A Local's Guide on Things to Do in Nashville

The booming city of Nashville has long been a tourist attraction. But in the last decade, this Tennessee metropolis has seen a sharp uptick in visitors. Whether it's a family vacation to see a show at the Grand Ole Opry or a group on a bachelorette weekend before a wedding, you’re sure to see countless travelers just like you when you’re out and about in Nashville. The city is packed with plenty to see and do with the tourist in mind. But if you want to experience Nashville the local way, here’s some great advice from the people who call it home.

The area across the Cumberland River from downtown is known as East Nashville. It's largely a community of residential neighborhoods, with some mixed-use areas scattered throughout. Here, you’ll find a number of parks and green spaces, terrific local restaurants, and some nightlife spots mostly enjoyed by the locals.

From April through December, you can visit one of the most popular farmer’s markets in the greater Nashville area. The East Nashville Farmers Market at 511 Woodland is a large gathering of locals selling everything from fresh produce to gift items to artwork. Every week, you can visit the more than 100 vendors that set up shop there, buying wares from local farmers and artisans just like a Nashville resident.

Many of the locals forgo trips to the big box retailers whenever possible, choosing instead to spend as much of their money as possible with locally owned businesses. The city has a great number of entrepreneurs, with many of them having well-established retail stores. One grouping of locally owned businesses is the Shoppes on Fatherland, which has become a favorite place for people living in Nashville.

Established on the street that bears its name between 10th and 11th Streets, the Fatherland District is one of the gems in East Nashville. You’ll find a variety of local retail stores that sell everything from vintage clothing to unique gift items. The food options are numerous, with something to satisfy every palate and budget. The district also has great options for nightlife, packing in a remarkable variety of spots for live music or sipping craft cocktails.

Another hip spot in East Nashville is the Five Points neighborhood. No matter what time of day you make your way here, you’ll find locals living their best lives. The neighborhood has several spots for breakfast and brunch, countless retail shops to browse and buy in, and tons of terrific options for wining and dining with your friends or significant other.

A spot that is favored by many who are living in Nashville is the Treehouse. This farm-to-table restaurant features a rotating menu curated by skilled chefs, paired with craft cocktails that help make for a perfect evening.

Another popular spot with locals is Smith and Lentz Brewing. Locals rave about their carefully curated selection of beers, along with what some say is the best sourdough pizza in the city.

Visiting Five Points might well be one of the things to do in Nashville that will keep you coming back. With so many places to experience, you could certainly plan most of your trip to the city around just this one neighborhood.

Just above the West End area of the city is the highest point in the area. Known affectionately by locals as the “Lover’s Lane of Nashville,” Lover’s Circle is a spot with an amazing view of the bright lights of the city. It’s a known romantic spot for local couples to spend time alone and also for groups of friends who are looking for a place to leisurely hang and appreciate the cityscape from a distance.

Locals have no shortage of great brunch spots that they enjoy in Nashville. You’ll find these places packed every weekend in every corner of the city, a terrific blend of regulars and tourists filling their booths.

One unique spot is downtown at the Sheraton Grand Nashville Hotel. Saint Anejo’s menu is a combination of traditional Mexican and southern cuisine and has a crowd of regulars that rave about its delicious menu items.

In East Nashville, you’ll find Butcher and Bee packed with folks from the neighborhood every Saturday and Sunday between 10 am and 2 pm to experience one of the best brunch menus in the city. Everything from the hummus to the whipped feta is made in-house from scratch. The breakfast cocktails are the perfect pairing for your meal, and there is a great variety of them to choose from. Brunch isn’t the only time to visit this restaurant, either. This James Beard Award finalist serves as one of the highest-rated dinner spots in Nashville. The locally sourced ingredients and high-quality preparation are some of what sets this popular spot apart from others you’ll find on your trip. If you are going to plan one night for dinner out, Butcher and Bee is certainly one worthy of your consideration.

Whether you’re visiting Nashville as a tourist or traveling to the city on a scouting mission before you relocate here, you’ll want to get a taste of what the locals enjoy. Once you’re here, you’ll find that Nashville offers a seemingly endless variety of activities to keep you occupied. For anyone considering relocating here, you’ll be best served by enlisting the help of a real estate professional. Danielle Beasley knows the city inside and out, and her years of experience will soon lead you to your dream home.