Looking to book a winter trip that will make your heart sing? Nashville is a top destination for music lovers and anyone in search of a place to celebrate all your senses. Did you know that 75% of the United States is within a two-hour flight to Music City? Boston is less than three hours away. Winter is an especially magical time to visit Nashville, with fewer crowds, cozy live music venues, seasonal comfort food, and a festive glow across the city. You won’t even need a heavy parka to stroll Centennial Park on a crisp, sunny afternoon.
“Nashville is renowned for its exceptional hospitality, offering a warm welcome to visitors from across the globe,” said Deana Ivey, President and CEO of Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. “Our city is home to an unparalleled music scene featuring world-class live music at over 250 venues and more music museums than any other city in the world. On top of that, Nashville delivers diverse culinary experiences, rich historical sites and a thriving sports scene. Guests can savor the latest chef-inspired restaurant before catching a show at the iconic Grand Ole Opry or intimate Bluebird Cafe, proving that Music City is a destination as diverse as it is unforgettable.”
Here are 9 reasons to book a non-stop flight to Nashville this winter.
Where to Stay in Nashville
Four Seasons Hotel
Located in the heart of Nashville’s SoBro neighborhood, the Four Seasons Nashville is a hop, skip, and jump from Music City’s famous music, entertainment, and sports venues. Winter is an ideal time to cozy up indoors with impeccable service, linger over elevated Italian dining at Mimo, or take in sweeping river views paired with standout seasonal dishes and cocktails at Rivière. With fewer crowds and a relaxed pace, it’s the perfect base for experiencing Nashville at its most refined.
Where to Dine in Nashville
Husk
The vibe at Husk’s 1880s historic home is buzzy and brimming with the sounds of satisfied patrons enjoying locally sourced seasonal fare and creative cocktails. Think Kentucky-style glazed pig ears, Bucksnort trout, buttermilk cheddar biscuits, and a plate of perfectly prepared Southern vegetables. Cap the evening with Malted Milk Panna Cotta. Be sure to sample one of the cocktails. Make the night interesting with a White Ferrari or Shiso High.
What to Do in Nashville
Frist Art Museum
The world-class, family-friendly art museum and educational facility is located downtown in Nashville. Frist’s art-deco structure, a former U.S. Post Office building, is a mainstay of Nashville’s arts community and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The unique space is home to ever-changing exhibits and programs that inspire viewers of all ages to look at the world in new ways.
National Museum of African American Museum of Music
Opened in January 2021 in the new Fifth + Broadway complex in the heart of Downtown Nashville, the National Museum of African American Museum of Music allows visitors to discover the many connections and influences that African American composers have had on all genres of music. From classical to country to jazz and hip hop, NMAAM integrates history and interactive technology to share the untold story of more than 50 music genres and subgenres. The interactive exhibits are amazing.
Country Music Hall of Fame
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is celebrated for its broad cultural impact, educational mission, and unrivaled collection of historically important artifacts. Launched in 1967 on Nashville’s Music Row, the museum opened its current downtown location in 2001, and in 2014, unveiled a $100 million expansion that doubled its footprint. A must-visit to appreciate the foundation of Nashville’s essence!
Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery
This 1853 Greek revival mansion was home to English Derby winner Iroquois and was renowned as a thoroughbred stud farm. As one of the premier thoroughbred racing and breeding farms in the South, Belle Meade was always the center of hospitality—today that tradition continues. In November 2009, Belle Meade opened the only winery in Nashville. Enjoy a complimentary wine tasting after your tour.
Cheekwood
Considered one of the finest American Country Place Era estates in the nation, Cheekwood is brimming with botanical beauty and regal history. Formerly the family home of Mabel and Leslie Cheek, the extraordinary 1930s estate, with its Georgian mansion and 55 acres of cultivated gardens and expansive vistas, today serves the public as a botanical garden, arboretum, and museum with historic rooms and art galleries. The property includes 12 distinct gardens and a 1.5-mile-long woodland trail featuring modern and contemporary outdoor sculpture.
Grand Ole Opry
Happy 100th birthday to the Grand Ole Opry. Nothing says Nashville like a night at the country’s longest-running radio show. What began as a simple radio broadcast in 1925 is today an entertainment phenomenon showcasing a mix of country music greats– new stars, superstars, and legends. If you can book an Opry Backstage Tour to walk in the footsteps of country music’s superstars and get an exclusive look at what happens behind the scenes of the show that made country music famous.
Listening Room Cafe
One of the best aspects of visiting Nashville is enjoying an intimate experience with songwriters and emerging talent. The Listening Room Cafe’s space is the perfect place to enjoy raw and riveting music.