10 Things to Do in Nashville in Winter

Tennessee's capital city, Nashville, is a quintessential American tourist destination and is undoubtedly one of the most visited places on the plains between the South and the Midwest. At the same time, the best things to see and do in Nashville are constantly changing throughout the year. Summer weather is not the same as winter weather and so activities have to be planned accordingly.

With that in mind I recommend you read on to get a more concrete idea of what activities you could enjoy when visiting America's Music City during the cooler months of the year.

Another favourite activity for tourists visiting Nashville in winter is touring its best neighbourhoods. In turn, one of the favourite places for the best Nashville tours is to pass through a trendy neighbourhood with a very long history called The Gulch. Basically, it's a neighbourhood that has been in the city since its founding and has recently been renovated to feature upscale restaurants, trendy boutiques and plenty of entertainment venues.

The idea of visiting this place is to combine it with another activity that is quite special during the winter. So a guided bike tour that includes this specific neighbourhood in the itinerary is something you shouldn't miss when visiting the capital of Tennessee. This is because a cycling session will help you warm up while getting to know one of the locals' favourite neighbourhoods when it comes to entertainment during the winter season.

As Nashville is a place that blends American country culture with a strong musical identity, decor and clothing have always been very interesting elements in this city. For this reason a shopping spree is always a good idea and specifically during the winter it is even more recommended. This is due to the fact that all the oldest and most curious coats are on sale in the most iconic markets and shops of the city.

In this context the Arcade is a place you can't miss when visiting this city. It is the city's first enclosed shopping centre and is over 100 years old. It is an Art Deco building where you can find the best vintage items in the city. As well as a wide variety of art galleries and local craft shops.

Also, when you have finished these activities it is an excellent idea to take advantage of your time in Downtown to have a tour of the best pubs in Nashville. Drinking alcohol, specifically bourbon and beer, is one of the great experiences of a visit to this city.

Just as in so many American cities, Nashville also has a strong sports culture and one of the biggest football events in the city takes place right at the beginning of winter. The Music City Bowl is basically a game that always takes place at the end of December between a local team from the Southeastern Conference college league and an opponent from the Atlantic Coast Conference.

This is one of the best things to do in Nashville during the winter because it's a chance to see how the city's culture works. As well as enjoying a music festival that takes place before and after the official game. In fact every year there is a battle of the bands as well as other specific activities for fans of both teams.

Keep in mind that this event usually takes place in the late afternoon so you can dedicate your whole day to other activities such as visiting the best museums in Nashville or enjoying a great lunch at the Hard Rock Café. Keep in mind that this city's branch is one of the largest in the world and the identity of country music is perceived in every corner of this place.

New Year's Eve is one of the most important festivities of the winter season and if your trip coincides with this date then you should welcome the new year in the best style of the locals of the Music City. In this city, the tradition is to head to Broadway Street on the edge of Downtown to enjoy a free outdoor concert. This usually combines country music artists as well as rock'n'roll acts.

However, if you're visiting the city in early January and you're feeling a little sad about missing the New Year's celebrations, you should know that many plans extend into the middle of the month. So you could check out some of the hockey games being held at the Bridgestone Arena on various dates throughout the month. The start of the year is also marked by a rotating series of shows each year at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center.

Finally, you could also enjoy a lunch and dinner cruise along the Cumberland River to celebrate the arrival of the New Year even after the New Year has passed. And this is highly recommended, as it is among the best things to do in Nashville during the month of January because many people do it knowing that their visit did not manage to coincide with December 31.

On the other hand, I have to highlight the fact that the history of Nashville and specifically the state of Tennessee is one of the most interesting in the whole country. That's why Black Heritage Month activities are one of the best things to do during the winter. At least if you are interested in familiarising yourself with the past of the place you are visiting.

This celebration is basically a month that takes place from February 1st to March 1st in the United States to commemorate the past of African American history. As well as remembering a bit about the injustices that this community lived in the country for centuries.

The activities organised by the City Council for this month change every year. However, it is most common for sites such as the Country Hall of Fame or the Musicians Hall of Fame to hold special exhibits on African American artists. In addition, it is common for the rest of the city's museums to have special lectures or events.

