The Most Overrated and Underrated Things to Do in Nashville, TN

As a Nashville resident for over 20 years, I have visited most of the “it” attractions in the city. From the Opryland Hotel to the Pancake Pantry, I have tried the best and the worst that the city has to offer. It seems that some of the best things about Nashville have been kept under wraps, while people continue to visit me begging to be taken to places that are, unbeknownst to them, completely overrated.

Some of the most overrated places in Nashville all seem to reside in the same area. Within the areas of Hillsboro Village and West End you will find the following overrated places:

Pancake Pantry – For a reason that is still unknown to me, this restaurant has lines around the block for breakfast. It is purported to be a hotspot for celebrity activity, which may be the reason behind the appeal. I have only been one time, which was one too many for me. A comparable breakfast can be found at a Bob Evans or IHOP, without having to deal with the lines or lack of adequate parking at the Pancake Pantry.

Noshville – This is another restaurant that is noted for celebrity sightings. The menu is simple, with offerings of sandwiches and cheesecake. My suggestions – drive past it on down to Sub Stop for better food and still get the celebrity sightings.

Music Row – A shadow of its former self, today’s Music Row shows the casualties of the music business with numerous empty buildings and “for sale” signs. This area used to showcase all the major names in the music business, most of which have left town.

The most underrated places in Nashville as listed below are great in that, they are underrated, specifically, you won’t have to stand in any horribly long lines. Granted, lunchtime at Sub Stop can get a bit crowded, but the friendly staff moves you through there with a quickness.

Sub Stop – This bright pink building houses the best sandwiches in town. Almost every time I have been there during lunch I have seen a celebrity. Parking can be a bit tough during busy hours, but it is definitely worth the hassle.

Tennessee State Museum – Not only is this the best museum in Nashville, it’s also free to get in. This place only seems to be busy on the days when a school has taken a fieldtrip into the city.

The Parthenon – Besides looking really cool at night, there’s a huge statue of Athena on the inside. Also inside on the lower level is a bit of a museum of the Nashville area and it’s history.

Christmas at the Opryland Hotel – Definitely a must-see at Christmas. It’s free to drive around the hotel and see the lights, which are nice, but you have to pay to park to go inside. If it’s not too cold, there is free parking at the Opry Mills Mall and a walkway from there to the hotel. The inside of hotel is even more spectacular than the lights outside, with the conservatory being the best decorated of all.