Nashville Adventures Blog

By Paul Whitten If you’re searching for Nashville Walking Tours, you’re probably looking for more than just something to do. You want to understand the city. To see the real version of it. To experience downtown beyond the neon glow of Broadway. And here’s the truth... Nashville was built to be explored on foot. The history is dense. The streets are compact. The stories stack on top of each other block by block. From Civil War occupation to country music legends, you can walk

If you are planning a Nashville trip, you already know you are signing up for live music, big crowds, neon lights, and more bachelorette groups than you thought existed in the United States. As someone who has walked these streets as a historian, a tour guide, and a musician who once played Broadway at 10 AM to a room of three very confused tourists, let me offer you the Nashville pre vacation checklist that actually prepares you for Music City. This list is based on the thin

By Paul Whitten, Founder There is something about 90s country music that feels like home. I grew up with these songs. Like a lot of Southern millennials, I remember sitting in my dad’s truck with the windows down, hearing Alan Jackson or George Strait on the radio while the backroads blurred past. That sound shaped a lot of us. But the amazing part is that 90s country is for everybody. Nashville made sure of that. Most of the albums from this era were born right here inside s

Nashville history has never been polite. It is loud, odd, surprising, and filled with characters who would fit right in on a Broadway sidewalk today. Every time I lead a walking tour, I remind folks that this city was weird long before it became Music City. Below are ten of the strangest, funniest, and most wonderfully bizarre fun facts from Nashville’s past. 1. The Ryman Auditorium began as a massive revival hall built by a converted riverboat gambler Before it became the Mo

Nashville gets called a lot of things these days. Fun. Expensive. Busy. A whole adventure wrapped in neon lights and hot chicken. But the truth is that you do not have to spend a pile of money to enjoy this city. Some of the best experiences in Nashville are completely free, and they show off the real heart of the place. As someone who spends most days walking these streets and telling these stories, here is my short list of free activities that are worth your time. These are

If you're looking to check out Nashville beyond the honky-tonks and hot chicken, you're in for a good time. Walking tours are an awesome way to dive into the city’s rich history, lively culture, and amazing music scene. I've strolled these streets more times than I can count, and trust me, every corner's got a story ready to be shared. So put on your comfiest shoes, grab some water, and let's explore the best walking tours Nashville has to offer. Why Nashville Walking Tours A

by Paul Whitten Can anyone name the place in Nashville? If you are traveling to Music City with a dog, Nashville is a good place to land. This town has always been social by nature, and over the last decade that social energy has spilled onto patios, rooftops, greenways, and breweries that welcome dogs without a second thought. Dog-friendly Nashville is not a niche here. It is part of the culture. I spend a lot of time walking this city for a living, and I see dogs everywhere

By Paul Whitten, Founder of Nashville Adventures If you spend enough time downtown, you notice that Music City has a pretty funny relationship with electric scooters. Some folks love them, some folks want them fired into the Cumberland River, and the rest of us fall somewhere in between. The truth is that Nashville has been quietly fighting what I call the Scooter Wars, a long, strange saga filled with tech companies, policy battles, angry locals, injured tourists, and a who

By Paul Whitten If you are planning Valentine’s Day in Nashville, here is the honest truth. The best dates here are not always the loudest, flashiest, or most expensive. They are the ones that feel personal. The kind you talk about years later. These are the best kept secrets of Nashville for couples who want something memorable, not just another dinner reservation. I spend my life walking this city with locals and visitors, and these are the Valentine’s date ideas people alw

Earlier this week, I wrote an article on Learn Laugh Speak about why the fastest way to learn English is not through apps, flashcards, or gamified lessons, but by talking to real people in real situations. While writing it, I kept thinking about Nashville. Because learning a city works the exact same way as learning a language. You can study it on a screen all day, but it does not actually click until you experience it live, in conversation, with context. That idea sits at th

By Paul Whitten, Founder of Nashville Adventures In 1975, long before bachelorette pedal taverns and neon Broadway, Nashville was captured on film in a way the city had never seen before . The movie Nashville  arrived at a moment when the city was still a regional music town, not yet a global brand. The film did not just depict Nashville. It reshaped how the rest of the country saw it and, in many ways, how Nashville came to see itself. Nearly fifty years later, locals still

Not every tour we give is about Broadway bars or famous recording studios. Some of the most meaningful tours we offer are the ones that get very specific, very niche, and very personal. This week, we had the privilege of leading a private church history tour for Lighthouse Church out of Mount Juliet, Tennessee, and it was one of those days that reminds me why we built Nashville Adventures the way we did. This was not a surface level drive by tour. This was a deep dive into fa

Broadway in Nashville has its own unmistakable soundtrack. From Tennessee Whiskey to Wagon Wheel, certain songs echo through every honky tonk and define the rhythm of Music City. This list breaks down the top songs you will hear on Lower Broadway and explains why they have become essential to the Nashville experience.

People do not always associate The Beatles with Nashville. Liverpool, sure. Hamburg, absolutely. London, of course. But tucked into the long story of the greatest band on earth is a surprisingly deep Nashville connection. And the story did not stop when they broke up. In many ways, Nashville became the quiet second home for the solo Beatles who came looking for a fresh sound, world class musicians, or sometimes just peace. Truth be told, I love the Beatles, and musicians fall

Every city has its quirks, but Nashville has a long history of laws that make you stop, scratch your head, and say, “They really wrote that down?” When you dig back into the early codes of Music City, you find a mix of frontier caution, Victorian morality, and pure Southern uniqueness. Some of these rules made sense at the time. Others are just a reminder that our city has always had personality. As a Nashville historian and someone who spends most days walking these streets,

Imagine stepping into the heart of Music City, where the hum of guitars and the beat of history merge to create an unforgettable tapestry of experiences. For travelers eager to immerse themselves in Nashville’s dynamic spirit—from legendary venues to hidden local gems—guided explorations offer more than sightseeing; they deliver connection. Whether you’re strolling through Nashville’s historic districts or tapping your toes at intimate performances, a well-planned journey can

If you have ever grabbed a drink in downtown Nashville and walked away wondering how two beverages somehow turned into thirty plus dollars, you are not alone. Nashville is one of the best cities in the country for live music, tourism, and good times, but it also has some of the most confusing fees and taxes you will see anywhere in Tennessee. As a tour operator and Nashville historian, I see this all the time when guests join me on a walking tour and ask the same question: wh

Nashville is a city full of vibrant culture, music, and history. Among its many treasures, one spot stands out as a peaceful retreat and a hub of activity - Centennial Park. This park offers a unique blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and recreational opportunities. Whether you're a local or a visitor, exploring the park's attractions is a must for anyone looking to experience a different side of Nashville.

To truly experience Nashville, you have to explore it the way locals do—beyond the busy honky-tonks and tourist hotspots. From vibrant neighborhoods like East Nashville and 12 South to intimate music venues, family-owned eateries, and peaceful parks, the city offers countless authentic experiences waiting to be uncovered. This guide shows you how to dive into Nashville’s hidden gems, local flavors, and community spirit for a visit that feels genuinely connected to the heart o

Nashville is more than the Music City—it’s a place where history, culture, and creativity collide. From the grandeur of the Parthenon to the legendary halls of the Ryman Auditorium, each landmark tells a story that shapes the city’s vibrant identity. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, exploring these iconic sites offers a deeper connection to Nashville’s spirit.