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Hidden Gems and Unique Things to Do in Nashville, Tennessee

When I visit a popular destination, I want to know what the hidden gems and must-see attractions are.

If you want to experience a lot of unique things to do in Nashville, Tennessee, I have the list for you.

Loveless Cafe in Nashville TN

Thanks again to Visit Music City for hosting a portion of our visit. This article contains affiliate links.

Eat a Meal at the Iconic Loveless Cafe

8400 TN-100, Nashville, TN

World famous for its scratch-made southern cooking that includes biscuits and fried chicken, the Loveless Cafe is a rite of passage for your visit to Nashville.

celebrities who have eaten at the Loveless Cafe in Nashville TN

The Loveless Cafe is loved by locals and celebrities alike, many of whom grace the walls as you enter the cafe.

Loveless Cafe and Motel historic sign in Nashville TN

What started as a roadside stand in 1951 to sell biscuits, jams, and fried chicken later turned into a restaurant and motel.

Loveless Cafe and Motel in Nashville TN

The Loveless Cafe is around 30 minutes from downtown Nashville so you will need to plan accordingly.

shops at the Loveless Cafe in Nashville TN

The motel has since been converted into event space and shops which will help occupy your time if you need to wait for a table.

If you do have a wait when you arrive you can wander the grounds, shop, take a photo op, or play a game of corn hole.

This is a popular destination so I would try to come at a non-peak time/day.

biscuits at the Loveless Cafe in Nashville TN

World Famous Biscuits at Loveless Cafe

We started our visit with biscuits and delicious jam. Their world-famous biscuits are served alongside every meal all day long. The Loveless Cafe now makes over 10,000 biscuits from scratch every day!

If you decide that you want to bring home more of their biscuits or don’t want to wait for a sit-down meal, Biscuit Kitchen is an option.

Biscuit Kitchen is located right next door to the Loveless Cafe inside the Natchez Trace Market (the Shell Station at Highway 100 & McCrory).

They sell popular menu items in the cafe including biscuits, fried chicken and BBQ pulled pork as counter service or drive-thru.

pulled pork bbq omelet at the Loveless Cafe in Nashville TN

To check all the meat boxes off our list, we split the pulled pork BBQ omelet and ordered the Biscuit Sampler. The pulled pork BBQ omelet was definitely unique in a good way!

Biscuit Sampler Platter at the Loveless Cafe in Nashville TN

Pick Four: Fried Green Tomato and Pimento Cheese, Country Ham, and a double order of Fried Chicken.

sausage and Biscuit Sampler Platter at the Loveless Cafe in Nashville TN

We also tried a side of sausage gravy and their hash brown casserole. Our strategy was to order a lot of variety so that we could split and sample more menu items.

Delta Riverboat ride at Gaylord Opryland Resort

Take a Boat Ride at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center

2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 

The Delta Riverboat Company at the Gaylord Opryland Resort offers a 15-minute boat ride on a 1/4-mile indoor river in the Delta Atrium.

Delta Riverboat ride at Gaylord Opryland Resort

I would say that the boat ride is worth trying at least once. The boat glides along a track with a tour guide narrating your cruise.

You will learn a lot about the hotel’s history along with fun facts about the hotel and the plants you pass along the way.

boat ride at Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville TN

The boats are a replica of flat bottom boats to transport cargo to float down shallow waters

Be on the lookout for the following fruit trees along the way:

  • Papaya
  • Citrus
  • Orange
  • Lemon
  • Lime
  • Grapefruit
  • Banana
center of the hotel dome at the center of the hotel dome at the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville Opryland Resort in Nashville

The cruise allows you another vantage point of the incredible glass dome. Each glass panel weighs 250 lbs. and would equal 7 football fields if the panels were laid side by side.

waterfall at Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville TN

The boat tour is very relaxing and takes you near several waterfalls along the way with a dual purpose to help clean and oxygenate.

rivers that contributed to the Delta River in the Gaylord Opryland Hotel

After your tour, make sure you check out the plaques displaying the names of the 1700 sites from around the world that contributed to the blended water in the Delta River.

Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville TN

Explore the Atriums at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel

You don’t have to be an overnight guest to explore the atriums at the Gaylord Resort for free.

gazebo at Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville TN

You can get a map of the hotel near the front desk to help you find all of the points of interest in the hotel. Have your camera ready because there are so many great photo ops in the hotel.

