FAQ
What is Nashville Sites?
Nashville Sites is a web based platform that offers self-guided, credibly curated, mobile-friendly, free, thematically-based tours of Nashville. It is a website, so nothing to download.
How do I take a tour on my phone?
Open your browser, go to nashvillesites.org, select a tour, click "Start Tour," agree to the Terms of Use, and begin! You can listen to the audio, read the narrative (using "View More" option) or read and listen at the same time. Click on "Next Stop" and click "Allow" when prompted to share your location, this will trigger the built-in GPS to help you get to your next stop. When you get to the next stop, click "Arrived" on the map.
Do I need to have a certain type of phone or internet browser?
Nope! But Google and Safari are the most often used. If you are having trouble with tour audio and images loading, you might try turning off the wi-fi in your settings or refreshing the webpage.
Do I have to pay to take a tour?
No. All of our tours are free of cost and advertisement free.
Is there parking near the starting point of my tour?
If your tour begins downtown, we suggest checking out the Music City Center and Nashville Public Library garages. Users can find metered parking along Korean Veterans Boulevard. There are many other pay-to-park lots and decks in downtown. If you are staying in or around downtown, we recommend exploring ride-share and taxi options or walking to your starting point. For public transit information in English and Spanish, visit Nashville MTA Maps and Schedules on their website.
How do I get to the starting point of my tour?
You can use the main map at the bottom of the homepage. You can also click "Get Directions" on the main screen for individual tours. In addition, at the end of each tour introduction there are directions about where to start the tour.
What if the audio does not load or my device seems to be stuck?
Because Nashville Sites is a web-based program, sometimes loading can take a while. If your are having issues with audio, images, or tour stops loading or advancing first try to refresh the webpage using the refresh button in your web browser (web address bar at the top). Also, phones can be slowed by wi-fi hotspots, which can slow things down. You might also try turning off your wi-fi in your settings to improve speed, although it may affect your GPS capability.
Do I have to be in Nashville? Can I take a tour on my desktop, tablet, or laptop computer?
You can take a Nashville Sites anytime, anywhere, on any device! Tip: If you take a tour remotely, do not allow your browser to use your location.
Why do you need my location?
We can only provide GPS mapping once you have given us permission to use your location. If you don't want us to have access while you are on our site, you can navigate your way through the tour using the written directions located at the bottom of each tour stop.
Are there places to eat or go to the restroom along your tour routes?
Usually! While each tour route differs, most routes pass at least one food establishment. Tip: Research the tour area before departure. Public restrooms can be found in the Music City Center, Country Music Hall of Fame complex, and the Nashville Public Library.
Can the tours be taken on any day at any time?
Yep! Our tours are self-guided, so it's all up to you! Tip: Look up business hours before taking a tour if you plan on entering, visiting, or touring sites that operate as a place of business.
Do I need headphones to take the tour?
Not necessarily, but it's easier to listen to the narration with headphones. Whether you blast it from your phone or wear headphones, remember: our tour routes are on some of the busiest roads in Nashville, so pay attention.
I have my kids with me, are these good tours for families?
Of course! Nearly all of our tours are family-friendly. We even have a family fun tour! Tip: Look up age restrictions before taking a tour if you plan on entering, visiting, or touring sites that operate as a place of business.
Can a group take a tour?
Our tours are self-guided, so it's up to you! You can take it alone or get the whole gang together.
Do the tours take me inside buildings?
Not often. However, many of our tour stops are functioning businesses. If they are open, we highly recommend popping in to get the full Music City experience.
Are tours handicapped accessible?
We aim to improve all forms of accessibility and are constantly working on our platform to make it available to anybody and everybody. WHEELCHAIRS: The majority of our tours are handicapped and wheelchair accessible. It should be noted that nearly all of our tours take place on public sidewalks, which may be subjected to unexpected construction. Tip: You can access the Tennessee State Capitol through a wheelchair accessible entrance, but you must call ahead to arrange your visit. VISUAL AND AUDIO IMPAIRMENTS: All of our tours feature audio narration and written narration. It should be noted that nearly all of our tours take place on public sidewalks.
Do you have Nashville Sites merchandise?
Yes. Email info@nashvillesites.org for info on merch like stickers, magnets, t-shirts, and tote bags.
Do you offer guided tours?
The beauty of Nashville Sites is that it is free, ad-free, and self-guided, although from time to time we may offer live tours for special events. Email info@nashvillesites.org for more information.
How do I get in contact with Nashville Sites?
For general questions, please email info@nashvillesites.org. For tour-specific inquiries, please email Jessica Reeves at reeves@nashvillesites.org. Or you can reach out to us on social media: Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Can I reuse your images?
Maybe! Any image that credits MHC (Metro Historical Commission), MHCF (Metro Historical Commission Foundation), can be used if appropriate credit is given. In order to use any other image on our site, please refer to the image's site of origin for copyright and usage information.
How do I cite your information for school projects, blogs, or other publications?
Our tours are academic and scholarly. We provide metadata, meaning we provide the information needed to accurately cite our tour narrative. If you click on any "Full Record" you will see the "Cite As" field that you can copy and paste into your bibliography.
Who writes your tours? Can I suggest a topic or write a tour?
Maybe! Tours must be written by qualified scholars with expertise in their tour topic. If interested in contributing, please contact Jessica Reeves at reeves@nashvillesites.org.
What do I do if I find a typo or accuracy error?
We are committed to providing accurate information. Our tours are all credibly-curated, but sometimes we miss mistakes. Send corrections to Jessica Reeves at reeves@nashvillesites.org.