The 22 Best Things to Do in The Gulch, Nashville Tennessee

Located near downtown Nashville, The Gulch has evolved into one of Nashville’s most popular areas.

The Gulch is recognized for its stylish hotels, designer boutiques, and cutting-edge eateries.

The neighborhood hasn’t always been like this; it has some history.

In the early 1900s, it was a popular destination for blues singers, but by the 1950s, many residents and businesses had started to steer clear of the neighborhood.

The Gulch eventually descended into an abandoned and decaying state and stayed in that state for about 50 years.

However, over time, Gulch transformed into an amazing tourist destination.

Visit the Frist Art Museum, which holds a variety of daring exhibitions, movie screenings, and lectures inside a magnificent art deco structure.

There’s also the station inn, open since the 1970s, which hosts renowned bluegrass performers.

Here are the amazing things you should do while in the Gulch.

Things to do in The Gulch

1. Frist Art Museum

The Gulch museum, Frist Art Museum, exhibits some eye-catching and engaging art produced by local, state, and regional artists.

This art deco dream is both substantial and sophisticated enough to keep you occupied for a few hours, even while being modest in size.

The museum is housed in a former main post office, one of Nashville’s great historical buildings.

It was built under the leadership of the local Marr & Holman architectural firm, and it exhibits the two most recognizable architectural styles of the time: classicism and art deco.

The museum uses displays from other collections, as many other newer art museums do. This implies that the museum’s artwork is constantly evolving.

It would be best if you had a peek at what is coming up to see whether it interests you.

You should also stop by the museum shop because it is filled with unique products that are hard to get elsewhere.

For kids, there is a sizable hands-on area upstairs with items like posable horses for drawing, etc.

Over the years, The Frist has featured various exhibits to suit various preferences.

In addition to attractive displays at the museum, it is also close to many restaurants. So, after leaving, you can hop into any restaurant of your choice to have some nice meals.

Address: 919 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203, United States

2. Cheekwood Estate and Gardens

Want an ideal location for a family outing, a date, or a perfect picture backdrop? Then you should visit Cheekwood Estate.

Cheekwood Estate & Gardens is home to a beautiful assortment of gardens, buildings, and activities.

The Cheek family built the estate in 1929. It served as Mabel and Leslie Cheek’s family home before being opened to the public as a botanic garden, forest sculpture path, and art museum.

They made their fortune, in part, through the Maxwell House Coffee Company.

It now has 12 unique gardens, a woodland sculpture trail, a permanent collection of 7,000 pieces, and a Georgian-style mansion with historically accurate chambers and galleries.

In fact, more than 225,000 people visit Cheekwood each year.

Check out the horse stalls. The freshly refurbished horse stalls and tack area at the Frist Learning Center are a great place to learn about the history of horses.

Discover a special fusion of art and environment along the Carrell Woodland Sculpture Trail’s 0.9-mile trail.

Seasonal celebrations and events are also held annually and include activities, permanent and temporary art exhibitions, and more.

So whether you are looking for that perfect shot with an incredible backdrop or looking to spend some time with nature, Cheekwood won’t disappoint.

Address: 1200 Forrest Park Dr, Nashville, TN 37205, United States

3. The Parthenon, Nashville

It’s time to travel back in time to ancient Greece! The Parthenon is a must-visit if you enjoy history, especially ancient Greek mythology.

The Parthenon is located in Centennial Park next to a duck pond. It is a replica of the Parthenon in Athens.

The Greeks constructed it to thank Athena for defending them against the Persians.

American nineteenth and twentieth-century painters are also represented in the building’s paintings and sculptures.

63 Impressionist oil paintings on canvas created by various American artists between 1765 and 1923 are on show at the Parthenon galleries.

Although landscapes make up the majority of the collection, there are also four seascapes and eight portraits.

The museum also organizes a wide range of transient and mobile exhibitions.

The Athena statue, the highest indoor statue in the nation, is located in the east room on the museum’s second level.

Athena, who stands a majestic 42-foot tall with Nike in her hand, is depicted on the shield and breastplate alongside Medusa, whom Athena assisted in slaying.

You can find impressive detail on the shield, the statue’s base, and her footwear.

