Nashville is world-renowned for its music scene, but ask any local, and they will list many other reasons to love this city. A thriving food scene, close-knit community, access to nature, and stunning outdoor parks provide just a few of the reasons those who visit might decide to plant roots here.
Read on to learn how to tour Nashville like a local, including the must-see, must-eat, and must-do places and activities that will show you the real Music City from a local’s perspective.
Related: Everything You Need to Know About Working with a Nashville Apartment Locator
How to Tour Nashville Like a Local
Food
Winner: Henrietta Red
At this impeccably designed Germantown restaurant, you’ll find Nashville locals enjoying high-quality seafood, expertly crafted cocktails, and the best weekend brunch in town. Needless to say, it tastes just as delicious for dinner, with plenty of rotating seasonal menu items (be sure to try their main specialty: oysters).
Honorable Mentions:
Live Music
Winner: Honky Tonk Tuesday at The American Legion Post 82
You haven’t really visited Nashville if you haven’t gone to the American Legion Post 82 on a Tuesday Night. The legion only opens to the public for this weeknight event, and they accept all entry fees on a suggested donation system. Locally regarded as the “most welcoming place” in Nashville, the dance floor is open to all ages and skill levels. Filled with both novices and experts, first-timers can learn how to two-step without judgement.
Bonus tip: Show up early, and you can score a free lesson before the night enters full swing.
Honorable Mentions:
Outdoor Activities
Winner: Kayaking the Harpeth River
A mere 30-minute drive from Nashville grants you access to the refreshing waters of the Harpeth River. The best place to start your kayaking journey is at Foggy Bottoms, where they rent affordable equipment and offer a drop-off and pick-up service. Locals love to beat the summer heat by taking advantage of nature’s aqueous gift.
Pro tip: Come prepared with food, drinks, and water shoes.
Honorable Mentions:
Nashville Shores on Percy Priest
Hidden Gems
Winner: Urban Cowboy Public House
Urban Cowboy is a bed & breakfast in East Nashville with a rustic-chic bar tucked into its expansive back patio. This hidden gem often gets overlooked, meaning that it sees fewer crowds and feels perfectly intimate. Featuring craft cocktails, great music, and delicious food, this true local favorite pleases any patron.
Honorable Mentions:
Weekend Activities
Winner: Cummins Falls
Tennessee is full of spectacular waterfalls, and the drive from Nashville to one of these beautiful falls ranges from about 45 minutes to 2 hours. Cummins Falls takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to get to from Nashville plus a worthwhile hike to the magical spot. Wear proper hiking shoes that you can get wet (water shoes with good soles are perfect), a swimsuit, and sunscreen, and pack beach towels for the adventure.
Pro tip: Bringing along lunch and drinks for a picnic will make for a perfect day outside the city.
Honorable Mentions:
Whether you plan to visit Nashville for the first time or you’ve called the city home your entire life, we can all agree that there is no shortage of fun. From waterfalls and honky-tonks, to world class restaurants, there are so many neighborhoods and hidden gems to explore. We hope this list comes in handy the next time you find yourself in Nashville and want to explore the less touristy side of the city.
Related: Best Dim Sum in Nashville
Interested in Moving to Nashville?
Now that you know how to tour Nashville like a local, learn about the cost of living and reach out to AptAmigo to make this city your new home. Our local experts will help you find your dream apartment in your favorite neighborhood. The process is simple: tell us your preferences, budget, and lifestyle, and we’ll compile a list of buildings that are perfect for you. Send back your favorites, and we’ll schedule a day of tours. The best part? It’s absolutely free.
* The original version of this article was first published on November 19, 2020.
Taylor Small is a New York transplant now residing in Nashville, TN, with a background in social media, public relations, and marketing. She freelances and runs her own interior plant design business, Oasis Design. On the weekends she can be found riding around in her 1971 Ford searching for the best antique mall or hiking with her dog, Oliver.
