Tours

Athens of the South Driving

Before Nashville became Music City, it was known as the Athens of the South—a regional hub for higher education. And we have a full-scale replica of the Parthenon to prove it! Drive through the city as you learn about local colleges and universities. The tour was written and narrated by Dr. Mary Ellen Pethel with assistance from Kayla Anderson. This tour begins at the Howard Office Complex on 2nd Ave. and ends at Belmont University.

1 hr 36 min 25.0 mi 8 stops

Belmont-Hillsboro-Vanderbilt

Explore one of Nashville’s earliest suburbs, as you walk from Belmont University through Hillsboro Village to Vanderbilt’s Peabody campus and back. You’ll even see a bit of Historic Music Row! This tour was written by Belmont Honors student Calista Ginn and was recorded by Honors student Sarah Lawson. The tour begins at Belmont Mansion and ends on 17th Avenue on Music Row.

2 hr 1.5 mi 10 stops

Capitol and Church Architecture

Walk the perimeter of the State Capitol grounds and learn about architecturally significant buildings along Church Street, one of Nashville's busiest thoroughfares. This tour was co-written by a Belmont University class and was co-written and narrated by NHF executive director Tim Walker. The Capitol and Church Architecture tour begins at the Nashville Public Library and ends at McKendree United Methodist Church.

1 hr 1.0 mi 13 stops

Centennial Park

Situated in the heart of Nashville's ever-growing urban center, Centennial Park's green space offers a look into over a hundred years of Tennessee history. This tour takes you through some of the iconic structures throughout the park from the Parthenon to the bandshell. This tour was written by Professor of Public History at Tennessee State University and Nashville Sites Director of Public History Dr. Learotha Williams along with support from Nashville Sites Assistant Director of Tour Russell LeStourgeon, Nashville Sites Executive Director Dr. Mary Ellen Pethel, and Nashville Sites Public Programming Intern Abby Hikade. This tour starts on the East side of the Parthenon near the museum entrance and ends on the Great Lawn.

1 hr 1.0 mi 12 stops

City Hall and Public Square

Join Mayor Freddie O’Connell and Vice Mayor Angie Emery Henderson as they narrate your journey through this historic space. We invite you to walk, listen, read, and reflect as we explore the people, places, and policies that have shaped Music City for more than 200 years. The tour provides text and audio in English, Spanish, and Arabic. Authors include Jessica Fitzpatrick and Russell LeSturgeon, Dr. Learotha Williams, and Abby Hikade. The tour begins outdoors on Public Square and concludes inside the building.

1 hr 1.0 mi 8 stops

Civic and Public Spaces

This tour showcases parts of Nashville's inspiring civic landscape, spanning over two hundred years of influence on an ever-growing city. This tour was written and narrated by Nashville Sites director of tours Jessica Fitzpatrick. The Civic and Public Spaces tour begins at Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta Nashville Branch and ends at the Frist Art Museum.

1 hr 30 min 1.8 mi 13 stops

Civil Rights Movement Driving

Take a drive with Nashville Sites as Fisk University professor Linda Wynn tells you about the Civil Rights Movement in Nashville. We'll take you to the sites of sit-ins, marches, and meeting places that defined the Nashville Movement. The creation of this tour was funded by the Mellon Partners for Humanities Education Collaboration Grants with Fisk University, Tennessee State University, and Vanderbilt University.

1 hr 16.3 mi 9 stops

Civil Rights Sit-Ins

Follow in the steps of those who took a stand by taking a seat. This tour was written and narrated by Fisk University professor Linda Wynn. The Downtown Civil Rights Sit-Ins tour begins at Chuch Street and Sixth Avenue North and ends at Rosa L. Parks Boulevard and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

1 hr 12 min 1.0 mi 11 stops

Civil War Driving

This tour was sponsored by the Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area and the Center for Historic Preservation at Middle Tennessee State University. The narrative was co-written by Marley Abbott, a graduate of MTSU’s Public History Program and Caroline Tvardy, a graduate of Belmont University’s Honors Program. It was narrated by Myers Brown of Belmont Mansion. The tour begins at the Tennessee State Museum and ends at Sevier Park.