Tuesday through Thursday, 9 am to 7 pm; Friday through Saturday, 9 am to 4:30 pm; and Sunday, 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm, are the hours of operation for the Parthenon.

The museum is also closed on Mondays, Thanksgiving Day, and the Friday after Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

Address: 2500 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203, United States

4. Hops & Crafts, Nashville

Selected as one of the top beer bars in America by “Draft Magazine,” this Nashville bar is an amazing location to get craft beers in one place.

While some craft beer pubs provide a wide variety of beverages, none of the staff members are knowledgeable enough to guide you through the options. Well, this issue does not exist in Hops and Crafts.

Hops & crafts offer a variety of shareable pub fare, pint sales, growler fills, and 36 rotating taps of local and regional craft beers.

Specialties include IPAs, pale ales, lagers, pilsners, wheat beers, ambers, and blondes.

Additionally, you can try every beer that is added.

There are both little and large tables, and if you want to unwind while you’re there, board and card games are also available.

Address: 319 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203, United States

5. Tennessee State Capitol

When visiting Nashville, Tennessee State Capitol is a nice place to escape Broadway St.

The Tennessee State Capitol is a stunning memorial to the people of Tennessee.

Famous architect William Strickland created this elegant building.

Strickland was buried in the Capitol’s north facade after passing away unexpectedly while work was being done on the building.

The building features a lot of history buffs and monuments.

The tombs of President Polk and his wife can be found on the grounds around this magnificent neo-classical structure, along with statues of many other historical luminaries.

There are also statues honoring Sam Davis, Sgt. Alvin York, and Presidents Andrew Jackson and Andrew Johnson on the grounds of the State Capitol.

Other features to see include a memorial to Slaves lost in the Triangular Trade and Holocaust. World War I hero Alvin York can also be found at the corner of the capital.

There’s even a bullet hole on the staircase from an attempted assassination back in the 1800s.

The State Capitol allows photography, but you must turn off your flash.

The stunning Tennessee State Capitol is open for self-guided tours on Mondays and Fridays from 9 am, 10 am, 11 am, 1 pm, and 2 pm.

All in all, it is a great place to check out. You might even see the governor.

6. Station Inn, The Gulch

Do you enjoy bluegrass music? then you should visit station inn. No matter who is performing, just go; it will be enjoyable.

The Station Inn is a music venue in Nashville’s The Gulch neighborhood.

Since 1974, the Station Inn has been at this location, long before the Gulch was a popular tourist destination.

Here, you will hear some of the best bluegrass, blues, roots, and Americana in the world.

It feels like you’re in a tiny town theater because of the intimacy and ambiance, all the old playbills on the walls, and the ancient tables and chairs.

The venue barely has room for roughly 110 people, so there aren’t many poor seats, and the acoustics are excellent.

In fact, the audience genuinely appreciates the musicians as they listen to them in silence.

Although the tables and chairs seem mismatched, however, the mismatched tables and chairs only add to the real feel of the space.

Plan a meal before or after this because the drinks are reasonably priced, but there are no tangible meals here.

Address: 402 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203, United States

7. Ryman Auditorium

Ryman Auditorium is a must-visit if you’re a country music fan or a fan of history.

One thing is immediately obvious when you enter the famous Ryman Auditorium: this isn’t just another evening music venue.

This is the very site where Johnny Cash and June Carter first met.

The venue is open daily for tours and performances in the center of Music City.

You watch a 10-minute movie to kick off the self-guided tour before being free to explore the building.

You get to climb up on stage and have your photo taken at the end of the trip. The photograph is part of the admission fee and is available in the gift shop.

Although there are few uncomfortable floor seats among the lally columns, the location is magnificent and rich in history.

You can almost sense the history as you stand at different places or sit in the chairs.`

Address: 116 5th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219, United States

8. Nashville WhatLiftsYou Wings Mural

If you are searching for a fantastic backdrop for photos in the gulch neighborhood, Nashville WhatLiftsYou Wings mural is a great place.

Although there are many murals across the city, this one stands out because you can engage with it.

The mural is a well-known interactive mural created by artist Kelsey Montague which became viral due to the hashtag #WhatLiftsYou.

Since then, visitors have flocked to the mural in The Gulch in search of a photo opportunity with the recognizable set of wings.

You can give the appearance of having those wings by standing in a specific manner.

