Five Unique Things to Do in Nashville Besides Live Music
We know that you came to Nashville because it’s Music City. We also know that after two long days and nights of drinking and partying it up in Nashville’s famed honky-tonks, you are looking for something else to do.
That is why we (Nashville locals) compiled this list of Five Unique Things to Do in Nashville Besides Live Music that we have personally experienced and put our stamp of approval on. Enjoy!
1. Games
Interactive games are tons of fun and if you haven’t yet experienced an escape room - you are missing out! The Escape Game has three locations in Nashville (including one downtown) and it is a blast. After selecting your adventure, you and your group will be locked in to a themed room - complete with a story, and will have 60 minutes to escape. Use the clues, use your hints, and try your best to get out of there and claim a “Victory!” over some clever puzzle designers.
Venture down to The Gulch (one of Nashville’s coolest neighborhoods and entertainment districts) and try your hand at some old school arcade games at 16-Bit Bar+Arcade. Wait a minute…did you say booze and FREE Galaga? Heck yeah! We’re in to spend a few hours just taking it easy in this awesome hangout.
2. Craft Cocktails
Nashville is full of awesome Speakeasys and talented mixologists who will blow your mind and your taste-buds with incredible craft cocktails. If you want to pay your respects to the OG though, you have to visit The Patterson House. If we’re being honest, in this world of apps and electronic waitlists, we LOVE the fact that The Patterson House is a first come, first served seated cocktail bar. And just in case you are wondering, yes - the cocktails, made with high-quality ingredients, are worth any wait you may have to endure.
3. Food - Nashville Hot Chicken
If we’re ranking Nashville’s identities, “foodie destination” is a relatively new one. Since landing on the map however, even the locals are enjoying all the chefs coming to town. If you want a taste that is uniquely Nashville though, you must try Nashville Hot Chicken.
Far from any other type of spicy chicken you’ve ever experienced, do yourself a favor and go to the originator of the fiery fowl - Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack. With a location in Assembly Food Hall, (in downtown Nashville) tourists have no excuse to not try the dish that our friend Nelson claims are “Fireworks in your mouth!”
We certainly don’t want to be labeled “hot chicken heretics,” but the flavor of Hattie B’s Hot Chicken, (also in Assembly Food Hall) inspires us to make the thirty-minute commute just to get our fix of this spicy culinary delight. This hot chicken specialist gets our highest recommendation.
4. Record Shops
Ok, let’s be honest…you came to Nashville because you love music. And how many times can you honestly say you’ve had the opportunity to visit a place that houses a record store, novelties lounge, and the world’s only live venue with direct-to-acetate recording capabilities? That’s right - you never have! Add to the fact that it’s Jack White’s joint and you have to visit all the glory that is Third Man Records.
5. Magic
Magic tricks? Yes, magic tricks! You’ve never seen magic tricks like these before. Magician Jason Michaels (a Nashville native) has traveled to thirty countries making audiences laugh and smile with his award-winning magic and his show Mysteries and Illusions racks up 5-star review after 5-star review. Pay particular attention when he breaks out the classic sleight-of-hand trick The Cups and Balls. By the time its over your eyes may have popped out of your head!
