Hidden Gems In Nashville You Don’t Want To Miss
These four hidden gems in Nashville, Tennessee offer more of a unique experience than the typical Nashville attractions and activities.
Hidden Gems In Nashville
Nashville is a popular tourist destination, and when researching attractions, the same places, events, and activities tend to come up over and over again. You already know about the Parthenon and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, so forget about the city’s most iconic attractions. Instead, visit these four hidden gems in Nashville.
The Five Points District and the Idea Hatchery
The Five Points District is a trendy, fun area where you’ll find cocktail bars and music shops inside homes, local-favorite sports bars and restaurants, and eclectic shops to pick up an authentic Nashville souvenir to commemorate your trip.
For example, Idea Hatchery is actually a collection of eight retailers featuring local goods and crafts and is one of the most unique shops in the city.
This neighborhood is easy to navigate and walkable, and it shares Main Street with downtown Nashville and the area’s top luxury accommodations. Book a room with IHG in the Five Points District to enjoy walking to many of the fantastic hidden gems in the area.
Fort Negley
If you want to learn more about Nashville’s Civil War history, go two miles south of the city center to see Fort Negley. Union troops built it after capturing Nashville, and it still stands as the largest inland stone fortification built during the war. Plan a trip to learn more about this bit of local history at the Fort Negley Visitors Center, and pack a picnic to enjoy while you take in a scenic view of the Nashville skyline.
East Nashville Farmers Market
Skip the chain grocers and pick up food from the local farmers markets during your stay in Nashville. A well-known gem among locals, the East Nashville Farmers Market is a celebration of produce, meats, crafts, and more from local vendors.
It’s also a place where you can listen to live music and join in community events. The market is in season from May through October. Its hours of operation are Wednesdays from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. You can find the market in Shelby Park at 1500 Davidson St.
If you’re visiting outside this season, try Nashville Farmers Market instead. This market is open year-round to satisfy your craving for local goods.
Scarritt Bennett Center
Music Row is an iconic street that’s popular with tourists, but many visitors walk right past the secluded Scarritt Bennett Center unaware of the beauty they’re missing. This nonprofit center hosts poetry series, book clubs, and other community happenings.
If you can’t attend one of these events, at least come by to admire the architecture. Scarritt Bennett Center is a stunning Gothic building that makes a great subject for photography. Find it on 18th Avenue S. south of Music Row.
Pro Tip: If you would still like to explore some of the more touristy attractions in the area, check out our Weekend in Nashville article!
Final Thoughts On Hidden Gems In Nashville
With the bright lights of Broadway Street and world-famous attractions like the Grand Ole Opry, it’s easy to spend a Nashville vacation enamored with tourist attractions and popular landmarks. This is certainly fine for a first trip. However, if you’re craving more from the city, turn to these four hidden gems in Nashville to get more out of your visit.
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Gotta love the farmer’s market V and B! One of my fave places to visit anywhere on earth, in any town. Farmer’s markets give you a genuine feel for a city or rural area, what it grows, and yep, for the vibe of locals milling around town. From the US to Thailand to here in New Zealand, so much fun to cruise through one.
Thanks for sharing this fab Nashville resource.
Ryan
Great compilation! I haven’t been to Nashville yet but I hope I can visit there SOON! It looks like such an amazing place and you captured it really well.
I never suspected that Nashville could be a popular tourist destination, but judging from your post it seems I was wrong. Fort Negley is surely one of the attractions I’d like to see if I go to Nashville, and also the Music Row.
Me and my husband would love to visit Nashville!!! We love music so much and Five points district would be perfect for us, especially because it’s easy to navigate!
I am literally hanging out to visit Nashville, so these are super useful tips. I love the idea of a Idea Hatchery – what a great way to support local businesses. I will definitely check out the Five Points District – sounds like a fun place to hang out. I love poetry too, so the Scarritt Bennett Center will make my list! Thank you for these tips.
Not visiting Tennessee anytime soon, but the places you have suggested do seem like fun.
The idea of visiting Nashville’s farmers market with live music playing sounds so inviting. It must be a delight for eyes and ears!
Such a great list! I’ve never been to Nashville before but after reading your post, I would definitely visit it First stop would be the Farmers Market as I always think it’s a great spot to absorb the vibe of the town and to experience local flavours. Thanks for sharing the hidden gem with us! 😀
I love the idea of exploring those unique shops and the Farmer’s Market. Of course, there’s the music scene but that’s not so hidden. Thanks for the tips.
Great compilation. We haven’t been to Nashville yet. So along with tourist attractions we would love to club these too. Thanks for writing this up.
Nashville always intrigued me from the various telefilms and books that I have read. Nice to know it in detail from this article. It does look like a fun and interesting place to be in. The Civil war bit would be my first stop for that is the main reference that I have to this place.
Nice Blog you have shared with us and great images on your blog.
That’s one of my favorite destination, sounds like it will be such a cool adventure!
This looks seriously incredible!
If you’re a foodie, then you definitely have to visit Nashville!