It is simple to discover and just a short stroll from many of the pubs and restaurants since it is situated in the Gulch neighborhood.

The wings of Nashville have illustrations of guitars and musical notes that perfectly capture the city’s spirit.

People congregate here in the hopes of spotting Taylor Swift and taking pictures. Kids might also appreciate a set of miniature wings that are available.

Weekend mornings often have a line, so get there early or wait until after breakfast.

Although some are of the opinion that this location is nothing more than a pair of painted wings on a wall; however, it is much more than that, and you should come here.

Join the millions of people—including Taylor Swift—who have snapped pictures with the iconic wings by taking a shot here.

Address: 302 11th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203, United States

9. Gulch Dog Park

This park isn’t your typical canine recreation area.

The first public dog park in the area, The Gulch Dog Park, debuted in late 2019.

It is divided into two fenced sections: a large dog area of approximately 3,500 square feet and a small dog area of approximately 1,500 square feet.

With separate areas for little and large dogs, both are rather tiny but ideal for a brief toilet break or play session; however, there isn’t much room for fetching or extended chases.

Parking is free for up to an hour, and setting up your license plate for legal parking is simple by scanning the QR code in the lot.

There is a water spout and clean water bowl along with trash bags and dumpsters.

Mulch covers the entire area, and big pebbles can be seen in front of the paintings where the dogs can stand.

Every day of the week from 7 am to 10 pm, the park is open.

Address: 1216 Pine St, Nashville, TN 37203, United States

10. Burger Republic

Are you trying to find good burgers? What about some delicious shakes? Do you enjoy shakes with a little booze in them? Then you consider this Gulch restaurant.

Although Burger Republic serves some of the best burgers in the Gulch area, its milkshakes deserve more recognition because they’re so good.

The hamburgers, mac & cheese, and hotdogs are also delicious. They are always prepared to take your order, so make sure to spend some time here.

Address: 420 11th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203, United States

11. Nashville Zoo

Are you a fan of outdoor activities? Then go to this zoo.

This contemporary zoo offers some incredibly well-designed exhibits, a wide variety of animals, several opportunities to view the conservation efforts being made, educational shows, and amazing behind-the-scene possibilities.

Explore the far regions of the Amazon, and walk through a thick bamboo Canopy.

You can see African giraffes, poison arrow frogs, zebras, red pandas, kangaroos, gibbons, meerkats, and much more at the Nashville Zoo.

Many of the cages offer various vantage points for people to conveniently see the animals.

The entire zoo is immaculately kept, and the vegetation appears as though it belongs in a botanical garden.

In between seeing the animals, be sure to ride the Wild Animal Carousel and experience the zoo from a different perspective on the Soaring Eagle zip line.

To make sure you get all the exciting events, look over the daily schedule of events.

Address: 3777 Nolensville Pk, Nashville, TN 37211, United States

12. Carter Vintage Guitars

Carter vintage guitars should be on your list of things to do in Nashville if you want the full experience of music.

The vintage guitar establishment is a business in Nashville that specializes in matching six-string enthusiasts with rare guitars.

Christie and Walter Carter founded Carter Antique Guitars in 2012 to provide a welcoming environment for guitar enthusiasts to admire great vintage instruments.

The Carters have been working with old guitars for a combined fifty years.

A stunning collection of storied antique guitar models is available, along with numerous interesting discoveries, including a Hofner violin guitar and an oak-bodied nylon string.

The location is also a wonderful location to get music books and guitar accessories.

But what makes this business truly outstanding is its collection of new, rare, and used guitars and string instruments.

You will be gobsmacked to see hundreds of incredible guitars, some of which you might not have heard of.

There is also a front area where you may get anything you need for your musical performance, in addition to a fantastic range of vintage guitars.

Address: 625 8th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203, United States

13. LA. Jackson

L.A Jackson is a rooftop bar at the Thompson Hotel in the Gulch with electrifying energy and great cocktails.

In fact, the rooftop bar has won writer’s choice awards for the past five years and is the ideal location for a celebratory evening or just a daytime beverage!

Every day, starting in the early afternoon, L.A. Jackson is a well-liked location with a fun atmosphere that attracts everyone from early after-workers to late-night revelers who enjoy the live DJ soundtrack.

