Rainy Day Activities in Nashville: Fun Things to Do When the Weather Turns
When the rain falls in Nashville, it brings a unique charm that somehow makes the city even cozier. While many might daydream of sunny skies and honky-tonks when they picture Nashville, this vibrant city has a treasure trove of indoor experiences just waiting to be discovered. So don’t let a little drizzle dampen your plans; embrace the opportunity to explore. From fascinating museums that dive deep into the rich history and culture of the area to lively venues where you can enjoy some of the best live music, Nashville does not disappoint when the weather turns gray. Explore Nashville’s Museums Catch Live Music Indoors Pedal and Sip in Style Savor Nashville’s Culinary and Craft Delights Rainy Day Adventures to Keep You Moving Shop ‘Til You Drop Ahh! Nashville Spas Laugh it off The Theater, The Theater Explore Nashville’s Museums Trust us–despite being known for our music roots, we’ve got some seriously incredible museums where you can spend some serious time (especially when the rain is here to stay). Here is a solid place to start for the best museums in Nashville: Country Music Hall of Fame: Explore iconic country music history, see legendary artists’ memorabilia (like Taylor Swift’s dresses, Dolly Parton’s handwritten lyrics and Elvis’ gold cadillac!), and visit the famous Rotunda honoring Hall of Fame inductees Frist Art Museum: Enjoy rotating art exhibits from around the world in a stunning Art Deco building, plus interactive experiences in the Martin ArtQuest Gallery. National Museum of African American Music: Discover the deep roots of African American musical influence across genres like jazz, blues, hip-hop, and gospel through immersive exhibits (we love “One Nation Under a Groove” featuring Aretha Franklin, Prince and Stevie Wonder). Tennessee State Museum: Learn about Tennessee’s rich history, from Native American heritage to the Civil War and beyond, with artifacts, interactive displays, and educational exhibit (and it’s free!) The Parthenon: Gawk at the full-scale replica of the ancient Greek Parthenon, complete with a towering 42-foot statue of Athena and an art museum inside. RCA Studio Tour: Step inside the legendary “Studio B” where music icons like Elvis Presley recorded hits, and experience the stories behind some of Nashville’s biggest songs, like “Jolene” by Dolly Parton or “Pretty Woman” by Roy Orbison. Catch Live Music Indoors There are a lot of options for live music, which often include patio or rooftop performances. Tuck into the places below when you want to listen to some jams but want to stay out of the elements. The Bluebird Café: This intimate, world-famous songwriter venue is where you can hear Nashville’s best songwriters perform their original hits. The Station Inn: No frills, no problem. This venue hosts some of Nashville’s legendary bluegrass musicians. Dee’s Country Cocktail Lounge: This laid-back East Nashville bar hosts incredible bluegrass jams every Monday night. Santa’s Pub: Who doesn’t love a dive bar outfitted with year-round Christmas decorations? Come for the cozy Christmas vibe, stay for the rowdy karaoke and live music. Rudy’s Jazz Room: Sultry live jazz, craft cocktails, and a cool, vintage atmosphere make any rainy day better at this speakeasy. Vinyl Tap: A record store and bar that hosts live music nights in an intimate, music-lover’s setting. American Legion Post 82 Inglewood: This local gem is known for its dance floor, classic country bands, and honky-tonk vibes. Pedal and Sip in Style: Nashville is beautiful and worth exploring, rain or shine. And while Nashville Pedal Tavern may look like an “outdoor” activity, our party bikes not only provide a roof over your head against a rain shower, pedaling (with an adult beverage in hand) keeps your body active and warm against a chill. Wondering if your scheduled Nashville Pedal Tavern is still running during inclement weather? Call/text 615-390-5038 and we’ll get you the latest information on our operation. Don’t let a little mist ruin a day of exploring Nashville; we’ll take you around to all the sights, and sprinkle in a few warm bars along the way. Savor Nashville’s Culinary and Craft Delights: Rainy weather is the perfect excuse to tuck into a delicious meal at a popular Nashville hotspot or a beloved hidden gem. Don’t forget that Nashville is also host to some incredible breweries and distilleries; keep those spirits high by sampling the best spirits Nashville has to offer. Fleet Street Pub: A cozy British pub in Printer’s Alley known for authentic UK fare like fish & chips, bangers & mash, and a great selection of UK beers; quieter, no-live-music atmosphere is conducive for a rainy-day chat Assembly Food Hall: This lively food hall hosts 30 diverse eateries, offering everything from hot chicken to sushi, plus beautiful views and live music. Deacon’s New South: A stylish downtown steakhouse known for dry-aged steaks and top-notch whiskey. Black Rabbit: A moody cocktail bar for moody weather; order craft drinks or small plates at this cool speakeasy-like bar. Beyond the Edge Sportsbar: A casual East Nashville sports bar with an extensive beer list and pub-style eats. Little Hats Market: A cozy Italian spot serving fresh, handmade pasta and classic red sauce dishes. Bill’s Sandwich Palace: A hidden gem for oversized, stacked sandwiches made with high-quality ingredients. FatBelly Pretzel: A local favorite for hearty breakfast sandwiches and classic deli subs. 51st Deli: A go-to West Nashville spot for fresh sandwiches, tacos, and killer breakfast burritos. Tower Market and Deli: A reliable, old-school deli with solid breakfast and lunch options. Dicey’s Pizza & Tavern: A laid-back dive bar with cold beer, great late-night vibes, and a killer burger. The Loveless Cafe: A Nashville institution serving legendary biscuits, country ham, and Southern comfort food. Monell’s: Family-style Southern dining with endless fried chicken, cornbread, and homestyle sides. Rolf And Daughters: A trendy Germantown restaurant serving inventive, Mediterranean-inspired dishes with handmade pasta. Hot Chicken for cold days: Hattie B’s Hot Chicken: The most tourist-friendly spot with a range of heat levels, crispy chicken, and classic Southern sides. Prince’s Hot Chicken: The original hot chicken joint, known for
