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I love a good road trip — and one of the best ones I have ever taken was from Washington, D.C. to Nashville, Tennessee. As a road trip destination, Nashville is so accessible from other East Coast cities, yet has such a different vibe than Atlanta, Washington, D.C., or New York City. Plus, there is so much to do in Nashville, whether you are an art lover, history buff, foodie or a music fan.
Getting to Nashville, TN
Image via Flickr by Kyle Simourd
Nashville is about a 10-hour drive from Washington, D.C., 13 hours from New York City, 6.5 from Charlotte, North Carolina, and only 3.5 hours from Atlanta, Georgia. From the northeast, as you ride through Virginia into Tennessee, you will be passing through beautiful Smoky Mountain terrain, making you feel worlds away from East Coast life.
Of course if driving isn’t your thing, or you are coming from much further away, no worries. You can always fly into the Nashville International Airport, serviced by all major carriers.
Where to Stay in Nashville, TN
Once you arrive in Nashville, I recommend staying in a hotel close to Broadway, so you can walk to the great restaurants and venture out to hear live music. This Holiday Inn Express in Downtown Nashville will put you right in the heart of the music scene. If boutique hotels are more your scene, consider booking The Hotel Indigo.
What to Do in Nashville, TN
The aforementioned lower section of Broadway is referred to as the Honky Tonk Highway. Meaning any night of the week, you can wander into one of many establishments playing live music. And not just country music. There are spots that play bluegrass, rock and roll, and even “Brazilabilly,” which combines traditional country music with a Latin flair! Check out this full list of Honky Tonk Highway joints.
P.S. Don’t discount Nashville as a grown-ups–only destination. Check out this list of kid-friendly Nashville restaurants with live music.
Once you’ve had your music fill, check out some of the other sites Nashville has to offer. I mean where else, besides Greece, can you find a full-scale Parthenon. Well, it’s a replica of the Athens landmark, but this site is one to see.
While you are out sightseeing, be sure to check out The Hermitage, which was home to President Andrew Jackson. History and architecture buffs will enjoy exploring this fully restored, 19th century home.
Up for exploring? The check out Mammoth Cave, a short drive from Nashville!
Where to Eat in Nashville, TN
After taking in all the sights, be sure to experience Nashville’s culinary scene. The hot restaurant in town has to be Hattie B’s Hot Chicken where you can order your chicken mild, medium, hot, or Shut the Cluck Up!
Of course a trip to Nashville would not be complete without some real Tennessee Bar-B-Que. Tennessee BBQ is characterized by slow-cooked pork shoulder, vinegar-based sauces, and dry rubs. Check out this list of the best BBQ joints in Nashville.
It’s been a while since I road-tripped out to Nashville, Tennessee. A visit to the Music City is definitely high on my upcoming travel list. I know my kids would love this little city. Have you ever been to Nashville, Tennessee?
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I have always wanted to take a drive to see the smoky mountains! Also Nashville sounds amazing I love the idea of wandering to places with live music! It’s always the perfect start to the night!
Looks like your trip was so much fun! We also drove there from AR and can’t wait to go back soon!
I lived in Nashville for a year and it was incredible! It really is an awesome place!
Nashville is on my list! Great tips!
Nashville is definitely on my bucket list! Thanks for all the tips!
I’ve always wanted to go to Nashville. It just seems like such a cool place. Thanks for the great tips!
I can’t wait to go to Nashville! Thanks for all the tips mama.😘
Nashville is one of my favorite cities. Glad you like it!
I love Nashville so much and wish I could drive there for a fun road trip! My sister lives there and the surrounding areas are so beautiful, it would be such a fun trip in a car. Thanks for sharing!
I’m a Nashville native, and I still live here! If you do end up taking the kids, the Adventure Science Center is really cool (though I haven’t been in years), and ice skating at the Centennial Sportsplex (near the Parthenon) is a lot of fun. I love my city, and I need to get going on a Nashville guide for my blog!
that is so cool! Thanks for the tips!
This looks like so much fun. I’m definitely feeling the Indigo Hotel! Thanks for the post!