The chic inside lounge has floor-to-ceiling windows so that you can enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of the Gulch and Nashville skyline.

The rooftop bar also serves creative and classically-inspired drinks and champagne.

Some great bar snacks with Southern influences, such as a double-stack cheeseburger, are still accessible.

You might need to wait in the queue for a while during peak hours because the venue operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Catch a beautiful view of the city, dance the night away, have a date, or catch up with friends. No matter the occasion, a good time is guaranteed for you at LA Jackson.

Address: 401 11th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203, United States

14. Rudy’s Jazz Room

This is the spot for you if you love jazz and are searching for a lovely location to unwind, enjoy a delicious drink, eat, and listen to some amazing music in the Gulch region.

The vintage room has Persian rugs, chairs, and vibrant Moroccan lamps that give it a cozy speakeasy atmosphere.

Every night in an intimate and relaxed atmosphere, Nashville’s jazz club serves up top-notch live music, New Orleans cuisine, regional beers, and cocktails.

There are also chicken, andouille, shrimp gumbo, red beans and rice, crawfish grilled cheese, and more available.

The Jazz brunch buffet on Sundays showcases top-notch live jazz ensembles performing in a variety of different styles.

Unless otherwise noted on their schedule for particular concerts, Rudy’s Jazz Room only sells tickets at the door.

Address: 809 Gleaves St, Nashville, TN 37203, United States

Planning a trip to other areas in Tennessee? Why not check out our list of things to do in Memphis, Chattanooga, Johnson City, and Kingsport?

15. Art Beat

While you are exploring the Gulch, stop by this beautiful gallery/store to buy presents from approximately two dozen regional artists and craftspeople.

In order to provide a new venue for showcasing the incredible talent prevalent in the Middle Tennessee area, Art Beat Nashville opened its doors in 2021.

The location of Art Beat is excellent for drawing both visitors and locals to drop in and see what co-owners Lizzie Stuhlreyer and Jessie Rosenblum have curated.

Each month, Art Beat organizes a range of activities.

Art Beat sells gifts and artwork from regional artists to assist them.

So if you are looking for mementos, then this gallery is just the perfect spot.

Address: 311 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203, United States

16. Otaku Ramen Gulch

Otaku Ramen, a ramen shop and bar in the Gulch, specializes in creating authentic Japanese ramen using Middle Tennessee’s fresh ingredients.

It is even one of the best Ramen places in all of Gulch and even Nashville, especially if you are looking for a more traditional, firmer style noodle.

The interaction between the chef and diner at Otaku Ramen’s makes it so exciting and intense.

The best places to sit are at the bar with a view of the kitchen.

From there, you can observe the staff’s occasionally awkward and graceful cooking, dropping baskets of noodles into boiling water and seasoning each bowl with a harmony of additional ingredients.

The clear chicken broth (shoyu), the creamy chicken broth (paitan), and the vegetarian miso broth are all available, but the pork broth stands out for its fatty and filling richness.

Plenty of menu options, as well as ramen combinations & variations. You can pretty much custom the bowl of ramen that you desire.

The main seating area is slightly limited; however, there is additional seating outside – it is enclosed and heated/cooled.

Address: 1104 Division St, Nashville, TN 37203, United States

17. National Museum of African American Music

There are a lot of music-related activities in the Gulch neighborhood, and the national museum of African American music is one you shouldn’t miss.

It is the only museum devoted to upholding the tradition and honoring the achievements of musical genres developed and inspired by African Americans.

It makes use of a variety of media, including old photos and artifacts, videos, and ingenious interactive exhibits to tell the tale of the American soundtrack.

Take your time and learn at your own pace; the first part of the movie serves as a great introduction.

You begin with a movie about the beginnings and progression of African American music.

After watching the movie, you enter a big room with interactive exhibits about various periods in African American music.

These periods include slavery, the Civil Rights Movement, the early 20th century, the Harlem Renaissance, the 1930s, and the present.

Basically, you are free to explore the various times for as long as you choose.

You can tour several nearby galleries centered on various eras from this central location.

These cover more ground and contain many images, artifacts, music, videos, and interactive exhibits, most notably Louis Armstrong’s trumpet.

Other exhibitions contain performance videos.

You receive a discount on entrance to the Country Music Hall of Fame if you save your receipt.

