When you’re taking a day trip to Nashville, you don’t necessarily want to spend all your time in tourist traps. Instead, see the authentic Nashville—the one about which songs are written and movies are made. Fortunately, you can get an up-close look at the real city without looking too hard. Gas up your Ford vehicle and hit the road for Music City. Just don’t miss these local jewels while you’re there.
Step Out of Nashville—And Into Greece
You don’t have to ditch your Ford for an airplane just to see ancient Grecian architecture as long as you’re okay with a replica instead of the original. Nashville’s Centennial Park is home to the singular Parthenon reproduction. From its massive Doric columns to its Athena statue, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time as well as across the world. Plus, you’ll find an art museum inside that’s sure to satisfy your inner curator.
Snag a Poster From Your Favorite Musical Acts
Nashville is known primarily for turning out country, blues, and folk musical artists throughout the last several decades. While some of the major tourist stops might offer a glimpse into the exciting music industry, you can find low-key enjoyment at Hatch Show Print. The business has produced one-of-a-kind letterpress prints for everything from concerts to rodeos.
Book a group or individual tour if you want to watch the Hatch employees hard at work on current jobs. You can also view the prints plastered across the building’s walls or buy your own prints to take home as unique souvenirs. You’ll find Hatch at 224 5th Avenue in South Nashville. You can’t miss the bold neon sign.
Grab a Bite in Style
If you’re looking for the best food in Nashville without a long way, check out 224 City House on 4th Avenue North. It offers some of the best Italian cuisine in the South, from mouth-watering pizza to homemade pasta. While you don’t want to miss a plate of biscuits and gravy or fried chicken while you’re touring Nashville, City House is a great place to grab a cocktail and a meal when you just want to unwind.
Catch a Southern-Style Laugh
Many touristy Nashville tours can make you long for the comfort and relative quiet of your Ford, which you inconveniently parked too far away to make an escape. Fortunately, the Nash Trash tours offer the perfect alternative for those cheesy, non-entertaining tours. It’s an adults-only indulgence, however; no guests under 15 years of age are allowed.
The NashTrash tours are helmed by the Jugg sisters and takes place on a bright pink tour bus. You can choose from two separate tours, each of which includes hilarious commentary about the town itself and its historical inhabitants. Expect a few risqué details to surface during your trip. Plus, guests can bring their own alcoholic beverages if they wish.
Stock Up on Fresh Fruit and Vegetables
You don’t have to spend your day trip in Nashville on music-related entertainment. In fact, some of the town’s best attractions don’t concern Elvis Presley or any of his contemporaries. The Nashville Farmer’s Market is just one example. It has a huge spread of fresh fruit and vegetables as well as artisan foods to choose from. Visit the garden center if you want to take home a few plants or spend time in the flea market if you’re on the hunt for antique or vintage decor.
Get Back to Nature
If you’re in the mood for low-key, relaxing fun during your Nashville day trip, head to Shelby Bottoms Nature Center. After you tour the center, you can spend time on the Greenway. Make sure to pick up a few brochures to help you identify local flora and fauna as you hike throughout the surrounding green space and woods. You’ll feel closer to nature and far more relaxed for your drive home from Nashville.
Get a Peek Into the Future
If you can’t trust the King, who can you trust? While you’re in Nashville, don’t forget to stop by Legends Gift Shop at 424 Broadway. Inside, you’ll find a fortune-telling Elvis machine that spews predictions in Elvis’s signature drawl. It only costs 50 cents, and each fortune is accompanied by a song to round out the experience.
A day trip to Nashville doesn’t have to involve standing in mile-long lines for tourist traps. Check out the attractions above for an authentic, stress-free experience in this iconic city. If you have some extra time at the end, you might throw in a visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum just for kicks.
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