Those that live, or are familiar with Nashville, TN

[Millerad1651]

The wife and I are taking a trip in April, to see my grandma in eastern TN, then spend a few days in Nashville. Neither of us have been, so we're trying to decide what to do. This can be downtown Nashville, or surrounding areas, since we'll be driving. Any suggestions from locals or others? Looking at spending Sat afternoon through Tuesday morning there if that helps. Thanks.

 

[jwyshrek]

Well, since you will be in eastern TN and if you are the outdoor type, I say skip Nashville, and take a drive to Pigeon Forge/Gatlinberg and the Smokey Mountains (national park)...it actually might be kinda of nice with the recent snow.

But if not, there are things like:

Parthenon (Nashville) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

and of course, there is the Grand Ole Opry and the music scene.

Have fun.

 

[Millerad1651]

My grandma lives near Johnson City in Hampton, so we will be around that area for 3 days. She's taking us to down to Ashville, and other areas near her. We've been to Gatlinburg before, so thats why we wanted to try Nashville. I'll take a look at the Parthenon, thanks.

 

[CookieRoe]

My sister lives in Brentwood (20 min drive south of Nashville). Parthenon is cool. You have to go to the Grand Ol Opry and maybe some typical bar/restaurants downtown, they are always a good time. Just outside of Nashville is The Gaylord Opryland convention/hotel center, its pretty wild. Its all indoors and has A/C and heat. Restaurants inside. The Opryland Mall is a 5 min walk if you want to do some shopping. Restaurants there too. I have to say, the nicest people in America are in Nashville. Oh, don't forget Loveless Cafe, south of Nashville, great food, just don't forget to bring Lipitor with ya, (LOL) They are known for their biscuits.

 

[Millerad1651]

Thanks for the info. I figured we'd spend at least one day downtown, and a couple in surrounding areas.

 

[OHP]

I have had the privilege of traveling all over the country and I have yet to visit somewhere that I would rather live than Nashville. I've been here since I was 6 years old. Actually about 20 minutes north. There is a ton of stuff to do. The downtown 2nd avenue area has plenty of entertainment. World famous bars, plenty of live music, and great restaurants. If you like live music there are few cities in the country that rival Nashville. As mentioned in a previous post, Opryland hotel is worth visiting. There is a huge indoor conservatory and excellent restaurants there too. The General Jackson riverboat cruise leaves from the Opryland area. It's an old paddle wheel riverboat that you can have dinner and drinks on. I would probably pass on going inside the Parthenon, but the park it's in is very nice if the weather is good and seeing the outside of it is really the best part. The home of Andrew Jackson is here, the Hermitage. In all of my years here I have never been but I have heard it is awesome. If you're into Golf, one of the best courses in the state is about 30 minutes north, Foxland Harbor. If you're into mountain biking, we have 6 or 7 great trails within 30 minutes of downtown and several shops that rent bikes. There is also a fantastic greenway that road bike guys love. We have more shopping than any small city should be allowed. My wife and I hate shopping but if we have to go, Green Hills mall is the best in my opinion.

I could keep going on with stuff to do here. If you'll let me know what you guys enjoy, I can probably point you in the right direction. By the way, your original post mentioned that you were going to Ashville. I'm assuming NC? I hope you are planning to go to the Biltmore if you have not been before. My wife and I went a month or so ago and words cannot describe how amazing that place is. I highly recommend going.

Enjoy Nashville, you might not want to leave.