1 hr 30 min 22.0 mi 11 stops

Downtown Civil War

Although Middle Tennessee's major battle was fought south of Nashville, the entire city was affected by the Civil War. This tour was co-written by University of Virginia undergraduate intern Charlie Bailey, Nashville Sites executive director Dr. Mary Ellen Pethel, and MTSU graduate intern Sarah Williams and narrated by Tennessee State Museum curator of art and architecture Jim Hoobler. The Downtown Civil War tour begins at Fort Nashborough and ends at the Tennessee State Museum.

1 hr 30 min 2.0 mi 12 stops

Downtown Public Art and Murals

Music isn't the only form of art to come out of Nashville. Sculptures, murals, graphics, and more are all featured on our downtown public art and murals tour. This tour was co-written by a Belmont University Honors class and co-written and narrated by Nashville Sites executive director Dr. Mary Ellen Pethel. The Downtown Public Art and Murals tour begins at Bridgestone Arena and ends at West Riverfront Park.

1 hr 30 min 2.0 mi 13 stops

Downtown Schools and Education

This tour focuses on a variety of educational institutions as well as important Nashville alums, teachers, and other educational leaders. Downtown Schools and Education was written by Nashville Sites executive director Dr. Mary Ellen Pethel and narrated by Nashville native Ophelia Thompson Paine. The Downtown Schools and Education tour begins at the Downtown YMCA and ends at Nashville Public Library.

1 hr 30 min 1.7 mi 9 stops

Early Black Life and Culture

Uncover the buried history of early Black life and culture in Nashville by exploring the lives and work of both free and enslaved African Americans. This tour was written by Dr. Lea Williams and co-narrated by TSU undergraduate student Maya Dunn and United Street Tours founder Chakita Patterson. The Early Black Life and Culture tour begins at Fort Nashborough and ends at the State Capitol.

1 hr 30 min 1.2 mi 11 stops

Early History

Explore Nashville's early history from a frontier outpost to a river town and the state capitol. This tour was written and narrated by Davidson County Historian Dr. Carole Bucy. The tour begins at Riverfront Station on First and Broadway and end at the Tennessee State Museum.

2 hr 1.8 mi 15 stops

East Nashville

Come explore East Nashville, the city's first suburb. This neighborhood may be old and historic, but today it is hopping with restaurants, bars, and all things hip. This tour begins at First Baptist Church East Nashville and ends at East Nashville High School. It was written by Tim Walker and Joe Paquette and narrated by Dr. Kayleigh Whitman, a former Vanderbilt Digital Humanities Fellow and East Nashvillian. Carol Williams also served as a consultant.

1 hr 30 min 2.0 mi 13 stops

Edgehill Neighborhood

Join us for a tour of one of Nashville's oldest neighborhoods! Narrated by longtime resident Dr. Sherleta Sanders, this tour will take you around this vibrant community and teach you about their efforts to preserve the neighborhood's diverse history. This tour was funded by the Mellon Partners for Humanities Education Collaboration Grants with Tennessee State University and Vanderbilt University. It was written by Vanderbilt University graduate student Kayla Anderson and Belmont University student Madison Luster, with assistance from TSU’s Dr. Learotha Williams and Nashville Sites interns Maia Roark and Kate Miller.

1 hr 30 min 1.6 mi 10 stops

Family Fun

Take the tots on a terrific tour, visiting kid-friendly sites like the Goo Goo Shop and the Frist Art Museum. This tour was written and narrated by the Wandering Rumpus founder Sarah Wilson. The Family Fun tour begins at Union Station and ends at Cumberland Park.

2 hr 1.5 mi 12 stops

Fisk University and Meharry Medical College

The Fisk University and MeHarry Medical College tour explores the campuses of two of the most prestigious HBCUs in the nation. The tour is narrated by Dr. Brandon A. Owens, Sr., Director of Library Services at Fisk University. In addition to Dr. Tara Mielnik of Cumberland University, this tour was curated by one of Nashville’s most influential and beloved scholars, Dr. Reavis Mitchell. He served as a history professor and dean at Fisk University from 1980 until his passing in 2020. We proudly publish this tour in his memory. The Fisk-MeHarry Tour begins in front of Livingstone Hall on Jackson Street and ends on Albion Street.

