2-Day Bucket List Trip to Nashville: Highlights You’ll Love

Considering a bucket list trip to Nashville?

When my dad mentioned his bucket-list wish to see a show at the Grand Ole Opry, I knew a trip to Nashville was in our future. We planned a short, memorable trip to experience the best of Nashville’s music history, classic museums and, of course, the ultimate highlight – a night at the Grand Ole Opry. Here’s how to have an unforgettable two-day adventure.

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Day 1: Bucket List Trip to Nashville – Exploring Downtown Nashville

Our sightseeing day started with a rideshare drive into downtown Nashville. It was great not having to find a parking spot!

Johnny Cash Museum

The first place we visited was the Johnny Cash Museum. It was an interesting venue that chronicles the life of the legendary Man in Black, from his humble beginnings to his enduring legacy. Located just off Broadway, in downtown Nashville, the museum’s convenient location makes it an ideal starting point for our exploration.

Exterior view of the Johnny Cash Museum on our bucket list trip to Nashville.

Upon entering the museum, we stepped into Johnny Cash’s world. The exhibits featured his music, personal artifacts, and engaging videos, immersing us in his story. One particularly moving highlight was the “Patriot” video, which powerfully showcased Cash’s deep patriotism and connection to American heritage.

Patriotic video streaming with the American Flag narrated by Johnny Cash.
A chair, a bust of Johnny Cash, and a TV screen playing a song by Johnny Cash in Nashville.

As we explored, we spent an hour and a half reading the displays. Each one offered a unique glimpse into a different facet of his life and career, making the experience both fascinating and heartfelt.

The museum’s layout is thoughtfully designed, making it easy to navigate my dad’s rollator.  It ends in the gift shop where you can purchase memorabilia and souvenirs. Tickets were readily available for purchase on-site, adding to the convenience of our visit.

Janet and dad in a rollator in front of the House of Cash sign during our bucket list trip to Nashville.
Motorcycle on display in the gift shop at the Johnny Cash Museum.
Gift Shop in the Johnny Cash Museum

➡️ Google Map / Johnny Cash Museum Open Monday to Sunday 9:00 to 7:00


Patsy Cline Museum

After exploring the Johnny Cash Museum, we took the elevator to the second floor to visit the Patsy Cline Museum. Although smaller in size, it provides an in-depth look into Patsy Cline’s life and career.

Potrait of Patsy Cline, a gown, shoes, a mink wrap, a man's suit in the Patsy Cline Museum in Nashville.

Patsy Cline, born Virginia Patterson Hensley, made a significant impact on the music industry before her sudden death in a plane crash at the age of 30. The museum highlights her personal and professional journey, emphasizing her deep connections with family and home. Notably, the museum features furnishings from her living and dining rooms, providing a tangible glimpse into her personal life.

Furnishings from Patsy Cline's living room including record player, TV, cocktail table and chair.
Dining room set and hutch with a collection of salt and pepper shakers from Patsy Cline's home.

A well-produced video chronicles her rise to fame, offering insights into her enduring influence on country music. By the time we exited, we found ourselves humming her classic hit “Crazy.” The visit concludes with a small gift shop before returning to the elevator.

➡️ Google Map / Patsy Cline Museum Open Monday to Sunday 9:00 to 7:00


Stroll on Broadway

After exploring the museums, we ventured onto Broadway, Nashville’s vibrant main thoroughfare renowned for its lively atmosphere and musical heritage. The street is lined with an array of shops, restaurants, and numerous bars, each offering live music that spills onto the sidewalks, creating an electrifying (and loud) ambiance.

Broadway, main street in Nashville, at night with cars and clubs during our bucket list trip to Nashville.

One standout venue is Kid Rock’s Big Ass Honky Tonk & Rock ‘n’ Roll Steakhouse. It is a multi-level establishment where each floor features live bands performing throughout the day and into the late night. The lively energy from this venue spills onto the street, with music inviting everyone passing by to join in with the fun.

Exterior view of Kid Rock's Big Ass Honky Tonk & Rock 'n' Roll Steakhouse in Nashville.
Interior view in Kid Rock's Big Ass Honky Tonk & Rock 'n' Roll Steakhouse with live band and lots of people in Nashville.

Seeking a more sedate experience, we stopped at Honky Tonk Central, another popular spot on Broadway. As my dad wore his Air Force Veteran hat and enjoyed his beer, several patrons approached to shake his hand and express gratitude for his service in the Armed Forces. This heartfelt gesture exemplified the kindness, respect, and patriotism we consistently encountered in Nashville.

