20 Things To Do On Your SECOND Trip to Nashville | Hidden Gems

*UPDATED 01/16/2023*

I will never tell you not to go to the tourist spots in Nashville for your first time. While there are some that are better than others, they are tourist spots for a reason.

But, here’s your guide for your SECOND trip to Nashville – past the murals, 12 South, and Broadway. Most guides will show you the fun, girly, bachelorette places to go.

I want to tell you about the lesser known and less expensive places to go. I won’t say this is a comprehensive list – new places are popping up every day, but it is a start to exploring the city in a different way.

For more Nashville guides, go to: Best of Nashville – desserts, bars, and more! Get an Uber, or in your car, and enjoy this list that includes multiple areas of Nashville and hopefully some places you’ve never heard of!

1. Honeytree Meadery

This is number 1 on the list because it is really my favorite place to take guests when they visit. The owners are SO kind and welcoming, and it’s truly a local business.

They get their honey from bees about 30-45 minutes away in Ashland City. They make all of their own mead, and if you get there early enough, you’ll have the place to yourself!

Both times I’ve been right at opening and the owner explained to us all about mead and gave samples and told their story of opening right before the pandemic hit. It’s a great place to spend your money!

Be warned – these are strong drinks!!

2. Thrifting on Charlotte Avenue

This is kind of a fun activity if you want some local artwork of Nashville or from Nashville. There are 3 thrift stores an easy walking distance from each other. My number one pick is Cool Stuff Weird Things – nice owner and more hip options than your typical Goodwill.

The next is Unique Thrift Store. It’s got some good furniture there but it also has a little bit of everything.

Last up you’ve got Southern Thrift. This is very much a Goodwill-esque thrift store, but those usually have great finds too.

Get yourself a cup of coffee from Headquarters right next to Cool Stuff Weird Things or from down the street at The Cafe at Thistle Farms and thrift away.

BONUS: check out the Nations while you’re over there! You’ve got Bobbie’s Dairy Dip, The Nations Bar and Grill or CoCo’s Italian Market!

3. Chopper

Oh, Chopper. A great vibe with even greater drinks. This place is a small robot tiki bar in East Nashville that serves up super unique cocktails.

They’ve got anything you might want, but I suggest getting the drinks that are on fire! I’m not sure if it’s the same one, but they even have a drink where the limit is one – and rightly so.

This bar even has rotating food options from local kitchens and food trucks, but I hear they now have a standing date with tacos served every day!

4. Love Circle

Your classic high school makeout spot. Just kidding…kind of. But seriously, this is a big hill in a nice neighborhood right outside Nashville.

It’s perfect for the sunrise or sunset. Grab a picnic, some wine, charcuterie, whatever you prefer, and a blanket. Hang out with friends here.

It’s perfect for getting a birds eye view of all of Nashville!

5. Coneheads

For some reason I never see people post anything from here but it’s one of my favorite meals I’ve ever had! The little storefront lives in East Nashville, and it’s my favorite.

They serve chicken in a waffle cone topped with Mac and cheese. YUM. Or you can get it as chicken tenders and a side but I’m 10/10 recommending the waffle cone.

You get to pick the sauce your chicken is covered with and I always get the 24k sauce. The perfect amount of sauce.

Oh, and you can get fried cauliflower instead for a vegetarian option or get fried cauliflower as a side!

6. BATL Axe Throwing

I know, I know, ace throwing is almost a thing of the past. But when you pair East Nashville with a bar with pretty private sections, it’s perfect.

Get your friends together, drink some beers while getting your anger out, and then go out after. I’m all about doing an activity while starting my night! Plus, you’re close to plenty of options there.

Don’t worry, axe throwing really isn’t as hard as it looks. But don’t forget to make a reservation!

7. L&L Market (Gracie’s Milkshake Bar & Culture and Co!)

Located west of Nashville is the L&L Market. It’s in an old industrial building and it’s full of shops and restaurants. This includes the cheese conveyor belt restaurant and Gracie’s Milkshake Bar!

I’m a huge sweets gal and especially if you can make them look pretty. These milkshakes are extravagant in the best way but I have yet to finish a whole one.

One of the more unique experiences includes this charcuterie conveyor belt. You simply pick out the small plates you want that have unique combinations of breads, cheeses, jams, desserts, and more. They also have a great wine selection you should definitely try.

