When you hear the word Nashville, you might think of Music Row, you might think of Broadway, you might think of Country Music. Hell, you might even think of Johnny Cash. All of those things are true, and so much more. According to the Nashville Public Library, Nashville dates back to 1779, when it was established as a trading port and has continued to evolve ever since:
In 1779, prominent explorers James Robertson and John Donelson led an expedition that would result in the founding of Fort Nashborough. Because of its proximity to the Cumberland River, the site would thrive as a trading port and later a railway stop, eventually growing into a new settlement that we today call Nashville.…For nearly 250 years, Nashville has thrived, even as it has evolved to meet the times. From the rise of Music Row to the Civil Rights Movement, from more than a few natural disasters to the weathering of multiple wars, Nashville has a lot of history.
Nashville is known for its blend of music and history, as well as its deep roots as a strategic location during the American Revolution and the Civil War, its adjacency to the Cumberland River as a major port, and it’s effects on the railroad industry. Even with its growth and development, it is still holding onto its rich history. My guide will look to highlight that there’s so much more to Nashville than Music Row. Nashville is home to a world class state history museum, a Capitol Mall State Park that is reminiscent of the National Mall in Washington, DC, the farm of former President Andrew Jackson, and a full scale replica of the Parthenon – and some good food of course!
Visit The Tennessee State Museum in Nashville
This museum, situated next to the Nashville Farmers Market and the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, reopened in 2021 with a stunning and expansive new building. With two floors, the majority of exhibits can be found on the second floor. Serving as a natural history museum, an art museum, and a history museum, it showcases the state’s journey from prehistoric times to Native American settlements, the American Revolution, the Civil War, and recent history. I was struck by the “Tennessee Time Tunnel,” which is a fascinating tool that connects its art collections with various artifacts from Tennessee’s history. Additionally, there are temporary galleries like in other history museums. The best part? It’s completely free for both locals and tourists, making it an incredibly generous experience. Whether you have a half day or a full day to spare, visiting this museum is a fantastic way to spend your time. It’s also the perfect complement to the next stop.
Walk Through the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
Sitting beside the Tennessee State Museum is a row of monuments made of stone, with the state capitol building perched on a hill in the background, which bears a striking resemblance to the Mall at the United States Capitol in Washington D.C. It’s a collection of monuments and structures that delve into Tennessee’s history, highlighting its past battles and conflicts. Walking through this area felt like an oasis, it was both solemn and serene as it offers a profound insight into the state’s history and the surrounding region. It’s an ideal spot for a leisurely walk or a bike ride, with bike rental stations conveniently located nearby during my visit. Additionally, there are numerous restaurants surrounding the mall, perfect for grabbing a bite to eat. And it’s free to visit!
Visit the World’s Only Exact-Size Replica of the Athens Parthenon
I may never get to visit Greece in my lifetime, so if you’re like me and want to visit the next best thing? This “Athens of the South” is your stop. Located in Centennial Park, this stunning replica of the Parthenon from Athens, Greece features two levels filled with fascinating exhibits. When you step onto Level One, you’ll find the “Athens of the South Gallery,” which explains the surprising presence of a Parthenon in the heart of the American South. There’s also a gallery lobby showcasing a mini replica of the statue of Athena, along with both permanent and temporary art displays. The real highlight awaits you on Level Two, where the Naos temple space is home to the impressive replica sculpture of Athena. Crafted by local artist Alan Lequire, this statue took eight years to complete, from 1982 to 1990. It’s made from gypsum cement reinforced with fiberglass on a steel frame and adorned with nearly 10 pounds of 24-carat gold. Towering at 42 feet, I was truly amazed by its size and spent several minutes in the gallery admiring its intricate details and stunning beauty. Behind the statue, you’ll also discover the Treasury, where treasures from battles were once kept. On a side note, my niece loves Greek history and mythology, and I texted her pictures of the site hoping she would love it, but not so much! I laughed out loud outside of the gallery when she responded saying “that’s not supposed to be there!”. I mean, it is a replica after all!
