Nashville, Tenn., may be quickly climbing the ranks as a top tourist destination, but there is still plenty to see and do while on a budget. The soulful city’s nightlife, music scene, food culture and downtown fun adds a bit of spark to your next family vacation.
Research a bit about the bustling music city to determine in which neighborhood you want to stay. Opt for a hotel or Airbnb in an area you want to explore to cut down on public transportation and car rentals. A family-friendly stay and budget hotel, The Homewood Suites in Nashville’s Historic District provides roomy accommodations for the family and include breakfast, free WiFi and easy access to the city’s beautiful and musical downtown quarter.
© Paul Brennan | Dreamstime
Begin with breakfast at your hotel and stroll down Music Mile, visiting the Music City Walk of Fame, featuring stars in the pavement to honor music legends. Show off your favorites to the kids or take a guided tour, taking in music town’s bluegrass history. Check out the city’s many attractions from the Parthenon and Centennial Park to the iconic Grand Ole Opry and Country Music Hall of Fame.
If you’re lucky enough to visit on the fourth weekend of the month, you’ll be able to peruse the Nashville Flea Market at the Tennessee Fairgrounds. Shop home goods, local crafts and jewelry and enjoy events and seasonal fare. Check out the calendar here and plan your trip accordingly. With or without the flea market, you won’t be disappointed as the Fairgrounds hold a wide variety of events, year-round.
© Cristian Coban | Dreamstime
Visit the Broadway Historic District and take in the sights and sounds of Honky Tonk Highway. Enjoy free live music played along the streets and stop in any of the many Southern restaurants and Nashville-centric shops. Families may fill the streets by day, but once the nightlife takes over, there is no telling where the evening will lead.
Top off your Nashville trip with a show at the famous Blue Bird Café. Playing each night at 6 p.m., performers take the stage and music lovers enjoy local bands for no cover charge. Stay for dinner or opt for Southern comfort food at Monell’s Restaurant for affordable cuisine served family-style — perfect to fill the kids up before bed while parents head out for a nightcap.
Stroll the city streets enjoying live music and peddle bike tours whizzing by. Enjoy a few drinks and local cuisine, as you’ve had a budget-friendly day filled with free activities and events.
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