I asked Nashville visitors what they love doing besides hitting Broadway bars. The responses revealed a city rich with history, outdoor activities, and unique experiences beyond the tourist strip.
The Crowd Favorites
Music City Rollin Jamboree This comedy bus tour dominated responses, with six enthusiastic recommendations. People called it “the best tour in town” and said they “never laughed so hard before.” One person noted it was “voted by locals as the number 1 thing to do for the second year in a row.”
Belle Meade Plantation Four people recommended this historic mansion and winery. One visitor noted you can “get a chilled bottle of wine to drink on your way round” – setting up perfectly for the rest of the day.
Backstage Nashville/The Listening Room Four recommendations for this Saturday daytime songwriters show where you hear country hits performed by the people who actually wrote them. It's described as an “all ages, seated show” at the legendary 3rd & Lindsley venue.
The Music Scene Alternatives
Grand Ole Opry Three people recommended the iconic show and backstage tours as essential Nashville experiences beyond Broadway's chaos.
Country Music Hall of Fame Multiple mentions for this comprehensive look at country music history.
Ryman Auditorium The “Mother Church of Country Music” got recommendations for both shows and backstage tours.
The Worst Times to Visit Nashville: Avoid These Dates
Read more →
Nashville’s 10 Most Jaw-Dropping Hotel Pools – #3 Will Leave You Speechless!
Read more →The Beautiful Escapes
Cheekwood Three people recommended this botanical garden and art museum for a peaceful break from downtown.
Cummins Falls State Park Multiple mentions for this waterfall destination with “beautiful scenery and a nice walk.”
The Parthenon Nashville's full-scale replica of the Greek Parthenon in Centennial Park.
The Day Trip Destinations
Jack Daniels Distillery Two people recommended the drive to Lynchburg for tours and whiskey tasting, calling it “one of the highlights.”
Franklin/Leipers Fork Multiple mentions for these charming nearby towns with Civil War history and antique shopping.
Dollywood Mentioned as a day trip option from Nashville.
The Neighborhood Experiences
12 South Two recommendations for this trendy neighborhood with shopping and dining.
The Gulch Multiple mentions for this upscale district with shopping and restaurants.
Music Valley Two people recommended this area near Opryland, mentioning “vintage shops” and a completely different vibe from downtown.
East Nashville Mentioned for its authentic local bar scene and venues like East Side Bowl.
The Unique Tours
Dive Bar Tours Multiple mentions of organized tours hitting Nashville's authentic local bars away from Broadway.
NashTrash Tours A comedy tour option for those wanting entertainment with their sightseeing.
Big Drag Bus Called “Nashville's #1 party bus” with “performances, games and dancing.”
The Historic Sites
The Hermitage Andrew Jackson's historic home got multiple recommendations.
Johnny Cash Museum Essential for Cash fans wanting to dive deep into the Man in Black's story.
The Relaxing Options
Gaylord Opryland Hotel Two people recommended simply strolling through this massive resort with its indoor gardens and waterfalls.
General Jackson Showboat Dinner cruise option on the Cumberland River with entertainment.
The Active Adventures
Percy Priest Lake Mentioned for boating and water activities.
E-bike rentals Someone recommended renting electric bikes for the morning trail rides.
Long Hunter State Park Nature activities and hiking trails.
The Bottom Line
Nashville offers substantial alternatives to Broadway's party scene. The most popular recommendations focus on comedy tours, historic sites, and music experiences that go deeper than typical tourist bars.
The variety spans from outdoor adventures at state parks to sophisticated cultural experiences at plantations and museums. Many visitors emphasized that “anything you can do around Nashville is funner than Broadway” – suggesting these alternatives often provide more memorable experiences than the crowded downtown scene.
