Nashville is for Everyone! Check Out These 5 Things to Do if You’re New to Town
If you’re new to Nashville, welcome to Middle Tennessee! It won’t take you long to learn why so many people keep moving here. There’s something for everyone! We’re known for our southern hospitality, hot chicken and, of course, music. Check out these five things to do in Nashville.
- Live Music
They don’t call us the Music City for nothing! There’s always a show happening, and it’s impossible to attend every one you’re interested in. One (good) challenge of living here is choosing which concert to check out. Yes, Nashville is the country music capital of the world, but we have more great music than just country! Even at our historical venues.
For live music, you should go to a concert at least once at both the Opry House (home of the Grand Ole Opry), and Ryman Auditorium (the original Opry). Popular artists from many genres always love playing these venues because of their history. Not only are the acoustics great, but you can even take a backstage tour. (As long as you buy a separate ticket.)
Of course, there are dozens of other venues to choose from for live music – the Schermerhorn if you love classical, or Bridgestone Arena and Nissan Stadium if pop, country, rock or hip-hop are more your style.
Smaller locations like the Basement East, EXIT\IN and Cannery Hall are great for more intimate shows. And sometimes big-name artists will make appearances there.
- Lower Broadway
Of course, great live music doesn’t always involve a famous artist. Some of Nashville’s lesser-known musicians are just as talented or better! You can find some of them playing in honky tonks along Lower Broadway downtown. If you haven’t yet, check out this part of town at least once for the experience. It’s easy to see why it’s a hot spot for tourists. You won’t see many locals (unless they have friends or family visiting), but you can still find decent food and drinks, and even line dancing too. (No worries, they offer lessons.)
- Sports
As great as the music is here, Nashville isn’t just a music city – it’s also a sports town. While some might argue that Tennessee doesn’t always have the best teams, we say, “There’s always next year.” Win or lose, the games are still a blast. Nashville has very passionate and loyal sports fans, so feel free to join in on the fun!
We have several teams to cheer on – pick one team or all! There’s the Nashville Predators for hockey, the Tennessee Titans for football, Nashville Soccer Club for soccer, and the Nashville Sounds for baseball. We have local college teams, too. You never know, you just might find Vanderbilt’s goal post in the Cumberland River again this year after a big win.
- Outdoors
Even though Nashville is a bigger city, it has plenty to do for those interested in hiking and the great outdoors. We have multiple local and state parks in the area. Popular spots include Centennial Park, Warner Park, Bicentennial Capitol Mall, and Radnor Lake. Cheekwood has beautiful gardens to explore, depending on the time of year. So no, you don’t always have to drive to East Tennessee to get a good hike in.
- Food
And last but not least, foodies rejoice! It’s the south – Nashville has fantastic food! (Not just hot chicken.) We have a melting pot of restaurants here to satisfy your taste buds. There are countless local and chain coffee and dessert shops if you have a sweet tooth (hello Five Daughters and Parlor Doughnuts!)
While they do have coffee and sweets too, the Nashville Farmers Market is a great choice if you’re looking to eat healthier with fresh fruits, vegetables and meat. (Plus you’re supporting Tennessee farmers.)
Now back to the hot chicken! Hattie B’s and Prince’s have locations all over town, but there are other non-chain restaurants that serve this Nashville delicacy too if you’re brave enough to try it! See for yourself who has your favorite recipe.
If you’re looking for both free food and community, make sure to check out Cross Point Church. It hosts Connecting at Cross Point each month for people new to Nashville. It’s a great way to get connected, build community AND enjoy some free food from some great local places! You’ll just need to make sure to RSVP at crosspoint.tv/connecting.
Whether you want to catch a game or a show, or just dine with friends, Nashville has many options for things to do, and the list keeps growing!
We also recommend visiting West or East Tennessee for their sporting events, music history and theme parks, but you will always look forward to coming back home to Nashville.