broadway, you’ll find the National Museum of African American Music. One of the newer museums in the city, it tells the story and history of Black music in America and is now a must-see when visiting Nashville.
Directly across the street, sports fans will find the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame inside the Bridgestone Arena, home to the NHL’s Nashville Predators. Not interested in hockey? Don’t worry, the Hall of Fame includes athletes from many different sports.
A few blocks over, you’ll find the Frist Art Museum. This prominent art center resides in what used to be a post office and is now registered as a historic building. A family-friendly spot, Frist Art Museum offers beautiful, award-winning exhibits and educational programs.
Fans of country music won’t want to miss the Country Music Hall of Fame. Behind the Bridgestone Arena and looking over the beautiful Nashville Music Garden, this museum includes interactive, video, and awe-inspiring exhibits that all lead to the official Hall of Fame.
There is much more to Nashville than Broadway, with other notable neighborhoods you should definitely check out! Music Row is home to the city’s radio stations, record labels, and recording studios, such as the historic RCA Studio B, where household names like Elvis and Dolly Parton recorded. Enjoy the college town atmosphere of Midtown, thanks to Vanderbilt and Belmont Universities.
Centennial Park is another iconic spot that visitors always want to make sure they visit. The location of the Parthenon, Lake Watauga, and other historical monuments and walking trails, this park is beautiful and a great way to get outside in the sunshine. The Parthenon itself attracts visitors, as the recreation has exhibitions and galleries that show the legacy of the ancient Greeks.
Prices and available activities on Quest Travel Club subject to change**
Just as with any other place where there’s lots of walking involved and neighborhoods to discover, the best time to visit Nashville is in the spring or fall for optimum temperatures. Pleasantly warm days are perfect to explore this city, and the months of April, May, September, and October are normally when visitors book their trips.
Summer is always a fun time to visit, with fun festivals and events on the calendar in June and July. These events bring crowds, making hotels a bit pricier than normal. Although it gets hot and humid in the summer months, there are plenty of places indoors to duck into in order to escape the heat.
If you don’t mind colder temperatures or rain all too much, you can almost always save money on accommodations and avoid large crowds in winter. The music doesn’t stop when there’s a chill in the air!
Having a car while visiting Nashville can come in handy, especially if you want to save money on accommodations and stay outside of downtown. The city itself is very easy to navigate—for being a city and all. If you’re flying into the Nashville International Airport, it might behoove you to book a rental car through Quest Travel Club to book a rental at a great price.
That being said, don’t think you have to stick to hotels specifically downtown. There are many nearby towns that are less than a twenty-minute drive to downtown. Check out Goodlettsville or Hendersonville, or if you’re looking for some small-town charm, Franklin.
For Palmera Vacation Club Members, we advise you to see what’s available on the RCI Exchange if you’re wanting to use your member points, and Quest Travel Club for more discounted hotels, weeks, transportation, and even activities!
