Nashville 3-Hour Tour Suggestions (Knoxville, Franklin: hotel, construction, living in)

[GucciLittlePiggie]

Hi so I'm a 28-year-old from NY/MA now living in Raleigh. My wife and I are going to be making an excursion after Bonnaroo to visit Nashville for the first time in June. Unfortunately, our schedule doesn't allow us more than a few hours in the afternoon to spend there. We like good food and beer, urban architecture and cool little old buildings, holes in the wall, modern and revitalized areas, etc. We plan to stop for lunch and also wander around. So what are the "must-see" things we need to visit before we have to leave?

(Also, we'll be doing a similar thing in Knoxville and Chatanooga if anyone here has suggestions.

Thanks!

[GWoodle]

In 3-4 hours, you may want to get one of the Gray Line tours. They also have a trolley tour that starts from downtown to Centennial Park & the Parthenon. You could also do the free MTA circuit bus & see downtown.

[nashvols]

For just 3-4 hours, you're basically only going to scratch the surface.

I would suggest walking around downtown, maybe catch a bite to eat, and tour some of the historic sites.

You're honestly not going to be able to do much as far as visiting museums/events/attractions, because they will take most of your time. So just relax, take a look around, have a bite to eat (you might check out urbanspoon.com to get an idea of restaurants in the area -- there's a lot to choose from). Generally take it easy and maybe scout out areas that interest you. Raleigh is only 5-6 hours away, so if you enjoy the vibe, you might take time for a weekend visit sometime soon!

Also...what kind of things are you all interested in? I, and the others, might be able to come up with a little mini-tour just so you can hit the highlights.

[groovamos]

Originally Posted by nashvols

For just 3-4 hours, you're basically only going to scratch the surface.

I would suggest walking around downtown, maybe catch a bite to eat, and tour some of the historic sites.

You're honestly not going to be able to do much as far as visiting museums/events/attractions, because they will take most of your time. So just relax, take a look around, have a bite to eat (you might check out urbanspoon.com to get an idea of restaurants in the area -- there's a lot to choose from).

You might focus on downtown this trip, just because of the density of things to see, including much of, but not all, the area's non-residential classical architecture. Nashville and a couple of the 'burbs have evolved into stunning southern jewels in recent decades. Contributor Nashvols and others have posted terrific photos on another thread, here is a series on downtown starting this page:

https://www.city-data.com/forum/nashville/556859-nashville-pictures-11.html (with my historical input included on the subsequent pages)

And another page focused on Franklin (thanks again NV) :
https://www.city-data.com/forum/nashv...ctures-10.html

Now assuming you have a vehicle you may add a quick excursion out Broadway, bear right onto West End Ave. to 21st where starts the Vanderbilt campus. A few blocks more on your right is Centennial Park with the showpiece Parthenon, the world's only replica.

[Why_Am_I_Here]

Tour downtown....the Ryman....Country Music Hall of Fame......Tootsies. Even if you aren't a country music fan, all of these are great historical music sites.

[Why_Am_I_Here]

Oh...BTW what part of NY/MA, I am a N.E. transplant!

[GucciLittlePiggie]

Thanks so much guys! We edited our trip a bit, so we're actually going to be spending all day Sunday and Sunday night in Nashville. I'm looking forward to it.

P.S. Why_Am_I_Here, Albany, NY and Worcester, MA. :-)

[GWoodle]

Originally Posted by GucciLittlePiggie

Thanks so much guys! We edited our trip a bit, so we're actually going to be spending all day Sunday and Sunday night in Nashville. I'm looking forward to it.

P.S. Why_Am_I_Here, Albany, NY and Worcester, MA. :-)

Having a few more hours just means you can also use one of the MTA's FREE circuit bus to get around the downtown area. You may want to go to the Hall of Fame and see what special events they have on a Sunday. THey would be free with your ticket. Take a tour over to Studio B. A lot of bluegrass/country artists do play Bonnaroo.

[momule]

Not much time. I would have BBQ at Jacks on broadway. Then I would visit tootsies a couple of doors down and several other honky tonks and proceed down broadway for a pleasant walk. The honky tonks are holes in the wall and lots of fun for visitors.

[IngleDave]

If you've got all day Sunday, downtown encompasses much more than the Broadway district. You should have time for a long stroll. From a visual standpoint and to get a bang for your walking buck, head up Second Avenue to the Courthouse, climb to the arched overlook, move on up Dederick St. to the War Memorial, cross to the Capital grounds, descend to the Farmer's Market and Bicentennial Mall. If you have breath left, climb back, cross the War M plaza to the Hermitage Hotel. Go in. It's special. Then on the Church St. You might even run into the Public Library for a look-see. It's special too. Then, work your way back down to Broadway via 2nd Ave to the river, check out the Symphony Hall and the under construction convention center...hard to miss. Someone mentioned the circuit buses. That's bound to be good as they go to the Gulch and I think Music Row. And that's free transport. Sundays are great for just checking things out. And have fun.