The Nashville Parthenon is located within Nashville’s Centennial Park on 2500 West End Ave in Nashville, TN. It is open daily except major holidays, though I recommend checking the website to see if it is open before your visit. Admission is $10, but discounted admission pricing is also available. Admission is free for members of the military and SNAP/EBT participants for up to 4 people.
Take a Tour of Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage
Andrew Jackson is one of the most controversial presidents in American history, and for good reason. I highly recommend this book from one of my old history professors at Central Connecticut State University if you want to learn about Andrew Jackson, both the good and bad. I studied history in college (can you tell?), and I’ve always believed that history should not be sanitized. The phrase “sunlight is the best disinfectant” truly applies here. History is meant to make us uncomfortable, to embarrass us in some ways, but it’s also meant to teach us and show us how far we’ve come. The Hermitage is refreshingly honest about its history and what the site used to be – a plantation acquired by Andrew Jackson for the purpose of cotton production using enslaved men and women. Now, you might wonder why anyone would want to visit such a place. Well, by visiting, you’ll get a glimpse into the lives of both the Jackson family and the enslaved people. The property itself is stunning, featuring a grand mansion and a fully functional farm that still operates today. There’s an abundance of history within those walls, even though what remains today is just a small part of the original property. The house and the property have been preserved remarkably well. If you decide to visit, I highly recommend taking a tour – it’s truly worth it. Additionally, they offer wine tastings and have a restaurant on site.
Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage is located at 4580 Rachel’s Lane in Nashville, TN. It is open daily 9am to 5pm with special hours around major holidays. They offer grounds tours (you can purchase through the link below) and mansion tours with regular prices ranging from $21-$28, and additional tours available including VIP tours, enslaved tours and gardens tours for more specialized experiences. Check out the website for itineraries and more information.
Immerse Yourself in the Food of Nashville
OK, you’ve done a lot of sightseeing so far, so what about the food?! If you’ve heard of “hot chicken”, it’s a staple in Nashville, and one of the better “introductory places” is Hattie B’s, and it’s quite good. If you want to learn more about hot chicken and the other establishments that serve it, Eater has a fantastic guide. Nashville’s culinary scene has expanded alongside its growth, offering an array of delectable options. Situated near Broadway, the Assembly Food Hall stands out as a must-visit destination, boasting numerous bars, eateries, and even a few rooftop bars. The menu is diverse, featuring mouthwatering tacos, juicy burgers, and of course, the iconic hot chicken. Prince’s is the go-to spot for this fiery delicacy, offering a range of heat levels to suit every palate, and the heat options ranging from mild to Carolina Reaper, which is a notch hotter than the infamous Ghost Pepper. I once dared to try the boneless wings infused with ghost pepper, and when a plate comes with a disclaimer, you know you’re in for an intense experience! The burn was real, my friends. However, I eventually settled for the habanero heat chicken in the form of a refreshing taco salad. Despite the valiant efforts of the honey mustard dressing, the heat proved unbeatable. Nevertheless, the food hall served its purpose impeccably, providing a welcome respite for solo travelers seeking a break from the bustling Broadway scene. Whether you’re just starting your night or winding down after a memorable evening on Broadway, the Assembly Food Hall is a fantastic stop to satisfy your cravings and indulge in Nashville’s vibrant culinary offerings.
Isn’t Nashville the home of the Grand Ole Opry, The Ryman Auditorium, and country music? It sure is, and I will discuss that….right here.
I’m excited to read and learn more about Nashville. You were spot on in your intro, about Nashville’s branding. I, too, associate the city with top quality country music and it was great to hear, that it is actually way more than that. I am used to walkable cities and would have not expected many US cities to be designed for extensive walking. Nashville seems to be ahead. From your list the hermitage sounds very intriguing, especially since the curators chose to keep an honest account of the site’s history without glossing over. Looking forward to the second part.
Carolin | Solo Travel Story