Before You Go

On the Map… 36.1627° N, 86.7816° W

Baton Rouge to Nashville, TN… 587.5 miles

Driving Time… 8 hours 20 minutes

Why nashville?

Nashville is not just home to country music anymore. The hilly, sprawling city has become the destination in the South. With its beautiful landscape, gorgeous downtown, interesting neighborhoods, and countless restaurants, Nashville offers a unique getaway. This affordable vacation spot can be designed for a family weekend or a couple’s escape. Whether you are a music lover, a foodie, or the outdoorsy type, Nashville has something just for you.

Where to Eat

Biscuit Love  |  316 11th Avenue S.  |  Nashville, TN 37203
Lines roped around the building are a clear sign that this breakfast and brunch spot is a must. Famous for their “bonut,” a biscuit fried like a donut, Biscuit Love also delivers on every delicious biscuit dish you can imagine. The restaurant locally sources their ingredients and cooks everything with love! While in the Gulch, make sure to have your picture taken with the “Wings” just around the corner. ■ biscuitlove.com

The Pharmacy  |  731 Mcferrin Avenue  |  Nashville, TN 37206
Burgers and brats served in an authentic and lovely biergarten make this joint the place to go for lunch or dinner. Nashville’s “Wurst-Burger” Joint boasts an impressive selection of German wurst and bier, as well as an old-school soda fountain serving legendary phosphates, milkshakes, and ice cream sodas. Be sure to order some curry ketchup! ■ thepharmacynashville.com

Pancake Pantry  |  1796 21st Avenue S.  |  Nashville, TN 37212
This Nashville pancake establishment has been around since 1961 and is still family-owned and much loved. You may have to wait in line to get the best pancakes in Tennessee, but once you taste the fluffy goodness with the housemade syrup, the wait will be worth it. ■ thepancakepantry.com

Loveless Cafe |8400 Tennessee Hwy 100 | Nashville, TN 37221
Started as a resting place for travelers on Highway 100, Loveless Cafe has expanded to shops, a live music venue, and a large restaurant. The Cafe still serves the famous biscuits, ham, and preserves, but it also specializes in pulled pork, ribs, and other Southern delights. Authentic Nashville at its finest. ■ lovelesscafe.com

What to Do

One breathtaking way to see Nashville is to kayak the Cumberland River. Start in the lush Shelby Park and paddle three miles into downtown Nashville across from Titans Stadium. Work out your muscles and inhale the fresh air as you take in the beauty around you. Kayak season begins in April and lasts until November. ■ rqvoyages.com

This unique travel experience will take you in the middle of all the action and use your strength and endurance. Pedal Tavern is a perfect way to see the city on a night out for the adults. Climb aboard for a two-hour route on the custom, 15-passenger bicycle and pedal through Nashville’s storied streets. Pedal Tavern’s certified tour guides share the secrets of Broadway’s legendary honky tonks and Midtown’s Music Row. ■ nashvillepedaltavern.com

Tour the lovely and historic Ryman Auditorium, also known as “Mother Church of Country Music” or go see a live show. Though the Grand Ole Opry no longer originates here, many musicians and acts still grace the famous stage.

If you are wanting to take home a piece of famous Nashville, make your way to the Hatch Show Print Store for stunning concert prints. This print shop offers a one-of-a-kind tour and thousands of classic and new prints for purchase.

Bowling and brunch? Sounds like a great plan. You can do both of those and more at the unique Pinewood Social Restaurant. Pinewood Social is centered around the concept of gathering together. Coffee, lounge areas, Bocce ball, and an outdoor pool also distinguish the dining establishment from other restaurants in the area.

Finally, no one should ever visit Nashville and miss the Honky Tonks on Broadway. Singers and songwriters share stages all day and most of the night for your listening pleasure. Most country music stars got their starts in these music spots, so make sure you go check out who is next on the charts. The Nashville music scene has gotten more diverse, so even if country isn’t your preference, you can still find folk, bluegrass, soul, and blues. ■