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City Cast Nashville

A cheat sheet for getting beyond your block.

Whitney Pastorek

 the best park in town? There’s a strong case to be made. Located in East Nashville along the Cumberland River, and boasting nearly 1,300 acres of land — from groomed fields to tangled forest — it’s an urban oasis with something for everyone.

If you like to ride on something with wheels, the 

 out-and-back provides eight miles of scenic pavement, and you can add on the 

 for some extra loops. But for those on foot, the 

 are where the magic happens. No bikes back here — just the chance to walk or run in nature and say hi to the neighborhood deer.

 for naturalists; it’s also surrounded by some of the coolest things in the park, like beehives and pollinator gardens, and the newly-revamped 

 where kids can get properly grubby. This is where you’ll set out to see the annual 

Whether your baby is of the human or fur variety, Shelby has plenty of places for them to romp and run free. The 

) is one of the city’s best, and the shady playground nearby gets high marks from kiddos. Another playground can be found between the ballfields below the lake. 

 also abound, perfect for birthday parties.

Shelby might boast the most diverse selection of 

 in town, including pickleball, tennis, baseball, basketball, and golf for all ages — even 

. Running races (fun speed and competitive) base out of Shelby year-round. For those who like to take life a little slower, Sevier Lake is regularly restocked for 

, and you’re welcome to put in a kayak at the 

 does a terrific job of programming regular events and activities in the park, from a 

 bring great bands to the airplane hangar every summer, and while we may be biased, 

 is the coolest pop-up party in town. If you want to remember why you love Nashville, there’s no better place to be.

Join us at Fridays by the River! 

With miles of greenway and trails, multiple playgrounds, and a great dog park, East Nashville’s Shelby Park has something for everyone.

Get To Know Shelby Park and Bottoms

Your Guide to Shelby Park & Bottoms

Everything to know about Nashville neighborhoods: Where to go, eat, shop, drink, and more.

Nashville Neighborhood Guides

Neighborhood Guides

 between DB Todd and 9th Avenue N in North Nashville — pronounced Buh-kanan, if you please — is a microcosm of what some might call our city’s growing pains: New businesses stand next to abandoned buildings, on a street sandwiched by tall n’ skinnies, in a historically Black neighborhood desperate to retain its character and affordability. Happily, it’s also full of local restaurants and community spaces that make it worth a visit for anyone who thrives on supporting small businesses and eclectic charm.

Start at the pizza parlor that launched an empire: 

 oblong pies and cinnamon rolls are now available in three states, but the OG location is still the best. Save room for bebidas and Mexican munchies (torta de chilaquiles? yes pls) at 

 taqueria across the street. And if you want to venture slightly deeper into North, definitely hit up the 50-year-old neighborhood institution 

 — they relocated to Buchanan after the recent passing of their founder. New event space 

 brunch on the 1st and 4th Sunday of each month that looks genuinely insane. For something more fast-casual, you can’t go wrong at 

, a food truck that went brick and mortar.

 serves up ice cream, warm beverages, and cute kitties; even better, it anchors the incredible 

, where young people overcoming trauma can obtain housing, grooming training, and employment opportunities. On the other side of the street, both 

 will immerse you in local art and community while you sip.

Wanna do more than feed your stomach? Visit a local art show at 

, where even non-players can learn about the genre. And finally, 

 has been a stalwart safe space in the neighborhood for years — if you can, donate to their 

 to get back up and running after a recent vandalism.

Neighborhood Guide Suggestion

What neighborhood should we visit next?

With everything from great soul food to bagels — and even a cat cafe! — the art-filled and always-changing Buchanan Street in North Nashville is worth a visit.

Your Guide to North Nashville’s Buchanan Street

Get To Know Buchanan Street

Daniel Sumstine

 is just far enough from the beaten path to retain its old-school charm, despite some significant transitions in the last half-decade. If you’re looking for a chill destination on a beautiful day and some quirky places to eat, this neighborhood has you covered!

At the center of the community sits Charlotte Park, which is a surprisingly serene slice of nature with disc golf, basketball courts, and peaceful walking paths. During the COVID-19 pandemic, stretching out in my hammock with a book at this park became a real sanctuary for my mental health. Nowadays, you’ll see families picnicking, locals running their morning routes, and the sounds of adult softball leagues. It’s a reminder that even in a fast-growing city, pockets of calm still exist.

If you’ve ever wanted to slide a 40-pound granite stone across ice while your friends frantically sweep in front of it, 

 is your spot. Tee Line has become one of the neighborhood’s signature hangouts, offering curling leagues, casual drop-in sessions, bowling, and plenty of food and drinks. It’s part social club, part sports bar, part “did I just discover a new hobby?” It’s the kind of place that embodies Charlotte Park’s evolving vibe.

