One of many public art displays, the Believe in Nashville mural is a popular spot for snapping selfies.
Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp
Your Perfect Weekend Escape, From Honky Tonks to Colorful Murals
Yearning to trade your everyday routine for a weekend bursting with rhythm, color and flavor? Nashville beckons with its irresistible blend of Southern charm and creative energy—just what you need to shake up a predictable schedule. In this music-soaked city, melodies pour from doorways, street art transforms ordinary walls into cultural statements and local chefs elevate comfort food to an art form.
Whether you're traveling with friends, getting away with family, or flying solo, Nashville offers the perfect backdrop for those precious 72 hours of freedom. From honky-tonk havens to tranquil green spaces, boutique shopping to artisanal food scenes, this three-day itinerary captures the essence of Music City while showcasing some of its less-traveled treasures. Pack light, bring your appetite and prepare for a weekend that hits all the right notes.
Day 1: Urban Exploration & Honky Tonk Nights
Women shop for stylish clothing with a local focus at Nashville’s Emerson Grace.
Morning
Ease into Nashville's rhythm in the trendy 12 South neighborhood, a half-mile stretch where local culture thrives on a walkable, tree-lined avenue. This vibrant district serves as the perfect introduction to Nashville's blend of hip and tradition. Start at Frothy Monkey, where locals linger over pour-overs and breakfast burritos in its cozy bungalow or outdoor space. For a sweet treat, pop into Five Daughters Bakery and grab a croissant-style 100 Layer Donut like the popular King Kong, topped with candied bacon.
Stroll past colorful storefronts housing Nashville-born brands like Reese Witherspoon's Draper James (pop in for Southern-inspired fashion) and White's Mercantile (a modern general store). The neighborhood doubles as an open-air gallery, thanks to its colorful murals that practically beg for a photo. Look for “I Believe in Nashville” (at 12 South Dental Studio), “The Flower Mural” (at United Apparel Liquidators), “Looking Pretty, Music City” (at Madewell Denim Edit Store) and “Rivive!” (at Iyengar Yoga Center).
World-class exhibitions and music memorabilia draw 1.2 million visitors to Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame annually.
Afternoon
For a cultural immersion into Nashville's musical legacy, spend two to three hours exploring the city's world-renowned music museums (open daily, most close by 5 p.m.). The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum offers the most comprehensive experience, while the National Museum of African American Music showcases Nashville's diverse musical roots. Music history buffs shouldn't miss Historic RCA Studio B, where Elvis and other legends recorded their hits—but book tours in advance as they sell out quickly.
Hamish the Highland cow shows off high-speed zoomies for visitors at the Nashville Zoo.
Nashville zoo
If you're traveling with family or simply adore animals, the Nashville Zoo offers a refreshing alternative with its winding paths through habitats housing alpacas, red pandas, Andean bears and clouded leopards. Allow two to three hours for a leisurely visit.
Craving adventure? The Adventure Park at Nashville presents a different perspective of the city—literally. Soar between treetops on ziplines or navigate aerial ropes courses suspended among Tennessee's lush canopy. The park offers courses for various skill levels and stays open until dusk during peak season.
Evening
Kick off your night with Nashville's signature dish: hot chicken. As the more accessible downtown eatery, Hattie B's is a go-to hot chicken spot if you’re headed to Honky Tonk Highway. But you can also brave the heat at fan favorites like Helen's Hot Chicken, Red’s Hot Chicken and Bolton’s Famous Hot Chicken and Fish.
Category 10, one of the largest venues in Nashville’s entertainment district, promises a vibrant nightlight experience.
Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp \ NickLPhoto
Afterwards, surrender to the magnetic pull of Broadway's no-cover-charge Honky Tonk Highway, where neon lights illuminate the night and live music spills from every door. Check out The Stage on Broadway for its lively dance floor and surprise celebrity drop-ins (like Toby Keith, Miranda Lambert and Lee Ann Womack). Or head to Honky Tonk Central, a three-story powerhouse where each floor features a different band and vibe. For classic country charm, AJ’s Good Time Bar (owned by Alan Jackson) delivers traditional tunes, memorabilia and even karaoke, making every night a true Nashville good time.
Day 2: Outdoor Escapes & Local Flavors
A full-scale replica of the original Parthenon resides in the lush green space of Centennial Park
Start your day with breakfast at D’Andrews Bakery, a James Beard Semi-Finalist, known for spectacular baked goods. (Try the Dubai Chocolate Croissants made with pistachio praline and sweet-and-crunchy Feuilletine). Or join the devoted crowd at Pancake Pantry, a Nashville institution since 1961. Get there early—this hot spot fills up fast for a taste of their fluffy sweet potato pancakes.
After fueling up, find tranquility at Centennial Park, a 132-acre urban oasis centered on a full-scale replica of the Parthenon. This architectural marvel houses a 42-foot statue of Athena and an art gallery, but the surrounding grounds offer equal pleasure with a one-mile walking trail, sunken garden and plenty of space for people-watching.
