A Weekend Guide for a Fun and Memorable Girls' Weekend in Nashville
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Updated October 2023
Looking for the perfect destination to unwind, let loose, and create some unforgettable memories with your best gal pals? Look no further than the vibrant city of Nashville! Nestled in the heart of Tennessee, this renowned destination offers a delightful blend of Southern charm, music, and a vibrant nightlife that makes for the perfect girls' weekend. From toe-tapping live performances to indulgent Southern cuisine, a girl's weekend in Nashville promises to be an exhilarating journey that will leave you craving for more. So grab your cowboy boots, discover some new favorite country tunes (maybe even at a real honky tonk), and get ready to experience a girls getaway with the epitome of Southern hospitality in the stylish and lively Music City!
Nashville has earned its place on many lists for being one of the top places to visit in the United States and for being one of the most popular places to have a girls' weekend. I visited Nashville for one of my close friend’s bachelorette parties and was so surprised by how vibrant the city is. It was my first time visiting Music City and I had pretty high expectations in regard to the nightlife & the food scene, and let me tell you - Nashville did not disappoint!
When is the best time of year to visit Nashville?
Nashville is a great destination to travel to at any time of year, but if you're planning a weekend getaway with your girls and need some help deciding on the best time to visit, here are some tips:
January - March typically has the lowest airfare prices to visit Nashville as this is the low season.
May, June, and October are when the weather is the nicest and temperatures are ideal.
Things to Do in Nashville for a Girl’s Weekend
Nashville is a fun city to visit, and like most other cities, there are tons of things to do. But what makes Nashville unique is that there is literally something for everyone! Along with great shopping and dining, Nashville has some of the best nightlife and live music options in the country that will keep you entertained all weekend long. Plus, what better way to make memories with your friends than dancing the night away while discovering up-and-coming artists?
If you're planning on having a girls' weekend in Nashville, here are some ideas for things your group can do.
Top Activities for a Girls Trip in Nashville
You’ll probably hear the most about Nashville’s nightlife, but what can you fill your days with? It’s more than you think, that’s for sure! Here are some ideas that will be fun and memorable for your girls weekend in Nashville.
Start your morning off by exploring the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. This museum will walk you through the people and the music that has shaped country music into what it is today.
Afterwards, head over to Paddywax where you and your friends can create a custom candle. Choose your container and begin to custom blend your own scent which then you’ll hand-pour to create your own candle! This class is honestly more fun than you think and we all really enjoyed it!
If you're looking for something fun to do but a little bit different than what most people think of when they think about Nashville, spend a few hours at Pinewood Social! Pinewood Social is one of the coolest bowling alleys I’ve ever been to. There’s a restaurant and bar in the front area of the building and about six bowling lanes in the back where you can order food & drinks while you bowl with friends. The burger is an absolute must and their bar can whip up delicious cocktails in no time! I would highly recommend anyone visiting Nashville in a group to add Pinewood Social to your list of things to do!
Of course, you can’t visit Nashville without touring or seeing a show at Grand Ole Opry! This is something I wasn’t able to do while I was in Nashville, but wish I had made time for. There are tons of live music venues in Nashville, but this one is the most iconic.
Explore Nashville’s Gulch Neighborhood
The Gulch is a neighborhood in downtown Nashville that's known for its trendy restaurants, bars, and shops. The area has seen an explosion of growth over the last few years and it's now one of the hottest spots in Music City. If you're looking for some shopping time during your girls' weekend in Nashville, The Gulch has plenty to offer!
You'll find all sorts of great stores to explore including clothing boutiques like Kittenish and Finnleys which is home to the famous candy heart wall mural that’s perfect for pictures with friends. There are also tons of other wall murals in this neighborhood that are fun to find and pose in front of. Another popular store in this neighborhood is Uncommon James which offers jewelry at an affordable price - perfect for the special friends in your life! Once you’ve had enough shopping, there are plenty of restaurants and bars in the area to help you refuel. We ate lunch at Saint Anejo and the margaritas were one of my favorites! If you’re looking to spend the afternoon relaxing outdoors, Hops + Crafts is a great option for beer fans. They have a variety of beers on tap with most being from local breweries and micro-breweries.
A Few Favorite Places to Eat in Nashville
Milk & Honey: This can’t-miss brunch restaurant is absolutely perfect for a girls weekend in Nashville! They do not accept reservations so expect a wait, especially if you’re visiting on the weekend, but the food is well worth it! There was a 45-minute wait when I visited and was able to grab a coffee and homemade pop tart from their to-go counter to hold me over (both were delicious!). For my meal, I had the Fried Chicken Biscuit, which was also great! Nashville is known for their Nashville Hot Chicken and fried chicken, so when you see if on a menu - get it!
