Nashville really has exploded in the last several years, hasn’t it? It went from a cozy, ragtag city to a full-blown metropolis in what seemed like overnight. Still, if you’re a local, you know that there are several special places that we adore and hold close. We won’t be blasting them over a microphone downtown, and they won’t be advertised in a bar on Broadway. Nevertheless, each of these sweet hidden gems near Nashville gives us that warm feeling inside, and we think they’ll give you a Nashville day to remember.

1. Hermitage Hotel Men's Restroom
The Hermitage Hotel, 231 6th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219, USA
Peter Burka - Flickr
The men's restroom at the Hermitage Hotel is practically a shrine to the art deco movement. The restaurant is so unique and draws so many visitors that the hotel basically showcases it as an art room that anyone can go in and appreciate.
2. Third Man Records
Third Man Records, 623 7th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
Aurelien Guichard - Flickr
Third Man Records in Nashville is not in one of the most tourist-frequented parts of the city, but it's well worth the trip. The building is home to a record store, a novelty shop, and a small booth where you can record your own vinyl record. Pretty cool, huh?
3. Five Points Pizza
Five Points Pizza East, 1012 Woodland St, Nashville, TN 37206, USA
Five Points Pizza West, 4100 Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN 37209, USA
Five Points Pizza - Facebook
The Five Points neighborhood of East Nashville is known for its vibrant night life, and Five Points Pizza is right at the heart of it all. It's been consistently named one of the best pizza joints in Nashville, so you know that you're going to get great quality food and a good time every time. There is also a second location, so now you'll have to really cool locals hangouts in Nashville to visit.
4. The Historic Dutchman's Curve
Dutchman's Curve, 45J2+RV, Nashville, TN 37209, USA
Brent Moore - Flickr
Historic Dutchman's Curve is the sight of one of the most historic train accidents in American history. The crash happened in 1918 and cost the lives of over 100 people. The location of the accident is in present-day Belle Meade near the Southern end of McCabe Park. Definitely not an uplifting spot, but it is nonetheless a visit here is one of the more interesting things to do in Nashville.
5. The 5 Spot
The 5 Spot, 1006 Forrest Ave, Nashville, TN 37206, USA
Derek Fletcher/Google Maps
The 5 Spot in East Nashville is one of the city's most iconic bars among locals and one of the best places to hear live music. It's known for its Motown Mondays where you can swing dance all through the night.

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6. The Tomb of President James K. Polk
Tennessee State Capitol, 600 Dr. M.L.K. Jr Blvd, Nashville, TN 37243, USA
Brent Moore - Flickr
Did you know President Polk (11th President of the United States) is buried right here in Nashville? He was the governor of Tennessee before he was our nation's president, and he died in Nashville only 103 days after leaving the presidency. You can find his tomb tucked away on the grounds of the Tennessee State Capitol.
7. Radnor Lake
Radnor Lake, Oak Hill, TN 37220, USA
Michael Hicks - Flickr
Radnor Lake in South Nashville is a beautifully secluded and natural area that seems like it's in the middle of nowhere, not in the middle of a city. One of the favorite locals hangouts in Nashville, the lake has plenty of hiking trails and scenic beauty to take you away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
8. Timothy Demonbreun's Cave
Cumberland River, Nashville, TN 37206, USA
Middle Tennessee Personal Watercraft Club - Facebook
Timothy Demonbreun is considered Nashville's first resident, as he was the first European settler to live in the area. Since he had no manmade shelter, he lived in this cave on the banks of the Cumberland River. The cave is about a mile upstream from downtown, but it's inaccessible to the public.
9. Hidden Lake Double Loop Trail
Hidden Lake, Nashville, TN 37221, USA
Solamen Silva/AllTrails.com
The Hidden Lake Double Loop Trail is in the Narrows of the Harpeth State Park, which is popular for folks looking to drift down the scenic Harpeth River. The trail winds through a field to a hidden lake (surprise) that is absolutely beautiful. The seclusion makes the place feel all the more magical. If you're looking for hidden gems near Nashville, the trail should definitely be on your list.
10. United Record Pressing
United Record Pressing, 453 Allied Dr, Nashville, TN 37211, USA
United Record Pressing, 453 Chestnut St, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
Bekah Cope - Flickr
United Record Pressing has some truly fascinating music history, and it's history that you won't find at the Ryman or the Country Music Hall of Fame. For example, did you know United pressed the first ever Beatles 7" record sold in America? It's true! There are two locations but its the one on Allied Drive sometimes offers tours.
11. Hatch Show Print
Hatch Show Print, 224 Rep. John Lewis Way S, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
Hatch Show Print Facebook Page
Hatch Show Print is one of Nashville's oldest institutions. It's been printing posters and billings since 1879 and is famous for its piles and piles of iconic concert posters. Visit their location in the Country Music Hall of Fame in downtown Nashville where you can see them creating posters by hand right in front of you.

Continue your exploration of Tennessee with this mountaintop restaurant – it’s amazing!

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More to Explore

Hidden gems near Nashville

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | July 13, 2022

Are there any hidden attractions near Nashville?

As a matter of fact there are several. One of the really fun ones is an underground bar in the Noelle Hotel and you have to take a secret stairway to get to it! It’s definitely a throwback kind of place that will make you think you traveled back a few decades in time. Bring your imagination and your camera because there is a lot of see and experience here. 

How big is the Gaylord Opryland Resort?

The Gaylord Opryland® Resort & Convention Center is massive! It encompasses 2,882 guest rooms, over a dozen distinctive restaurants and lounges, more than 600,000 square feet of meeting and convention space (that’s over 10 times the size of a football field!), and a wide array of other exciting features and attractions. For visitors, it’s one of the most popular destinations in Nashville.

I want to learn more about the Ryman Auditorium.

The Ryman Auditorium is one of the most historic buildings and iconic music venues in the entire country. A National Historic Landmark, it was the home of the world-famous Grand Ole Opry from its inception in 1943 until 1974. Today locals and visitors alike come to enjoy a wide array of artistic performances inside this grand building where the acoustics are absolutely amazing.

Where can I get some good barbecue in Nashville?

You’ll find some outstanding barbecue restaurants here and trying out as many as you can is one of the most delicious things to do in Nashville! Fat Boys BBQ, Peg Leg Porker, Edley’s Bar-B-Que, Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint, Mission BBQ, and Jack’s Bar-B-Que are all favorites among the locals. Each offers its own unique flavor and take on barbeque goodness so loosen that belt buckle and get going. There’s a lot to sample!

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