Nashville is a fun city for folks of all ages and has recently become a home city for many a newcomer. You can blame the burgeoning state economy or perhaps the expansive social events for young professionals, but Nashville truly has become an “it city”. We see it in our real estate prices and our five-star restaurants, in our tourism industry and these ten awesome outings everyone should take. How many have you knocked off your list…?

  1. Visit Fort Donelson for a low-key history lesson.

Fort Donelson Battlefield - Facebook The only other state that has as many battlefields as Tennessee is Virginia, so a humbling visit to one of the state’s famed parks is well-worth a visit. Fort Donelson isn’t far at all from the heart of Nashville’s downtown, and is bound to give you a sense of perspective and heart towards Tennessee’s past.

  1. Indulge in something delicious at Dozen Bakery.

Dozen Bakery - Facebook Dozen Bakery has long been known for its delectable, chewy cookies and perfectly fluffy blueberry muffins, but it’s their airy storefront that really gets us every time. Come for a sandwich or perhaps an after school snack if you’re feeling a bit peckish. The homemade bread is great to take home, as well.

  1. Spend a lazy Saturday morning shopping Marathon Village.

Marathon Village - Facebook Marathon Village is a historic space located on the outskirts of Nashville’s downtown area and makes for a great spot to find antiques, grab a bite to eat or simply just wander with a loved one.

  1. Spend the night at the Hermitage Hotel, named one of the best in the world.

Hermitage Hotel - Facebook The Hermitage Hotel has long been considered one of the best spots in the city by locals and now it’s finally getting noticed by folks outside the state. A historic nod to a much grander era, this gorgeous hotel is worth a visit (or two!), even just for a nightcap.

  1. Spend your day in the great outdoors with one of these epic local winter hikes.

Michael Hicks - Flickr Nashville may be known for it’s illustrious economy and burgeoning number of Millennials, but getting out of the craziness of the day-to-day and indulging in a meandering hike through the countryside makes for a perfect and peaceful Saturday.

  1. Explore Tims Ford State Park, and perhaps even stay in one of their log cabins.

Tims Ford State Park - Facebook If camping is what you’re looking for, Tims Ford State Park has been overlooked for much too long! Go hiking and stay overnight in one of their cabins for a fantastic weekend spent away from the hustle and bustle. Perfectly affordable and great for groups, we’d recommend making a reservation for the springtime.

  1. Take yourself out to an upscale diner brunch at Fenwick’s 300.

Fenwick’s 300 - Facebook An indulgent brunch is one of life’s greatest pleasures, wouldn’t you say? Whether you’re looking to fall in love with a puffy pancake or perhaps go a bit overboard on syrup and butter, Fenwick’s 300 has an expansive menu that’s perfect for everyone in your party.

  1. If you haven’t taken a Tennessee safari, this is the time!

Tennessee Safari Park - Facebook A safari?! In Tennessee?? Yes, it’s true, a safari rife with exotic animals that will make your face crack wide open in a chidish grin. We have all the information you need behind that link, right up there.

  1. Restock your bookcase with a visit to the epic McKay Used Books.

McKay - Facebook McKay’s is a local favorite for big readers and homeschooling families, mainly for the incredible number of books available for purchase and the neat buy-back store credit option.

  1. Perhaps visit the haunted Riverwood Mansion and learn its dark history.

Riverwood Mansion - Facebook Tennessee is an old state which means the history is crazy and convoluted. Riverwood Mansion is a great venue space for weddings and personal events, but oh, it’s history? Just might be even more incredible…and dark.

There’s really no better way to experience our great city, don’t you think? If you’re hankering for something else, then check out this two-story general store that hides a whole lot of history.

Fort Donelson Battlefield - Facebook

The only other state that has as many battlefields as Tennessee is Virginia, so a humbling visit to one of the state’s famed parks is well-worth a visit. Fort Donelson isn’t far at all from the heart of Nashville’s downtown, and is bound to give you a sense of perspective and heart towards Tennessee’s past.

Dozen Bakery - Facebook

Dozen Bakery has long been known for its delectable, chewy cookies and perfectly fluffy blueberry muffins, but it’s their airy storefront that really gets us every time. Come for a sandwich or perhaps an after school snack if you’re feeling a bit peckish. The homemade bread is great to take home, as well.

Marathon Village - Facebook

Marathon Village is a historic space located on the outskirts of Nashville’s downtown area and makes for a great spot to find antiques, grab a bite to eat or simply just wander with a loved one.

Hermitage Hotel - Facebook

The Hermitage Hotel has long been considered one of the best spots in the city by locals and now it’s finally getting noticed by folks outside the state. A historic nod to a much grander era, this gorgeous hotel is worth a visit (or two!), even just for a nightcap.

Michael Hicks - Flickr

Nashville may be known for it’s illustrious economy and burgeoning number of Millennials, but getting out of the craziness of the day-to-day and indulging in a meandering hike through the countryside makes for a perfect and peaceful Saturday.

Tims Ford State Park - Facebook

If camping is what you’re looking for, Tims Ford State Park has been overlooked for much too long! Go hiking and stay overnight in one of their cabins for a fantastic weekend spent away from the hustle and bustle. Perfectly affordable and great for groups, we’d recommend making a reservation for the springtime.

Fenwick’s 300 - Facebook

An indulgent brunch is one of life’s greatest pleasures, wouldn’t you say? Whether you’re looking to fall in love with a puffy pancake or perhaps go a bit overboard on syrup and butter, Fenwick’s 300 has an expansive menu that’s perfect for everyone in your party.

Tennessee Safari Park - Facebook

A safari?! In Tennessee?? Yes, it’s true, a safari rife with exotic animals that will make your face crack wide open in a chidish grin. We have all the information you need behind that link, right up there.

McKay - Facebook

McKay’s is a local favorite for big readers and homeschooling families, mainly for the incredible number of books available for purchase and the neat buy-back store credit option.

Riverwood Mansion - Facebook

Tennessee is an old state which means the history is crazy and convoluted. Riverwood Mansion is a great venue space for weddings and personal events, but oh, it’s history? Just might be even more incredible…and dark.

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