Take a Daytrip From Nashville

Nashville is a country music mecca with plenty of fun and nightlife to satisfy any traveler. But if you’ve already caught a show at the Grand Ole Opry, scooted those cowboy boots in a line dance, chowed down on Nashville hot chicken, and still crave more, you’re in luck.

The city is located at the crossroads of several major highways, meaning you can easily take a daytrip within Tennessee or even venture to neighboring Alabama or Kentucky. Depending on your interests, you’ll have access to Tennessee’s small-town charm and famous whiskey distilleries — or you can paddle the Tennessee River, visit the city that helped launch the space race, or explore a prehistoric cave. Here are four easy daytrips from Nashville.

Franklin, Tennessee: The Other Music City

Bet you didn’t know Nashville isn’t Tennessee’s only Music City. Franklin is just over 20 miles away and is where many country music stars live. Browse the shops on Main Street, including White’s Mercantile, owned by the legendary Hank Williams’ granddaughter. Fill up on a hearty Southern meal at Puckett’s Grocery. Then catch a show at intimate spots like Kimbro’s Pickin’ Parlor or Fox & Locke in neighboring Leiper’s Fork.

Franklin is also the starting point of the Natchez Trace Parkway, a scenic drive that winds more than 440 miles to Natchez, Mississippi. Make stops along the Tennessee Whiskey Trail at spots like Company Distilling™ in Thompson’s Station or Leiper’s Fork Distillery.
 

Chattanooga, Tennessee: Get Outdoors

Located just a few hours from Nashville, Chattanooga sits in the shadow of Lookout Mountain and along the Tennessee River. This location makes it a prime destination for paddling, kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding. You can also explore the caves of Raccoon Mountain and hike in the Moccasin Bend National Archaeological District. For more encounters with nature, the Tennessee Aquarium spans two buildings filled with freshwater and saltwater creatures. When you’re ready for a bite, head to Chattanooga’s Southside neighborhood for a round of bowling, wings, and tacos at Southside Social.

Huntsville, Alabama: Space, the Final Frontier

Huntsville, home to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, is only about an hour and a half away. See decommissioned rockets and spaceships up close before dining at one of the city’s many German restaurants, which opened when European scientists came to work on the space program. Or head outside to Monte Sano State Park, which gained popularity in the 19th century for its mineral springs. Pack your walking shoes and take advantage of 20 miles of hiking trails. And when the sun goes down, experience a bit of space yourself at the planetarium named after the father of rocket science, Wernher von Braun.

Bowling Green, Kentucky: Natural, Manmade Wonders

Located only about an hour from Nashville, Bowling Green is the gateway to Mammoth Cave National Park, the longest cave system in the world. If you’re short on time, you can still go underground at Lost River Cave for a 45-minute boat ride through the subterranean river. Back above ground, head to the National Corvette Museum, which honors the classic American sports car. Top your day off with a meal in town at Anna’s Greek Restaurant, an authentic Mediterranean eatery. And for those who are old enough, there are several wineries and Dueling Grounds Distillery just outside Bowling Green — considered the southernmost stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour^®.

Where To Stay
After your out-of-city adventures, head back to home base and stay at these downtown hotels using your Marriott Bonvoy^® points.
 

Moxy Nashville Downtown

Experience a trendy and chic hotel located where all the action happens. Just steps away from legendary attractions like the Johnny Cash/Patsy Cline Museum and the Country Music Hall of Fame, as well as Bridgestone Arena, this ultra-modern hotel exhibits the best of the city. Sip on locally roasted coffee, work out in the 24-hour fitness center, and enjoy a Got Moxy cocktail after your check-in at Bar Moxy.
 

Renaissance Nashville Hotel

Presenting a perfect mix of style and modernity, this downtown hotel is attached to Fifth + Broadway and is perfect for the contemporary traveler. Take a walk to Bridgestone Arena and Ryman Auditorium, check out downtown’s vibrant music scene, or simply relax in your upscale room which features plush bedding, a workstation, and can’t-miss views. After a day out, end your night with a meal and a cocktail at Little Fib, the hotel’s signature restaurant.
 

JW Marriott Nashville

Experience true luxury in one of the music capitals of the country. Located near the trendy and upscale The Gulch neighborhood, you’ll get breathtaking views of downtown Nashville and convenient access to the city’s prime hot spots. And you’ll never skip a meal when you can eat at Nashville’s only Bourbon Steak, by Michelin-starred chef Michael Mina, located right in the hotel. Other hotel amenities include a rooftop pool deck encircled by stylish cabanas and a poolside bar and grill, 24-hour fitness center with Peloton bikes, a full-service spa, and more gourmet food.