The Top 10 Nashville To-Do List

If you’re only staying for the one day of REBarcamp Nashville, you’re missing one of the best, medium-sized cities in America.  If you have some extra time, here’s a list of some of the things you really can’t miss while you’re here.  (In no particular order)

#1.  The NashTrash Tour:  It’s a white trash tour of Nashville in a big pink bus hosted by two of the funniest, big-haired ladies in Music City, The Jugg Sisters.  Reservations a MUST!

#2.  The Country Music Hall of Fame:  Whether you like country music or not, the building’s architecture alone is enough to wow you.  If museums are your thing, this is your thing!

#3.  Bicentennial Park:  One of the smartest designed parks anywhere in the Southeast, the park presents the entire history of Tennessee from one end to the other.  Notice the geography changes to reflect the state’s terrain.  Hang out for the chiming of “The Tennessee Waltz” on the hour at the tower bells.  Grab lunch and a shopping trip at The Farmer’s Market.

#4.  The Opryland Hotel:  Yeah, I know, it’s a hotel.  What’s the big deal?  I said the same thing when I went to Vegas and everyone was telling me I had to go to Bellagio and Caesar’s Palace.  I’m so glad I took their advice.  Check out the indoor savannah and geysers and take a boat ride.  Parking stinks!  Park at the mall next door for free and walk over.  The mall…well…it’s a mall, if you like that stuff.

#5.  The Grand Ole Opry:  On Tuesday and Thursday night, you’ll find live country music at the Opry.  They haven’t announced the artists yet for those evenings; so, check the link for performers and buy your tickets early.

#6.  Live Like A Local:  Obviously, there is no website for this tip, but if you want to see where the locals hang out, check out Five Points in East Nashville along Woodland near 11th.  Hang out at 3 Crow Bar, Red Door Saloon or Beyond the Edge.  Grab a hot dog at “I Dream of Weenie,” a hot dog stand in a ’70s VW van.  Try out the Trailer Trash Ice Cream at Pied Piper.  Grab fresh roast at Bongo Java then check out the tunes on retro vinyl at The Groove.  Take in the local art at Garage Mahal.  Play drag queen bingo at MadDonnas.  (All within walking distance of the venue.)

#7.  Stalk A Star.  Again, no website.  Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman are known to really like Bread & Company in Green Hills and J. Alexanders on West End.  Kings of Leon guys hang at Whiskey Kitchen.  Wynonna Judd loves wearing her red rain coat parka with hood to the Target on White Bridge Road.  Tim McGraw and Faith Hill love them some Cheesecake Factory.

#8.  Go Honky-Tonkin’:  Tootsies is a Nashville honky-tonk institution.  Live music grabs you every where you go on 2nd, Broadway and Printer’s Alley.

#9.  Stroll Down Music Row:  Nashville’s Music Row isn’t much to see besides buildings, but you have to tell everyone you’ve been on Music Row.  It’s like going to Los Angeles and not driving down Rodeo Drive.  The Row runs one way on 17th and 18th near downtown.

#10.  Too Many Miscellaneous Things To List:  Come in a few days early and run in the Country Music Marathon.  Take in a songwriter’s night at the classic Bluebird Cafe.  Drop by Hatch Show Print at 316 Broadway.  Take a tour of The Ryman Auditorium or even catch Aretha Franklin in concert the week you’re here.