Although the museum is less than ten years old, it is still fascinating.

Address: 510 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203, United States

18. Gertie’s Whiskey Bar, Nashville

Gertie’s Whiskey Bar is a whiskey bar in the Gulch region.

The “Queen of the Bootleggers,” Gertrude Cleo Lythgoe, is honored with the bar’s name.

You will find one of the largest whiskey selections in the south here at Gertie’s Whiskey Bar.

The bar is located in Nashville’s Gulch neighborhood and downstairs from The 404 Kitchen.

In fact, it has even earned a spot on Travel & Leisure’s list of the greatest whiskey bars in America thanks to its 600-bottle whiskey assortment.

It also serves unusual and rare wines and offers distinctive cocktails. In addition, a curated range of wines are served by the glass and the bottle.

The bar has high tops outside in the courtyard, table seating around the room’s walls, and a downstairs “speakeasy” bar.

Address: 507 12th Ave S Fl 1, Nashville, TN 37203, United States

19. Johnny Cash Museum and Café

Johnny Cash Museum is a must-visit if you love Johnny Cash or are interested in the history of music!

His life is chronicled in the museum from his early years to the end of his career.

The curating has a very personal sense because Mr. Cash himself wrote a lot of notes and even displayed labels.

Similarly, the museum provides amazing artifacts from the Carter family and Johnny’s life, as well as stories to tie it all together.

It also takes you through all of Johnny’s accomplishments.

While the museum does concentrate on Cash, it also highlights the stories of many other country music icons who altered how we see and appreciate music today.

You can spend at least an hour or two here to fully absorb everything.

There are undoubtedly many legendary objects on show, and you learn more about Johnny Cash.

There are tablets with headphones that features music samples if you’d love to listen to some music.

There’s also an excellent gift shop if you want to grab some souvenirs before you leave.

20. Adventure Science Center

There are a lot of activities and things to do for adults in Gulch and Nashville; what about kids, though?

Adventure Science Center is a must-visit while you are in the Gulch with your kid.

Discover the wonders of science, technology, and more by engaging in one of the more than 175 thrilling hands-on science displays and activities spread across 44,000 square feet.

The majority of exhibitions here are geared toward a younger audience.

There are also many activities that are fun and intriguing for adults to do, even if many are aimed at children.

Random changes are made to the exhibits, and the Innovative Center regularly introduces new crafts.

Kids may admire Nashville from a Skydeck accessible from the play area on the top floor.

For eating, there is a Subway (restaurant) on the second floor. When the weather permits, they feature outdoor seating.

Address: 800 Fort Negley Blvd, Nashville, TN 37203, United States

21. Joyride Nashville

You should definitely take this trip on the first day of your Nashville vacation. It provides a nice overall impression of Nashville.

Rumble through Nashville in the jacked-up Cowboy 4×4 pickup.

With this exclusive trip, you get to ride in a real monster truck as your guide provides comments on Nashville and the area.

Besides getting to know the Gulch area and Nashville, you will also get a wonderful chance to get the tour guide’s advice on additional places to visit.

Address: 833 9th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203, United States

22. Belle Meade, Nashville

Do you like history, bourbon, and horses? Then Adele’s comes highly recommended.

Discover the history of the Harding family and everything they underwent to get this house up and running as you travel back in time with expert advisors as you stroll through this magnificent estate.

One of Nashville’s biggest and wealthiest private estates in the 1800s, Belle Meade produced some of the best-thoroughbred racehorses in the country.

Belle Meade was Nashville’s first tourist destination since it housed famous people, presidents, generals, and many highly respected turfmen.

Despite the wide range of experiences and tours available, just two tours explore Belle Meade’s history:

The Mansion Tour recounts a century of Belle Meade’s history through the perspective of the Harding and Jackson families.

There is also the Journey to Jubilee Tour, which tells the stories of enslaved people both before and after independence.

There are also many residences, a mausoleum, a playhouse for kids, a dairy, slave quarters, stables, and gardens.

In addition to guided tours, bourbon tastings, Segway tours, outstanding gift shops, and more are also available.

Address: 110 Leake Ave, Nashville, TN 37205-3706

Final Remarks

Whether you visit the Frist Art Museum, the station inn, or even the adventure science center, you will surely find something that will interest you.