They also have a brewery and restaurant on one side, a flower shop, little local Tennessee shops, a salon, and so much more. It’s a cute little place to get some Nashville souvenirs, some food, and some flowers to brighten your day.

8. Game Terminal

Now Game Terminal is more south of Nashville and it’s kind of off on its own. BUT, it’s one of those drink and do activities kind of places.

The inside is a total arcade with SO many games. They have VIP rooms if you want to do that option! They also have giant yard games and a huge outdoor space that make it fun for day or night and great for a crowd!

9. Brother’s Burger Joint (& Monell’s & Pfunky Griddle & Big Machine Distillery!)

These are located in the One Hundred Oaks area (or more well known these days as Berry Hill. On a small street by the mall, you’ve got lots of restaurant options that are all so good. Oh

Brother’s Burger Joint has been a favorite of mine for a long time. It’s got huge burgers and delicious fries and a bar inside to top it off. It’s quite small so plan accordingly! It’s another local joint that used to be a food truck so again, support local!

On the same street you’ve got Pfunky Griddle which is a breakfast place where you make your own pancakes. There are griddles in the middle of every table and you can choose your toppings and go from there!

Also, you’ve got Monell’s – I will say I’ve never been to this location, but the Monell’s I know are family style dining and it’s never ending southern food. A dream. If that interests you, try going to the one by the airport for the full southern experience!

Lastly, I’ve been dying to go to Big Machine Distillery, particularly for brunch. This location has a brunch menu and bottomless brunch cocktails. Heard of a vimosa?? Vodka mimosas and bottomless. I’ll get there soon!

10. One Spunky Spud

IYKYK. This place has blown up on TikTok and the word on the street is that they are opening another location in Germantown soon! It’s currently located in the food court in Rivergate Mall.

While not the greatest mall, it’s where I grew up going and I love that people are getting to experience it in all its glory.

One Spunky Spud serves up massive loaded baked potatoes with pretty much any combination of toppings you could want. Go with an empty stomach so you can really enjoy!

11. Hatch Show Print

Not sure if this is really a hidden gem, but it’s very cool nonetheless. It’s located where most tourists tend to go for the Country Music Hall of Fame, but go the opposite direction and you’ll find Hatch Show Print.

It’s the oldest printing press in Nashville and it has some really cool prints and little items that could be really cool for a souvenir or gift. They’ve got lots of prints of Nashville and also cool concert posters you can buy.

You can also choose to do a tour of the printing area if you get a chance!

12. The Dive Motel

If you’re into unique stays or just lean a little bit more hipster, this is a great spot to either stay or hang out. The Dive Motel is a converted old motel (in a not as nice area of town, so just be aware if visiting). I did a staycation here just for fun and had a blast.

Each room has a disco ball that you can turn on using the “Party Switch” with the light switches, and it also plays music from 4 different unique stations, like “Sex”, “Drugs”, or “Rock & Roll”. The rooms have different themes, and they can be on the pricier side, but definitely unique.

When you first walk in, the “lobby” also serves as a bar, where locals come and hang out or where you can watch live music. In the middle of all the rooms is a pool with a decent-sized deck where you can hang out if you are a guest, OR you can get a day pass!

Each room has a fridge full of drinks and snacks (they just get added to your bill after), as well as supplies for some adult activities. The decor and vibe definitely make you feel like you went back in time or on the set of Stranger Things.

13. Wine Down & Phat Bites

So I work out in Donelson, and I will say there’s lots of great places out here. Donelson is an area east of Nashville, but it’s got some great local gems.

Go to Wine Down for a quaint experience trying different wines and even charcuterie! The owner is very sweet and actually used to manage famous people on tours, so apparently famous people stop in from time to time.

Next, please go to Phat Bites!! It’s an eclectic vibe with a full bar, a full deli, a patio, and a stage for live music. This is definitely a local’s hangout, but everyone is so friendly there.

Honorable mentions in Donelson go to Nectar Urban Cantina for some fresh food and margaritas and also to Tennfold Brewing for a good beer list, a covered patio, and some delicious smoked meats.