Nashville City tours are a good way to enjoy these commemorative dates. During the month it is common for some tours to focus exclusively on historical events of the African-American community in this city. You should also keep in mind that this is one of the best things to do with kids in Nashville, at least if you're interested in educational and harmless plans.

Another of the best things to do during the winter in the city and specifically one of the best things to do in Nashville during the month of February is a trip during Presidents Weekend to some of the most important places in the state. This weekend, which runs from Saturday through the third Monday of the month, is one of the first opportunities of the year for Americans to enjoy a long weekend.

So when you're in Nashville during this time of year, you can't miss the opportunity to join one of the fun tours that are taking place during the weekend. The ones to the Bell Meade Mansion are one of the most attractive of all.

If you don't know what it is, just keep in mind that it's one of the most important buildings that survived the Civil War in the state of Tennessee. So when you're there, you'll get to see what the southern plantations of the United States looked like, and you'll also get to enjoy a tour of one of the most beautiful mansions in the entire country.

Winter in Tennessee isn't exactly mild. That's why it's a good idea to enjoy the hottest foods in town and in this case I have to offer you Tennessee BBQ, as it's something you can't miss when you're in this city during the winter.

This style of barbecue that is enjoyed throughout the state and originates in the city of Nashville is one of the most important culinary aspects of this community. So my advice is to take part in one of Nashville' s best food tours, as they will probably take you to the most famous establishments that prepare this specific dish.

If you do, don't hesitate to accompany your barbecue with a cold beer or even a good bourbon cocktail. This is due to the fact that these two drinks are other staples of the Nashville culinary scene.

When you're in Nashville in winter you should take the opportunity to visit the Belmont Mansion, especially since you can do it any day you want during this season, knowing that the number of tourists drops considerably.

This site is one of the largest houses in the city that still survives from the Civil War. So it's a great way to see the original Tennessee architecture, especially if you're not too keen on the idea of enjoying an extremely long tour.

Keep in mind that this is one of the best fun things to do in Nashville, as you'll find some beautiful gardens that are significantly preserved during the winter. As well as being accompanied by a guide who specialises in the history of this beautiful and interesting place.

As one of the oldest cities in the country, there are bound to be hundreds of interesting stories in Nashville and many of them can be told on a night tour. Specifically, Nashville' s best ghost tours are a good activity to do during the winter, as the weather conditions make them a little more spooky and interesting for those who enjoy this type of activity.

With these tours you're likely to visit sites with stories marked by the tragedy of the Civil War. As well as more recent events that have blurred the boundaries between the paranormal world and the reality of today's earthly world.

Another of Tennessee's great cultural landmarks is the Jack Daniel's distillery. So don't miss out on a winter visit to Tennessee's capital city for a tour of the distillery's facilities. This would include a tasting of the world's most famous bourbon.

Value the fact that this is one of the most important attractions in and around Nashville. So the opportunity to warm up and enjoy a good alcoholic beverage during one of the coldest months of the year is something you shouldn't pass up if you have the time and money for it.

Nashville is a significantly cold place during the winter compared to other cities in the American South. Maximum temperatures during this season usually reach 10 °C while minimum temperatures easily drop below 0°.

Nashville's winter tourist season is less crowded than the rest of the year. The only exception to this may be the first days of January and the last days of December for the Christmas holidays as well as for the New Year.

Winter prices in Nashville can be cheaper than the rest of the year if you take into account the decrease in tourism. However, there are other services that will remain exactly the same if they have nothing to do with activities for Music City visitors.

Your suitcase for visiting Nashville during the winter should include quality coats that will protect you from the cold as well as any rain that may occur during your trip. A favourable pair of shoes that are comfortable for walking and also help protect you in the event of snowfall is another must.

You shouldn't forget to pack sunscreen. Keep in mind that the sun is just as strong on your face during this time of year and even your skin becomes more sensitive due to the constant exposure to the cold. I advise you to wear some elegant clothes if you intend to join an exclusive New Year's Eve celebration.