Nestled in the back (you can’t miss the script-y neon sign), Pinewood Social’s bowling alley replicates many old-school lanes that have been shuttered in towns across the U.S. Sip on an Old Fashioned before granny-shooting a spare down a reclaimed wooden lane and keep score without the aid of a computer—iPads are available if you can’t remember how to score the spare. The six lanes were specially calibrated by a team of traveling bowling alley engineers and carpenters; the whole experience combines the simplicity of an age-old pastime with the comfort of an upscale cocktail lounge. 33 Peabody St, Nashville, TN 37210; pinewoodsocial.com
In addition to the wide range of traditional and contemporary art installations curated by the Frist Center for the Visual Arts, the building itself is a remarkable work of art. Constructed between 1933 and 1934 as Nashville’s main post office, it blends distinctive elements of classicism and Art Deco architecture. Hop in line for the free, weekly tour to get a closer look at the Georgia marble, pink-gray granite, and intricate metalwork. 919 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203-3822; fristcenter.org
Commemorate your stay in Music City with a letterpress poster from Hatch Show Print. The historic print shop offers interactive tours where guests can pull their own prints from the large metal presses. If you prefer to stay hands-off, view the process from outside the large windows lining their shop. Since its origination in 1879, Hatch still produces 500-600 different posters a year, each featuring their iconic woodblock typography. 224 5th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203; hatchshowprint.com
If musical icons like Dolly Parton, Chet Atkins, and the Everly Brothers have ever played their way into your life, a visit to Music Row’s Historic RCA Studio B is in order. See where Elvis Presley stood, hear the stories behind countless hit records, and soak up the 70s-era panache that make the studio so special. The famed spot is known as an incubator of the “Nashville Sound, x93 and this year you can help celebrate its 60th anniversary! 1611 Roy Acuff Pl, Nashville, TN 37246; studiob.org
Movie buffs, this one’s for you: After a seven-month renovation and remodel, the historic Belcourt Theatre reopened last summer, screening independent, documentary, and classic cinema films from its sleek, updated outpost in Hillsboro Village. Another perk? The Belcourt serves local brews, wine, and craft cocktails to sip while you catch a show. 2102 Belcourt Ave, Nashville, TN 37212; belcourt.org
Opened this spring, Nashville's music-themed Madame Tussauds is the seventh of their attractions in the country (and the 23rd worldwide). Here, you can stroll through America’s musical history, interacting with everyone from iconic country comedian Minnie Pearl to modern-day muse Taylor Swift. Opry Mills, 515 Opry Mills Drive, Nashville, TN 37214; madametussauds.com/nashville
Formally known as the Allée, the steps at Percy Warner mark the park’s entrance from Belle Meade Boulevard. The impressive stone staircase provides a scenic backdrop for all sorts of occasions—picnics, prom photos, and even wedding parties. A workout in and of themselves, the steps also connect park-goers to the vast number of Percy Warner’s hiking trails. Nashville, TN 37221; nashville.gov
Watch the skies for a pop of pyrotechnics at First Tennessee Park during the Nashville Sounds 2017 home games. For the first time, the Oakland A’s farm team offers a Friday Fireworks ticket package locking in 18 of these sparkling shows, starting with opening day (April 11). While you're there, admire the guitar-shaped scoreboard, grab a drink at The Band Box, and try your hand at mini-golf, all before the fat lady sings. 19 Junior Gilliam Way, Nashville, TN 37219; nashvillesounds.com
Little did Leslie Cheek and Mabel Wood know that their American Country Place Era estate would impact so many succeeding generations. Driving up to the historic property, contemporary visitors will be impressed by the grand home, formal gardens, and unmatched views (especially from the Forde Wisteria Arbor). Since its conversion from a private residence in 1960, Cheekwood continues to wow with its botanic gardens, woodland sculpture trail, and art museum. 1200 Forrest Park Dr, Nashville, TN 37205; cheekwood.org
Every month thousands of Nashvillians mill about on 5th Avenue to take in the work of students, local professionals, and international artists during the city’s Art Crawl. It’s the combination of free libations, Nashville’s creative community, and the soft twinkle lights that continue to draw crowds. Galleries on the street level (The Arts Company, The Rymer Gallery, Tinney Contemporary) are aglow as studios and collective spaces rimming Nashville’s Arcade bustle with activity. 5th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219; nashvilledowntown.com
Starting this spring, the Nashville Zoo will unleash the next phase of its new habitats. Now in its 20th year at Grassmere, the zoo welcomes a White Rhinoceros exhibit first, followed by the Spider Monkey, then a Tiger and Andean Bear exhibit coming mid-summer. Visiting guests can get a look at the development in progress at all four sites. 3777 Nolensville Pk, Nashville TN, 37211; nashvillezoo.org
