Spending a day visiting Nashville? Here's my recommended itinerary for you!

One of my absolute favorite things to do in life is entertain friends and family, especially ones that have never been to Nashville. I've given many (of what I affectionately refer to as) "Tours de Nash", and am often asked by friends, colleagues, and followers of Experience Nashville what my recommendations are for first time visitors.

I've put together a list of what I consider some of my favorite "must-dos" of Music City; places that if you only have one day here, you should definitely make a point to see.

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So without further adieu, I present to you:

One Day in Nashville, an Itinerary

Pancake Pantry
Start your day with one of Nashville's favorite traditions, The Pancake Pantry. They have been serving delicious breakfasts since 1961, and are beloved by both locals and visitors alike. My personal favorite menu items would have to be the Potato Pancakes, Sugar & Spice pancakes, and also the hashbrowns... Although I've never been disappointed with anything I've tried here. Oh, their chocolate milk is phenom as well.

Just a tip—be sure to arrive EARLY (especially on weekends) or be prepared to wait in line!

1796 21st Ave. South, Nashville, TN 37212

Centennial Park
A quick drive through Vanderbilt campus and you'll be right next door to one of Nashville's most famous parks, Centennial. Home of the 1897 Centennial Exposition, this park is home to one of our most iconic landmarks, the Parthenon, a to-scale replica of the actual Parthenon in Athens. Take a walk around the lake and snap a few selfies in this gorgeous park.

2500 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203

Music Row
A trip to Nashville is not complete without a quick jaunt through Music Row, where most of the unassuming buildings housing record labels responsible for the $9.7 billion economic impact in the Nashville region are located. One particular point of interest, RCA Studio B*, where hundreds of artists (including Dolly, Willie Nelson, Elvis Presley) recorded.

When exiting Music Row, don't miss the "controversial" Musica statue in the center of the roundabout. If you're in town during a special event or holiday, you may even find clothing on this nude piece of art.

Music Square East, & Music Square West, Nashville, TN 37203
*Just a note-- to tour the studio you must purchase a ticket through the Country Music Hall of Fame

Let's head to downtown Nashville.

Crema
At this point of your tour-de-Nash, I would recommend a slight pick me up from one of my favorite coffee joints in town. I absolutely love the iced coffee and scones, but have never had anything less than fabulous here at Crema.

15 Hermitage Ave., Nashville, TN 37204

Parking
Park your car at the Nashville Public Library (only $5 for parking all day) and use my favorite mode of transportation to get the best views when touring a city: your feet. If you follow my list below in order, you will encounter the most logical walking path.

615 Church Street, Nashville, TN 37219

Frist Center for the Visual Arts
A must see for art-enthusiasts. Also, one of my favorite buildings from an architectural standpoint in Nashville. Not so much interested in a museum tour on your one day in town? Skip ahead.

919 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203

Ryman Auditorium
Perhaps the most legendary building in all of Nashville, and one of the original homes of the Grand Ole Opry. Take a tour of the "Mother Church" of country music—one of my favorite venues to catch a live show ever. Tours are offered 9AM-4PM daily.

116 5th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37219

Hatch Show Print
One of the oldest working letterpress print shops in America (opened in 1879), Hatch has created prints for artists ranging from Johnny Cash to Garth Brooks. Perfect place to find an awesome souvenir commemorating your trip to Nashy.

316 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201

Jacks Legendary BBQ
A yummy stop for lunch offering authentic southern style BBQ and sides. I'm a fan of the pulled pork with coleslaw. Oh, and don't miss the sweet tea—a true southern staple.

416 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203

Mike's Ice Cream
Simply put: Who doesn't love homemade ice cream? This is a fab local-to-Nashville spot to grab dessert!

208 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203

Schermerhorn Symphony Center
In my opinion, this is the most beautiful building in all of downtown Nashville. Check out the gorgeous architecture and fountains on your way to the Pedestrian Bridge.

1 Symphony Pl, Nashville, TN 37201

Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge
Right down the street from the Symphony you will find the most amazing view of Downtown Nashville on this bridge, which is only accessible via foot. Don't forget the camera for this one.

Near 1st and Broadway Downtown Nashville

Country Music Hall of Fame
Ya'll.. It doesn't get any more Nashville than this. An amazing collection of all things country music—from Dolly's handwritten Jolene lyrics, to the Hee Haw Corn Patch, Johnny Cash's legendary black suit, to Elvis's Gold Cadillac. This is a must see for any music fan, history buff, or anyone interested in learning about the American culture phenomenon that is country music.

222 5th Ave. S, Nashville, TN 37203

Etch
Words cannot describe my love for this restaurant, which is one of my favorite places to grab dinner in all of Nashville. Phenomenal food, service, and drinks—simply divine! Be sure to make reservations, typically at least a week in advance.

303 Demonbreun, Nashville, TN 37201

Bar Hopping
Cap off your evening by returning to Lower Broad and experiencing the best live music in the country at the Honky Tonks. My favorite spots are Tootsies, Layla's Bluegrass Inn, and the Stage. Paradise Park is always a blast, and who doesn't love an ice cold pitcher of PBR?

All of these bars are within walking distance of each other-  Downtown/Lower Broadway


Spending two days in Nashville? Check out my Day 2 Itinerary.

Have SO much fun while you're in town. As always, feel free to tweet me @experiencenash, and for the latest follow me on instagram @experiencenash and facebook.