A Weekend in Nashville: A Guide to Exploring Music City
Nashville has always been one of my favorite cities to visit, and this recent trip did not disappoint! If you’re planning a visit to Music City, here’s a recap of our long weekend activities—and why you should add these stops to your own itinerary.
A Night at the Grand Ole Opry: Nate Bargatze’s Nashville Christmas
We kicked off our trip with a once-in-a-lifetime experience: attending a live taping of Nate Bargatze’s Nashville Christmas at the iconic Grand Ole Opry. It was like stepping onto the set of SNL—full of hilarious skits and surprise performers! Musical guests included Darius Rucker, Noah Kahan, and Carrie Underwood! We had no idea they were going to perform. We thought we were going for Nate’s stand up comedy show, but it was so much more! It was spectacular. Catch the full Christmas special premiere on December 19 from 9-10 pm ET/PT on CBS.
If you’re visiting Nashville, I highly recommend catching a show, whether it’s music or comedy. Being part of a live audience was thrilling, and the Grand Ole Opry itself is such a legendary venue. I was completely starstruck and already want to do it again!
Exploring the Country Music Hall of Fame
The next day, we dove into country music history at the Country Music Hall of Fame. If you’re a fan of country music, this is a must-see—at least once. I loved seeing artifacts like Elvis’ car, Dolly Parton’s iconic dress, and Taylor Swift’s crystal guitar (a definite highlight for me).
That said, it’s heavy on memorabilia, so I don’t think I’d visit a second time. It’s not exactly kid-friendly either, as little ones might find it a bit boring. Still, for music buffs, the history here is fascinating and worth the trip. We found their souvenir shop to be one of the best and picked up a couple of ornaments and toy guitars for the kids.
Birthday Dinner at Hall’s Steakhouse
That evening, we celebrated my little sister’s birthday with a dinner at Halls Chophouse, and let me just say—wow. The food was amazing. I ordered the filet with truffle butter, and it was everything.
The restaurant went above and beyond to make the night special, surprising us with a complimentary cookie skillet dessert and espresso martini shots in honor of B’s birthday! The ambiance was just as memorable, with a live pianist and next door a towering Christmas tree that got us all in the holiday spirit.
Brunch at Restoration Hardware Gallery
Saturday morning we got our day started with a lovely brunch at Restoration Hardware’s Courtyard Restaurant adjacent to the Green Hills Mall. This four-story gallery is spectacular—a feast for the eyes. It’s the perfect spot for both dining and photos.
I ordered the Chinese chicken salad, which was delicious, and my sister was treated to a warm birthday cookie. Afterward, we explored the gallery and soaked in the luxury vibes.
Shopping at Green Hills Mall
Green Hills Mall is a shopper’s dream, and we spent the afternoon exploring top-tier stores like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Golden Goose, Tecovas, Gucci, and more. The retail therapy was top-notch, and to my surprise, I ran into an old friend from high school! It was such a fun and unexpected reunion.
Strolling Through 12th South District
One of my favorite parts of the trip was exploring the charming 12th South District. This street is lined with adorable boutiques like Love Shack Fancy and Stoney Clover Lane. I couldn’t resist stopping by Draper James (Reese Witherspoon’s store) for cozy pajamas and some holiday gifts.
We also created our own custom clear game-day clutches at Stoney Clover, a recommended must-do. While you’re there, be sure to grab a picture at the iconic “I Believe in Nashville” mural—it’s a must! For a snack, the cookie shop next to Draper James is a sweet spot to recharge.
Dinner at Etch
We wrapped up our trip with dinner at Etch, a restaurant known for its creative, globally inspired dishes. I loved the mix of tropical and Mediterranean flavors in the roasted cauliflower, brussels and pork chop. For adventurous eaters, this spot is a winner.
Honky Tonks & Broadway
We had planned to swing by Broadway to check out the honky-tonks, but we were wiped! If it’s your first time in Nashville, though, this is a must. For a smoother experience, you can reserve private lounge seating at Tootsie’s or explore the smaller, less touristy honky-tonks tucked away on side streets. Those little spots are where you’ll find the true heart of Nashville’s music scene.
Where We Stayed: The Graduate Nashville
A trip to Nashville wouldn’t be complete without a stay at the Graduate Nashville, one of the most unique boutique hotels I’ve ever experienced. This eclectic, country-music-themed hotel is brimming with charm and personality. From portraits of country legends like Patsy Cline, Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, and Minnie Pearl to the Southern Grandmillennial-style decor, every detail feels like a celebration of Nashville’s roots.
Our room was a dream—ultra-feminine with pastel pink wallpaper, floral draperies, antique-inspired furnishings, and a canopy over the bed. The western boot details in the Oushak carpet in the hallways were a fun nod to the city’s country spirit.
But the hotel’s show-stoppers don’t end there. The lobby is filled with velvet sofas and vintage details, while Critters Bar downstairs feels like something out of Disney’s Country Bear Jamboree. It’s the perfect spot for a nightcap after a day of exploring.
The Pink Rooftop Bar: White Limozeen
My sister Mary Lawrence and I spent a dazzling evening at White Limozeen, the Graduate’s pink rooftop bar named after Dolly Parton’s iconic album. With its vibrant decor, city views, and whimsical vibes, this spot is a must-visit.
We sipped on cocktails (I had the Anti-Hero, which was delightful) and couldn’t resist trying their star-shaped Jell-O champagne shots—such a fun touch! The rooftop also features a Dolly Parton statue that’s perfect for photos. In the summer, I’d love to return and relax poolside under their adorable pink fringe umbrellas.
The views of the city from the rooftop were stunning, and the whole experience added an extra layer of sparkle to our Nashville trip. If you visit, make sure to snap a photo with Dolly and soak up the one-of-a-kind atmosphere.
Let’s Go (Back) Girls!
That was all we had time for on this trip, but I’d love to hear your recommendations for our next visit! Nashville is a city full of charm and creativity, and there’s always something new to explore. Let me know your favorite spots in the comments!
Shop my Nashville looks on my LTK shop.
