Nashville Bucket List 2023

elizabeth.demolat

16 Jan, 2023

Nashville Bucket List 2023

Last updated: 2/22/24

My husband and I have lived in Nashville for several years now, but we haven’t even come close to doing everything yet. For 2023, I thought it would be fun to make a bucket list of 23 things to do in Nashville. 

I’ve focused on four major categories: events, outdoor activities, “classic” Nashville attractions, and food. With a few exceptions for a couple of my favorite things I want to repeat, I haven’t tried most of the things on this list before. Throughout the year, as I get a chance to check things off my list, I’ll come back and update this post.

While you’re here, be sure to take a look at my guide to Nashville as well.

Note in 2024: I clearly did not make it to all of these in 2023, but I am still working through them!

Events

  1. Americana Music Festival – AmericanaFest is a conference for those in the Americana music industry. Not a musician or related to the music industry at all, but I would love to get a festival pass for the live performances.
  2. ✅Southern Festival of Books – This festival is one of the oldest literary festivals in the United States and brings around 200 authors to the city in October. Each year since I’ve lived in Nashville, I’ve seen that the Southern Festival of Books is happening, and tell myself that I’ll go next year. This year, I’m making that happen.
  3. Cumberland River Dragon Boat Festival – The festival is a fundraiser for the Cumberland River Compact. I couldn’t find much information about the festival other than that it’s typically in October. 
  4. First Saturday Art Crawl – On the first Saturday of every month, art galleries across Downtown Nashville host a free event open to the public. 
  5. Nightlight 615 – Nightlight 615 is a 21+ outdoor movie series that takes place at the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. We saw the Princess Bride there during the 2021 season. It was so much fun that I want to go to another movie!

Outdoor Activities

  1. Radnor Lake – We’ve been to Radnor Lake before. The trail around the lake is pretty easy. In my mind, this is a good place to try out hiking with a baby in a carrier.
  2. River Queen Voyages – There are several different kayak companies in and around Nashville. River Queen Voyages has a season pass, so I want to give them a try a couple times this year to see if it would be worth it to get a season pass next year.
  3. Beaman Park – The program schedule for Beaman Park Nature Center has so many events that look interesting on it. I’d like to go on at least one hike at the park.
  4. Cumberland Park – Cumberland Park is supposed to have a lot of cool features for families. I’d love to visit during the summer to check out the splash pad in the play area.
  5. Cumberland River Greenway – Nashville’s Greenways are one of my favorite things about the city. I’m particularly interested in this one because the trail is paved. I don’t think I’m up for challenging hikes just yet, so paved pathways are good for right now.
  6. Warner Parks – Edwin and Percy Warner Parks are supposed to be two of the best parks in Nashville. There’s a mix of primitive and paved trails, and I’d love to check out a couple of them.

“Classic” Nashville

  1. ✅Nashville Library – I’ve been to my library branch many times, but I’ve never been to the main branch downtown. The library was also named one of the most beautiful libraries in the United States by Fodors. (Did this! Here’s my article about the Nashville Main Library.)
  2. Grand Ole Opry – This is possibly the most Nashville thing on my list. We’ve seen the Grand Ole Opry once while at Bonnaroo, and it was so much fun. We’re so close that there’s no reason not to go either to a show at the Opry House or one of the specials at the Ryman.
  3. Parthenon – I’ve seen the outside of the Greek Parthenon replica while in Centennial Park, but I’ve never been inside. There is an admission fee to enter, but it’s probably worth it to see the Athena statue and explore the art galleries inside.
  4. ✅Parnassus Books – Parnassus Books is one of the best bookstores in Nashville. I’ve been before, of course. They recently posted a photo on Instagram of owner (and author!) Ann Patchett with tiny hedgehog stuffed animals that are for sale in the shop. I clearly need to get a hedgehog for our household. Plus, I’ll also get some books while I’m there even though I have a growing stack of books on my desk I still mean to read. (Here’s my article about Parnassus Books!)

Food

  1. Lagniappe Bayou Kitchen – I’m always up for trying Cajun cuisine. The reviews for this New Orleans-style restaurant in Goodlettsville have been positive, so I want to check it out for myself.
  2. Luogo Restaurant – I saw a pretty photo on Instagram, I was influenced, and now the restaurant is on my 2023 Nashville Bucket List.
  3. ✅Flora & Fauna – The Nashville Scene named Flora & Fauna the best new coffee shop in Nashville. Every time I pass by the shop (which is often), I tell myself I’m going to go there soon. (Review here)
  4. Soft Service Station – It’s a coffee shop with soft serve ice cream. I feel like I don’t have to explain why this concept appeals to me.
  5. ✅Hattie Jane’s Creamery – I saw Hattie Jane’s Creamery last week while at Assembly Food Hall, and I decided I did not need ice cream after finishing my lunch. I regret that decision.
  6. Brightside Bakeshop – I’m always excited to try out new bakeries. This one in particular has a few savory pastries that look amazing. 
  7. ✅Pink Door Cookies – I keep seeing photos of these cookies everywhere. As mentioned earlier, I am easily influenced by pretty pictures of food. (See my article on Pink Door Cookies here!)
  8. ✅The Cupcake Collection – This bakery has a sweet potato cupcake. I’ve never seen that on the menu anywhere else!

I’m sure I’ll do more than 23 things in Nashville this year, but I especially want to make sure that I get to these!