14. All People Coffee & Beverage Hall

Everyone loves a good coffee shop when going on a trip. Well, this coffee shop also serves as a place to get alcoholic beverages too! AND they have a self-service wall where you can get draft beers. Located in East Nashville, All People is a fairly newer place to chat with friends, grab drinks for both coffee and beer lovers, and be close to things to do.

As you can tell, I’m a big East Nashville girl. This has to do with where I live + everything being a great time here. All People isn’t on the main road in East Nashville. It will, however, put you close to things like The Pharmacy, Donut Distillery, and the Five Points area. If you’re looking to get your day started over here, just head to All People.

I like to go here to get work done, catch up with friends, or just include it when I like to do a DIY brewery tour. There are lots of breweries in the East Nashville area, so it’s fun to do a day out.

15. Sandbar

Gotta love this place. It was opened right before the world shut down but they came back STRONG. It’s a large, fully open-air bar with so many delicious drinks and 2 huge sand volleyball courts!

You can sign up to play any time, and it’s got so much seating both by the court and up on the deck area.

They’ve got the classic capri-sun looking pouches for cocktails and drinks served in coconuts. They’ve got lots of options – and there is even a vegan restaurant right next door if you get hungry. It’s a great spot for a group or to play volleyball.

16. Two Rivers Greenway

Most people go to Shelby Park or Shelby Bottoms, but what you don’t know is that it fully connects to the Two Rivers Greenway. It’s less crowded but equally pretty.

The parking lot is right next to a skate park and connected to Wave Country. You go down and across the river on a pretty bridge and then there is a trail that goes along the river.

It’s super long, and you can walk, run, skate, or bike there and enjoy the beautiful Tennessee weather.

17. Barcelona Wine Bar & NoBaked

All I need to say is patatas bravas. I could eat 4 plates of those and still want more. But anyway, Barcelona Wine Bar is in the Edgehill area close to Midtown.

It’s a Spanish, tapa-style restaurant and there’s lots of choices to choose from! Get a bunch of plates to share with your friends or get some all to yourself. They’ve got wine and sangria and a bar you can sit at too! Probably make a reservation though.

Honorable mention is NoBaked aka my favorite cookie dough place. It’s attached right next door to Barcelona. They have cute little cups and about 12 options to choose from when you go. They’ve even got a cute greenery wall with a neon sign too.

18. Fairlane Hotel Pop Up

Right downtown is the Fairlane Hotel. They change their pop-up bar every season or more frequently with fun themes and they go ALL out.

When I went they had a disco-themed pop up during the summer and it was incredible. We went right at opening too and there was no one else there!

It’s located on the penthouse of the Fairlane Hotel, so if you go outside you get a wide view of downtown. They currently have their fall theme up, but I hear they usually have a Christmas theme in winter and I can’t wait.

The drinks are expensive but they fit the themes perfectly.

19. Rosemary and the Beauty Queen

Another bar on the list?! Shocker. This bar is located in East Nashville in the Five Points area. It’s in an unassuming little house, but it just keeps going in the backyard.

There are a few indoor seats at the bar, but you go outside to a raised wraparound deck where the center is full of tables and another bar. Going around the wraparound deck, you reach their new upper patio.

They did this so well. The bar has swings for seats, and there are plenty of tables and booths for hanging out. You even get a beautiful view of sunset over Five Points.

20. The Catio

Last, but certainly not least, is the Catio. If you’re a cat person, this place is for you. You pay about $7 and you get to go play with kittens and cats for an hour.

Pro tip: try not to go after a children’s party like we did, because the cats were riled up.

The kittens are always up for adoption and you get to play with all their toys with them and watch them climb all the obstacles they have around the room.

This is located near Opryland and the Grand Ole Opry. There are so many fun, country bars in this area. Check out Scoreboard Bar and Grill for some open-air seating, cornhole, food, and drinks.

Or, go to the brand new Ranch Hands Cowboylesque at Nashville Palace for brunch with some shirtless cowboys!

Stay tuned for more unique ideas of things to do in Nashville!

To find a list of experiences and activities here in Nashville, click here: 25+ Unique and Classic Things to DO in Nashville

For the best desserts in Nashville, go here: 10 Dessert Spots in Nashville to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

For places to drink in East Nashville, go here: 15 Breweries and Bars to Visit in East Nashville