5 Nashville Attractions That Have Nothing To Do With Music

In the minds of most travelers, Nashville and country music are practically inseparable. The town is nicknamed Music City, after all. But there's much more to this Tennessee capital than the Grand Ole Opry or the Country Music Hall of Fame. If you’re planning a visit and find country music just isn’t your thing, broaden your itinerary to include these Nashville attractions. 

Gallop along at the Belle Meade Plantation

Take a tour of the mansion and grounds at the historic Belle Meade Plantation.

The highlight of the historic 5,400-acre plantation Belle Meade, or “beautiful meadow,” is its horse farm, once hailed as the best thoroughbred stud farm in the country. It was the birthplace of Iroquois, the first American-bred horse to win the English/Epsom Derby. The plantation also houses a Greek Revival Mansion, deer park, train station and rock quarry. The plantation is open during the week and on weekends. Join a tour of the mansion to learn about Tennessee’s Victorian architecture and equestrian history.

Start your engines at the Lane Motor Museum

The Lane Motor Museum is a great destination for families—and a must-see attraction for auto enthusiasts. Photo credit: Kerry Woo

The Lane Motor Museum is one of the few museums in the country specializing in European cars and motorcycles. As a working museum, it maintains all of its vehicles in running order—some cars are in showroom condition, while others show typical aging. Spanning approximately a century, the vehicles date from the 1920s to modern day and include microcars, amphibious vehicles, military transports, alternative fuel vehicles, prototypes and one-of-a-kind cars and motorcycles.

Look back on history at the Tennessee State Museum

Located near the State Capitol Building, the Tennessee State Museum takes you on a journey through time—and admission is free.

Filling three floors of the James K. Polk Center, the Tennessee State Museum is one of the largest state museums in the U.S. More than 60,000 square feet are devoted to permanent art, history and cultural exhibits. Interpretive displays begin with the prehistoric people of 15,000 years ago and continue through the early 1900s, with special sections on furniture, silver, weapons, quilts and paintings. The museum also houses some of the best Civil War collections of uniforms, battle flags and weapons. Looking for the perfect Tennessee souvenir? Swing by the museum’s store, which sells pottery and jewelry from local artists, as well as educational toys for kids.

Take a stroll and Have a Picnic in Centennial Park

Bring a blanket and some food and enjoy your surroundings at Nashville's Centennial Park.

From picturesque landscapes and a walking trail to recreational facilities, Centennial Park on West End and 25th Avenue North, has an activity for everyone in your family. Explore the iconic Parthenon, walk along the one-mile walking trail or take in Lake Watauga. Visit the Centennial Art Center, let your kids get creative at the arts activity center, play volleyball at the sand courts or run on the exercise trail. Want to relax? Throw a blanket on the ground and enjoy the beauty of the park.

Stop the presses at Hatch Show Print

Every good band needs a great poster, and Hatch Show Print has been creating them since 1879.

Located close to downtown Nashville hotels, the Hatch Show Print, experience one of the country’s oldest working letterpress shops. Since it was founded in 1879, Hatch has been creating one-of-a-kind handbills and posters for circuses, carnivals and concert acts and artists. Today, Hatch produces marketing materials for local and national ad campaigns. You can go on a tour to see some of the old handbills and posters, learn about the history of the printing press and check out vintage equipment. Allow for plenty of time to make your own poster to take home.