5 Unique Things You Can Only Do in Nashville
Last updated: 12/8/24
Sometimes when you visit big cities, it seems like there are the same basic places in each city. Nashville definitely has its own vibe, but there are some experiences that stand out more than others. Here are a few of the things that you can only do in Music City.
Shop at the flagship Draper James store
The flagship store for Reece Witherspoon’s Draper James clothing line is one of my favorite shops to visit in Nashville. The atmosphere is incredibly inviting. When I first visited (pre-2020), a greeter offered you a glass of sweet tea when you walked inside.
The entire store is bright and charming. While the clothing tends to be pricey, there are smaller items available if you’re casually browsing and just want to pick up something small. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s fun to look around.
Visit the recording booth at Third Man Records
If you’re a Jack White fan, then Third Man Records is probably already on your radar. If not (I only know about the White Stripes because of my husband), the Nashville location is still an incredibly cool place to visit.
The store is filled with records, obviously, along with all kinds of vintage music curiosities. One of these is a 1947 Voice-o-Graph recording booth where you can record a 2-minute audio onto a 6” phonograph disc. Neil Young recorded his 2014 album in the booth. For $20, you get a one-of-a-kind experience and have a special vinyl record to keep. (The booth isn’t always operational, so call to check in advance if you’re interested.)
Make your own Goo Goo Cluster
For those who don’t know, Goo Goo Clusters are a delicious combination of caramel, nougat, peanuts, and chocolate first made in Nashville in 1912. While you can find the candy in grocery stores and gas stations across Nashville and the rest of the South, it’s definitely worth visiting the Nashville storefront.
Starting at $15, you can create your own custom candy bar at one of the Design Your Own kiosks. If that’s not hands-on enough for you, the store also has different classes you can take. While I haven’t done one yet, I’d love to try the Secrets of Goo Goo, a wine and chocolate pairing experience.
If you can’t find time to head to the Goo Goo Cluster storefront downtown, you can pick up at most of the grocery stores here or go to the Made in TN Store in L&L Market.
Explore the Parthenon in Centennial Park
Nashville’s Parthenon is a replica of the original one in Athens, Greece, so it isn’t technically the only place you can see the Parthenon. But seeing the full-scale replica in Nashville is much easier than buying a plane ticket to Greece. Also, the inside is home to a collection of 19th and 20th-century paintings by American artists.
Seeing Nashville’s Parthenon and the 42-foot statue of Athena is a fun way to spend a morning. Plus, you can enjoy the rest of Centennial Park while you’re there. You can even search for Taylor Swift’s bench while you’re there!
Watch the Grand Ole Opry in person
The Grand Ole Opry is the longest-running radio broadcast in the world. The show has had multiple homes over the years, including the Ryman Auditorium, since it started in 1925 and has showcased talents including Hank Williams, Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline, and Johnny Cash.
Today the show takes place at the Grand Ole Opry House, and it still is the place to hear country music legends and rising talent. You can get tickets to tour the Opry House during the day, but if you can, get tickets to one of the Grand Ole Opry shows. Even if you’re just a music fan in general rather than a country music fan, it’s an unforgettable experience.
The venue is located in an area of Nashville called Music Valley. If you’re headed to a show, I suggest stopping by Cock of the Walk for dinner. This catfish house is one of the most underrated restaurants in Nashville (and also one of my favorites!)
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