The Perfect Getaway: An epic bachelor or bachelorette weekend in Nashville
With buzzing nightlife, a flavorful foodie scene and plenty of music history, Nashville sets the stage for a perfect pre-wedding bash.
By Jessica Poitevien | November 9, 2023
Move over Vegas, there's another city taking over the scene for bachelor and bachelorette parties. In recent years, Nashville has solidified its popularity as a top destination for soon-to-be-newlyweds celebrating one last fling before the ring. Between the live music venues, karaoke bars, scrumptious southern cuisine and more, you and your closest friends will have plenty to do on a long weekend in Music City. So, put on your best dancing boots and get ready, here are the highlights of a prenuptial party in Nashville:
Hit the town: From bar-hopping to brewery tours, Nashville’s nightlife shines
Savor Southern classics: Slow-smoked barbecue and flaky biscuits are just some of the delectable delights you can enjoy
Learn music history: Visit a museum to learn about your favorite musical genre
Friday
Morning
Welcome to Nashville! There’s no time to waste so head straight to Hotel Fraye Nashville, Curio Collection by Hilton — your centrally located home base for the weekend to drop your bags off. Refuel for the day with a late breakfast with your gang at Biscuit Love. Order The Lily for a sweet biscuit smothered in house-made butter toffee syrup or an East Nasty, a buttermilk biscuit topped with fried chicken and sausage gravy.
Photo credit: Courtesy of Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.
Afternoon
Get acquainted with Nashville and launch the bachelor or bachelorette festivities with a party bike tour of the city. Your whole crew can hop on a pedal bar (half-bike, half-bar), where bringing your own drinks is encouraged. You’ll pedal all around downtown — with the help of a driver and an electric-assist engine — while a bartender serves you.
Photo credit: Sprocket Rocket
Evening
Take a short stroll from your hotel and have dinner at Henley, a modern American brasserie serving Southern classics perfected with French techniques. The creative cocktails are also the perfect pregame before heading to the heart of Nashville nightlife: Lower Broadway, also known as Honky Tonk Highway. Spend the night bar-hopping, listening to live music and line dancing. Don’t miss the iconic Honkey Tonk Central, a three-story bar with different genres of music playing on each floor.
Saturday
Morning
When in Nashville, you have to learn a thing or two about music history. After breakfast at Frothy Monkey, a cafe with a food menu as strong as its coffee, head to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, where you and your friends can explore exhibits about the genre’s greatest legends. For brides and grooms who love hip hop, R&B, gospel and more, there’s the National Museum of African American Music with fun interactive exhibits.
Photo credit: 353 Media Group.
Afternoon
You already explored Nashville by bike, now it’s time to see the city by boat. Grab a quick lunch at Hattie B’s, undeniable experts in Nashville hot chicken, then head to the docks to board the Pontoon Saloon. These festive boats will take you cruising down the Cumberland River as you take in the views of Nashville and sip on your beverage of choice. Opt for the BACH Party Cruise to join other bachelor and bachelorette groups for the ultimate party vibe.
Evening
Begin your final night in town with a group dinner at The Ainsworth, a steakhouse with gourmet burgers and tacos, too. For a fun but low-key evening, head to Pinewood Social for an adult bowling experience or test out your aim at Bad Axe Throwing — both places are outfitted with a full bar. If your group prefers one last night of letting loose, check out Wildhorse Saloon for live music and line dancing (including free lessons if needed) on the largest dance floor in Nashville.
Photo credit: Courtesy of Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.
Sunday
Morning
Start your departure day with sweet cream pancakes, lobster benedict, whiskey ginger bacon and more at Gathre, Hotel Fraye's on-site restaurant that features daily brunch. Then if you need a little rest and restoration, visit a nearby spa like Woodhouse Spa or The Lotus Room. Alternatively, keep the adrenaline pumping by heading to K1 Speed and race your friends in a massive indoor karting facility.
Afternoon
Don’t leave town without souvenirs of your epic bachelor or bachelorette getaway. Visit 12South, a walkable, half-mile stretch of vintage clothing shops, trendy restaurants and boutique shops featuring local designers and creators. While you indulge in some retail therapy, keep an eye out for the murals, including the famous “I Believe in Nashville” mural. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, stop by Edley’s Bar-b-que, where you will find some of the best Nashville-style barbecue in town and boozy milkshakes to boot.
Photo credit: Courtesy of Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.
Until next time!
All good things must come to an end, and that time has come for your bachelor or bachelorette adventure in Nashville. You may be a bit sleep-deprived or have aching feet from all the dancing, but that’s why they call it “the last fling before the ring.” Say goodbye to Music City, knowing that you’re leaving with memories that will last a lifetime.
Jessica Poitevien is an international storyteller with more than a decade of experience in writing and editing. When she’s not traveling, you can find Jessica enjoying her other obsessions: baking cookies, befriending strangers and exploring nature.
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