Weekend Getaway To Nashville

Nashville is the perfect place to pivot when plans change. When our beach trip fell through, we traded sand for sound and headed to Music City. Just a few hours’ drive from much of the Southeast, Nashville is easy to reach and loaded with things to do. Sure, it’s famous for country music, but it’s also a hub for health care and home to die-hard Tennessee Vols fans. Fortunately, we were there for the music and the food, not the hospital scene.

Row of old brick buildings along Broadway in Nashville.

Where We Stayed

We booked two nights at Embassy Suites SoBro. It’s not right on Broadway, but it’s an easy walk (or quick Uber) to the action and includes free breakfast – always a win. If we go back, I might try a hotel closer to Assembly Food Hall and the Ryman Auditorium, where there’s a stop for the Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley. (More on that later.)

Two queen beds with view of Broadway Street in Nashville.

First Night Out

After checking in, we walked to White Duck Taco Shop for dinner. I’ve loved their Asheville locations, but this one didn’t wow me. No biggie – an inexpensive Uber ride (under $5 with tip) got us downtown. We bar-hopped along Broadway, paying about $10–$12 per beer while soaking up live country music. We even stumbled on a Bon Jovi bar with solid classic rock and spotted the famous “Batman” AT&T building.

Assorted tacos from White Duck Taco Shop in Nashville, filled with colorful fresh toppings.

The AT&T building, otherwise known as the "Batman building."

Touring the City

Day two was all about exploring. This is when we discovered Assembly Food Hall, where Jeff raved about Prince’s Hot Chicken. From there, we grabbed the Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley, a smart way to see the city when knees or feet are protesting. The free brochure and map highlight stops like Ryman Auditorium, Musicians Hall of Fame, Centennial Park with its full-scale Parthenon, the Gulch, and more, though not in that order. We also passed the Tennessee State Capitol and the site of the 2020 Christmas bombing—sobering but part of the city’s story.

People walking between the buildings at Assembly Food Hall.

Crispy Nashville hot chicken sandwich topped with a pickle and served on a soft bun.

Dinner and Downtown Sights

That evening we ate at Puckett’s Restaurant, a Nashville staple. My shrimp and grits arrived with fennel and tails attached—two things I can live without – but the atmosphere was fun. Afterward, we checked out Printer’s Alley, spotted Daddy’s Dogs from Somebody Feed Phil, and caught a free pedicab ride when the driver noticed Jeff limping (we tipped him anyway). We made it to the top of Blake Shelton’s Ole Red, took a quick look around, and left because it was packed. Tip: Get there early and enjoy dinner with a view before the crowds roll in. We soaked in the neon lights and live music spilling onto the streets as we strolled back to the hotel, a nice low-key finale to our last night in Nashville.

Plate of creamy shrimp and grits served at a Nashville restaurant.

People crossing the street at Printers Alley in Nashville.

If You Have Extra Time

We had planned a Secret Food Tour on our last day, but Jeff’s knee nixed it. I’ve taken it before and highly recommend it if you can. The Parthenon in Centennial Park is another must-see, offering an unexpected full-scale slice of ancient Greece right in the heart of Nashville.

Tips for a Smooth Nashville Weekend

Book hotels early and plan around events. Hotel rates climb fast during big concerts, sports games, or conventions—reserve ahead and budget accordingly.
Budget for beverages. Expect to pay about $10 – $12 for a beer in the honky-tonks.
Use ride-share freely. Uber and Lyft are plentiful and often cheaper (and easier) than parking downtown.
Grab a trolley map with your ticket. We received one when we bought Hop-On Hop-Off passes at the booth, and it’s handy for plotting stops.
Mix it up. Beyond live music, check out art museums, historic sites, and trendy areas like the Gulch for variety.
Zip around town. Consider renting an electric scooter for quick hops around downtown—just download a Bird, Lime, or Spin app, follow Nashville’s street-riding rules (no sidewalks), and park in the marked corrals.

Row of electric scooter lined up on a Nashville sidewalk, ready for city exploring.

Final Bite

Whether you’re chasing honky-tonks, sampling hot chicken, or just looking for a fun city escape, Nashville delivers. Grab a hotel in SoBro or near Assembly Food Hall, budget for a few Ubers, and let the music lead the way.

If you’re exploring lodging options, take a peek at our stay at the Virgin Hotel Nashville. It’s not smack in the center of Broadway’s bustle, but it’s still easy to reach on foot and delivers a stylish, modern vibe. Just note that rates run a bit higher, so it’s more of a splurge stay.

Have you done a Nashville weekend? Share your favorite spots in the comments – I’m always looking for new ideas for next time.