2 hr 2.0 mi 21 stops

Food and Social Justice Driving

Nashville is known for its Hot Chicken but prepare yourself for a culinary tour experience that explores the intersection of food and social justice across our city! Written by Dr. Lea Williams, Dr. Mary Ellen Pethel, and students in the Belmont University Honors Program, this tour is narrated by Dr. José Gonzales, co-founder of Conexión Américas and Belmont professor. Funded by the Mellon Partners for Humanities Education Collaboration Grants, this driving tour begins downtown at the Nashville Public Library on Church Street.

1 hr 30 min 20.0 mi 11 stops

Food for Thought

Eat your way through some of Music City's most historic restaurants. This tour was written by MTSU graduate intern Sarah Williams and narrated by musician Jake Wesley Rogers. The Food for Thought tour begins at the Hermitage Hotel and ends at Merchants Restaurant.

1 hr 30 min 1.2 mi 13 stops

Fort Negley

This UNESCO 'Site of Memory' features a Civil War fort, archaeology dig sites, exhibits, and kid-friendly programming. This tour was co-written by Vanderbilt University graduate Dr. Juliet Larkin-Gilmore and Destiny Hanks, undergrad research assistant with the Fort Negley Descendants Project (FNDP). The tour is narrated by United States Colored Troops descendant Gary Burke with contributions from Dr. Eleanor Fleming (FNDP). The tour begins and ends at the Fort Negley Visitors Center, 1100 Fort Negley Blvd.

1 hr 1.0 mi 12 stops

Grand Ole Opry

The Grand Ole Opry Driving Tour spans the history of how the titular phenomenon started out as a simple radio broadcast and evolved into a symbol of country music and Nashville's identity. It begins at the program's first home, now the Snodgrass Tennessee Tower, and ends at the current home, the Grand Ole Opry House with an optional final stop at the WSM Tower in Brentwood. This tour was written by Belmont University honors student Anna Catherine Markham in consultation with Brenda Colladay, the first curator for WSM and the Grand Ole Opry and co-author of "100 Years of the Grand Ole Opry." Narrator Kelleigh Bannen is an ACM and CMA-nominated artist, Gracie Award winner, and Nashville native. This tour was made possible by the Mike and Linda Curb Foundation.

2 hr 22.0 mi 9 stops

Gulch Highlights

From forgotten industrial transportation hub to a mini-metropolis, explore the must-see attractions on our Gulch Highlights tour. This tour was written by Nashville Sites director of information and marketing Ali Humbrecht and narrated by musician Jake Wesley Rogers. The Gulch Highlights tour begins at Union Station Hotel and ends at Cummins Station.

1 hr 1.2 mi 11 stops

Hidden History and Haunts

Nashville is full of hidden history! No matter where you find yourself in Nashville, you can bet there is an interesting story nearby. This tour was written by Kayleigh Whitman, Bushra Rahman, and Janet Briggs who also narrates the tour. Tom Vickstrom also served as a consultant. The Hidden History and Haunts tour begins at Public Square and ends at Ryman Auditorium.

1 hr 30 min 1.4 mi 18 stops

Historic Music Row

The Historic Music Row tour begins at the Buddy Killen roundabout and travels down to Grand Avenue and back. This tour packs in all the greatest hits and you will see historic studios and music businesses along this one-mile walk filled with the sights and sounds that made us Music City. With support from the Mike and Linda Curb Foundation, Belmont University's Dr. Don Cusic wrote and narrated this tour. Dr. Cusic is also an award winning author with more than 30 published works.

1 hr 1.0 mi 15 stops

Indigenous People and Archaeology

The indigenous communities of Middle Tennessee have a rich history and culture that can be seen throughout the region. This driving tour highlights archeological artifacts and traces the landscape and lives of the ancient past. This tour was written by Dr. Adam Fracchia and students from Middle Tennessee State University's Public History program. Narrators include Trenton Wheeler of the Amskapi Piikani or Blackfeet Tribe, Savannah Willow McNabb of the Easter Band of Cherokees, and Patrick Cummins, of the Patawomeck Tribe.The tour starts at Aaittafama’ Archaeological Park at the intersection of Old Hickory Blvd. and Hillsboro Pike and ends at the Bells Bend Outdoor Center.

