It’s a gorgeous time of year to be in Nashville. And we’re not just talking about that fresh, spring air and everything blooming around us. We’ve gathered some suggestions for you to have some fun in Nashville this weekend. Read on to see how you can make your weekend in Nashville one to remember!

Hot Chicken

Nashville’s hot chicken scene is exploding. There are more spots than ever vying for the crown of hot chicken winner. The only problem is, they can’t all be number one. That’s why we’ve decided to do some Nashville Hot chicken dirty work for you; so you don’t have to play favorites with your taste buds. Here are two hot chicken spots you can’t miss:

Hattie B’s

Hattie B’s is the best and most popular hot chicken spot in Nashville. Started by a father son duo who wanted to bring a little taste of their mama’s southern cooking (Hattie was her name) to Nashville. It’s no secret Hattie B’s is the best chicken in town, so don’t be surprised when there’s a line.

Pro Tip: Get there early before the lunch rush or late after the lunch rush. Otherwise you will be waiting 15-20 minutes in line (and then another 15-20 minutes for your food).

5 Star Review: “Don’t miss this delicious experience! It’s so worth the wait! We probably waited 45 minutes in line… The staff was so quick to please, friendly and patient. We were so impressed with the food. We tried every side as well as the amazing fries and a variety of chicken. We loved everything! Can’t wait to go back.”

Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack

Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack is legendary in Nashville. You’ll get hot chicken so juicy and buttery that it’ll make your mouth water just thinking about it. Plus, the history is pretty cool, too; Prince’s has been around since 1945.

The current owner of Prince’s, Andre Prince Jeffries, is part of that history. Her great-uncle, Thornton Prince, was known to be a womanizer. His girlfriend wasn’t having it, so she cooked him fried chicken with extra pepper. He fell in love with that spicy fried chicken dish, and went on to create a recipe for the fried chicken, what we know to be hot chicken today. If you want a taste of Nashville history on your spring vacation, Prince’s is the perfect place.

5 Star Review: “The original Nashville hot chicken place has the best flavored chicken in my opinion. What I like about their heat levels is that they are actually mild, medium, hot and beyond instead of being all ridiculously hot regardless of what is called. I love the heat but every once in a while medium is nice. Great sides and I’ve always had great service.”

Drinks

It’s not a true vacation without a few drinks, and if you’re in the Nashville area, there are plenty of spots you can check out to get your buzz on in Music City. The bars and pubs here have the best time for all you drink-lovers — from a true hole-in-the-wall dive bar to a rooftop destination with amazing views. Here are some spots to check out in Nashville we think you’ll enjoy:

Acme Feed & Seed

It’s hard to beat a fun night out with your best friends. Whether you’re people-watching, catching the game, or just enjoying the river breeze, rooftop bars are a great place to hang out and have a good time. Acme Feed & Seed’s rooftop bar is one of the best. Located in the heart of downtown Nashville, you can eat, drink and be merry — all with your favorite people by your side.

Acme’s rooftop bar is just a small portion of this 22,000 square foot, three story, historic establishment. The renovated building, with a modern twist, creates a uniquely ‘Nashville’ atmosphere that honors the unparalleled character of the city’s past, present and future.

5 Star Review: “Multi story bars with a rooftop view and music on every floor are a dime a dozen on Broadway but this one is special. They serve food on the first floor. You need to order from the booth by the door. They also rent out floors for private events. The best part is the view though. Located right on the water you have the best view of the stadium, bridge, and water.”

Jason Aldean’s Kitchen + Rooftop Bar

It’s not a trip to Nashville without a night on Broadway. Located in the heart of Broadway, Jason Aldean’s welcomes guests inside four levels of good times. Guided by the country singer’s hit “My Kinda Party,” the rooftop is dedicated to an all day and night party. A bar, two dining areas, and panoramic views of Broadway make this an exceptional place to stop during a spring trip to Nashville.

It’s also a great spot to hang out and listen to music. The restaurant features live music on two floors every day, focusing on the latest country trends, with local and national artists. Two big video walls on the main floor and rooftop patio show the hottest new country videos, as well as catching your favorite sporting events.

5 Star Review: “Having never been to Nashville, we checked the rooftop out to see the sunset and it did not disappoint! Lots of space to dance on rooftop level, also some couches for the wallflowers and the band playing that night was super dope! I’d recommend to anyone who’s looking for a cool spot on the strip but isn’t sure where to start. Grab some drinks here and the rest will follow.”

Outdoor Experiences

There’s no place like Nashville. Whether you want to discover every music, art and sports event possible or spend your time exploring outdoors, you’ll find plenty to do here. This is a city that has something for everyone. The perfect way to enjoy all of the fun is discovering outdoor events that are suitable for the entire family.

First Horizon Park

If you like classic American pastimes, there’s a great deal of nostalgia at First Horizon Park. The Nashville Sounds are the AAA affiliate of the Oakland A’s and the ballpark sits smack in the middle of an entertainment district brimming with shops, eateries and pubs. If you have kids, they will love First Horizon Park! It features a nine-hole mini-golf course in case they get bored with the baseball. It’s a smaller park since it’s home to a AAA team, but that means every seat has a clear view. Did we mention there are fireworks every Friday night? 

5 Star Review: “I think minor league baseball games are highly underrated after my trip to the Sounds. They were great! I like that they have full restaurants attached to the stadium in case you need more food options. We went on a dog friendly day. Keep an eye out for the fun events to see if they have one that suits you more. If you sit in general admission on the lawn I highly recommend bringing your own blanket.”

Cheekwood Estate & Gardens

In the mood for history, architecture, art and nature? If so, plan a visit to the Cheekwood Estate & Gardens. You’ll fall in love with the grounds, even if you’re not crazy about art. The botanical garden features more than a thousand varieties of plants and trees and many greenhouses that are sure to impress. Don’t forget to visit the on-site museum, where you’ll find lovely collections of 19th- and 20th-century American art and antique furniture.

5 Star Review: “Spent 2 hours walking in the stunning scenery. The shop is adorable! I got myself rocks. Their food area is very cute and has lots of food and drink options. Prepare to be surrounded by a lot of families with kids. But, everyone is pretty spread out as you can walk at your own pace. The flowers blooming are gorgeous. The “Blevins Japanese Garden” was my favorite. I got to do some meditating and relaxing. 100/10!”

As you can see, there’s no shortage of excellent things to do in Nashville. But what makes the city truly special is its authenticity—there’s no other place quite like it! With its vibrant music scene, friendly locals, and delicious local fare, a springtime visit offers an experience that you can’t find anywhere else.