Small, unpretentious, and beloved, Robertson Avenue Market is one of those neighborhood fixtures that quietly defines a community. Whether you’re grabbing snacks, last-minute groceries, or some craft beers, it embodies the friendliness and familiarity of a true local market.

Down by Rock Harbor Marina, Blue Moon Waterfront Grille feels like the kind of spot Jimmy Buffet would write a song about. With tables perched right over the water, this restaurant is the place for breezy evenings with cocktails, seafood baskets, and boats docking for dinner. They also have live music drifting across the marina, and a laid-back vibe that feels unlike anywhere else in Nashville.

Charlotte Pike rivals Nolensville Road when it comes to some of the best international cuisine in Nashville, and VN Pho is one of its true standouts. The owners are warm, generous, and deeply committed to honoring their Vietnamese heritage. Stop in for some of the best pho you’ll find in Nashville!

Looking for more international restaurants? Here’s our guide to Nolensville Road.

Here’s our guide to spending a day in West Nashville’s Charlotte Park neighborhood.

Spend a Day in Charlotte Park

Get to Know Charlotte Park

Margaret Kingsbury

, the nation’s largest lantern festival and my favorite winter holiday event, is back at the Nashville Zoo. My family attends every year, and it’s truly a magical experience. Here’s your guide.

 Nightly from 5-9 p.m. through Jan. 4, then Thursday through Sunday from Jan. 8 to Feb. 8.

 $25 for adults and teens, $21 for kids 2-12. If you have a membership, tickets are $5 off. Platinum Pass tickets — $39 for adults and teens and $29 for kids — get you unlimited visits.

 Parking is free for members and Platinum Pass ticket holders. Otherwise, it’s $10.

Zoolumination debuted at the Nashville Zoo in 2019. Zigong Lantern Group provides more than 1,000 custom-made silk lanterns set up across the zoo, featuring dragons, the Chinese zodiac, animal scenes, and holiday displays. It’s so magical to walk the familiar zoo paths at night, illuminated by the beautiful lanterns. Many are absolutely giant!

Visit the North Pole Village and take photos with Santa from Nov. 28 to Dec. 24. This is over by the Grassmere historic home. You'll also find a Polar Express train, though it isn't functional.

Check out special performers at the Ajax Turner Amphitheater by the reptile house nightly at 6, 7, and 8 p.m. Last year they had Chinese acrobatic dancers, and they were amazing!

 tickets separately for $12. The ice rink closes if temperatures reach 50 degrees or warmer, but the zoo will refund you if that happens.

The carousel is up and running, but not the zipline.

While most of the animals are asleep, the Sumatran tigers, flamingos, and Andean bears will be up and awake. The Unseen New World reptile and insect house will be open most nights, too.

Don’t sleep on the hot chocolate! It’s delicious. Adults can get it spiked, and it comes in reusable Zoolumination cups.

Quills Café & Grill and Screaming Gibbon Pizza Kitchen will be open with seasonal meals and pizza. There are gluten-free options.

Check the temperatures before you leave and bundle up if it’s cold.

While advance tickets are encouraged, I recommend waiting until the last minute to buy your tickets. There are no refunds, so if someone gets sick or it starts hailing and you decide not to go, you’re out of luck.

Zoolumination is open on all the winter holidays. We went on Christmas Eve one year, and it was a really neat way to spend the night.

🎄 Gaylord Opryland's Christmas Festivities

Zoolumination at the Nashville Zoo is the nation's largest lantern festival. Here's your guide!

Why You Should Visit Zoolumination in Nashville

Your Guide to Nashville’s Zoolumination

 celebrates with elaborate decorations and Christmas-themed events. This year’s holiday extravaganza opens Nov. 7 and runs through Jan. 3. You don’t have to be a hotel guest to check out the decorations and go to the activities! Here’s my guide.

Park for free at Opry Mills Mall, at the very end of the Regal Cinemas parking lot. Then cross the street and walk over. It’s a bit of a hike, but not too bad. I’ve done it with a toddler in tow!

See the holiday decorations for free on these dates: Nov. 7-20, 23, and 30; Dec. 1-4, 7-11, and 14-18; Jan. 1-3. Activities still require a ticket.

On all other dates you can arrive before 3 p.m. to see the holiday lights for free, and can stick around until evening for the outdoor lights.

You only need to buy a ticket to one activity to come any other time.

 at any Nashville Public Library branch, read five books, and turn it in by Jan. 2 for a free child’s ticket to ICE! featuring “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” and discounted adult tickets. Good for Sunday-Friday from Nov. 7-Dec. 31, then daily Jan. 1-3.

