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Home • How-To

How To Have a Laid Back Weekend in Nashville

There's more to Nashville than honky tonk and country music. The bounty of art galleries, cool shopping areas and delicious food coax travelers and celebrities alike for a weekend or more of good 'ol southern fun. Get some travel inspo from this ESSENCE Editor's 3-day trip to this music mecca.  
By Joslyn Winkfield · Updated October 27, 2020
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01
Friday

Check in to The Urban Cowboy, the perfectly decorated bed and breakfast in a super hip neighborhood.

How To Have a Lit Weekend in Nashville
Urban Cowboy
02
Friday

After a weary day of travel, take a soothing hot bath in one of their room’s vintage tubs.

How To Have a Lit Weekend in Nashville
Joslyn Blair
03
Friday

Add a rose scented bath bomb to take it to the next level.

How To Have a Lit Weekend in Nashville
Joslyn Blair
04
Friday

The Urban Cowboy has so much charm inside, it’ll be hard to leave and explore!

How To Have a Lit Weekend in Nashville
Joslyn Blair
05
Friday

Take a nap if needed, like my husband, pictured here, did!

How To Have a Lit Weekend in Nashville
Joslyn Blair
06
Friday

Your first night’s meal should be epic. Head to Edley’s Bar-B-Que for the best bbq nachos of your life (they use house made potato chips instead of tortillas).

How To Have a Lit Weekend in Nashville
Joslyn Blair
07
Friday

After dinner, turn the corner and find yourself at the Filling Station, a local beer brewery.

How To Have a Lit Weekend in Nashville
The Filling Station
08
Friday
End your day sipping on a cold beer and people watching.
How To Have a Lit Weekend in Nashville
Joslyn Blair
09
Saturday

Start you first full day with a pit stop at I Dream of Weenie, a stationary airstream turned foodtruck.

How To Have a Lit Weekend in Nashville
Joslyn Blair
10
Saturday
I recommend the cole slaw dog, savory topped with a summer favorite-so good!
How To Have a Lit Weekend in Nashville
Joslyn Blair
11
Saturday

Saturday is primetime for checking out all the art that Nashville has to offer. The Art and Invention Gallery is the perfect place to scour for artsy gems!

How To Have a Lit Weekend in Nashville
Joslyn Blair
12
Saturday
Check out paintings from a variety of local artists.
How To Have a Lit Weekend in Nashville
Joslyn Blair
13
Saturday

You simply can NOT go to Nashville without hearing live music. The famous Tootsies Orchid Lounge is right on the main strip and will have you singing and clapping all night.

How To Have a Lit Weekend in Nashville
Getty Images
14
Saturday
Broadway Street is packed at night with travelers and locals seeking live music, drinks and bar food.
How To Have a Lit Weekend in Nashville
Brian Jannsen / DanitaDelimont.com
15
Sunday
Spend your Sunday morning frolicking throughout the Cheekwood Botanical Gardens, which boasts a Japanese garden and a sculpture trail.
How To Have a Lit Weekend in Nashville
Joslyn Blair
16
Sunday
You’re bound to stumble upon unsuspected artwork in the woods!
How To Have a Lit Weekend in Nashville
Joslyn Blair
17
Sunday
Get authentic denim and a pair of boots Imogene + Willie, a clothing shop in what used to be an old gas station.
How To Have a Lit Weekend in Nashville
ZUMA Press Inc / Alamy Stock Photo
18
Sunday

If you’re road tripping, do it the old fashioned way with a map and a polariod camera!

How To Have a Lit Weekend in Nashville
Joslyn Blair
19
Sunday

As you’re leaving the Nashville area (if you’re driving), stop by The Old Forge Distillery to sample and purchase moonshine. This place has over 15 flavors to choose from, including blackberry and banana bread.

How To Have a Lit Weekend in Nashville
Joslyn Blair