5 Things to Do in Nashville

Quick – name the elements that make a perfect glamping getaway! If they include a stay in a trendy tiny home, fabulous food, good weather and a menu of fun for everyone, then let’s go to Nashville! The trendy tiny is easy – book a glamping stay at Natchez Trace Tiny House Village. Settle in and get ready to explore Nashville and the surrounding attractions that make this Tennessee town a must-do destination. Here are some ideas on how to make this the ultimate getaway for fall: 

1. Changing of the Arts: If the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Nashville is music, you might find it interesting to know that Nashville is home to the Frist Art Museum. What makes this museum unique is that unlike other art museums, The Frist does not have permanent collections but instead hosts rotating exhibits, so if you’ve visited before, you will most likely see something completely different. For details on hours of operation and current exhibits, visit fristartmusuem.org. 

Parthenon located in Centennial Park

2. Ancient Wonders: If your plans to visit Greece this year didn’t pan out, we have an idea. Head over to Nashville’s Centennial Park and behold their version of the Parthenon, which is actually a full-scale replica of the original that has been standing in Athens since the 5th century BC. Nashville’s Parthenon was built in 1897 for Tennessee’s Centennial Exposition to celebrate 100 years of statehood. In addition to marble casts, there is also a collection of American Art and the magnificent statue of Athena, the Greek Goddess to whom the original Parthenon was a shrine.  

3. Only in the South: Some uniquely Southern things in which to partake while visiting can include enjoying an Ole Smokey moonshine tasting at 6th & Peabody (https://6thandpeabody.com/); taste the inimitable fried bologna sandwich at Robert’s Western World (located on Lower Broadway); or make your own Goo Goo Cluster, the chocolate, peanut, caramel, marshmallow mix that was created in Nashville in 1912 (googoo.com).  

Kayaking in the Cumberland River

4. Outdoor Adventures: Southern summers can be muggy, and southern winters are…well, winter. Spring and fall in Nashville are mostly pleasant, so outdoor adventures are always an option when visiting here. One way to see the city is to kayak the Cumberland River and enjoy the city’s skyline (visit getyourguide.com/nashville for options); for a day trip, hiking Falls Creek Falls is another great outdoor activity to see some spectacular waterfall and for a near waterfall viewing, check out Machine Falls at Short Springs Natural Area, which is about an hour’s drive of out the city. Nashville also has a spectacular Greenways Network that has miles and miles of trails for hiking, biking, mountain biking and horseback riding. For details, visit nashville.gov/departments/parks/greenways-and-open-space/maps-and-trails. 

Ryman Auditorium

5. Bucket List: If you’re looking for the ultimate bucket list for your visit to Music City, USA, make sure to include biscuits at the Loveless Cafe, plenty of Instagram shots and photo ops at the city’s numerous outdoor murals, hot chicken at Hattie B’s, a concert at the Ryman Auditorium, a tour of the Grand Old Opry, and a live music show at the Bluebird Cafe (this is where Taylor Swift, aka Mrs. Travis Kelce, performed before she was famous! 

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Top Destinations to Visit Before Summer Ends

Whether you’re ready for it or not, another too short summer is coming to an end. Instead of lamenting the loss, grab the most you can out of the last few weeks of summer and take one last road trip. We’ve got some ideas for a last minute, all-in fun, trip:

Cabins at Thousand Trails Verde Valley
Cabins at Thousand Trails Verde Valley

Verde Valley: Any time of year here in Red Rock country is worth the trip. Why not take a late summer journey to Sedona and book a stay at Thousand Trails Verde Valley and enjoy all there is to do here from hiking to horseback riding to enjoying the Dark Sky designation of Cottonwood. Dead Horse State Ranch Park offers hiking trails as well as horseback riding and some great birdwatching opportunities. Relax and explore the Verde Valley Wine Trail (vvwinetrail.com) or head into Jerome and get to know this once bustling mining town-turned ghost town that is now a bustling artisan’s hub with shopping and restaurants.

The Keys: Key hop for your last adventure this summer and explore the Florida Keys. Stay with us at Sunshine Key Tiny House Village and get to know Bahia Honda State Park or visit the adorable, and unique, Key deer at the National Key Deer Refuge. Hop over to Long Key and glamp in a colorful cottage at Encore Fiesta Key and then hop on the Overseas Highway and head down to Key West and feel the vibe of this funky town so loved by Ernest Hemingway. Other Keys highlights include the Turtle Hospital (learn about how this facility rehabs sea turtles), John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (great for snorkeling and kayaking) and watching the sunset on Islamorada.

Mt. Hood Tiny House Village
Mt. Hood Tiny House Village

Mt. Hood: If hiking to Oregon’s Ramona Falls has been on your bucket list, “they” say the time to do it is in late summer and early fall so book a tiny house stay Mt. Hood Tiny House Village and get ready to hike. Enjoy the late summer bounty of the Mt. Hood Farmers Market (Friday afternoons through October) that in addition to the produce also features arts and crafts, bread and pastries and specialty items. Check out the old stomping grounds (literally) at the St. Josef’s Grapestomping Festival, set for September 20-21 (stjosefswinery.com), that will feature music, locally sourced food items, and of course, grapestomping.

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