Nashville is already a major tourist draw thanks to the city’s music industry, but if you’re looking to experience the offbeat side of Music City, here are a few things you won’t want to miss:
Honky Tonks
If you’re in the mood for a Southern-themed dive bar, honky tonks are the place to be in downtown Nashville. Most of the bars are located on Broadway, including the popular Second Fiddle, Paradise Park, Tootsie’s, Full Moon Saloon, and Robert’s Western World. Not only will you enjoy a variety of cold beer on tap, but the live entertainment is the best way to experience Nashville’s up-and-coming music scene.
The Parthenon
It may not be the real deal, but Nashville’s Parthenon replica is a stunning sight in the middle of Centennial Park. The Parthenon was originally built in 1897 for Tennessee’s Centennial Exposition. Many of the plaster replicas were cast from original sculptures adorning the Athenian Parthenon, which dates to 438 B.C. As if that weren’t impressive enough, Nashville’s Parthenon also features a 42-foot statue of Athena. Together, both the Athena statue and the Parthenon itself are full-scale replicas of the ancient originals.
Flea Market
Founded in 1969, the flea market at the Nashville fairgrounds is considered to be one of the top-10 flea markets in the United States. Every month, as many as 1,200 vendors and dealers from over 30 states come to the fairgrounds to sell their wares. The event is so big that it attracts half a million visitors each year. The flea market is open from Friday to Sunday year-round and consists of special seasonal events every month, so no matter when you’re in Nashville, this one isn’t to be missed.
Comedy Clubs
If you’re a fan of improv and sketch comedy, hit up one of Nashville’s comedy clubs. Zanies Comedy Club has been the city’s premier club for over 30 years, so don’t be surprised if you see some recognizable names pop up on the events calendar. Nashville also offers plenty of opportunities to learn improv yourself. Head to Nashville Improv for a drop-in class to hone your skills as a comedic genius.
Darkhorse Theater
Nashville’s alternative theater the Darkhorse is the place to be for a wide variety of productions, including classic theater, new works, dance shows, live music, and multimedia productions. It offers a comfortable and intimate space that stands out as one of the city’s most unique performing arts homes, so if you’re in the mood for a little vaudeville or burlesque, see what’s playing at the Darkhorse.
NashTrash Tours
For a tour of Nashville, you can’t beat the comedy and popularity of NashTrash Tours. The Original Tour is a Nashville institution that has been operating since 1997. It’s so popular that it’s booked months in advance, so be sure to reserve well ahead of time to ensure a spot on the bus. If you are lucky enough to get a spot, you’ll enjoy a rowdy, risqué, unique musical comedy while touring the city.
There’s so much more to Nashville than meets the eye. Take advantage of these offbeat locales to truly experience the best Music City has to offer.
You Might Also Enjoy:
Connect with us
