Nashville is world-renowned for its music scene, but ask any local and there are many other reasons to love this city. A thriving food scene, close-knit community, access to nature, and stunning outdoor parks are just a few of the reasons those who visit might decide to plant roots and call it home. Read on for how to tour Nashville like a local— the must-see, must-eat, and must-do places that will show you the real Music City from a local’s perspective.
If you’re ready to make Nashville your new home, reach out to AptAmigo. With local insight, expert apartment knowledge, and access to the best deals in Music City— your apartment hunt has never been easier.
Related: Everything You Need to Know About Working with a Nashville Apartment Locator
Tour Nashville Like a Local
Food
Winner: Henrietta Red
This Germantown restaurant is impeccably designed with food and drinks to match. You’ll find Nashville locals enjoying high-quality seafood, expertly crafted cocktails, and the best weekend brunch in town. Needless to say, it is just as delicious for dinner (be sure to try the oysters!)
Honorable Mentions:
Arnold’s Country Kitchen
Korea House
Lockeland Table
Live Music
Winner: Honky Tonk Tuesday at The American Legion Post 82
You haven’t really been to Nashville if you haven’t gone to the American Legion Post 82 on a Tuesday Night. This is the only time the legion is open to the public and all entry fees are suggested and donation-based. Locally regarded as the ‘most welcoming place’ in Nashville, the dance floor is open to all ages and skill levels. Filled with novices and experts, it’s the perfect place to learn how to two-step without judgement.
Bonus tip: show up early and you can score a free lesson before the night is in full swing.
Honorable Mentions:
Grimey’s New & Preloved Music
The Basement East (affected by tornado but in the process of being rebuilt)
Station Inn
Motown Mondays at The 5 Spot
Nightly DJ’s at Duke’s
Outdoor Activities
Winner: Kayaking the Harpeth
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 rentals are affordable and they have a drop-off and pick-up service. There’s no better way to beat the Summer heat.
Pro tip: Come prepared with food, drinks, and water shoes.
Honorable Mentions:
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
Beaman Park
Nashville Shores on Percy Priest
Hidden Gems
Winner: Urban Cowboy Public House
This hidden gem is often overlooked— which means it’s never too crowded and feels perfectly intimate. Urban Cowboy is a bed & breakfast in East Nashville with a rustic-chic bar tucked into its expansive back patio. Featuring craft cocktails, great music and delicious food, this space is a true local favorite.
Honorable Mentions:
Little Harpeth Brewery
Fran’s East Side
Plaza Mariachi
Weekend Activities
Winner: Cummins Falls
Tennessee is full of waterfalls and they are nothing short of spectacular. The drive from Nashville to one of these beautiful falls ranges from about 45 minutes to 2 hours. Cummins Falls is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Nashville and well worth the hike. Be sure to wear proper hiking shoes that you can get wet (water shoes with good soles are perfect), a swimsuit, and beach towels.
Pro tip: Bringing along lunch and drinks for a picnic will make it the perfect day outside the city.
Honorable Mentions:
Arrington Vineyards
The Loveless Cafe
Goodlettsville Antique Mall
Whether this is your very first trip to Nashville 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 and help you throughout the entire process. The best part? It’s absolutely free.
Learn everything you need to know about Nashville apartment locators here.
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.
