15 Things You Must Do in Nashville

Nashville is renowned for its ever-present live music, historic venues and unrivaled history. However, the Music City has much more to offer than the Country Music Hall of Fame and lively honky tonks, including an emerging foodie scene, killer craft beer and a slew of unique neighborhoods worth exploring at your own pace.

Country music fan or not, you won't want to tour Broadway without stopping into Tootsie's Orchid Lounge. The iconic honky-tonk stands out thanks to its signature purple exterior. Be sure to bring cash to tip the musicians, check out the Wall of Fame and head upstairs for beer or two on the rooftop.

A top-down Jeep tour is arguably the best way to see Nashville. Guests can bring their own beer and explore the neighborhoods they're most interested in without feeling like a tourist. Passengers will not only learn about Nashville but answer trivia questions and stop for photos along the way.

The Bluebird Cafe is as unassuming as music venues come, only boasting about 90 seats. However, the attraction hosts tens of thousands of visitors annually and has appeared in the hit television series "Nashville." Earlier this year, Taylor Swift made an appearance at the Bluebird, where she was discovered more than a decade ago.

Like its name suggests, the awe-inspiringL27 Rooftop Lounge is located on the 27th floor of The Westin Nashville. The rooftop pool is only available to hotel guests but anyone can take the elevator up for a craft cocktail and unbeatable views of the Music City.

Party Fowl specializes in Nashville Hot Chicken and you won't have to wait forever in line to get your hands on it. Pair your spicy meal with an ice-cold craft beer or a refreshing boozy slushie.

Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams is undoubtedly the best ice cream in Nashville and thankfully there are six different locations throughout the city. There are tons of flavors to choose from but you'll be hard-pressed to pass on the brown butter almond brittle on a freshly made buttercrisp waffle cone.

The Parthenon might be your prototypical tourist attraction but it's definitely worth a visit. A full-scale replica of the original Parthenon in Athens, the museum's exterior is awfully impressive in person and the highlight of scenic Centennial Park.

The Johnny Cash Museum is certainly worth your time as it boasts the largest collection of Johnny Cash artifacts and memorabilia in the world. It's one of only a half-dozen attractions in the city to receive the coveted AAA Gem Rating and has been ranked the top music museum in the world by multiple publications.

The best craft beer in Nashville can be found at Tennessee Brew Works. However, even if you can't make it into the taproom, you're likely to find one of their flavorful brews at a nearby bar or restaurant. The State Park Blonde Ale (a portion of the sales actually benefit the Tennessee State Parks) pairs well with the city's famous BBQ.

Nashville's historic Music Row district is home to a plethora of recording studios that have hosted some of the biggest stars in music. This is where you'll find Historic RCA Studio B, which visitors can tour by purchasing an add-on ticket from the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

Fans of reality star Kristin Cavallari should be sure to stop into her newly-opened jewelry store in Nashville's Gulch neighborhood, Uncommon James. What's more, shoppers won't want to miss actress Reese Witherspoon's Draper James clothing store in 12 South.

If you're in the mood for a healthy but equally delicious meal in the Music City, then head to Kay Bob's Grill & Ale near Vanderbilt University in Hillsboro Village. The restaurant features indoor-outdoor seating, a robust draft beer list along with flatbread sandwiches and other dishes with Persian and Southern influences like jumbo marinated grilled wings and homemade black bean hummus. Stop by on a Tuesday or Saturday for two-for-one drinks.

Some of the best views in Downtown Nashville can be found at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. Visitors to the 19-acre park will also learn all about Tennessee's history through monuments and other attractions.

Nashville's murals are incredibly Instagram-worthy but perhaps none more than the "What Lifts You" wings in The Gulch. This is a popular photo spot so don't be surprised to wait in line. The "I Believe in Nashville" mural in 12 South is also a must.

Nashville's Riverfront Park is a must on a nice day as it offers exceptional views of the Cumberland River and plenty of space to unwind along the scenic waterfront. The nearby John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge is one of the longest in the world and is a great spot to watch the General Jackson Showboat in action.