Nashville is growing and hopping! Although it is known for western bars - and bachelorette parties - there is plenty to do for a to keep the family entertained for the weekend. Here are some ideas to keep it interesting for the whole family!
Where to stay:
Three new, unique hotels have sprung up recently. All are downtown, but not in the center of the tourist spots - so they are close enough to enjoy the bustle, but far enough away to get some sleep.
The Bobby - www.bobbyhotel.com- This super-swank hotel has a bus theme. From the giant chandelier featuring steering wheels and hub caps, to the tour bus that serves as a pool cabana on the roof - it is all in on the theme. But, we are talking glitter tour bus, not school bus. Enjoy a cocktail by the pool that looks straight out of Vegas. Breakfast on sidewalk is lovely and even the elevators have an interesting element. (I don't want to give it away)
The Fairlane - www.fairlanehotel.com - Step back in time to a 1960's banking experience. A converted bank building makes for a handsome lobby with no details overlooked. From the décor to the menu, this hotel makes you feel like you are going to that fancy place where your dad does all of his business. The staff makes the stay even better. Friendly and enthusiastic, they make you feel like The Bank's most important customer. Don't miss desert on the 4th floor balcony after dark.
21C Museaum - www.21cmuseumhotels.com - It's a museum, it's a hotel, it's just a cool place to stay. Even if your kids are not into art, they will be fascinated by the art all around - especially the elevators. (again, don't want to spoil it). the rooms are pretty large by city standards and the staff all seem to be up and coming music stars. So be sure to get their autograph.
Things to do:
My number one suggestion is to park your car and leave it. I know in the south, we are used to driving - but parking in Nashville is expensive and hard to find. Now - on with the family fun activities!
Shelby Street Bridge - On a beautiful day, enjoy a stroll or bike ride across the Shelby Street Pedestrian Street Bridge. It is accessible from downtown, crosses the Cumberland River to reach LP Field and The Cumberland Splash Park. So, bring your swim suits and enjoy the water features and the climbing wall.
Country Music Hall of Fame - Yes, I know it' touristy and you don't expect that from us. But, sometimes you just have to succumb. And when you do , the Country Music Hall of Fame is not a bad place. The exhibits are interactive and don't take themselves too seriously. You can go at whatever pace you want - and there are enough videos and touchables to keep the kiddos into it. They might even learn something - or decide to go home and practice the guitar! www.countrymusichalloffame.org
The Escape Game - Nashville has several escape room experience. The one closest to us was The Escape Game on 3rd Ave. It has a cool logo and several games to choose from . They will help you with which game to choose based on level of difficulty. Each has features that make use of the tall and the height impaired people, so while you figure out the clues, the kids can bend down to get the stuff. Win. Win. We played with strangers and really enjoyed getting to know other visitors in town. www.nashvilleescapegame.com
Mural Art Tour by Golf Cart - So, yea, most of the Murals are best seen from the alley, so this could be considered an alley tour - but on a golf cart! it is the most exhilarating tour of an alley you will have (in the daytime). The artwork really is fun and the tour goes into the surrounding areas of downtown. Not only do you get a feel for the street art, but the streets as well. The weaving in traffic in an open air vehicle while talking about art and Nashville culture is something that just cannot be replicated in print. Wear your seatbelt. (find it on Trip Advisor)
Rocket Fizz Candy Store - This is an old fashioned candy and joke store. You can get anything from candy cigarettes to artificial dog poo. Oh - and margarita flavored suckers. It's on 2nd street. Enjoy.
Farmers Market - Not too far from downtown is the Nashville's Farmer's Market. Enjoy the fresh produce, the artisan jewelry, beauty products and t-shirts. There is also a food court and green house section. It is dog friendly and great people watching. The fresh apples are pretty good too! www.nashvillefarmersmarket.org