For a more immersive nature experience, head to Cheekwood Estate & Gardens (about 15 minutes from downtown)—home to 13 distinct gardens, a 1.5-mile woodland sculpture trail and a 30,000-square-foot mansion. Allow two to three hours to fully explore the grounds.
The Belle Meade Historic Site and Winery offers guests antebellum views while dining on chef-inspired foods and wine pairings.
Less than five minutes from Cheekwood, Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery offers the perfect spot for lunch and a blend of history and wine culture. Tour the antebellum mansion before sampling award-winning wines in their tasting room, then settle in for a classic Southern “meat-and-three” lunch that locals swear by. If you’re willing to venture farther, Arrington Vineyards, co-owned by country star Kix Brooks, sprawls across picturesque hills 25 miles south of Nashville. Here, you can enjoy wine flights, bring a picnic lunch or enjoy dinner onsite. Plan your visit around Music in the Vines weekend concerts from April through October.
Not a wine lover? Embrace Nashville's natural beauty with an afternoon on the water. The Cumberland River winds through the city's heart, while nearby Old Hickory Lake and Percy Priest Lake offer expansive blue playgrounds. Charter a pontoon for a floating party (complete with coolers and tunes) through vendors like Pontoon Saloon and Boat Rental Nashville—most offer half-day or full-day rentals. For a more active but tranquil experience, rent kayaks through vendors such as Get Up and Go Kayaking and Sun Life Marinas Blue Turtle Bay to explore hidden coves and shorelines.
Moving musical notes and a glowing guitar light the way to Legends Corner, one of Nashville’s oldest, local honky-tonks.
Refresh back at the hotel and indulge in an upscale, interactive dining experience at The Catbird Seat (reservations essential—book weeks ahead.) With a multi-course tasting menu served at an intimate chef's counter, you can witness culinary artistry up close for a memorable dining experience. Craving something more casual? For a laid-back dinner packed with Nashville flavor, Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint dishes out legendary whole hog barbecue, smoky ribs and Southern sides in a lively, no-frills setting at multiple locations.
Cap off your night with altitude, where Nashville's rooftop scene delivers dramatic skyline views paired with crafted cocktails. Head to lou/na atop the Grand Hyatt for live music, or check out Harriet’s Rooftop on the 19th floor of 1 Hotel Nashville, where lush greenery and a chic vibe elevate any evening. For something playful, try Fogg Street Lawn Club—Nashville’s first rooftop British lawn bowling experience and premier soccer pub, complete with rooftop concerts and a lively atmosphere.
Day 3: Markets, Makers & Memorable Farewells
Rows of fine fretted instruments line the 8,000-square foot showroom of Carter Vintage Guitars in Nashville.
Make your final Nashville morning count with breakfast at Loveless Cafe, where biscuits have been hand-made using the same legendary recipe since 1951. Though located 25 minutes from downtown, this iconic destination rewards early risers with country ham, preserves and Southern hospitality. If time constraints keep you closer to your accommodations, grab breakfast at a neighborhood coffee shop instead. Try Barista Parlor or Crema, both showcasing Nashville's serious coffee culture with thoughtfully sourced beans, artful preparation and breakfast options ranging from sandwiches and pastries to house-made granola and burritos.
Before the day heats up, walk across the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge spanning the Cumberland River. This 3,150-foot span provides unmatched views of the Nashville skyline, particularly the striking AT&T Building (affectionately nicknamed “the Batman Building” for its distinctive spires). The walk takes about 15 minutes each way and offers perfect photo opportunities.
Spend your remaining hours connecting with Nashville's creative community at the bustling Nashville Farmers' Market (open year-round), where local growers, artisans and food vendors gather under one roof. Sample Tennessee-made cheeses, small-batch jams and craft chocolates while chatting with the passionate makers behind them.
Pro tip: Pick up edible souvenirs or gifts that travel well.
If you love unique Nashville memorabilia, pop into Carter Vintage Guitar, where you can browse a stunning gallery of vintage and pre-owned guitars right on the showroom floor. Even non-musicians will appreciate the craftsmanship and musical history on display.
Departure
Capture those last Nashville moments at your favorite mural or pick up a departure gift like a bottle of craft spirits from Nelson's Green Brier Distillery. If time allows, rejuvenate with a quick spa treatment at Escape Day Spa to start your journey home feeling refreshed
Ready to visit? A Nashville weekend delivers far more than expected—Southern hospitality wrapped in creative energy, traditional sounds evolving alongside innovative cuisine and the perfect balance of vibrant city life with accessible outdoor escapes. These three days offer just enough Nashville to leave you enchanted, satisfied and already planning your return to explore what you inevitably missed. In Music City, the rhythm stays with you long after you've returned home. Start planning your trip at AAA.com/Travel.