You’ll also want to check the schedule to catch a fountain show choreographed to music and light in the Delta atrium.

parking for Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville TN

Is There FREE Parking at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center?

No, but you can park at the Opry Mills Mall for free and walk to the Gaylord Opryland Resort.

Otherwise, expect to pay $30 for self-parking at the Gaylord Opryland Resort.

free parking for Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville TN

If you prefer to park for free, park in the parking lot toward the Regal Cinemas entrance. Leave your car in a free space outside the Gaylord Events Center and walk to the resort from there.

I would rather save on parking and walk a little farther so that I can spend money on something more fun inside.

Ryman Auditorium in Nashville

Tour the Ryman Auditorium and Stand on the Stage

116 5th Ave N, Nashville, TN

The Ryman Auditorium is a 2,362-seat live-performance venue with a legendary list of performers who have graced its stage.

artists who have played at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville TN

This building has SO MUCH history!

history of Ryman Auditorium in Nashville

It has a religious history, was the spot where bluegrass was born, where Johnny Cash met June Carter and from 1943 to 1974, Ryman Auditorium was the home of the Grand Ole Opry…just to name a few.

auditorium at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville TN

There isn’t a bad seat in the house which is why this intimate auditorium is still a popular venue for artists who fill stadiums.

The self-guided tour kicks off with a FANTASTIC Soul of Nashville immersive theater experience. It really brought the history of the building to life and honestly exceeded my expectations.

exhibit at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville TN

After watching the short film you can view the remaining exhibits at your own pace.

view from stage at Ryman Auditorium in Nashville TN

Guests also get the opportunity for a photo op standing on the Ryman stage. My favorite part was being able to see the crowd from the performer’s perspective.

alley by the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville TN

After your tour, make sure that you walk the alley by the Ryman Auditorium, where previous performers have been known to get some liquid courage from Legends Corner bar prior to performing.

Save on Your Ryman Auditorium Tickets

Find the best deals on discounted tickets to the Ryman Auditorium here.

Puckett's Grocery & Restaurant in Nashville

Dine at Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant

500 Church St, Nashville, TN 

If you are looking for another wonderful breakfast, lunch, or dinner option for southern comfort food, check out Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant.

You can easily walk to it before or after a visit to the Ryman Auditorium.

Puckett's Grocery and Restaurant  in Nashville

Depending on when you visit, you might even catch some live music while you are eating.

Fried Chicken and Apple Jacks at Puckett's in Nashville

I HIGHLY recommend the “Chicken and Apple Jacks.”

The breakfast entree was made with Two Apple Jack pancakes topped with TN whiskey-fried apples and crispy fried chicken tenders, drizzled with whiskey syrup.

Bubba's Egg Benedict at Puckett's in Nashville

We also tried “Bubba’s Eggs Benedict.” It was made with a split biscuit topped with bacon or sausage, two fried eggs, and white pepper gravy on a bed of home fries.

White Cheddar Weisenberger Grits at Puckett's in Nashville

Pucketts White Cheddar Weisenberger Grits were also really good! I have a feeling that you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.

Broadway Street in Nashville Tennessee

Listen to Live Music on Broadway

The Broadway strip in Nashville has over 32 bars, so if one is too crowded, you still have plenty of options. If you prefer lighter crowds, you can still catch great music during the day.

Broadway Street in Nashville Tennessee

Listen to Music for FREE on Nashville’s Honky Tonk Highway

The highest concentration of honkey tonk bars is on Lower Broadway.

Many of the bars have multiple levels and bars. The majority of bars do not charge a cover charge so make sure that you bring cash to tip the bands who work for tips.

Broadway Street in Nashville Tennessee

Other Places to Listen to Live Music in Nashville NOT on Lower Broadway

If you are looking for additional live music options off of the strip try The Bluebird Cafe, The Basement East, The Station Inn, Exit/In, Ascend Amphitheater, and 3rd and Lindsay.

rooftop bar at Ole Red in Nashville Tennessee

Enjoy a View of the Lower Broadway From a Rooftop Bar

During our visit, we enjoyed rooftop views from Blake Shelton’s bar “Ole Red.”

rooftop bar at Ole Red in Nashville Tennessee

There are several sections on the rooftop for guests to sit and the views from Ole Red are beautiful.

rooftop bar at Ole Red in Nashville Tennessee

Try midweek for less crowds and a greater chance of getting a table.

appetizers at Ole Red rooftop bar in Nashville

If you are hungry for appetizers, I recommend the honey-drizzled skillet cornbread and their fried pickles and green tomatoes.

live music Broadway Street at Ole Red in Nashville Tennessee

After drinks and our food on the rooftop, we enjoyed watching a live band inside.

