There’s something about rolling into Nashville that feels like flipping to a new chapter in your travel story. The skyline doesn’t try too hard, the lights on Broadway buzz like an invitation, and the music — well, it’s always playing. For us, this trip wasn’t about checking boxes. It was about feeling the rhythm of a city that blends history, honky-tonks, and hot chicken like nowhere else. So instead of just listing what to do, let us walk you through the narrative of our time in Music City.
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We pulled into the Grand Ole RV Resort, tucked about 20 minutes from downtown. It gave us the best of both worlds — the charm of campfire nights and the quick jump into Nashville’s downtown energy. It wasn’t long before we were set up, dogs walked, and camera gear charged.
We started our adventure at the Tennessee State Museum, wandering through exhibits that lay out the region’s roots — from ancient Native American cultures to the Civil War. Right next door is Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, a sprawling tribute to Tennessee’s story told through monuments, fountains, and a larger-than-life granite map.
From there, we stepped into one of Nashville’s most sacred music spaces — the Ryman Auditorium. Built in 1892 as a revival tabernacle, it became the home of the Grand Ole Opry from 1943 to 1974. We wandered the wooden pews, stared up at the stained-glass windows, and stood on the same stage where Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, and Johnny Cash once sang. You can almost feel the ghosts of standing ovations in the air.
Downtown Vibes & a Goo Goo Sweet Surprise
Downtown Nashville is a sensory mix of cowboy boots, steel guitars, and the aroma of hot chicken drifting through the air. We wandered Broadway by day and drove it at night — capturing a B-roll sequence of neon reflections and live music echoing off the brick.
One of our favorite stops? Creating our very own custom Goo Goo Cluster. This iconic Nashville candy shop lets you build your own chocolate-packed masterpiece. It’s messy, fun, and delicious.
Music Landmarks – The Heartbeat of the City
If Nashville is the soundtrack of America, these are the verses and choruses you can walk through.
- Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum – A soaring temple to the genre. You can lose hours here, from Elvis’s gold-plated Cadillac to rhinestone suits and handwritten lyrics.
- Hatch Show Print – Next door, bold, hand-carved concert posters have been rolling off the presses since 1879. We even inked our own print to take home.
- Historic RCA Studio B – Elvis recorded over 200 songs here, Dolly Parton laid down “I Will Always Love You,” and the Everly Brothers found their harmony.
- Johnny Cash Museum – Stage costumes, love letters to June, and that unmistakable voice in the background.
- Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum – Honoring not just stars, but the session players and studio wizards who made the music possible.
- The Bluebird Cafe – Small, intimate, and magical. Sitting feet from a songwriter telling the story behind a hit you know is unforgettable.
- Third Man Records – Jack White’s creative playground for vinyl lovers. We even cut a 45 of our own.
- Grand Ole Opry House – We took the backstage tour and stood in “The Circle” — a piece of the original Ryman stage preserved for every performer.
Music Legends & Unexpected Stops
At Cooter’s Museum, we gave into nostalgia, posed with the General Lee, and browsed rows of memorabilia from The Dukes of Hazzard. Just down the road, Carter Vintage Guitars quietly steals the show. We spent nearly an hour drooling over six-figure Les Pauls and acoustics worn by legends. You don’t have to be a musician to appreciate the stories etched into the fretboards.
Presidential Perspectives & Haunted Footsteps
One of our favorite day trips took us east to Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage, a beautifully preserved plantation that unpacks the complicated legacy of America’s seventh president. The grounds are peaceful, the mansion is elegant, and the museum doesn’t shy away from the hard truths.
That night, we swung in the opposite direction — joining the Nashville Ghost Walk with US Ghost Adventures. Cobblestone stories, restless spirits, and a few chilly moments in the alleys gave us a different view of Nashville after dark.
A Tribute to Johnny Cash
We’re such fans of the Man in Black, we filmed a whole separate video on just this part of the trip. But if you’re on the same path, here are the highlights:
- Johnny Cash Museum – Compact but packed with emotion and memorabilia.
- Johnny Cash Hideaway Farm – About 45 minutes out of town and worth every mile.
- Johnny Cash & June Carter Graves – Located in peaceful Hendersonville, near another great stop, George Jones’ gravesite.
Civil War Reflections
If you love diving into history, there are two day trips that deliver:
- Fort Donelson National Battlefield – Cannons, river views, and stories of Union victory.
- Stones River National Battlefield – Haunting and quiet, a place that holds its history close.
Both offer a somber but important look at the Civil War’s impact on the region.
Art, Culture, and One Big Greek Replica
Back in the city, we followed our self-guided walking tour through landmarks and murals, eventually making our way to The Parthenon — Nashville’s full-scale replica of the original in Athens. It’s both strange and awe-inspiring, surrounded by locals walking dogs and tossing frisbees in Centennial Park.
Food That Deserves Its Own Encore
Here’s where the storytelling turns to taste buds:
- Hattie B’s – Spicy, crispy, everything you’ve heard is true, but a little exaggerated on how great it is.
- Big Al’s Deli – Comfort food made with real soul. Another customer waiting in line for the doors to open said, “Welcome to the breakfast you will never forget.” That sums it up well.
- The Horn – Somali flavors in a family-run spot that stole our hearts.
- Loveless Cafe – Buttery biscuits and Southern charm. This Nashville staple has been a favorite for decades.
- Center Point BBQ – Smoky perfection in a tiny location.
- 5 Daughters Bakery – 100-layer donuts you’ll regret sharing.
- Pinky Ring Pizza – 80s throwback and pizza goodness.
Each place felt like a chapter in Nashville’s food story — bold, comforting, and just a little bit addictive.
There’s no single way to “do” Nashville. You can lean into the music, explore the echoes of the Civil War, chase ghost stories, or just eat your way across the city. For us, it became a narrative of contrasts: loud guitars and quiet cemeteries, spicy food and sweet clusters, city buzz and countryside calm.
We hope this guide helps you build your own version of the story — one chorus, one bite, and one adventure at a time.