Hampton Social: Here’s another great place for brunch with friends! Hampton Social is a small chain of restaurants, but one thing they have not lost sight of is delicious food and how to create the perfect ambiance for brunch. The decor inside Hampton Social is fun and whimsical and there’s always a place to take a group photo. They serve lunch & dinner daily, but the weekend brunch is what you don’t want to miss. From breakfast staples like Bananas Foster French Toast & Crab Cake Benedict to lunch favorites like grain bowls and lobster rolls - there’s something for every taste bud.
Saint Anejo: Craving Mexican food or a margarita? Saint Anejo is where you need to go! There are over 100 types of tequila at Saint Anejo and the food is amazing! They also have brunch on weekends, but it’s a great place to dine for lunch or dinner as well. The carne asada, chicken tinga, and hot chicken tacos were some of my favorites, as well as the guacamole. If you’re in The Gulch neighborhood during the day, this is the perfect place to stop for an afternoon drink. They have happy hour on weekdays from 2-6pm.
The Pharmacy Burger Parlor & Beer Garden: Burgers, bratwursts, beer, and milkshakes - this gem of a place needs to be on your list! The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, and it’s the perfect place to sit outdoors with friends and family. This restaurant isn’t located in downtown Nashville, but it’s worth the trip to East Nashville to try one of their mouthwatering burgers!
Henley: My meal at Henley was one of the best all weekend! We dined here for dinner and if you’re looking for a trendy place to eat, Henley is for you. This Nashville restaurant is located in the Kimpton Hotel and they are no stranger to hosting dinner parties for birthdays, bachelors or bachelorettes, or any type of celebration. Their carefully crafted cocktails will keep you wanting more and the cuisine is modern American that changes based on what’s in season.
Nashville’s Nightlife & Music Row
Nashville is known as the “Music City,” and it’s because it’s a great place to see live music! From emerging artists to well-known country stars, you’ll never know who might pop in for a performance! And no matter what time of year you visit, there's always something going on at one of the many venues around town. You’ll definitely want to spend some time exploring the bars in Nashville since most also happen to be live music venues.
If seeing live music is at the top of your list, be sure to visit The Bluebird Cafe. This legendary club has been around since 1982 when it was opened by Rosanne Cash and her husband John Leventhal. Artists who have played here include Taylor Swift, Emmylou Harris, Vince Gill, Garth Brooks, and more! You must reserve tickets in advance for this venue because it's small and usually very full. Another great venue to check out is 3rd & Lindsley. This venue hosts both local artists as well as big acts like Eric Church or Old Dominion when they're in town on tour. You can get tickets online or at the box office before each show starts, but they often sell out fast so plan ahead if there's something specific you want to see!
If live music isn’t as important to you and your group, start with The Patterson House, which offers one of the most extensive bourbon collections in Nashville. They serve up delicious cocktails and tasty smash burgers if you’re in need of a late-night snack! The popular rooftop bar, L.A. Jackson, is known for its amazing views of downtown Nashville and was a hit with our group.
Where to Stay for a Nashville Girls Trip
Nashville is a popular destination for girls' trips, so there are many hotels to choose from. You'll want to find one that fits your group's style and budget. If you're looking for something more affordable and laid-back, consider staying at one of the city's rental homes. For something more upscale and luxurious, try one of Nashville's luxury hotels such as The Hermitage Hotel or Omni Nashville Hotel at Vanderbilt University. Our group stayed at the Niido located just down the street from the convention center and we loved it! There were five of us and it accommodated all of us comfortably.
Here are some of my recommendations for where to stay that are great for groups for a Nashville girls weekend:
When planning a girls trip for a weekend getaway, Nashville should be at the top of your list. This vibrant city offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and entertainment, making it an ideal destination for a memorable girls' weekend. As the heart of country music, Nashville boasts countless live music venues where you and your friends can dance the night away. From Broadway's honky-tonks to the famous Grand Ole Opry, there's no shortage of musical experiences to enjoy. Beyond music, Nashville offers a wide range of delicious Southern cuisine, trendy boutiques for shopping, and charming neighborhoods to explore. Whether you're looking for a relaxing weekend or a lively adventure, Nashville has it all. So gather your best gal pals, pack your bags, and get ready for an unforgettable girls trip in Music City!
Happy travels!
- Tess
Tess Arnold
Hi! I’m Tess, founder of TravelingTessie.com, and not only do I love to travel, but I love immersing myself in new places and finding off the beaten path experiences wherever I go! I’ve lived in 4 different states & traveled to 13 countries and counting. I believe that tourism is meant to benefit both visitors and locals alike—and I want to bring that idea back into the travel industry by highlighting companies run by locals such as tours, hotels, restaurants, and more. On Traveling Tessie you can find hidden gems in top destinations around the world, travel tips, detailed city guides, and tons of inspiration for your next trip! If you love travel as much as I do, then please join me on this journey! I hope you enjoy my content as much as I enjoy providing it for you!