Strolling along Broadway was an unforgettable experience, buzzing with energy and live music pouring out of every honky-tonk. The atmosphere captured Nashville’s rich musical culture and signature Southern hospitality. While it’s a lively and fun place to explore, we quickly realized that Broadway is tailor-made for bachelor and bachelorette parties with its party vibe and non-stop entertainment!


Where to Eat in Nashville – Day 1

There are plenty of places to eat in downtown Nashville especially if you like hot chicken (spicy fried chicken), barbecue, and mac and cheese!  We found several places next to the Johnny Cash Museum including Luigi’s City Pizza, Sun Diner, Goo Goo Cluster (a dessert place), and Lainey Wilson’s Bell Bottoms Up.  All the places have mixed reviews.  We had lunch at Luigi’s, and it was average.  I had zero expectations, so I was not disappointed.

Exterior view of the Sun Diner and Luigi's City Pizza on our bucket list trip to Nashville.

For dinner, we walked to The Hampton Social, which is several blocks away from Broadway.  For me, they have more of a “healthy” menu. But the primary reason we chose this restaurant was due to InKind.  It is a new restaurant app where you can get cash back on your tab and receive money each month that can be applied to future dining bills. I received an offer for $50.00 off a minimum of $175.00 bill at The Hampton Social.  That was easy to do with four people for dinner.

Day 2: Bucket List Trip to Nashville – A Day of Music Landmarks and a Night to Remember

After our breakfast at the Hampton Inn & Suites Nashville at Opryland, we were ready to get our day started.

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Our visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum was unforgettable. I purchased timed tickets online, prior to our visit. We booked a 10 a.m. slot but arrived a bit early. Thankfully, the staff kindly let us in right away.

Front entrance to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on our bucket list to Nashville.

We started our self-guided tour on the 3rd floor, taking the elevator up. The layout was logical and easy to follow. The museum begins with the early roots of country music and works its way to modern-day stars. Along the way, we saw incredible displays. Stage costumes, instruments, photos, and artifacts from icons like Minnie Pearl, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton (and lots more) filled the exhibits.

Start of the self-guided tour on the 3rd floor at the Country Music Hall of Fame lined with displays and interactive videos.

There were plenty of interactive elements, too. Videos, movies, and even cars caught our attention. Highlights included Webb Pierce’s Nudie mobile, Elvis Presley’s Gold-Plated Cadillac, and the Bandit II, Pontiac Trans Am from the Burt Reynolds movie, Smokey and the Bandit II. We even spotted the mechanical bull from Urban Cowboy!

Elvis Presley's Gold-Plated Cadillac with back door open.
Gold-Plated Cadillac
Webb Pierce's Nudie Mobile with silver dollars along the dashboard and passenger door open.
Nudie Mobile
The Bandit II Pontiac Trans Am from the Smokey and the Bandit II movie.
Bandit II

The Taylor Swift Education Center was another impressive feature. The tour continued on the 2nd floor, focusing on the 1960s, the LA connection to country music, and the genre’s evolution to the present.

I don’t consider myself a big fan of country music, but I found the museum fascinating and very informative. It was a learning experience from start to finish. We spent over two hours exploring and could have stayed longer.

Before leaving, we browsed the gift shop, which had an amazing guitar display. Overall, the museum is a must-visit. It’s educational and full of surprises.

Display of various guitars at the Country Music Hall of Fame and museum gift shop in Nashville.

➡️ Google Map / Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Open Monday to Sunday 9:00 to 5:00


RCA Studio B

Our visit to RCA Studio B was a highlight of the day. This iconic studio can only be toured with a ticket to the Country Music Hall of Fame, so we scheduled our tour right after exploring the museum. The one-hour guided tour began with a shuttle ride from the Hall of Fame.

Shuttle bus in front of the Country Music Hall of Fame for our ride to the RCA Studio B.

We met in the museum lobby, where our guide informed us that we couldn’t bring my dad’s rollator to the studio. They arranged to store it at the museum and had a wheelchair waiting for him when we arrived. The staff was incredibly accommodating.

The narrated shuttle ride was a treat in itself. Our guide shared fascinating stories about the Music Row district as we passed the CMA headquarters and numerous recording studios. The short drive built our excitement for the visit.

Touring RCA Studio B

Once inside Studio B, we were immersed in music history. The studio’s walls tell the story of country and pop music from its opening in 1957 through its peak in the 1970s. Artists like Dolly Parton, Roy Orbison, the Everly Brothers, and Willie Nelson recorded legendary tracks here. But what surprised me most was learning that Elvis Presley recorded over 240 songs at Studio B, including hits like “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” and “How Great Thou Art.”