Use the code MERRYDEALS25 now through Nov. 16 for 25% off tickets to 

ICE! featuring “A Charlie Brown Christmas”

ICE! is kept at a frigid 9 degrees Fahrenheit, but they provide parkas for all sizes up to 4XL. Wear close-toed shoes and pants, and a hat and gloves. It takes 20-40 minutes to go through.

Make a day of it by dining at one of the 

 inside, though they can get pricey. Several restaurants are also nearby at the mall.

If you’re going with kids, set expectations before you leave about which activities they can participate in. In the past, favorites have been the gingerbread decorating corner and bumper cars. There are plenty of places to get free pictures with Santa, so skip that. ICE! is a bit steep for the amount of time it takes to walk through, but worth doing at least once.

This year Gaylord Opryland also has a Build-a-Bear Workshop.

🌲 Where To Buy Christmas Trees

Here's everything you need to know about visiting Gaylord Opryland's iconic Christmas display in Nashville, including how to go for free!

What To Do at Gaylord Opryland's Country Christmas & ICE! Events

Your Guide to Gaylord Opryland’s Christmas Festivities

, aka Andrea Giordano, told us that out of the 39 countries she’s visited, Iceland was her favorite, I knew I had to go! So I took a direct flight from BNA to its capital, Reykjavík, but I only had 24 hours to visit. Could I do it on a budget? Absolutely. Here are my tips for making the most of your time in Iceland while spending the least amount of money.

The funny thing about flying direct from Nashville to Reykjavík is that you actually land in 

, which is about 30 miles from the city center and a 45-minute bus ride away. Everyone told me to rent a car and chase waterfalls for the day, but I went with the cheaper option: 

. For $42 (ticket purchased on arrival), it took me straight into town.

🥐 Budget Friendly Meals & Accommodations

The food there was outstanding — the prices, not so much. Still, I managed to find a few spots that were fairly affordable and oh so delicious.

 was the perfect cozy first stop in Iceland. The servers promptly brought me coffee and a glorious traditional cardamom bun with caramelized sugar edges.

 lived up to the hype. This local hot dog stand has been all over my social media as a must-try, and it absolutely was.

 was happily serving late. On my server’s recommendation, I tried the Iceland salmon roll with creamy dill sauce and pumpernickel on top, paired with a local beer.

 came highly recommended by City Cast Nashville contributor Amelia Edelman. As a solo female traveler, feeling safe and comfortable is my top priority, and this hotel delivered on both. I even saved money by booking with credit card points.

, but after seeing those price tags, I decided to go where the locals go. For just $18, I spent the afternoon at 

, Reykjavík’s beloved neighborhood pool, and it was truly a once in a lifetime experience.

To respect the locals, I followed every rule to the letter. If you go, 

 don’t tell them I sent you. Be quiet, be polite, and for the love of Iceland: Wash your entire naked body with soap before putting on your swimsuit and 

For $200, I could have booked a Northern Lights tour to escape Reykjavík’s city lights and increase my chances of seeing them. But luck was on my side: I spotted the green lights dancing across the night sky while walking back to my hotel from the local geothermal pool. I cried. It was magical, and made my 24 hours in Iceland completely worth it.

More Getaways

Take a direct flight from BNA to Iceland to explore its capital in just 24 hours without breaking the bank!

From Nashville to Iceland: How To Spend 24 Hours on a Budget

From Nashville to Iceland: 24 Hours on a Budget

National Museum of African American Music

 is the only museum solely devoted to Black musical traditions and genres in the U.S. It opened on Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 2021. I recently visited for the first time, and really enjoyed it. Here’s why you should venture into downtown Nashville to check it out, too.

 There’s a Metropolis garage directly beneath the building that partners with the museum for $22 parking. There’s also a designated Lyft pickup spot in front, which is what I used.

🎵 Learn More About African American Music

After purchasing tickets at the front desk, the museum’s first stop is the Root Theater to watch a short film exploring the history of Black music, from its African roots to the creation of jazz and rock and roll. The theater leads out into the “Rivers of Rhythm” gallery, which provides a broad overview of four centuries of Black music and features interactive stations where visitors can listen to music from different time periods, and read more. This is the central room for all the museum galleries. It’s very easy to follow along in a circle, visiting each gallery chronologically.

Galleries explore religious music, the origin of the blues, the evolution of jazz, contemporary music, and so much more. Lining the walls are numerous photographs and quotes, and there are also exhibits centering Nashville’s music history.

I loved all the museum’s interactive elements. A wristband you receive upon entry allows visitors to create their own playlists at numerous touch tables with thousands of songs. I had trouble getting the wristband to work at all stations, though, and sometimes had to move to a new one, or jot down the name of the artist I wanted to listen to more of instead.

