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48 Hour Guide To Nashville, Tennessee

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(credit: Sean Pavone/shutterstock)

There is more to Nashville than just the country music. Though it is a big part of the city's history and culture, there are still plenty of things for those wanting to visit the area. However, chances are you are going to have a little bit more country in you by the time your 48 hours in Nashville are up. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your 48 hours in Nashville.

Photo Credit: Thinkstock
Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Must-See Attractions

It does not matter if you are a country music fan or not. There is still plenty of things to see and do while in Nashville. Though it is possible to enjoy a 48-hour weekend getaway to the area, it might be difficult deciding what to see first. Must-visit Nashville attractions include The Country Music Hall of Fame, the First Center for the Visual Arts and Music Row. Don't forget to try and fit in a visit to the Grand Ole Opry for a performance you will never forget. Other must-see attractions while in Nashville include Tennessee Performing Arts Center, Belle Meade Plantation and Paradise Park.

Related: A 48 Hour Guide to Seattle

nashville
(credit: KennStilger47/shutterstock)

Local Activities

There are many things you can see and do in the great outdoors just minutes away from downtown Nashville. While spending a day or afternoon outdoors you can enjoy horseback riding, biking or hiking along the trails that wind through the rolling hills of the area. There are plenty of places to sit along the shores of lakes, where you can picnic and fish. You can explore the Edwin and Percy Warner Parks, which offer more than 2,500 acres of land featuring a dog park, golf course, natural conservation area and lots of wildlife. You may also enjoy canoeing on the Harpeth River.

There are plenty of shopping opportunities while in Nashville, including small boutiques, country music-themed shops and antique stores. Venus and Mars on Belmont Boulevard offers shoppers a unique collection of vintage fashions while are perfect for the diva looking for old school rhinestone flare. Other popular places to shop include the Eighth Avenue Antique Mall, Grimey's New and Preloved Music and DCXV Industries.

There are many different places where you can go and grab a drink and do some line dancing at night. Once the sun goes down, make plans to visit The Wildhorse Saloon, Tootsie's Orchard Lounge or stop in at the Ryman Auditorium for a performance. Other popular places to visit at night include Robert's Western World, Rumours East and the Station Inn.

Opryland Hotel
(credit: T.F./Yelp)

Where To Stay

There are many world-class hotels and resorts in the Nashville area, many of which are popular among country music artists and other mainstream celebrities. The Opryland Hotel is not only a landmark in Nashville, it is also one of the most popular places to stay when visiting the city. This hotel offers accommodations that are perfect for both the country music lover and someone who is just there to see the sites. Other popular hotels in the area include the 1501 Linden Manor Bed and Breakfast, Loews Vanderbilt Plaza Hotel, Union Station Hotel, Hermitage Hotel and the Hutton Hotel.

Related: A 48 Hour Guide to Boston

Photo Credit: Thinkstock
Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Places To Dine

You will find a wide variety of different places to dine while in Nashville. This city is home to many unique themed restaurants and includes everything from fine dining to casual, quick-service restaurants. Top places you must eat at while spending 48 hours in Nashville include Marche Artisan Foods, Loveless Café, Family Wash, Prince's Hot Chicken Shack and Las Paletas.

nashville
(credit: KennStilger47/shutterstock)

Getting Around

Nashville is one of many cities in the country where, depending upon the hotel you are staying at, you can reach many of the must-see attractions on foot. However, not everyone will want to walk from one end of the city to another. Those who do not want to walk will find a variety of different transportation options throughout the city. If you drive into the area or choose to rent a car upon your arrival, you will find plenty of parking in the downtown area. With more than 28,000 parking spaces in downtown, you are sure to find a space to park close to where you need to go.

Public transportation is available for those wanting service to and from the airport and the downtown area of Nashville. For more information on the different Metro Transit Authority routes available in Nashville, visit the MTA's website. The Music City Star Commuter Rail has six different stations available along the east side of town. Service is available through the downtown and surrounding areas.

Other means of transportation in Nashville include getting a ride from a local taxi company or rideshare companies such as Lyft and Uber.

Music City is the perfect place to plan a 48-hour getaway. There is so much to see and do in Nashville that you will be kept busy from the moment you arrive until it is time to go back home.

Heather Landon (Heather Leigh Carroll) is a freelance writer with more than 20 years of experience. She has combined two of her passions - writing and travel - to share her experiences with others. You can read more of her articles at Examiner.com.
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