Studio B walls with a historical timeline and photos of the artists.

Walking through the studio was unforgettable. The recording room still has many original equipment pieces, including a Steinway baby grand piano famously used in many sessions. Our guide pointed out the X on the floor marking where artists stood to record their best vocal performance. It was surreal to imagine these musical legends in the same space.

Recording studio with original Steinway baby grand piano.

The stories the guide shared made the experience even more special. Each anecdote brought the studio to life, from tales of late-night recording sessions to quirky behind-the-scenes moments. The atmosphere felt sacred, much like our visit to Sun Studio in Memphis. Studio B carries a similar sense of reverence, as if the music and creativity still linger in the air.

Today, Studio B still remains an active recording space, continuing its legacy. After the tour, our shuttle bus returned us to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Our guide kept us entertained with more stories, making the ride back just as enjoyable.

➡️ Google Map / RCA Studio B


Grand Ole Opry

The highlight of our Nashville bucket list trip was attending a performance at the Grand Ole Opry. This was the main reason for our visit. My dad had always dreamed of seeing a live show at the historic theater, so this was a particularly special evening for us.

After a busy day exploring Nashville, we returned to our hotel, the Hampton Inn & Suites Nashville Opryland, for a short rest before the show. Conveniently, the front desk had a flyer for shuttle service to and from the Grand Ole Opry. I called and arranged for a 6 p.m. pick-up. The cost was $10 per person, cash, for a round trip.

The pink shuttle bus arrived promptly and made a few stops to pick up other guests before dropping us off near the Opry entrance. The driver told us he’d be waiting at the same spot at 9:30 p.m.

Inside the Grand Ole Opry is a huge photo of Dolly Parton singing on stage.

Inside the Grand Ole Opry

With my dad and his rollator, we went through security. The staff at the Opry couldn’t have been more helpful. They guided us to the elevator and made sure my dad was comfortably seated. They even stored his rollator during the show and returned it as the last song ended. The kindness and respect shown to us was heartwarming and consistent with what we’d experienced throughout Nashville.

Photo of Stuart, Janet, Sharon and dad seated at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.

Before the show, we had time to explore. There were plenty of options for drinks and snacks, as well as a large gift shop filled with Opry memorabilia. The theater holds about 4,000 guests, and we had a fantastic view of the stage.

The stage at the Grand Ole Opry on our bucket list trip to Nashville.

The night’s lineup included eight acts, each one impressive in its own way. We enjoyed performances by T. Graham Brown, Anna Vaus, Jason Eady, Del McCoury Band, Bill Anderson, Randall King, Leftover Salmon, and Lauren Alaina. My dad loved every minute of it, soaking in the music and the atmosphere. Seeing the Grand Ole Opry, in person, meant so much to him, and it was a joy to witness his happiness.

Randall King playing a guitar on stage at the Grand Ole Opry.
Randall King
Lauren Alaina singing on stage at the Grand Ole Opry.
Lauren Alaina
Leftover Salmon playing instruments on stage at the Grand Ole Opry.
Leftover Salmon

The Grand Ole Opry isn’t just a venue – it’s a piece of living history. It embodies the deep sense of community and shared values that define country music. From its humble beginnings to its status as the world’s longest-running live radio show, the Opry remains a symbol of tradition and artistry.

When the show ended, we made our way back to the designated pick-up spot, and the shuttle was waiting to take us back to our hotel. It was the perfect end to an incredible day and the crowning moment of our Nashville bucket list trip.

➡️ Google Map / Grand Ole Opry


Where to Eat in Nashville – Day 2

Since we were going to the Grand Ole Opry for the evening, we decided to have a late lunch and treat it as our main meal for the day.  We choose Ella’s by Christian Petroni, which was in walking distance from the Country Music Hall of Fame.  Their appetizers are shareable and very good!

If you want to have dinner near the Grand Ole Opry, there are several options at the Gaylord Opryland Resort like Jack Daniel’s and the Old Hickory Steakhouse.  The Opry Mills Mall has more choices including several well-known chains like P.F. Chang’s, Cheesecake Factory, and Dave & Busters.  Other choices include the Bavarian Bierhaus along the lines of the Hofbrau Haus in Munich, and the Aquarium Restaurant, with a 200,000-gallon fish tank which kids (and adults) love.

Where to Stay in Nashville

Nashville offers a variety of accommodations to suit different preferences. You can choose to stay downtown for easy access to city attractions or near the Grand Ole Opry for proximity to its specific venues.

We chose the Hampton Inn & Suites Nashville Opryland, located about a mile from the Grand Ole Opry and a 15-minute drive from Nashville International Airport. When we chose to explore downtown Nashville, it was a drive of less than 15 minutes and minimal traffic.

