Vivian Marlowe
Nashville, also known as Music City, is famous for its lively party scene and vibrant music culture. However, the city offers a plethora of attractions and activities that do not revolve around alcohol. From sober group tours to cultural experiences and outdoor adventures, there's something for everyone seeking entertainment beyond the bar scene. Whether you're a non-drinker, exploring alternative activities, or embracing a sober lifestyle, Nashville has plenty of exciting options to explore.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Restaurants | Husk, Bourbon Steak, Sadie's, Thistle & Rye, Heirloom, The Supper Club, Beyond the Edge, Pinky Ring Pizza, Buds & Brews, High Notes, Living Waters, Crema, 8th & Roast, Frothy Monkey, Barista Parlor, Bongo Java |
| Workshops | Cloudship Creative, 7 Fine Arts, Sew Nash, Secret Garden Botanica |
| Movie theaters | Belcourt Theater, Nashville's non-profit film center |
| Bookstores | McKay's |
| Museums | Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, National Museum of African American History, Lane Motor Museum, Frist Art Museum |
| Art galleries | Cheekwood |
| Tours | Cumberland Kayak & Adventure Company, Hatch Show Print, Escape Room, Fannie Mae Dees Park, Dragon Park, Nashville Shores' Treetop Adventure Park, Tomato Art Fest, Porter Flea, Guided mural tours, Ryman Auditorium, President Andrew Jackson's home, Lane Motor Museum, Warner Parks |
| Zoos | Nashville Zoo |
| Coffee shops | Living Waters, Crema, 8th & Roast, Frothy Monkey, Barista Parlor, Bongo Java |
| Mocktail spots | Thistle & Rye, The Hampton Social, White Limozeen |
| Sober group tours | Hooked Alcohol-Free Travel, Friends in Dry Places |
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What You'll Learn
Visit the Cheekwood botanical garden and art museum
Nashville has a lot to offer for those who choose not to drink. One such attraction is the Cheekwood Estate & Gardens, a 55-acre botanical garden and art museum located on the historic Cheek estate in Belle Meade. Built in 1929 as the family home of Mabel and Leslie Cheek, the estate now boasts cultivated gardens and expansive vistas, serving the public as a botanical garden, arboretum, and museum.
The estate offers a range of tour options that allow visitors to explore the history and artistic beauty of Cheekwood, including a unique outdoor sculpture trail. With eleven display gardens, each offering a unique variety of flowers, the estate is a true Nashville original. The art galleries showcase world-class art exhibitions, and the gardens present a spectacular display of colours throughout the year, from 150,000 blooming bulbs in spring to one million holiday lights in winter.
The Cheekwood Estate & Gardens also provides a spectacular backdrop for weddings and private events, with its historic mansion and cultivated gardens. Visitors can become members to enjoy exclusive benefits, including complimentary general admission, exhibition previews, member-only events, and special class discounts.
If you're looking for more things to do in Nashville that don't involve alcohol, the city offers a range of options. You can visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the National Museum of African American History, or take a tour of President Andrew Jackson's home and gardens. For film enthusiasts, there's the Belcourt Theater, Nashville's oldest movie theatre, and for book lovers, there's the giant used bookstore, McKay's. You can also explore your creative side with various workshops, such as ceramics, mosaic art, sewing, and custom perfumery. And if you're looking for some outdoor recreation, Nashville has plenty of parks, with Percy Warner and Radnor being local favourites.
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Explore the Country Music Hall of Fame and Hatch Show Print
If you're looking for things to do in Nashville that don't involve alcohol, a great option is to explore the Country Music Hall of Fame and Hatch Show Print. Located in downtown Nashville, the Country Music Hall of Fame is a must-visit for any music, history, or pop-culture enthusiast. The museum showcases the rich history of country music and Nashville, with exhibits featuring clothes, cars, instruments, jukeboxes, and gold records. It also has a large lobby area where visitors can relax and get refreshments, as well as a spacious gift shop. Plan to spend around 1-3 hours here, depending on your level of interest in country music.
Hatch Show Print is a historic print shop located inside the Country Music Hall of Fame. For much of the twentieth century, Hatch Show Print created posters for members of the Grand Ole Opry and rock & roll icons. Today, they continue this tradition by designing and printing posters, prints, t-shirts, and other unique gifts. You can observe the poster-making process in their spacious workshop, and even create your own small print to take home as a souvenir.
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Hatch Show Print offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of country music and its history. The tours are highly informative, with knowledgeable guides sharing stories and facts about Nashville, its history, and the music industry. Whether you're a country music fan or simply looking for a unique cultural experience, a visit to these attractions is definitely worth considering during your time in Nashville.
To make the most of your visit, it's recommended to purchase tickets in advance, especially if you want to join a guided tour. This popular attraction can get quite crowded, especially on weekends, so planning your visit during the week may provide a more relaxed experience.
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Go shopping in the city's boutiques
Nashville has a wide variety of shopping neighbourhoods, from department stores to tiny boutiques. The city's vibrant neighbourhoods offer some of the best shopping experiences, from stylish apparel and trendy accessories to home decor and thoughtful gifts.
