Nashville - How Long?
 

Hey All,

I'm planning on starting a roadtrip in Nashville in August. I am a huge country music fan. What are the must see's of Nashville? How many days should I plan on spending in the city?

Thanks!
Allie

We liked:
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Ryman Auditorium
Bicentennial Park
Parthenon
Tennessee State Museum
Tennessee State Capitol
Hermitage
Frist Center
Grand Ole Opry show and backstage tour
Belle Meade
Cheekwood

We were there for 3-4 days.

To add to the above post (excellent suggestions, all) to take the backstage tour at the Ryman and when doing the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, buy the ticket that includes touring Studio B. You also might have fun with a "Nash Trash" tour. I've never gotten to do one (they tend to sell out so plan ahead) but have heard it is fun:

http://www.nashtrash.com/

Awesome! Thanks to you both! :) I was thinking 4 days so that looks about right!

Do I need a car in Nashville or can I do without?

You really need a car--Nashville is pretty spread out. I have done without one on a couple of visits, but only those that were quite short when I was there for a concert downtown and was staying downtown--then I could walk to the Hall of Fame and Museum or the Ryman. Nashville is a beautiful city--you will love exploring it!

Thanks!

Any tips on where to stay? / Which area to stay in?

I think staying DT is best, so you can walk to/from the music venues at night. Lots of the sightseeing spots are DT as well.

The backstage tour at the Ryman wasn't available when we were there because they were preparing for a show; otherwise, we would have done it.

Thought Studio B was a waste of time & money.

I love staying downtown, but you have to pay to park almost anywhere and since you have a car, it will be easy to get around. There are lots of nice properties near Vanderbilt--then you are close to downtown, can walk to some fun shops and restaurants and the parking is free at most of them, I think--I've stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn in that neighborhood, but there is also a large Marriott, Courtyard, Hampton Inn, a newish Home 2 Suites (a Hilton chain) and a Holiday Inn. The Loews is nice, but pricey and you have to pay to park.

I have also stayed south of town in Franklin and Brentwood--it's not a bad drive back into town. I have gotten some good deals on Priceline I would avoid the area around the Grand Ole Opry--very generic-looking.

Thanks all! Since this is part of a three-week road trip, I am definitely looking to stay somewhere inexpensive. I have stayed in a lot of hostels (in Europe), so I am hoping (maybe too optimistically) to find similar places on my trip. Has anyone stayed in a Nashville hostel?

Make sure you have something "prepared" to sing when you do go to the Ryman. You can go up on the stage and get the guitars in your hand and sing!!! They will take your picture! My sweet mother and I had the best time singing John and June Cash.:):) Have a great time!

Great tip! Thanks willowjane! :)