Things to Do at Music Valley in Nashville

Tennessee may be famous for its whiskey, but we guarantee you’ll remember the area for its vino after a stop at Amber Falls Winery. Noticing a faint resemblance of a Bordeaux in every sip? That’s because the vineyard’s geography in nearby Hampshire is very similar to the famed region in France. No need to venture all the way out to Hampshire for a taste, though: the Amber Falls Winery is right inside the Opry Mills Mall.

See what trouble the Duke Brothers are getting into now at Cooter’s. Owned by Cooter himself, this museum pays homage to the classic TV show with a trunk full of memorabilia, props and more. The General Lee sits parked next to Rosco’s Patrol Car and Cooter’s Tow Truck, giving you a few awesome photo ops (Daisy Duke’s optional). You won’t spend a cent entering this museum, though we have a feeling you might lay down a few dimes for collectibles from the gift shop.

Let’s talk about tots, specifically the loaded tots at Semper Sliders. Served up with everything from pulled pork to grilled chicken and blue-cheese dressing, one order of these tots is enough to turn you into a couch potato for the rest of the day. Before you polish off those potatoes, save a little room for a Semper Slider or two. The vegetarian-friendly Hippy Tripster and the savory Swiss Army Cow will convince you to fall back into formation for seconds.

Rain, sleet or snow, the dazzling Delta Fountain Shows run every evening like clockwork. Wade into the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, and settle in for two wet and wondrous performances. The Aqua Fountain Show’s commanding features will flood you with amazement, while the International Waters Fountain Show dances to the beat of global music. These performances occur on the hour between 6pm and 9pm inside the Delta Atrium, within walking distance of all the attractions in Music Valley.

The Grand Ole Opry is not just a venue; it’s a living piece of United States history. Beyond the legendary musicians that come to mind, presidents, actors, athletes and more have performed on this stage over the last century. No matter which shows you arrive for, you’re in for a history-making night. Don’t just settle for spectating either; take a backstage tour of the Grand Ole Opry, and snap a showstopping photo standing in the stage’s famous circle.

At the world-famous Gaylord Opryland Resort, waterfalls are not an exclusively outdoor phenomenon. In fact, right inside the hotel at the Cascades Atrium, you will find a 44ft-tall (13m) waterfall that will make you wonder why you ever considered hiking over hills to find an outdoor cascade. Spend a few moments taking in this truly unique indoor attraction.

Roughly half a mile (0.8km) away from the Opryland is the largest outlet mall in the Tennessee area: Opry Mills. This massive indoor shopping mall, located on the grounds of the former Opryland USA amusement park, is home to over 200 different stores, an impressive food court and a Regal IMAX movie theater. Fuel up at Mission BBQ, as you’ll need the energy to pace through this enormous complex. Bored of shopping? Head to Madame Tussauds, and snap a selfie with Jonny Cash (the wax version, sorry).

The second-longest running broadcast in history is the Ernest Tubb Midnite Jamboree, which is hosted at the Texas Troubadour Theatre. If you happen to find yourself in Music Valley at 10pm on a Saturday, you can be a part of the live audience. Attending the live tapings – and watching history unfold before you – is free of charge and well worth the late-night start time. Be sure to check out the show’s website for the list of artists scheduled to perform each week.

Rock and roll down the Cumberland River with General Jackson Showboat cruises. Hop aboard right outside of the Opry Mills Mall, and spend the night singing along to the iconic songs written by Tennessee’s country music legends. You can book an afternoon or evening cruise on a whim, but we encourage you to set a course for a special holiday sailing. The boat gets rocking even harder on New Year’s Eve, Christmas and the Fourth of July.

Right across the street from Opryland sits the largest (and perhaps most interesting) souvenir store in Nashville. Doubling as a museum, the Willie Nelson and Friends is devoted to honoring the legacy of the great artist, along with the companions who helped this megastar turn country music into its modern form. Take a tour through the museum, or browse the enormous selection of Willie Nelson, Nashville and country music souvenirs at the general store.

Katie Miller contributed additional reporting to this article.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.