Ernest Tubb Record shop  in Nashville Tennessee

Stop in at Ernest Tubb Record Shop

417 Broadway, Nashville, TN

While you are on Broadway, make sure that you stop in at Ernest Tubb Record Shop. The store was founded by Grand Ole Opry star Ernest Tubb in 1947 and still remains a popular shop.

Inside you’ll find a wide assortment of vinyl, books, CDs, t-shirts, and memorabilia.

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

222 5th Ave S, Nashville, TN 

This museum is a must for country music fans of all levels. Even if you aren’t a huge country music fan, you will still recognize a few names and have a greater appreciation after your visit.

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

The museum has an incredible collection of memorabilia of various artists through the years.

exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
records at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

For example, there are more than eight hundred stage costumes, over six hundred instruments, microphones, and some incredible automobiles to name a few.

exhibits at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Make sure that you pay attention to all of the posters from the Hatch Show Print on the walls. I’ll tell you more about Hatch Show Prints later.

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Save on Tickets to the County Music Hall of Fame

You can find the best deals on discounted tickets to the Country Music Hall of Fame here.

Hall of Fame Rotunda at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Hall of Fame Rotunda

Everyone artist honored in the Country Music Hall of Fame is recognized as an equal and their plaques are symbolically placed randomly in the round room to reflect that.

Hall of Fame Rotunda at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

There are artists honored who are both living and who have passed. If you are a big country music fan you will want to allow a few hours to walk through the museum.

Hatch Show Print in Nashville, TN
Hatch Show Print in Nashville, TN

Tour Hatch Show Print or Visit the Gift Shop

224 5th Ave S, Nashville, TN

You can visit Hatch Show Print before or after your visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame without having to step outside.

Hatch Show Print Gift Shop in Nashville, TN

Learn more about Hatch Show Print which has been a handmade staple in Nashville since 1879.

Hatch Show Print in Nashville, TN

There are guided tours available if you want to learn more about the shop’s history and printing process new and old. Tour guests also get to print a keepsake commemorative print.

Tours are very popular so you will want to try to book in advance.

Save Money on Your Hatch Print Show Tour

Purchase discounted tickets for the Hatch Print Show Tour here.

Hatch Show Print Gift Shop in Nashville, TN

If you can’t make the tour, you can shop for a special souvenir with a reprint of classic show posters or a new letterpress design.

Dolly Parton star on the Music City Walk of Fame

Find Your Favorite Star on the Music City Walk of Fame

121 4th Ave S, Nashville, TN

The Music City Walk of Fame is a tribute to those from all genres of music who have made a significant contribution to the music industry with a connection to Music City.

the Music City Walk of Fame in Nashville Tennessee
Johnny Cash star on the Music City Walk of Fame in Nashville Tennessee

There are currently 63 stars on the Music City Walk of Fame. You can visit this site during the day or it has plenty of lighting at night.

Nedra McDaniel at the What lifts you mural in Nashville TN
“What Lifts You” by Kelsey Montague at 302 11th Ave S, Nashville, TN

Search for Street Art / Iconic Murals

Take a picture by the iconic angel wings and then go discover some lesser-known murals.

mural by Jason Woodside
Jason Woodside Mural 299 11th Ave S, Nashville, TN
muralmural by Niels Shoe Meulman
Mural by Niels Shoe Meulman at 144 Fifth Avenue North, Nashville, TN
Legends Corner mural in Nashville Tennessee
“Legends” by Tim Davis at 428 Broadway, Nashville, TN 

There are 14 country music artists on the Legends Mural. Can you name them all?

famous mens bathroom at Hermitage Hotel in Nashville TN

Visit the Famous Men’s Bathroom in the Hermitage Hotel

231 6th Ave N, Nashville, TN 

It might sound odd to add a bathroom to the list but you are here for unique and this is no ordinary bathroom.

outside of the Hermitage Hotel in Nashville Tennessee

Located in the basement of the Hermitage Hotel, this basement has been in music videos and the location for numerous legislative deals.

sign for famous mens bathroom at Hermitage Hotel in Nashville TN

You don’t have to be a male to visit this blast from the past.

art deco famous mens bathroom at Hermitage Hotel in Nashville TN

It’s very common for females to check out the bathroom too.

art deco famous mens bathroom at Hermitage Hotel in Nashville TN

Just make sure that you knock first to avoid an awkward moment. I speak from experience.

