Nashville has become synonymous with bachelorette parties, in part because it’s a town where you’re never bored. Whether you and your besties want to listen to live music, record your own song, eat well, drink well, shop well, or frolic in the great outdoors, Nashville has it all; there’s something to keep everyone in your party entertained.
Nashville’s bachelorette reputation is so well-documented, there’s a certain sameness to many itineraries. There’s nothing wrong with some of the stereotypical activities—yes, you probably will want to don cowboy boots and head to Lower Broadway to honky tonk while listening to some of the world’s best live musicians, perhaps accompanied by a round of shots, followed by taking photos with the city’s iconic neon lights in the background. But that shouldn’t be the only soundtrack to your Nashville bachelorette song. Here’s how to make Music City ring the right tune, with options for what to do, where to eat, and places to stay for a perfect bachelorette trip.
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FAQ:
How should my group plan to get around in Nashville?
Nashville’s bus service is cheap ($4 per day for unlimited rides) and a great option for going between 12South, the Gulch, Midtown, and downtown. If you plan to venture out of those neighborhoods, a car or a ride-sharing app is your best bet. If you are sticking to the greater downtown area, plan to walk.
How many days should I stay in Nashville for a bachelorette trip?
Four days and three nights is a good amount of time for a bachelorette trip to Nashville. It will allow you a night or two of revelry on Lower Broadway, plus time to eat at great restaurants and explore attractions outside of downtown, while also getting a little R&R in before heading home.
What is the best time of year for a Nashville bachelorette party?
Nashville is a year-round destination, but spring and fall are glorious. These seasons aren’t too hot and humid (nor too cold), and all the major attractions are open and ready to entertain you.
Where to eat
Nashville is a culinary It City and there’s no way to try it all in one bachelorette weekend. Make a dent in the list at Assembly Food Hall—it’s more of a destination than you might expect of what is essentially a downtown food court, and a good bet for ticking off lots of must-eats. Nestled into these spaces are outposts of Nashville’s favorite locally owned restaurants. You’ll find Chinese comfort food, Kurdish dishes, burgers, tacos, sushi, wine bars, and, yes, more hot chicken than you can possibly eat in one trip. You’ll also get to hear live musicians playing for free (feel free to tip!) and you can grab a seat with a view of the Ryman Auditorium. Assembly Food Hall is one of the few places in town where you don’t need a reservation for a large group.
When you’re ready to venture away from downtown, the options only multiply. You are bringing your sparkly outfits to town, so you might as well wear them somewhere called Fancypants. The vegetable-forward menu is creative, and the service makes any night feel like the special occasion that it is. If your crew is more casual, East Nashville’s Alebrije is the spot for Mexico City–style tacos in an environment that easily accommodates a group. The idea behind Hearts is a friendly Australian all-day hangout. It’s a great pick for breakfast and a hangover-fighting cup of coffee or a cocktail, no matter what time of day your crew is ready for breakfast. (There’s an East Nashville outpost and one in 12South.)
Where to stay
Nashville hotel and Airbnb owners know that the city is a magnet for groups—as a result, many rooms are designed to accommodate more than one couple or solo traveler at a time, with rooms with bunk beds and suites with adjoining rooms. Not only does this make it convenient for a late-night gab session, it can make it easier to wrangle everyone to get where you are going on time. Sharing a room or suite can help bring down the budget, too.
The 12South neighborhood’s first hotel, The Gilmore, offers units with as many as four bedrooms, all within walking distance to shopping, drinking, and eating. Or, feel like a local when you rent a Craftsman bungalow house in 12South. Have your friends eat together around the 10-person dining table and soak up some Tennessee sunshine on the deck before heading out on the town.
For something modern and cozy, look no further than this stunning rental with a rooftop deck and skyline views. It’s only minutes from Nissan Stadium, Broadway, and East Nashville’s dining scene. East Nashville’s brightly colored The Gallatin hotel has different room configurations, including some with bunk beds. The hotel is well-located for exploring East Nashville, and a portion of the proceeds from each room booked is donated to helping fight homelessness in the city. Leave some time to pose with the hotel’s brightly colored, photo-op-ready sculptural arches in the background.
Speaking of photos, if you have Googled “bachelorette and Nashville,” then you’ve seen a picture of the giant pink chicken wire bust of Dolly Parton at White Limozeen, the rooftop bar at the Graduate Nashville. The hotel’s funky rooftop bar isn’t the only reason to stay at the Graduate, but it doesn’t hurt. The whole property, located in Midtown, is an explosion of whimsy and color. Don’t miss Cross-Eyed Critters, the hotel’s bar where karaoke is accompanied by an animatronic-character backup band.
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