Summary

The best memories from a vacation often come from the most unexpected places!

Let’s face the truth—Nashville has its fair share of tourist hangout places. They are usually pricey, overcrowded, and rarely as exciting as they seem online.

But no worries! We have done the hard work for you and have revealed some of Nashville’s hidden gems. Whether you are looking for unique activities or just want to skip the crowds, we have you covered.

Nashville Hidden Gems That You Didn’t Know About

Check out our top 5 picks, organized by their activity type, to make your trip unforgettable.

This article includes a wide list of suggestions under each of the following categories, namely:

• Food and Beverages
• Outdoor
• Museums
• Retail and
• Miscellaneous

Continue reading as we delve into each of the following sections in detail in this blog.

Our Top Best 5 Picks for A Day Itenary

Visit the National Museum of African American Music:

This Museum offers a beautiful blend of the music of African and American regions. Education, events, and exhibits give an intimate view of the many types of music worldwide.

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Get a mouthful bite or a drink at the Greenhouse Bar:

This Bar offers a perfect combination of mouthwatering menu items and freshly house-made cocktails, all in an amazing and warm atmosphere.

Book a show ticket at the Caverns:

Located in a deep underground cave surrounded by lush Tennessee forests, the Caverns is a huge music venue and a must-visit place. If you are looking for a place in the outdoors and want to have an amazing experience like you have never had, you are at the right place.

Visit the Dwyer Observatory:

Located in the heart of the mountains surrounding Nashville, the observatory offers a lifetime experience of the wonders of our solar system. It is open to the public by appointment and offers various activities, such as exhibitions, live events, and educational experiences.

Get a hot cup or go for a relaxing shopping experience at Thistle Farms:

Thistle Farms’ retail space offers one-of-a-kind handmade products, including candles, jewelry, and essential oils. It also offers a boutique shopping experience with a great cause, and the cafe area offers amazing coffee, tea, and light snacks.

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Suggestions to Grab the Best Food and Beverages

Eat at Bill’s Sandwich Palace:

Nestled in East Nashville, Bill’s Sandwich Palace has become a global destination for sandwich enthusiasts.

Since opening its doors just a year ago, the Palace has delighted customers with a mix of beloved classics, like meatball parmigiana and ham and Swiss, alongside an ever-evolving lineup of creative sandwich creations.

How do they pull it off? By refreshing their menu every two weeks, their talented kitchen team crafts endless combinations of wholesome, flavorful ingredients to deliver the ultimate sandwich experience every single time.

Get Some Amazing Food at Ramzys Meat and Three

No list of hidden gem restaurants is complete without mentioning Ramzy’s Meat and Three. This unassuming spot is a local treasure, serving up hearty, cafeteria-style meat-and-three meals that hit all the right notes.

The choices are endless — pulled pork with green beans and cheesy potatoes; fried chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy, plus mac and cheese; or fried catfish with coleslaw and cornbread. Love the food Ramzy’s has to offer? Don’t forget to check out the homes for sale in Franklin, Tennessee, to relocate where your heart is.

List of Outdoor Activities in Nashville, Tennessee

Go on A Kayaking Trip at the Percy Priest Lake

Downtown Nashville is close to the Cumberland River, making it a go-to kayaking spot for locals and tourists. Its waters offer stunning city views, but exploration can be limited.

However, just ten miles outside the city lies Percy Priest Lake—a much larger and more versatile kayaking destination. Its vast area is ideal for explorers, with secluded coves, abundant surrounding forests, and several large uninhabited islands to explore. If you have the time, you can set up camp and make your escapade an overnight adventure.

Enroll in the Refugee Discovery Series:

Perfect activities for outdoor enthusiasts of any age, Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge offers various year-round opportunities. Amazingly, despite being a treasure, most locals and tourists are unaware of this place.

Activities may include hunting, fishing and boating, photography, biking, horseback riding, archery, and nature painting. The refuge also hosts free educational classes led by friendly park staff, making it an ideal spot for learning and exploration. Discover the full schedule, locations, and activities here!

List of Museums You Could Stop By

Visit the Elephant Gallery for Some Amazing Local Art

Head to the Buchanan Arts District in North Nashville to taste authentic Nashville art and visit the Elephant Gallery. The building may look small at first glance, but it is huge. It regularly rotates exhibits and features diverse mediums like sculpture, needlework, jewelry, paintings, and more.

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Take a Look at TV History at Cooter’s

If you grew up cheering for the Duke boys as they slid across the hood of their car and saved Hazzard County week after week, then Ben Jones (better known as Cooter Davenport) needs no introduction.

You can meet him at Cooter’s, a hidden gem museum celebrating the iconic TV show that won America’s heart with thrilling stunts and sharp one-liners in the 1970s and 1980s. Explore the set artifacts up close at your own pace—admission is 100% free!

Places to Get Some Shopping Done!

Visit Defunct Books

Visiting a bookshop while on vacation might not seem like a novel idea, but Defunct Books is anything but ordinary.

This charming shop focuses on out-of-print, rare, unique, and delightfully odd books. Beyond its quirky selection, the cozy interior and inviting outdoor patio make it a special spot. It’s the perfect place to find a few captivating reads for your journey home.

Visit the Nashville Farmers Market

Nothing says local like a visit to the Nashville Farmers Market! This is the ultimate spot to discover unique gifts, handmade treasures, or fresh, high-quality ingredients from local vendors.

Even if your suitcase has no space left, it’s still worth a visit. This sprawling indoor and outdoor market is packed with vendors serving mouthwatering, freshly cooked meals. Open daily and year-round, the Nashville Farmers Market is ready to deliver a taste of home-cooked goodness no matter when you stop by.

Miscellaneous Activities At Nashville

Buy a Power Drill or Get a Beer at Joelton Hardware

When you see someone heading to Joelton Hardware, they’re probably not just grabbing a box of nails. They might be checking out a live music performance in the venue space, enjoying a delicious burger and fries, or picking up some organic-produced medicinal herbs from the retail section.

Joelton Hardware is worth the visit if you’re up for a short drive outside Nashville. Whether you’re picking up a few essentials or just want to grab a cold drink and catch a great band, it’s a spot you don’t want to miss!

Look For the Various Events at Nashville’s Public Library

You can tell your friends you spent the day at the public library during your Nashville trip, and they will give you that amazed look. But trust us, if you visit the Nashville Public Library, you will understand why it is on the list of hidden gems.

There is so much to explore; the best part is that it is completely free. The library offers unlimited activities, from yoga and wellness workshops to book clubs and rotating exhibits on history and culture that can be amazing.

Nashville: Your Home Away From Home

For those considering long-term investments in Nashville, don’t forget to connect with real estate brokers in Nashville, TN. They can help you find a home close to vibrant spots at affordable prices.