National Historic Landmark sign outside the Hermitage Hotel in Nashville Tennessee

In addition to having bragging rights for a one-of-a-kind art deco bathroom, the Hermitage Hotel was also an important site for equal voting rights for women to become part of the US Constitution with the 19th amendment in 1920.

The hotel was the epicenter of the campaign leading to victory.

inside the Hermitage Hotel in Nashville Tennessee
inside the Hermitage Hotel in Nashville Tennessee

While you are inside the hotel make sure that you take a moment to appreciate all of the incredible architectural details and design.

Parthenon in Nashville Tennessee

Tour the Parthenon

2500 West End Ave, Nashville, TN

Nashville’s Parthenon is the world’s only full-scale replica of the ancient Parthenon in Athens, Greece.

Parthenon in Nashville Tennessee

The Parthenon was originally built for Tennessee’s 1897 Centennial Exposition and lucky for us they didn’t tear it down afterward.

inside the Parthenon in Nashville Tennessee

The re-creation of the 42-foot statue Athena is also built to scale inside.

inside the Parthenon in Nashville Tennessee

There is a lot of detail to take in from every angle.

art exhibit inside the Parthenon in Nashville

Nashville’s art museum is located inside the Parthenon and also hosts special exhibits. If you can’t make it to the inside, it’s still worth visiting to see the outside while you enjoy Centennial Park.

Nashville Hot Chicken

Try the Hot Chicken of Your Choice or Eat at the Original Hattie B’s

112 19th Ave S, Nashville, TN 

Hot chicken is VERY popular in Nashville.

What is Hot Chicken?

Hot chicken is a portion of a chicken wing, thigh, or breast that’s marinated in a water-based blend of seasoning.

Next, the chicken is floured, fried, and covered in a paste or sauce with cayenne pepper. Hot chicken is served on top of a slice of white bread with a side of pickle chips.

There are a lot of options when it comes to hot chicken in Nashville.

hot chicken from Hattie B's in Nashville

We decided to check out the hype at the original Hattie B’s and we were not disappointed.

At the recommendation of one of their employees, we tried the dark leg thigh quarter.

Hattie B's hot chicken in Nashville TN

We ordered the hot chicken sandwich and Pimento Mac & Cheese with “shut the cluck up” sauce on the side because I LOVE spicy food.

Dolly Parton Themed Rooftop bar at White Limozeen at The Graduate Hotel in Nashville
image courtesy of The Graduate Hotel

Visit the Dolly Parton Themed Rooftop Bar

101 20th Ave N, Nashville, TN

Everyone loves Dolly and what could be better than a Dolly Parton rooftop bar?!!

Dolly Parton Themed Rooftop bar at White Limozeen at The Graduate Hotel in Nashville

White Limozeen is a Dolly Parton-themed bar located on the rooftop of The Graduate Hotel.

This is a very popular destination, especially because it’s an Instagrammers dream, so plan accordingly and make a reservation ahead of time.

Dolly Parton Themed bar at White Limozeen at The Graduate Hotel in Nashville

The rooftop bar was closed during my visit but I did get some pictures of the lobby.

The Graduate Hotel in Nashville Tennessee

The Graduate Hotel does a great job of reflecting the individual local personality in each city they are in.

The Graduate Hotel in Nashville Tennessee

Book Your Stay in Nashville, TN

Are You Ready for an Adventure in Nashville?

Find the lowest prices for Discount Tickets for Nashville Attractions here.

Tips For A Safe and Fun Visit to Franklin, Tennessee

While you are in the area, make sure that you visit Franklin only 30 minutes away. These are the best places to eat and drink in Franklin.

Unique Things to Do in Nashville, Tennessee

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