3 hr 70.0 mi 12 stops

Jefferson Street Driving

Join us on the Jefferson Street driving tour to learn about Jimi Hendrix, BBQ, "Good Jelly" Jones, and the pride and resilience of Nashville's most historic Black community. This tour was written by Dr. Brandon Owen, Prof. Linda Wynn, and Dr. Lea Williams and narrated by Dr. LaDonna Boyd. The Jefferson Street tour begins the Tennessee State Library & Archives and ends at TSU. The creation of this tour was funded by the Mellon Partners for Humanities Education Collaboration Grants with Fisk University, Tennessee State University, and Vanderbilt University.

1 hr 2.5 mi 9 stops

LGBTQ Driving

This tour is a collaboration between Nashville Sites and Nashville Queer History, and was funded by the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Telling the Full History Preservation Fund. The narrative was co-written by Sarah Calise, founder of Nashville Queer History, Jessica Reeves, a public historian with the Nashville Historical Foundation, and Kayleigh Whitman, Nashville Sites Assistant Director of Tours. It was narrated by Dr. Marisa Richmond, a professor of History and Women's and Gender Studies at MTSU. The tour begins at 715 Commerce Street and ends at Vanderbilt University.

2 hr 30.0 mi 16 stops

Lights, Camera, Nashville!

Music isn't the only form of entertainment to come out of Nashville. Movies, television, and filming locations are a major part of our city's past and present. This driving tour was written by Teddy Minton in partnership with The Belcourt as part of their centennial anniversary. Narrated by the incomparable media executive and journalist Demetria Kalodimos, we can promise the journey through cinematic time will be unforgettable. Lights, Camera, Nashville begins at the Belcourt Theatre, our partner in the creation of this tour. The tour ends at the Bluebird Cafe.

2 hr 20.0 mi 15 stops

McKissack and Black Architecture Driving

Embark on a journey with renowned architect Brian Tibbs to witness the vision and craftsmanship of the McKissack family—a historic firm that turned brick and mortar into monuments of Black excellence. Along the way, you'll see other examples of Nashville’s Black architectural heritage. Written by Dr. Lea Williams, Jr. with assistance from Dr. Mary Ellen Pethel, this tour was made possible by a Metro Participatory Grant. The tour begins at TSU and ends at Edgehill Park.

1 hr 9.0 mi 9 stops

Music Row Neighborhood

Explore the sites that earned Nashville the title of Music City. This tour was co-written by a Belmont University Honors class, Nashville Sites executive director Dr. Mary Ellen Pethel and Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum vice president of museum services Brenda Colladay. It was recorded by Belmont University professor Michael Janas. The Music Row tour begins at Owen Bradley Park and ends at Spence Manor Motor Hotel.

1 hr 30 min 1.9 mi 25 stops

Music in Music City (North Broadway)

Get ready to tap your foot as we explore the diverse musical history of Nashville. Music in Music City North Broadway was written by Olivia Olafsson, undergraduate at Tufts University and Harpeth Hall alumna. This tour was recorded by Belmont University instructor and vocalist Andriana Haygood, who also adds her singing voice to the narration. The tour begins at the Ryman Auditorium and ends at the Hard Rock Café.

2 hr 1.5 mi 12 stops

Music in Music City (South Broadway)

From the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum to the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, see the musical sites that lie south of Broadway. This tour was co-written by Belmont University undergraduate students Jayrah Trapp and Claire Sandberg and narrated by Belmont University professor Dr. Don Cusic. The Music in Music City (South) tour begins at Music City Center and ends at the Music City Walk of Fame Park.

1 hr 1.0 mi 12 stops

New South Nashville

Learn how Nashville's status as a hub for commerce, industry, education, and entertainment skyrocketed in the decades leading up to the turn of the twentieth century. This tour was co-written by Fisk University professor Dr. Reavis Mitchell, Cumberland University professor Dr. Tara Mielnik, and MTSU graduate student Marley Abbott and narrated by Tennessee State Museum curator of art and architecture Jim Hoobler. The Nashville and the New South tour begins at Lea Avenue and Second Avenue South and ends at Cummins Station.

1 hr 30 min 2.0 mi 12 stops

North Nashville Leadership Driving

Take a drive with Nashville Sites as Fisk University professor Dr. James Pratt Jr. tells you about past and present community leaders associated with North Nashville. This tour was written by Dr. Kayleigh Whitman and made possible by a Metro Participatory Grant. Other contributors include students from the Belmont-Fisk Social Justice Collaborative, Dr. Mary Ellen Pethel, and Joyce Searcy. The tour begins at the Nashville Farmer’s market and ends at the Ted Rhodes Golf Course.

