Country music singers, songwriters, and all things classically Southern: Nashville has it all! In April 2024, I took an “out and back” trip and spent one day in Nashville. What that means is, I took the first flight out in the morning, spent the whole day exploring the city, and took the last flight out at night. While it was a long day, it was incredible to realize how much you can squeeze into 12 hours! It really sparked my interest in doing “out and back” trips and immediately got to planning more. Nashville was a great city for a day trip. It’s a clean, safe city and a lot of the “highlights” are either within walking distance, or a quick Uber ride away. Here is how to spend one day in Nashville!
Coffee at Killebrew
First things first after an early morning flight is coffee! Start your day at Killebrew Coffee, a cute shop located in The Gulch neighborhood. Killebrew is located inside the Hyatt Thompson Nashville hotel, and is adjacent to many shops and restaurants. Grab your cup of joe and spend the morning wandering through The Gulch while you sip.
Breakfast at Biscuit Love
Only a block away from Killebrew Coffee is Biscuit Love. Be prepared, though: this is one of the best breakfasts you will have in your life! Biscuit Love has a few locations throughout Nashville and the Southeast USA, but this one in The Gulch was so cute. I loved the lit up NASHVILLE sign that made for an iconic photo. But the food, y’all. The biscuits will melt in your mouth and their fried chicken bursts with flavor. Don’t sleep on their honey maple syrup- I wanted that stuff injected into my veins! Biscuit Love will fuel you up for a jam-packed one day in Nashville.
Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame
After wandering through The Gulch and getting your fill of chicken and biscuits, make the 15 minute walk over to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. The museum is really nicely done and features a little something for everyone. The old school country fans will find lots of history and exhibits about the OG leaders in country music. Whereas more bandwagon country music fans (like myself) will love the wing that pays tribute to modern artists like Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, and Eric Church. Taylor Swift also has her Education Center inside the museum where you can duck in and even see some children’s classes in session. Future country stars in the making! Depending on how in depth you want to get at the museum, I’d allow anywhere from 1.5-3 hours.
Tip: if you are a student, don’t forget to show your Student ID to save a few dollars on admission!
Walk of Fame
Just across the street from the Country Music Hall of Fame is the Walk of Fame. It’s basically Hollywood Walk of Fame meets country music. All the big names have stars on the walk. Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts, Faith Hill, Reba McEntire – and so many others. The Walk of Fame is located in a public park so is open and free to all. Snap a pic of your fav’s star with the Nashville skyscrapers in the background!
Broadway!
Next up: Broadway! Broadway, also known as the Honky Tonk Highway, is the iconic strip in downtown Nashville that is home to tons of bars all featuring live music every day. The best part? None of the honky tonks have cover charges! You can duck in and out of as many bars as you’d like and take in the live music, drinks, and vibes.
So many of the bars are also owned by famous country singers! Blake Shelton owns Ole Red, Dierks Bentley owns Whiskey Row, Miranda Lambert has Casa Rosa, and Luke Combs is opening Category 10 in mid-2024. Eric Church also owns Chief’s, just watch out for Morgan Wallen throwing chairs ;).
Tour the Ryman Auditorium
Just off of Broadway is the world famous Ryman Auditorium. Now owned by the Grand Ole Opry, the Ryman is known as the “Mother Church of Country Music” and is bursting with history. When you arrive, grab a ticket for a self-guided tour so you can explore the theatre at your own pace. At the start of the tour, they offer an optional introductory video. I almost skipped it so I could get right to exploring, but it was fantastic! This wasn’t just your average film strip. All four walls were lit up with projections as it explained the rich history of the venue. It was spectacular and not to be missed!
After the movie, you make your way into the theatre. On the day of my visit, they were actually setting up for a show later that evening. It was really neat to see the venue thriving, after being dark for almost 20 years. Touring the theatre can be as quick or slow as you’d like, but I’d plan for about 45 minutes – 1 hour. At the end of the tour, you can get your photo snapped on the stage for the ultimate souvenir!
Afternoon Snack at Jeni’s
After getting your fill of all things country music, time to get your fill of something sweet! Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams is located just off Broadway near the Assembly Food Hall. Even though it was sprinkling on the day I visited, that didn’t stop me from sitting on their outdoor patio and enjoying my scoops. I opted for a blend of Salty Caramel and Salted Peanut Butter and it was a perfect combo! Oh, and don’t forget to get it in their freshly made waffle cup!
12 South
After getting your fill on Broadway and Downtown Nashville, grab an Uber (or an electric scooter!) over to the 12 South neighborhood. 12 South is a relatively residential neighborhood, but is home to designer boutiques, a public art scene, and some of the best restaurants in the city. Stroll down 12th Ave S (where 12 South got its name, of course!) and bop into the shops that line the street.
My favorite store was Finley’s, which had a wide selection of clothing including some beautiful Nashville wearables. I treated myself to a crewneck Nashville sweatshirt and it’s one of the coziest, cutest crews in my closet. I also loved ducking into Serendipity, a boutique that had tons of unique gifts (for a loved one, or yourself!) and lots of items that were locally made in Nashville. Other shops along the street that were fun to browse in were Planet Cowboy, Draper James, and the Made in TN Store.
Mural Spotting in 12 South
One of the best things about 12 South though, is that it’s a mural lover’s dream! The avenue is covered with unique and iconic murals, on almost every single building. They’re all so unique and makes strolling that much more fun. The famous I Believe in Nashville mural is found here, and is a photo that you just have to get during your one day in Nashville. The Looking Pretty, Music City mural is also right across the street, on the side of Madewell. There really are too many murals in 12 South to name, but a few more of my favorites are Country Girls (Just Wanna Have Fun), Bottoms Up, Nashville (on the side of Bottle Cap), I Heart Donuts (on the side of Five Daughters Bakery), and Flowers.
Dinner at Edley’s BBQ
Edley’s Bar-B-Que is located right on 12th Ave S and is hands down some of the best BBQ I have ever had! Edley’s is your typical Southern BBQ joint. When you arrive, order your meats, sides, and fixin’s at the counter and take your seat. I opted for the pulled pork sandwich, green beans, and banana pudding. And when I say this is probably the greatest pulled pork sandwich I have ever had in my life, you have to take my word for it. The red BBQ sauce was both sweet and savory, and I didn’t even mind when it dripped down my face and hands. Mmm! Edley’s was also really affordable, my entire meal costing less than $14. Such a W!
Back to the Airport!
Finally, it’s time to end your one day in Nashville. For me, that meant grabbing an Uber from 12 South and making my way back to the airport. If you’re luck to have more time in Nashville, consider ending the night with some drinks at Embers Ski Lodge or 12 South Taproom and Grill. Take a moment to reflect on how much you were able to squeeze into your one day in Nashville. Out-and-back trip WIN!
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