KC’s Top 5 Things To Do In Vibrant Nashville

New Year’s Eve will be here before we know it. If you’re looking for a long weekend away, I have just the place. Nashville is great for a 3-4 day escape and it’s not just for the country music loving set. In fact, my personal Top 5 list is nearly devoid of country music.

I have to be honest, left to my own devices, the thought never would have entered my mind to take a weekend getaway to Nashville. When I thought of Nashville, I thought of cowboy boots and country music, which is great but that’s just not me. I’m more of a California Wine Country or food tour of Montreal kind of gal. But I’m always game for new experiences, so when one of my closest friends said she wanted to celebrate her birthday with a long weekend in Nashville, I immediately agreed of course. As if reading my mind she then said, “They have vineyards there so it won’t be all country.” Ha! Touché.

It wasn’t until I started telling people that I was going to Nashville and continuously got the responses “Oh, you’re going to love it…” and “It’s so much fun…” and “I’ve been wanting to go there for so long…” that I realized maybe my thinking has been all wrong.

Yes, Nashville is most definitely the home of country music but it’s so much more than that. It boasts a sophisticated restaurant scene, architecture steeped in history, great little shops and, of course, the music! Plus, fun fact I learned from one of the lovely ladies on this trip – affectionately dubbed “Nashvegas” it’s become the bachelorette capital of the world. I mean, where have I been that this knowledge has completely escaped me for so long.

So, if you’re like me and need a little incentive to embrace your inner cowboy/girl, here are my top 5 things to do in and around Nashville that have nothing – okay, almost nothing – to do with country music.

#1 – HIT THE GULCH

New York has Williamsburg, London has Shoreditch and Nashville has The Gulch. Dating back to before the Civil War, it was originally the site of Nashville’s rail yard. After decades of neglect, this recently re-developed neighborhood is now a vibrant hub of business and chock full of charm. What’s even better, it’s a certified green neighborhood! So it’s fun, functional and environmentally friendly.

I love a city that embraces street art. There are murals dotted throughout the Gulch. The most interactive of the bunch being the What Lifts You Wings mural by Kelsey Montague. You’ll definitely want a snap in front of these to Snapchat or Instagram out to the world. If you have your child or pet with you, bring ‘em along as they have mini-wings as well.

Looking to do some damage to your wallet? You’re in the right place. I’d say the Gulch is the unofficial home to the hip boutique scene in Nashville. They’ve got everything from stores that specialize in, what else, boots to gourmet chocolate. They also have an antique mall – how cool is that? For fun, quirky gifts, be sure to stop by Two Old Hippies.

As someone who travels by her stomach, had I known of the gastronomical prowess of Nashville, I definitely would have booked it down there sooner. The Gulch is a foodie haven. From Biscuit Love with it’s hour long lines for breakfast – yes, it was worth it – to all the hip bars and restaurants that line the streets – if you can’t find me, I’m surely indulging in the Gulch.

To be honest, I would have liked to hit more of the restaurants in this neighborhood but that’s what “next times” are for. A tip – much like the breakfast scene, the dinner scene is so bustling here, it’s a good idea to make reservations in advance.

#2 – STEEP YOURSELF IN THE HISTORY

The American south has a deep rooted history, albeit not always the prettiest one. A little piece of that lies in Nashville, the Belle Meade Plantation. I can tell you, as a Yankee, seeing a remnant of this period with my own eyes was humbling to say the least. The things this mansion saw are things I’ve only read about in history books.

Set on 30 acres of stunning grounds, the property dates back to the early 1800’s where it’s primary purpose was a thoroughbred farm for horses. You can wander the grounds which are absolutely magnificent. They have been so incredibly preserved, it’s like stepping back through time.

I do recommend the mansion tour. There you will get a room by room history lesson of the house and grounds guided by characters dressed in period costumes. And, score – the mansion tour comes with a post-tour wine tasting.

The most remarkable thing about the mansion is that most of the furnishings and possessions are all original pieces from the original owners despite being sold off in the early 1900s. The state of Tennessee has been working to track down these items since they took ownership of the property and the search continues to this day. Amazing!

#3 – GET YOUR WINE ON

A short drive from Nashville in Arrington, Tennessee is Arrington Vineyards. Now. We. Are. Talking. This is my kind of vacation! I can assure you, Arrington did not disappoint. It truly is an experience.

From the first approach, it looks like a magical place. Set on 75 acres, the views of the rolling hills and vineyards are stunning. The atmosphere is so relaxed with picnic tables set up throughout the property, a barn for wine tasting and live music to enjoy while you sip.

You can bring your own food to pair with Arrington’s wines or you can purchase snacks like meats, cheese, crackers and chocolates. Just talking about all this food makes me want to be there now!

They have several options for wine tastings, we did the Vineyard House Wine Tasting which I highly recommend. For $30 you get seated in their Vineyard House, you have a choice of 4 different flights – each flight featuring 5 of their wines and a cheese and cracker plate. And, you get to keep your wine glass! If you’re with a bunch of white wine drinkers and you’re really a red person, fear not, everyone can choose their own flight. I was so impressed with the wine we tasted, I ordered some to ship back to New York.

#4 – BECOME ONE WITH NATURE

To get your fill of nature, have a wander around Centennial Park. It’s definitely a good way to get some steps in to counteract all that southern fried goodness you’re eating! When we went, there was music wafting through the air and vendors selling their homemade goods. In case you were wondering I got homemade, environmentally friendly soap…with a unicorn in it. Perfect for the child or child-at-heart (me!) in your life.

The shining pièce de résistance of the park is the Parthenon – a spectacular full-scale replica of the original in Athens for all those architecture lovers. Fittingly, the Parthenon serves as Nashville’s art museum. Honestly, just walking around the structure with its imposing columns, sculptures of gods and goddesses and ornately painted ceiling is worth the visit.

It doesn’t end there, you’ve got 132 acres to explore, so get to it! From the walking trail to Lake Watauga there’s so much beauty on display. A particularly poignant monument is a rather new addition – a statue put up to commemorate Women’s Equality Day. Centennial Park sure has come a long way.

#5 – TAKE A STROLL ON THE HONKY TONK HIGHWAY

Okay, Broadway is a scene not to be missed. Think Vegas with music instead of gambling. Yes, it’s dubbed Honky Tonk Highway and, yes, with places like Jason Aldean’s (which is a lot of fun, by the way) and Tequila Cowboy you’re sure to hear country music. But you’ll also hear Whitney Houston and Guns and Roses, so it’s well rounded.

Before we hit Broadway, my friend offhandedly made a comment about how good the people watching was going to be. Having not been to Vegas or Nashville before, I’d never really witnessed really good people watching because I didn’t think much of this comment. Well, oh my god was she right! The people watching is spectacular! Forget everything you know about people watching because this takes it to a new level. No, really.

From the neon lights to the non-stop party atmosphere, it truly is a sight to see. Walking along the strip with the lights glowing and music blaring from all the bars fighting each other, the sounds drift in and out of your consciousness as you continue to walk, it’s no wonder brides-to-be flock there. If you’re roaming around trying to decide which bar to pop in for some drinks and live music, The Stage is a fun time.

THAT’S ALL, Y’ALL

Turns out, Nashville really is a good spot for a long weekend – to me personally, 3-4 days is just the right amount of time. If you’re surrounded by a good group of people like I was, all the better. Cheers!