1 hr 4.5 mi 11 stops

Old Time Religion

Walk along as we look at historic churches in downtown Nashville. Explore the sites that made our city the "buckle" of the Bible Belt. This tour was co-written by Dr. Kayleigh M. Whitman and Davidson County historian Dr. Carole Bucy and narrated by Tennessee State Museum curator of art and architecture Jim Hoobler. The Old Time Religion tour begins at Ryman Auditorium and ends at Nashville First Baptist Church.

1 hr 30 min 1.5 mi 13 stops

Seedy Side and Printers Alley

From brothels and speakeasies to corruption and murder, uncover the dark histories of some of Nashville’s most famous tourist spots. This tour was written by MTSU graduate intern Kelsey Lamkin and narrated by musician Jake Wesley Rogers. The Seedy Side and Printers Alley tour begins at Riverfront Station and ends at the State Capitol. **As this tour deals with mature topics, we do not recommend that children participate.**

1 hr 1.1 mi 10 stops

South Broadway Architecture

Our South Broadway Architecture tour highlights some of Nashville's most well-known buildings and historic districts. This tour was written by NHF executive director Tim Walker and narrated by architect Kem Hinton. The Broadway Architecture tour begins at Riverfront Station and ends at Schermerhorn Symphony Center.

2 hr 2.0 mi 19 stops

Sunnyside in Sevier Park

Explore the long history of people at Sunnyside from occupation by Indigenous peoples, Confederate and Federal soldiers, to the Nashville Historical Foundation today! This tour was co-written by Nashville Historical Foundation staff members Jessica Reeves, Russell LeStourgeon, and Dr. Adam Fracchia, and it is narrated by architect Nick Dryden. The tour begins and ends at Sunnyside in Sevier Park.

1 hr 0.5 mi 8 stops

Tennessee State University

Check out this HBCU and its rich history, with a campus featuring many of the university's original buildings. This tour was written and narrated by TSU professor Dr. Lea Williams. The Tennesee State University tour begins at TSU's Keane Hall and ends at TSU's College of Agriculture.

1 hr 30 min 1.3 mi 18 stops

WeHo Happy Hour

From breweries to distilleries to wineries, Music City can quentch any thirst. This tour was co-written by Belmont graduate Ali Humbrecht and MBA alum Charlie Bailey. The narrator is musician and songwriter Jake Wesley Rogers. The WeHo Happy Hour tour begins at Flamingo Cocktail Club & Falcon Coffee Bar and ends at Earnest Bar & Hideaway. Please organize transportation before enjoying this tour.

1 hr 2.0 mi 12 stops

Woman's Suffrage

Celebrate 100 years of Woman's Suffrage! Tennessee was the crucial state that led to the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment in the summer of 1920, so get ready to walk in the footsteps of the women and men who made history. This tour was written and narrated by Davidson County historian Dr. Carole Bucy. The Woman's Suffrage tour begins at Union Station and ends at the State Capitol with the option to visit an additional stop at Centennial Park.

1 hr 1.3 mi 7 stops

Women's History Highlights

From Nashville's founding to the twenty-first century, women have always played a part in shaping the city. This tour was co-written by Nashville Sites executive director Dr. Mary Ellen Pethel and co-written and narrated by Davidson County historian Dr. Carole Bucy. The Women’s History tour begins at Public Square and ends at Bicentennial Mall.

1 hr 30 min 1.5 mi 15 stops

Women's Sports History Driving

Follow in the trailblazing steps of women (and men) who made Tennessee an epicenter for women's sports. You'll learn about Pat Head Summitt, and many others, as you visit sites connected to sports history. This driving tour makes 10 stops in Nashville and provides optional or virtual stops for other cities. This tour was co-written by Jessica Reeves and Mary Ellen Pethel and narrated by Renee Schultz, Belmont University's Associate Athletic Director. The tour begins at the TN Sports Hall of Fame, connected to the Visitors' Center in Bridgestone Arena.

1 hr 30 min 10.0 mi 19 stops