If you’re planning a trip to Nashville, have just moved here or are a long-term resident simply wondering what fun new things you should try, you’re in luck. Summer is a spectacular time to visit the Music City, whether you’re young, old or anywhere in-between.
“Everywhere you go in Nashville, you’ll feel the creativity and inspiration that is the lifeblood of this amazing city,” says Angel Van Horn, Community Relations Specialist at Park Manor, the most trusted retirement community in Nashville, TN. “It’s truly a crossroads of culture and art, with world-class food, an incredible music scene, a rich history and sights and sounds you’ve never before experienced. It’s the perfect place to visit, and the perfect place to retire.”
Angel says that, in the summertime, the community of Park Manor plans all sorts of excursions and events that get residents out and about in the greater community. “Our residents don’t believe in sitting back and letting their retirement pass them by, which is why we strive to make sure there’s something fun going on every day either on- or off-campus,” she says. “While there are so many summer activities to enjoy in the Music City, here are five of our top suggestions to try whether you’re here for your first or 50th time.”
1. Rock out at a concert
As you might expect, the music scene in Nashville is one in the best. Fantastic live music is just a stone’s throw away from wherever you are, whether you’re looking for an intimate connection with a local group or a big-arena event with rock and country legends. The scene is diverse, from country to hip hop to rock to folk or any other genre you’d like to hear.
Head to the famous Honky Tonk Central to hear live music any day of the week (plus get some great food), or purchase a ticket to see some of the greats at Ascend Amphitheater, or Ryman Auditorium. Or see the place where country music was made famous at the Grand Ole Opry.
2. Get your art on.
While Nashville is known best for its music scene, its arts scene is nothing to sneeze at. In fact, that scene is becoming more and more a staple with ever present public art exhibits, galleries, murals, street art and museums. On any given day, you’ll also find events, art crawls and festivals – all throughout the year.
This summer, hit the FirstBank First Saturday Art Crawl Downtown on the first Saturday of every month. Peruse art galleries throughout the downtown area that open their doors for art openings, hosting receptions and creativity galore. It’s completely free, and many galleries offer free refreshments and wine as you stroll along the streets, creating a festive atmosphere. For a more suburban venue, head to the Arts & Music at Wedgewood-Houston just south of downtown. If you’re jonesing for an artsy experience on a non-first-Saturday-basis, head to the Frist Art Museum to take in an ever-changing array of exhibitions.
3. Step back in time.
If you’re interested in Old South history, head to Belle Meade Plantation. This gorgeous estate details the history of Nashville from the Old South to the Civil War and beyond. Tour guides dress in antebellum garb and present history in a vibrant, intriguing format.
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens is a 55-acre botanical garden and art museum that pairs art, gardens and history unlike anywhere else. Originally built as the home of Leslie and Mabel Cheek, Cheekwood is a premier example of an American Country Place Era estate. It was converted into an art museum and botanical garden in 1960, and is considered one of Nashville’s top cultural attractions.
Learn about the People’s President, Andrew Jackson, as you walk in his footsteps at his Hermitage. As the home and final resting place of our nation’s 7th President, the Hermitage garden and grounds are a popular destination for Nashville residents and visitors from around the world.
4. Walk in the footsteps of music giants.
No trip to Nashville is complete without a pilgrimage to the music industry and the recording artists who have made Music City an international destination. Head to the Music City Walk of Fame Park to see a tribute to the various stars who have come through our fair city, including Reba McEntire, Elvis Presley, Emmylou Harris, Jimi Hendrix, Vince Gill, Hank Williams and many, many more.
For a deep-dive into musical history, the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum is the only museum in the world that honors recording musicians both well-known and anonymous who played on hundreds of hit records during the golden age of music. The museum is constantly adding to their catalog and library, so head back at any point to see what’s new and notable. Within its walls, you’ll also find the Grammy Museum Gallery, where you can learn about the history of these notable awards, experience the recording process and feel what it’s like to be up on stage.
5. Get outside.
Summer is beautiful in the Music City, and there’s no better place to experience it than in our incredible greenways and parks. Head to the heart of the city to enjoy Centennial Park and Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, or go a little further to explore the 2,500 acres of Edwin Warner Park and Percy Warner Park. For cyclists, there’s a 180-mile-long greenway that allows the scenic view of Nashville and the surrounding area without having to fight traffic. (If you don’t have a bike with you, never fret. Rent one from Bike the Greenway or a Nashville B-cycle station, or hop on a tour with Green Fleet Bicycle Tours.) For fishers and lake-lovers, rent paddle boards or kayaks at the Percy Priest Lake, Radnor Lake, and Old Hickory Lake and enjoy the scenic skyline from a serene spot.
Baseball buffs can cheer on the Nashville Sounds at the First Tennessee Park, while wine aficionados can sip and relax at Arrington Vineyards & Winery. Families can have all-day fun at the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, Treetop Adventure Park at Nashville Shores or Nashville Shores waterpark.
Finally, there’s nothing more Nashville than enjoying a concert in the great outdoors. The Woods Amphitheater at Fontanel offers amazing live music, while music festivals such as Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th, Lightning 100 / Live on the Greenand Musicians Corner, offer tunes under the gorgeous Nashville sky.
If you have more questions about summer fun in Nashville, or to learn more about our senior living community, please contact us at 615.997.3030.
Love Where You Live!
Have you ever asked yourself the question, “Do I love where I live?” If you ask that question of the residents of Park Manor, Nashville’s premier retirement community, the answer would be a resounding, “Yes!” For over 50 years, Park Manor has served Nashville’s seniors by providing a community designed to support an active, independent, secure, healthy and worry-free lifestyle. Located on seven spacious acres in the desirable Nashville neighborhood Belle Meade, we’re proud to provide a lifestyle our residents love each and every day.
Park Manor’s approach to senior living is simple: exceed our residents’ expectations. We strive to provide everything you could possibly need and want to live your life the way you choose. At Park Manor, you will enjoy a standard of living reminiscent of a luxury resort – but it’s not a vacation – it’s your lifestyle! This commitment is why we are held in such high regard by our surrounding community and are known as thepremier retirement community offering Independent Living and Assisted Living lifestyles.
For seniors requiring memory care, Park Manor is associated with the prestigious Abe’s Garden® Memory Care Center of Excellence. Abe’s Garden® is committed to transforming the care of those with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia by establishing a national model of residential living and day care programs for those suffering from the disease. Abe’s Garden® provides an unprecedented level of care in addition to a comprehensive array of services and lifestyle options.
At Park Manor, your continued independence is our top priority. Enjoy living life as you choose … in the comfort and privacy of your own apartment, while having the peace of mind of knowing help is available if and when you need it.
For more information, please call 615.997.3030.