Visitors can also sing along with a virtual recording of a choir, create their own songs, dance along to a music video, and record music. I was pretty impressed with how interactive the museum is — more so than 

There’s no separate children’s area, so if you have younger kids, you might want to wait to visit until they’re a bit older and can enjoy the interactive elements. While tickets are a bit steep, every first Wednesday of the month is free. It’s smaller than the 

, and with less memorabilia, but I really enjoyed the diversity of music and history at NMAAM, and will definitely visit again.

 is right by the museum, with a plethora of eating options. After exploring the museum, I went to 

, which has a fantastic view of the Ryman. There’s also Desano, Honeyfire Barbecue, PokeNash, Prince’s, and lots more.

🏙️ More things to do downtown

Here's your guide to visiting the National Museum of African American Music, a one-of-a-kind museum right here in Nashville.

Why You Should Visit the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville

Your Guide to the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville

Let’s face it: The main drag of 12 South has become a mall. While it’s frustrating to see charming cottages replaced by national brands like Lululemon and Rag & Bone, there are still quite a few truly local shops and dining spots worth visiting (on weekdays only, unless you hate yourself). Check out 

; or Food & Wine’s 2022 restaurant of the year, 

Need a gift? Our fave local boutiques include 

 (owned by Holly Williams, daughter of Hank Jr.), one-stop everything shop 

 is also hard to resist, because it’s so dang cute.

You can seriously treat yo-self in a few spots, whether you’re grabbing fancy jeans from 

 or Reese Witherspoon’s latest line at 

. We also love the contemporary fashions at 

. Please do not open a shop here if you do not have at least two names.

When in Rome, ya know? Might as well indulge in a time-honored Nashville tourist extracurricular: Taking selfies in front of murals. 12 South has 

! The original “I Believe in Nashville” mural is here, as is the terrific message of “Make Music, Not War.” Don’t forget to look for 

We recommend popping in for an adult beverage and a nosh at 

 (their happy hour is terrific), but don’t forget 

 — they claim the largest whiskey selection in Nashville. And if you need a growler for the road, the 

 is one of our city’s original beer bars, with 24 rotating taps.

🛍️ A Walk Down 21st Avenue South

You can still find local gems in the booming shopping district of 12 South, from gift boutiques to great bars and restaurants.

Your Guide to Nashville’s 12 South

Where To Shop & Eat Local on 12 South

Madison is one of my favorite Nashville neighborhoods. It’s where my grandparents chose to live, where my parents grew up, and where I spent many of my childhood summers. However, lots of my fave Madison places have closed (so long, 

 below come from current resident and local musician Ellen Angelico.

 is such a warm and inviting hangout spot, whether you’re visiting with friends or working remotely. They frequently play live music, and their baked goods are amazing.

, with great food, and where folks can add “open seat” placards to their tables to make new friends.

Grab groceries and some amazing tacos at 

Get excellent Japanese and Korean food at 

Have a pint and a Grillshack burger with Cumberland River views on 

 is hands down the best in Nashville. It’s huge, well-organized, and consistently has good stuff. And right next to it is a 

Find records and lots of cool random stuff at 

Thrift an outfit and support a good cause at 

Every Sunday from May to the end of October, Madison hosts one of the best local farmers markets at historic 

. There are so many great vendors, live music, and food trucks galore. Check out the museum while you’re there!

 has beautiful trails, both paved and unpaved, and a huge feral cat colony!

 is not only a bowling alley, but also an excellent place to catch live music.

 music and arts festival this Saturday, Sept. 13!

More Madison Recs

Here's your guide to spending a day in Madison, one of Nashville's most underrated neighborhoods.

Where To Eat, Shop, and Have Fun in Madison, TN

Spend a Day in Madison

In my twenties, 21st Avenue South was one of my regular hangout spots. I recently revisited the Hillsboro Village street, and went into every shop from Wedgewood to Acklen. While many stores have changed over the years, several remain neighborhood staples. Come follow me down 21st Avenue South, and check out 

 is the place! Get their sweet potato fries, trust me.

 is the answer. This Hillsboro Village staple has been around since 1961.

 is a lovely small store featuring indoor plants and gifts, and where you can order bouquets and arrangements.

I’m loving the Mystic Dragon Green Tea loose leaf blend I bought at 

 is a cute holiday decor and party accessory store. Need matching plates and napkins? A fall centerpiece? This is your place. They also have gifts and a shelf of children’s toys.

This street is packed with clothing stores. Almost all of them sell some version of cowgirl-meets-Boho chic. They also all had a Nashville-themed rack; I guess for the tourists? Here were the clothing stores that stood out to me.

 continues to be my favorite, even if it is a bit too expensive for my budget. They do have an extensive sale section in the back, and it’s about the only store on the street where you can find men’s clothes. If you don’t want to dress exclusively like a garden, go here.

Here are the best places to eat and shop on 21st Avenue South.