The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
22 5th Ave. S., 615-416-2001; countrymusichalloffame.org
The Tennessean
Located downtown, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is one of the world’s largest museums and research centers dedicated to the preservation of American music. Check out current exhibits like “Kacey Musgraves: All of the Colors” and “American Currents: The Music of 2018” or do a deep dive into country music’s rich and storied history. Walk through the Rotunda and take in the sheer number of talented names of Hall of Fame members hanging from the walls. And don’t forget to snap a pic outside the Taylor Swift Education Center. Because, come on, it’s Taylor.
GooGoo Cluster
116 3rd Ave. S., 615-490-6685; googoo.com
Huy Nguyen
If you’ve never had a GooGoo Cluster you’re missing out. These mounds of caramel, marshmallow nougat, peanuts, and chocolate are a time-honored tradition—not to mention the first-ever combination candy bar in history—invented right here in Nashville in 1912. The legacy remains strong today, with GooGoo’s Shop & Dessert Bar downtown. Stop in to browse the candy and GooGoo merch, enjoy a sundae or milkshake at the dessert bar, and watch the historic candies being made right before your very eyes. You can even take chocolate classes for some sweet, hands-on fun.
The Ryman Auditorium
116 5th Ave. N., 615-889-3060; ryman.com
The Tennessean
The Ryman’s storied history dates back to 1885, and the hallowed “Mother Church of Country Music” has been bringing joy and music to the world ever since. It’s the original home of the Grand Ole Opry, the place where bluegrass was born, and the spot where Johnny Cash met June Carter. It’s survived changing times, a changing neighborhood, and changing tastes, but its magic lives on in the shows of all genres that play there night after night.
Lower Broadway
Huy Nguyen
If you’re looking for live music, cold drinks, and countless hours of people watching, head to Broadway. The quintessential night out in Nashville, Broadway is flanked with old-school honkytonks and new celebrity-owned bars (see Star Bars on p. 36). Whether you’re in the mood to rock your cowboy boots or want to brave it in heels, there’s something to do, eat, or drink for every taste, but it’s the live music pouring out of each and every establishment down this half-mile stretch that makes it a scene unlike that in any other city in the world.
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
1200 Forrest Park Dr., 615-356-8000; cheekwood.org
The Tennessean
With 55 acres of pristine gardens and scenic views, Cheekwood offers a dose of culture and beauty—not to mention Instagram-worthy photo opps—at every turn. Check out the site’s 12 gardens, visit the Cheek Mansion for some serious design inspo, and enjoy some of the park’s annual events, from Holiday Lights at Christmastime, to the Chihuly sculpture exhibit later this spring.