Nashville Wellness Weekend

A Soulful Good Time

 

Music has long been known to provide a slew of health benefits, from decreased anxiety to managing depression. So it’s no wonder the nation’s music capital is brimming with sights, sounds, and activities that make for the perfect wellness weekend. From music-centered yoga classes to the most Instagram-worthy acai bowls, here are some of our favorite ways to spend a few days in Nashville.

Where to Stay

Noelle

Once a popular hotel in the 1930s, Noelle reopened its doors in 2017 with a mid-century modern vibe. It’s the perfect place if you want to stay somewhere storied yet contemporary, right in the heart of Nashville.

The Germantown Inn

Located in Nashville's oldest neighborhood, The Germantown Inn features 10 luxury suites in an 1865 federal-style home. Each suite is named after a revolutionary historical figure, from Rosa Parks to Thomas Jefferson, and includes a quirky mix of vintage and modern decor. Drop your bags and head to the private rooftop terrace to get a panoramic view of your surroundings.

The Hermitage Hotel

The Hermitage Hotel is your most authentic, old-school option. As the longest standing hotel in Music City, it boasts opulent architecture, vaulted ceilings, and traditional decor (read: lots of gold). Amenities include a large marble bathroom, cashmere and cotton mattress, and 600 thread count linens.

Sobro Guest House

If you prefer a thoroughly 21st-century hotel experience, ask Siri about Sobro Guest House. This fresh and streamlined hideaway allows visitors to check in, receive concierge assistance, and even pre-stock their room with groceries, all with a few taps on a smartphone. Expect plenty of palm print and top-notch lighting that begs for a post-check-in selfie.

What to Do

Broadway District

Jump right into the heart of Nashville with a jaunt down Broadway. You can’t go more than two steps without running into a bar filled music lovers young and old swaying to whatever country classic the house band is churning out. This historic stretch is home to the honky tonks that gave some of the genre’s greatest musicians their start. Don’t miss Tootsies Orchid Lounge, Robert’s Western World, or Nudie’s Honky Tonk.

Walkin’ Nashville Tour

Get to know Nashville’s historic honky-tonk scene with one of the city’s many walking tours. Walkin’ Nashville Music City Legends Tour winds through iconic landmarks, bars, and buildings of serious importance to country music. Take a long detour to fully explore the Country Music Hall of Fame. With a permanent exhibit featuring the rhinestone-covered stage costumes from performers like Gram Parsons and Dolly Parton, it’s worth a few hours of ogling.

Shelby Bottoms Greenway

Despite its dense downtown area, Nashville offers a ton of green spaces worth exploring. Head east and check out the Shelby Bottoms Greenway. You can choose from more than 10 miles of paved and unpaved paths through this 960-acre park.

Centennial Park

In West Nashville, you can stroll around Centennial Park, home to the Parthenon, a full-scale replica of the famous ancient Greek building by the same name. The park also hosts free concerts from up-and-coming artists through the Musician’s Corner series, so be sure to check their calendar in advance.

Victory Park

Be sure to explore Victory Park. At the parks end, stands the Tennessee State Museum. Packed with artifacts from the state’s first settlements during the late 1700s, it’ll give you a deeper perspective on than the obligatory country music exhibits.

Inner Light’s Yoga

As is to be expected in Music City, even the fitness classes are powered by a meticulously curated soundtrack. You can check out what’s currently in rotation at Inner Light’s daily yoga classes on their Spotify page before reserving a spot to roll out your mat.

Nashville Bycle’s Red Bikes

Glide your way through Nashville’s roomy streets on a rented bike. For just $5, you can enjoy 24 hours of cruising on one of Nashville Bcycle’s red bikes. With dozens of return stations throughout the city, it’s a great way to wander around and get some exercise.

Where to Eat

Proper Bagel

For breakfast, pick up some fast and friendly sustenance at Proper Bagel. The former New Yorkers behind this stylish cafe serve classic kettle-boiled bagels—but also the hipper stuff, like avocado toast and rosewater greek yogurt with granola.

CoCo Greens

CoCo Greens is part vegan cafe, part wellness center. One of their signature smoothies with a dash of protein powder or chlorella will keep you full until lunch. Before you head out, treat yourself to one of their spa services. A little chakra balancing never hurt.

Franklin Juice Co.

Give your Insta feed a burst of color with a stop at Franklin Juice Co. Their hearty acai bowls are brimming with nourishing (and coincidentally very photogenic) ingredients like goji berries, hemp seed, and coconut shavings. Grab a cold-pressed juice to sip on the way to your next stop.

Nashville Farmers Market

Established in the early 1800s, the Nashville Farmers Market has since evolved into a hub for fresh local food, neighborhood artisans, and beautiful greenery. Our top picks include the vegan jerk chicken at Jamaicaway, an iced coffee from Switters, and one of HiFi Cookies’ ridiculously fun Fruity Pebbles-covered red velvet cookies.

L.A. Jackson’s

There’s no better way to experience Music City than with a rooftop dinner and tunes. Check out L.A. Jackson’s swanky mid-century-inspired bar, which often hosts local DJs and boasts a gorgeous panorama of the city.

The George Jones

Get a front-row view to the Cumberland River from The George Jones Rooftop Bar. (Yep, the country music star who’s infamously known for drunkenly driving his lawn mower to the liquor store has his own bar.) Grab a drink, a bite to eat, and spend the rest of the night taking in this lively metropolis.

The Old School

Situated in a fully restored 1936 schoolhouse, The Old School is the perfect place to grab dinner. Its seasonal, sustainable menu of handmade pasta, local meats, and fresh baked goods will give you a well-rounded taste of the flavors closest to Nashville’s heart. Bonus: most weekends you can catch live music at their speakeasy-inspired lounge.

Miel

With ingredients sourced locally and sustainably (even from their own rooftop garden during warmer months), the crew at Miel has been known as leaders in the city’s slow food movement for years. Try one of their comfort dishes, like the sweet potato risotto or pork spare ribs.

What’s a wellness weekend in Nashville like for you? Share some of your favorite eats, stays, and activities below. Or tag us on Instagram @shetravelswellco.