Front entrance of the Hampton Inn & Suites  Opryland in Nashville.

Our room was comfortable, and we secured a handicapped-accessible room for my dad. While the extra space accommodated his rollator, the absence of a walk-in shower was unexpected; he still had to step into a tub to shower, which was disappointing.

The hotel provided a complimentary breakfast, with coffee and tea available throughout the day. Each room included a small refrigerator and microwave, adding to the convenience.

For a more upscale experience, the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center is an excellent option. It features indoor gardens, winding rivers, waterfalls, and multiple dining choices. Other nearby hotels include the Comfort Inn Nashville, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, and Holiday Inn Express & Suites.

🎈Click here to see hotel options near the Grand Ole Opry

My Trip Planning Resources

These are the companies that I use when planning our trips:

Flights: WayAway
Hotel Reservations: Booking.com & Hotels.com
Vacation Rentals: VRBO
Portable Wi-Fi: Ryoko Pro
Rental Cars: DiscoverCars.com
Train Tickets: Rail Europe
Tours: Viator, Get Your Guide and GuruWalk
Travel Insurance: VisitorsCoverage
Airport Lounge Access Program: Priority Pass

If you choose to buy through any of the provided links, we may receive a commission without any extra charges to you. Explore our Travel Resources page for additional service suggestions.

Getting to Nashville

Our bucket list trip began with a flight from Philadelphia to Nashville, with my dad’s rollator in tow. Traveling with a mobility aid requires extra time to get through the airport and TSA, but the American Airline staff were incredibly helpful, making the process seamless.

Usually, we order a wheelchair with the airline but this time we decided to bring my dad’s rollator so we could use it during the trip.  This allowed my dad to walk at times on his own and then convert it to transport chair mode when he got tired.

Once we landed, we opted for rideshare services to explore Nashville. It was the perfect choice – no need to worry about navigating busy streets or finding parking, leaving us free to enjoy the sights.

At the Nashville Airport, you need to go to the Ground Transportation Center for rideshare pickup.  When you exit the Main Terminal, turn right and follow the sidewalk to Terminal Garage 2. 

Rideshare Zone A waiting area at Nashville Airport.

The rideshare pickup locations are:

  • Ride App Zone A – Lyft
  • Ride App Zone B & C – Uber
  • Ride App Zone D – KreweCar

Bucket List Trip to Nashville: FAQS

The following are frequently asked questions about visiting Nashville.

What is the best month to go to Nashville?

The best time to visit Nashville depends on your preferences, but many people consider spring (April to May) and fall (September to November) as the ideal months. During these seasons, the weather is pleasant, with mild temperatures and less humidity, making it comfortable to explore the city.  We visited during November and each day was pleasant with sunshine.

How many days do you need to visit Nashville?

Two to three days is typically enough to experience the key sights and soak in the charm of Nashville. During our two-night stay, we were able to visit major attractions like the Johnny Cash Museum, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, RCA Studio B, and Broadway. We also attended a show at the iconic Grand Ole Opry, which was the highlight of our trip.

Is Nashville fun for older people?

Absolutely! While Nashville is famous for its lively bar scene and bachelorette parties, it’s also a fantastic destination for older visitors, especially those who love music and history. The city offers countless opportunities to explore the icons of the country music industry.

Visiting the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum or taking a guided tour of RCA Studio B is like stepping back in time. These places celebrate the golden era of music, and it’s heartwarming to see older generations relive their memories through classic hits. Watching my dad sing along to Johnny Cash’s Ring of Fire and Patsy Cline’s Crazy made us all smile!

Final Thoughts: 2-Day Bucket List Trip to Nashville: Highlights You’ll Love

As we headed home, we carried memories of an amazing trip and the special time we shared. This short journey reminded us that bucket-list moments don’t always need to be grand – they’re about experiencing something meaningful together. 

We have done several bucket list trips with my dad including the Ark Encounter and Creation Museum in Kentucky, the National Air Force Museum in Ohio, and the Field of Dreams in Iowa. And we have several more trips planned!

For anyone considering a Nashville trip with family or friends, the city’s deep musical roots and unique charm make it unforgettable. Whether you’re a lifelong country fan or just along for the ride, Nashville offers countless ways to connect with the heart of music history.

If you would like assistance in planning your trip to Nashville, refer to our Travel Planning services for further information or send us an email.

Want to learn how to pack like a pro? Check out our post on How to Pack for a Two-Week Trip: Travel Light with Just a Carry-On & Personal Item!

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