One of Nashville’s most glamorous events is the annual Symphony Fashion Show. This year’s affair features fashion icon and designer Zac Posen, debuting his Fall 2017 collection and a performance by Kelsea Ballerini at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center on Tuesday, April 18. The red carpet reception draws out the most fashionable in town to support programs of the Nashville Symphony. 1 Symphony Pl, Nashville, TN 37201; nashvillesymphony.org
Up through the ground come a bubbling crude... water that is, clear, cold Tennessee tap! Recent Centennial Park enhancements included not only a permanent home for Musicians Corner, but also revealed a rivulet just off West End Avenue. This seemingly tiny natural spring actually pumps thousands of gallons of fresh water every day. Century-buried Cockrill Spring was unearthed in the expansion and now filters through a wetland area, irrigates the entire park, and provides water to Lake Watauga. 2500 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203; nashville.gov
The number of American Bald Eagles in Tennessee has continued to rise since 1983, thanks in part to the conservation work of Radnor Lake State Natural Area. After opening the Barbara J. Mapp Aviary Education Center in the summer of 2015, the campus welcomed its first Bald Eagle less than a year later. But the eagle isn’t the only resident of Radnor’s bird sanctuary. Hike the steep hill on a Saturday or Wednesday to meet a few more non-releasable birds of prey. With the support of the local community and businesses, this year they hope to complete construction of the first flighted eagle habitat. 1160 Otter Creek Rd, Nashville, TN 37220; radnorlake.org | Photo by Robin Conover
The John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge isn’t just an overpass for two of Nashville’s most scenic areas—it’s also the platform for one of the best views in town. Since becoming a pedestrian-only bridge in 1998, it welcomes hundreds of spectators every day. Stand atop the mighty Cumberland River during Wine on the River, the Dragon Boat Festival, and maybe sneak a peak of a Titans’ home game. Nashville, TN 37213; nashvilledowntown.com
An annual rite of spring for native Nashvillians and newcomers alike, the running of the Iroquois Steeplechase is a Southern tradition inaugurated in 1941 by a group of fox hunters and horsemen. On Saturday, May 13, more than 25,000 people will fill the grounds at Warner Park Equestrian Center dressed to the nines for a day full of racing (and tailgating, too). Nashville, TN 37221; iroquoissteeplechase.org
Every single day, Zanies Nashville attracts talent from film and TV to the stage. From the open-mic style of Monday Night Draw to three-day sets by famous names (Rob Schneider, Sinbad, Margret Cho), the club has been bringing the best comedians to town for over 33 years. Get an early spot in line to guarantee the best seat in the house. 2025 8th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204; nashville.zanies.com
Founded by country music star Kix Brooks, Arrington offers a wine country experience just south of town. The vineyard pairs a picturesque sunset view with its award-winning wines. Sip from their tasting room, the Grand Barn, or secure a hillside picnic table to delight in the beautiful surroundings. 6211 Patton Rd, Arrington, TN 37014; arringtonvineyards.com
Witness a celestial wonder as the first total solar eclipse since 1979 hurtles across the country on August 21 at 2:25 p.m. Unique in our location, the eclipse will be visible in Nashville both to the north and east (partial views to the west and south). As the largest U.S. city in its path, prepare yourself to be awestruck for 1 minute and 55 seconds as the moon blocks the sun. greatamericaneclipse.com
Go back in time along the unspoiled landscape of the Natchez Trace. The entire parkway stretches 444 miles from Nashville to Natchez, Mississippi with only fresh air, wildlife, and historical markers along the way. Get a photograph of the spectacular 1,648-foot-long Double Arch Bridge from below at the Highway 96 exit, or park on the north side of the bridge to bask in the valley view below. The scenic beauty is best enjoyed in fall as the lush forested area explodes with color. Maybe even find your way to the Loveless Cafe for all-day breakfast after hiking or biking out on the trails. Natchez Trace Pkwy, Franklin, TN 37064; natcheztracetravel.com
Rain or shine, you’ll almost always find a line winding around the block at Pancake Pantry. The Hillsboro Village breakfast staple isn’t fancy, keeping its focus on customer service and those sweet potato pancakes with cinnamon cream syrup to make your wait worthwhile. 1796 21st Ave S, Nashville, TN 37212; thepancakepantry.com
Can you say ‘le toilette fantasie’? The world-class men's bathroom at The Hermitage Hotel was once voted one of America’s Best Restroom, for its state-of-the-art design features including terrazzo floors and a shoeshine station. Now approaching almost 80 years old, the restroom recently opened its doors to women. 231 6th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219; thehermitagehotel.com
