Widely known as the “Music City”, Nashville certainly is a hub for country tunes. More than that though, Nashville is a city ripe with cultural richness beyond the music that made it famous. For older adults, the array of historical sites, arts & culture, natural beauty, lively culinary scene, and yes, the music, make Nashville a wonderful city to call home. Let’s take a deep dive into some of the best cultural attractions in the area.
Historic Sites
The Parthenon
Nashville’s very own Parthenon, a full-scale replica of the original in Athens, stands tall in Centennial Park. Inside you’ll even find a replica of the colossal statue of Athena and 14 casts of the original Parthenon Marbles. Plus, a permanent collection of American Art donated by James M. Cowan and several rotating exhibits throughout the year.
Senior Admission (62+): $8
Historic RCA Studio B:
Known as the “Birthplace of 1,000 Hits,” Historic RCA Studio B is where legendary musicians like Elvis Presley, Chet Atkins, and Dolly Parton wrote songs, cut tracks, and made history. Take a 1-hour tour to learn about the music-making process, the studio’s impact on the Nashville sound, and the stories behind the songs born in this historically important studio.
Adult Tickets (13+): Start at $51.95 and include tickets to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and tickets to the Historic RCA Studio B Tour
Arts & Culture
Frist Art Museum
The Frist Art Museum (formerly known as the Frist Center for the Visual Arts), is a non-collecting museum that hosts 12-15 rotating exhibitions and offers a robust events calendar, including art classes and workshops tailored for older adults. Known for showcasing diverse collections from historic to modern, there is something for every taste in rotation at this Nashville gem.
Senior Admission (65+): $10
Tennessee State Museum
Delve into Tennessee’s rich cultural history at the Tennessee State Museum. Characterized as the “Smithsonian of Tennessee,” the museum procures, preserves, and exhibits artifacts and art from Tennessee throughout history.
Admission to the Tennessee State Museum is free.
Nature
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
Enjoy a day at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens, an extraordinary 1930s estate that features 55 acres of cultivated gardens, expansive vistas, and a historic mansion. Today, Cheekwood Gardens serves the public as a botanic garden, arboretum, and museum. With accessible walking paths and breathtaking gardens, it’s a haven for relaxation.
Pricing varies by program and day. Seniors (65+): $18-$26
Shelby Park
Take a trip to Shelby Park and the Shelby Bottoms Greenway to explore over 1,200 acres of public lands right in East Nashville. With over 3 miles of river frontage and 5 miles of paved ADA-accessible trails, this park is perfect for leisurely strolls with scenic views.
Radnor Lake State Park
For a more active experience, explore Radnor Lake State Park’s senior-friendly hiking trails. Immerse yourself in nature, with opportunities for bird watching and serene moments by the lake.
For no additional charge, two all-terrain wheelchairs are available at the Visitor Center for use on the road, Spillway Trail, and Lake Trail.
Iconic Eats
Indulge in Nashville’s culinary scene, featuring iconic restaurants with senior-friendly options. Some of our favorites include:
Loveless Cafe: for classic Southern comfort food
Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack: for Nashville’s famous hot chicken
Arnold’s Country Kitchen: an iconic Nashville spot serving up “meat-and-three”
Biscuit Love: known for modern takes on southern classics and their signature biscuits
Hattie B’s: a modern twist on hot chicken
Martin’s Bar-B-Que: authentic Tennessee barbecue & a favorite of Blakeford residents!
Blakeford Senior Living: Your Gateway to Nashville
With frequent trips around Nashville, Blakeford provides a perfect base for seniors to explore the city at their own pace. If you’d like to learn more about life in Nashville and our Senior Living Communities, contact us today.