Touching down in Nashville for a quick 24-hour adventure? Or maybe adding a day to your work trip? While Music City is renowned for its vibrant honky-tonks and spirited late-night jams, there’s a whole other side to explore, even within a tight timeframe.

From savoring the local coffee and craft brews to uncovering unique art and souvenirs, this guide is packed with activities to make the most of your whirlwind trip.

For convenience, I chose to stay at the Omni Nashville Hotel, a stone’s throw away from the bustling Broadway district. The hotel boasts stunning city views and direct access to the Country Music Hall of Fame, allowing for a seamless blend of relaxation and exploration.

Morning Fuel

Crema Coffee

I started my morning at Crema Coffee. I tried their pistachio coffee, which was pretty good, and even grabbed a few bags to go—the Tres Banderas and Ikizere, a newer blend not yet listed on their website (the link might update soon). The cafe has both indoor and outdoor seating with good WiFi reception, making it a great spot to enjoy the sun and perhaps even take a Zoom call.

Pro Tip: Enjoy your coffee inside or outside with reliable Wi-Fi, perfect for a quick work call. I was able to use my Logitech headset (yes, it’s wired!) perfectly fine over Microsoft Teams for my 1:1. If you sit too close to the road, it might be too noisy due to traffic, and you may experience a lot of sun glare on your face. However, if you’re looking for a tan, that could be an option too!

What’s in My Pack?

Here’s look at some of my tried and test gear I used on the road (disclaimer: contains affiliate links).

Craft Beer Crawl

I won’t lie—I was on the hunt for some nearby microbreweries and stumbled upon New Heights Brewing Company. I walked there from the Omni and quickly realized that Nashville isn’t the most pedestrian-friendly city. At one intersection, there was no walk sign—so you just have to YOLO.

After visiting New Heights Brewing Company, the bartender recommended that I check out Tennessee Brew Works and their hot chicken sandwich. So I made my way there on foot as well—just be mindful if you’re carrying your backpack with your laptop, headset, and basically your mini-office.

New Heights Brewing Company

I didn’t know what to select, so I did the next best thing–asked the bartender. He gave some pretty good recommendations and the brewery itself offers a selection of good brews. I recommend checking out Red Lasso, Clown Baby, and Navel Gazer—the latter was particularly fruitful.

If you find one you like, they even have the option to can it for you, perfect for taking home a taste of Nashville. In my case, I took home the Clown Baby to gift to a friend.

Overall, the vibe was pretty low-key and the owner was even there with the head brewmaster.

Tennessee Brew Works

Make sure to save some room for a visit to Tennessee Brew Works, which is not far from New Heights. It’s a short walk or a quick Uber ride away. (Yes, I walked!)

This larger facility features a stage for live performances. But one of their most secret or not so secret gems is their Nashville hot chicken sandwich. This was actually a recommendation given by the bartender at New Heights.

I ordered this sandwich even though I was already full from the beer at New Heights—and I was initially planning to take the sandwich to go since I had to catch my Delta flight back to Seattle.

But, damn, the moment I bit into the sandwich, I saw space lasers and jumping clouds—I had to sit back down and savor it.

I kept an eye on my watch and the Flighty app—which I highly recommend getting ASAP—as it kept me updated on when to head to the airport. Of course, being my slow self, I still had to swing back to the Omni to grab my luggage and then make my way to the airport.

Oh yea, back to the sandwich! Pair it with a West Coast IPA for a truly satisfying meal. While I preferred the beer selection at New Heights, Tennessee Brew Works is a strong contender with an excellent variety of beers that are definitely worth coming back for.

Art and Souvenirs

Country Music Hall of Fame Museum

Immerse yourself in the history of country music. The Omni Hotel is directly attached to the museum, making it all walkable indoors and leading seamlessly to the next spot on our list.

Hatch Show Print

Just next to the museum, you’ll find the Hatch Show Print shop. Here, you can pick up unique, handcrafted souvenirs like coffee mugs, t-shirts, and prints.

Pro tip: if you go on the museum tour, you’ll get a discount at checkout at Hatch Show Print.

Although the prices at Hatch Show Print might run a little high, the craftsmanship of the items—such as curated coffee mugs and more unique long sleeves and t-shirts—makes them worth the expense.

I definitely recommend stopping by here whether you’re just driving through or here for a convention.

Wind Down with a View at Kid Rock’s Big Honky Tonk

If you’re adding an extra day to your work trip or staying the night and heading out early, maybe you want to experience a little bit of Broadway?

If so, make your way towards Kid Rock’s Big Honky Tonk & Steakhouse, conveniently located near the Omni Nashville Hotel.

This multi-level establishment isn’t just a tourist trap – it’s a local favorite for its lively atmosphere, live music performances, and surprisingly good food.

Grab a craft cocktail or local brew, find a spot on the rooftop patio, and soak in the panoramic views of the city skyline as the neon lights begin to glow. It’s the perfect way to unwind and reflect on a whirlwind day in Music City.

Insider Tip: The rooftop patio is the place to be at sunset. Arrive early to snag a prime spot and capture those Instagram-worthy shots! If you see the second floor—where this shot is from—it’s the VIP Mezzanine level.

Nashville

Tips, Tricks, and Logistics

• WeGo Public Transit: Nashville’s WeGo public transit system offers bus routes throughout the city. Download their app for real-time tracking and trip planning to make your journey smoother.
• Scooters and Rideshares: Nashville has plenty of electric scooters and rideshare options (like Lyft and Uber) for quick trips between neighborhoods. Be mindful of designated parking areas for scooters to avoid fines.
• Walking and Biking: Many attractions in downtown Nashville are within walking distance. Consider renting a bike to explore areas like 12 South or Germantown for a more local experience.

Trip Soundtrack

Because every adventure needs a soundtrack, each of my trips comes with a theme song. And for this trip's anthem? Well, it's...

Dylan Gossett - Coal

Conclusion

Nashville may be known for its vibrant nightlife, but even in 24 hours, you can soak in its rich culture, delicious food, and thriving craft beer scene. By prioritizing local experiences and following this guide, you’ll leave Music City feeling satisfied and eager to return for a longer stay.