Best of Nashville in 3 Days: Music, BBQ and Whiskey

Watch a local show

Nashville has countless music venues supporting local artists, and we visited the Listening Room. Expect original music performances with incredible sound quality — they pride themselves on having the best acoustics in the city. The venue also serves food and drinks, making it an excellent spot to soak up the local music scene. They host private parties, and the space is available for rent for corporate or social events.

Visit the home of country music

Grand Ole Opry: A visit to the Grand Ole Opry is a must when in Nashville! This world-renowned venue is country music’s biggest stage, celebrating country music legends as they are inducted as Opry Members. Fun fact: The Grand Ole Opry is the longest-running broadcast in history, and in 2025, they’re celebrating their 100th anniversary! We attended the Christmas show in December, which was a fantastic experience. If you’re visiting this year, 2025, don’t miss the once-in-a-lifetime celebration of country music at Grand Ole Opry!

Whiskey Tasting

Get your drink on while exploring Downtown Nashville, where you’ll find several whiskey tasting rooms. Most open as early as 9 am on weekdays and 10 am on weekends, giving you plenty of time for some whiskey “hopping.”

We tried Nashville Barrel Co., where a friendly associate asked about our taste preferences and recommended whiskey flights tailored to us. If you’re a whiskey enthusiast, this spot is a must-visit!

Bonus: Have you heard of WooShine/Moonshine? It’s a type of exceptionally strong liquor made in Nashville — definitely worth a taste if you’re feeling adventurous.

Enjoy a night out on Broadway

No trip to Nashville is complete without a night out on Broadway, the city’s famous music strip. With around 27 different venues to choose from, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable night filled with live music, dancing and vibrant energy. From Jason Aldean’s Kitchen + Rooftop Bar, featuring the largest rooftop patio on Broadway with live entertainment and panoramic views, to Lainey Wilson’s Bell Bottoms Up. There’s something for everyone — whatever your vibe, you’ll find the perfect spot. Looking for a more detailed breakdown? Check out this helpful guide by Nashville Go on All The Bar’s on Broadway in Nashville, complete with brief descriptions of each venue.

Day trip: Join a day tour to Jack Daniel’s Distillery

If you have some extra time, a day trip to Jack Daniel’s Distillery is highly recommended! Located about a 1-hour 30-minute drive from Downtown Nashville, it’s a great way to learn about the history and craftsmanship behind one of the world’s most famous whiskies.

I booked directly through their official website and opted for the Jack Daniel Distillery Tour, which costs $35. This experience includes a guided distillery tour along with a tasting of six Jack Daniel’s whiskies. The tour lasts about one hour and 45 minutes. I appreciated how they limited each group to a maximum of 24 guests for a more personal experience. You’ll witness how dedicated employees, many of whom have been with the company for years, make their iconic whiskey! And, of course, the best part — sampling their signature whiskies.

Crema Coffee Roasters

If you’re looking for a great coffee spot during your visit to Downtown Nashville, head over to Crema Coffee Roasters. What sets them apart is their zero-waste coffee roaster. This flagship store opened in 2008, and if you have some spare time, they even offer coffee classes held at their Training Lab. Prices for coffee start at around $4.

Hattie B’s Hot Chicken

This popular restaurant chain is famous for its hot fried chicken, offering seven levels of spiciness to suit every heat tolerance. Alongside their flavorful chicken, they serve plenty of tasty sides, like Bacon Cheddar Grits. What I enjoyed most was the option to pair my meal with a Jack Daniel’s Coke — perfect for adding to the Nashville vibe!

Try different barbeque spots!

We explored three barbecue spots during our trip — each unique, especially regarding sauces and sides. Want even more options? Check out The Best BBQ in Nashville by The Infatuation for more great recommendations!

Peg Leg Porker

Known for its Memphis-style barbecue, Peg Leg Porker serves dry-rubbed ribs that are moist, tender and well-seasoned. The portions are generous, making it excellent value for money. I ordered the Combo Platter, which included a ½ rack of ribs, one yardbird, ⅓ lb pulled pork and ⅓ lb sausage — it was more than enough for one person! Out of the three spots we tried, this was my favorite. Menu prices, including a soda, range from $7 to $40.

Martin’s Bar-b-que Joint (Downtown)

Rooted in West Tennessee-style barbecue traditions, Martin’s serves dry-rubbed ribs accompanied by their own signature vinegar-based condiment. Conveniently located downtown, it’s a great option for those exploring the area.

Bar-b-que Caboose Cafe (Lynchburg, TN)

This straightforward barbecue spot in Lynchburg is a perfect lunch stop during a Jack Daniel’s Distillery day tour. The cozy, homey vibe makes it a charming place to grab a meal. Just a heads-up — they only accept cash payments, so come prepared!