One of the best shopping neighbourhoods in Nashville is Green Hills, which is always bustling with shoppers. The Mall at Green Hills houses well-known brands such as Apple, Crate & Barrel, Nordstrom, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Tory Burch, Zara, Free People, Madewell, and J.Crew. Just a short distance away, the Hill Center offers a more boutique shopping experience with stores like Hemline, Posh, and White's Mercantile.
For those seeking unique finds, Bits & Pieces Antique Boutique in a warehouse setting offers a mix of new and vintage products, including clothing, glassware, books, art, and Dolly Parton-themed items. Another notable boutique is The Golden Slipper, owned by Abbey Moore, which features an ever-changing inventory of giftable items such as fancy sugar cubes, vintage board games, mugs, and scented candles.
Nashville's 12 South neighbourhood is also worth visiting for shopping. It boasts popular shops like Reformation, Birkenstock, Todd Snyder, Sézane, and KREWE. You can also find Reese Witherspoon's Draper James for women's clothing and decor, Craig Conover's Sewing Down South for home furnishings, and Savant Vintage for vintage clothing and decor.
West Nashville is another excellent shopping destination, particularly the neighbourhoods of Sylvan Park and The Nations. Sylvan Park is home to boutiques like Elle Gray for women's clothing and Import Flowers, a charming flower shop. The Nations offers a range of options, including ABLE for women's clothing, Ensemble for consignment items, and This-N-That Thrift Shop for unique finds.
With its diverse neighbourhoods and array of boutiques, Nashville provides a delightful shopping experience for visitors and locals alike.
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Try kayaking or boating on the Cumberland River
Nashville is home to the Cumberland River, which runs right through downtown Nashville. The river is an excellent spot for kayaking and boating, offering a unique perspective of the city and its famous skyline.
Cumberland Kayak Adventures offers self-guided paddles that take you from Shelby Park to downtown Nashville, finishing in front of the iconic skyline. The water moves slowly through the city, making it ideal for beginners. You can also opt for guided kayak tours, which showcase the best river spots and breathtaking sights like Burgess and Fancher Falls. Several rental shops are located along the riverfront, with convenient landing points for easy access to the water. Expect to pay around $25–$45 per hour or $75–$90 for a full day. Remember to check water conditions before heading out, as the current can become stronger after heavy rain.
If you prefer boating to kayaking, the Cumberland River is also a great option. The General Jackson Showboat offers cruises up and down the river, providing a unique way to experience Nashville. The boat is anchored near the Grand Ole Opry, and cruises typically last two to three hours.
The Cumberland River is an excellent choice for those seeking alcohol-free recreational activities in Nashville. It offers a peaceful escape from the bustling downtown scene, allowing you to explore the city's beauty and natural assets from a different vantage point.
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Take a tour of President Andrew Jackson's home
If you're looking for things to do in Nashville that don't involve alcohol, why not take a tour of President Andrew Jackson's home, The Hermitage? Located just 12 miles east of downtown Nashville, this 1,120-acre National Historic Landmark is one of the most visited presidential homes in the United States.
The original two-story Federal-style mansion was built in 1821 by skilled slave labour. A decade later, Jackson remodelled the house, but it was damaged by a fire. The current classical Greek Revival-style mansion was completed in 1835 and features block-printed wallpaper, Italian marble mantels, crystal chandeliers, and a cantilevered elliptical staircase, as well as period furnishings and family keepsakes.
The Hermitage offers a glimpse into the life of President Andrew Jackson, a military and political leader who played a role in establishing the city of Memphis and the modern Democratic Party. Visitors can explore the mansion, wander through the landscaped gardens, and pay their respects at Jackson's tomb. The grounds also include a chapel, restored slave quarters, and walking trails.
The Hermitage is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. from March 15 to October 15, and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. from October 16 to March 14. It is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, and closes early the day before Thanksgiving and on Christmas Eve. Discounted admission is available for seniors, students, and veterans, while active-duty military personnel and children under five can enter for free. Photography is allowed when touring the grounds but is prohibited inside the mansion. Food, beverages, backpacks, and large bags are also not permitted inside the house, and pets are not allowed on the estate grounds.
In addition to the mansion and its grounds, The Hermitage offers a brief film about President Jackson's life, providing context and insight into his rise to power. Visitors can also explore the other historic buildings on the site, including the Cabin-by-the-Spring, the Hermitage Church, and the Tulip Grove Mansion, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in American history and the life of President Andrew Jackson.
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Frequently asked questions
Nashville has a vibrant music scene, so you can always catch a concert or live performance. The Bluebird Café, for instance, is a legendary music space where songwriters take centre stage. You could also visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, or the Cheekwood Estate and Gardens, which features a botanical garden and art museum.
Yes, Nashville has plenty of parks and outdoor spaces to explore. You could go hiking in Percy Warner Park or Radnor Lake State Park, or try paddleboarding on the Cumberland River. There's also the Warner Parks, which offer beautiful trails and peaceful nature.
Nashville has a variety of indoor activities that don't involve alcohol. You could visit museums such as the Lane Motor Museum, the Parthenon, or the National Museum of African American History. You could also catch a film at the Belcourt Theater, Nashville's oldest movie theatre, or take a workshop to learn a new skill such as ceramics, mosaic art, or sewing.
