Nashville, Tennessee, also known as “Music City”, was the first stop along our multigenerational summer road trip route. Although we could only devote two days to this city, I feel like we managed to squeeze in a lot of fun!
Accommodations:
Gaylord Opryland Resort
The Gaylord Opryland Resort was an epic place to stay during our time in Nashville. The general ambience of the resort is lovely, with cascading waterfalls, live country music, and upscale furnishings. Conveniently located near both the Nashville airport and downtown, it’s easy to get around to see the sites – although with everything the Gaylord Opryland has to offer, it was sometimes hard to leave! The biggest draw for our family was the SoundWaves waterpark located right inside the resort. This activity was great for everyone in our group, and the convenience factor could not be beat! Dining and shopping options throughout the resort are also plentiful. Some of my favorite moments were taking a coffee walk through the indoor botanical gardens and enjoying an Aperol Spritz beside a waterfall! You can read more about our experience at the Gaylord Opryland here.
Activities:
Grand Ole Opry
An icon of Nashville, the Grand Ole Opry is country music’s biggest stage. If you plan it right, you can even catch a live show! The Opry also offers backstage tours where you can see what goes on behind the scenes – see the options here. Be sure to check out the gift shop as it has some pretty fantastic boots and country apparel!
Country Music Hall of Fame
The Country Music Hall of Fame is a museum that houses historic artifacts from county music’s past and present. A wall of records, concert clothing, instruments, and even Taylor Swift friendship bracelets line the halls. My personal favorite was the visiting Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker exhibit.
Live Music on Broadway
A trip to Nashville wouldn’t be complete without live music at a honky-tonk! Within walking distance to the Country Music Hall of Fame is the famous Broadway street in downtown Nashville. Lined with bars and restaurants, there are no shortage of choices! After viewing the Lainey Wilson exhibit at the Hall of Fame, we were inspired to visit her restaurant and bar, “Bell Bottoms Up.” We made our way to the rooftop and enjoyed lunch, music, and a view of the activity on Broadway. If bringing kids, I recommend avoiding this area in the evening. Lunchtime, however, was a great experience!
Food:
Five Daughters Bakery
This family-owned bakery is known for their “100 layer donuts.” After trying several different flavors, we agree that the donuts live up to the hype! They were fabulous.
Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen
Located in the Opry Mills Mall near our hotel at the Gaylord Opryland, Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen was a fun and delicious restaurant for a multigenerational group. Southern comfort foods like chicken dumplings, pot roast, cornbread, and fried chicken are served family-style on a rotating lazy Susan in the middle of the table.
Goo Goo Clusters
The Goo Goo Cluster is known as “Nashville’s candy bar.” In the past, the candy was sold at the Grand Ole Opry (GOO), and is considered the first combination candy bar – filled with toppings other than solely chocolate. The Goo Goo Cluster store is located on Broadway and offers a Design Your Own Goo Goo experience.
We had a great time at our stop in Nashville. There is so much to do here and we barely scratched the surface. I guess we will just have to return!
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