Forest Hills TennesseeATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Forest Hills, Tennessee.
1. Country Music Hall of Fame
NASHVILLE'S MUSIC HERITAGE CENTER
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville is one of the world's largest museums dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of American vernacular music. Visitors can explore extensive exhibits showcasing the rich history of country music through artifacts, recordings, and memorabilia. The museum offers a comprehensive look at the evolution of country music and honors legendary performers who have made significant contributions to the genre.
2. Radnor Lake Trail
SCENIC NATURE PRESERVE
Radnor Lake Trail is a lovely well-marked path that takes hikers all the way around the lake and connects to the old Otter Creek Road. The trail offers peaceful surroundings and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities in a protected natural area close to Forest Hills. Visitors often spot deer, various bird species, and other wildlife while enjoying the serene landscape and well-maintained hiking paths.
3. Schermerhorn Symphony Center
HOME OF CLASSICAL MUSIC
Nashville's Schermerhorn Symphony Center, built in 2006, is home to 'the city's biggest band' and a prominent example of 21st century New Classical architecture. The Symphony Center hosts the Nashville Symphony, which was founded in 1946 and gives approximately 150 performances per year. Music lovers can experience exceptional acoustics while enjoying classical performances in this stunning venue near Forest Hills.
4. Cheekwood Estate and Gardens
HISTORIC MANSION AND BOTANICAL GARDENS
Cheekwood Estate and Gardens is a historic 55-acre estate featuring a Georgian-style mansion and botanical gardens just minutes from Forest Hills. The property showcases beautiful seasonal gardens, outdoor art installations, and a museum with both permanent and rotating art collections. Visitors can explore the elegant 1930s mansion, wander through themed gardens, and participate in various seasonal events and exhibitions throughout the year.
5. Nashville Zoo at Grassmere
WILDLIFE AND CONSERVATION
The Nashville Zoo at Grassmere offers an impressive collection of animals from around the world in naturalistic habitats near Forest Hills. The zoo combines animal exhibits with a historic farm homestead dating back to the 1810s, providing both wildlife encounters and historical education. Visitors can enjoy interactive exhibits, a carousel, ziplines, and regular keeper talks while supporting the zoo's conservation efforts.
6. Grand Ole Opry
LEGENDARY COUNTRY MUSIC VENUE
The Grand Ole Opry is America's longest-running radio show and an iconic performance venue showcasing the best in country music since 1925. Located a short drive from Forest Hills, this legendary stage has hosted countless country music stars and continues to present both established artists and rising talents. Visitors can attend live shows or take backstage tours to learn about the rich history and traditions of this Nashville institution.
7. Vanderbilt University
PRESTIGIOUS ACADEMIC CAMPUS
Vanderbilt University is a prestigious private research university with a beautiful 330-acre campus not far from Forest Hills. The campus features distinctive Collegiate Gothic architecture, expansive green spaces, and the Vanderbilt University Arboretum with over 6,000 trees. Visitors can explore museums, attend sporting events, or simply enjoy the picturesque grounds that provide a peaceful retreat within the city.
8. Broadway
NASHVILLE'S ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT
Broadway is Nashville's vibrant entertainment district known for its concentration of honky-tonk bars, live music venues, and neon lights. This famous street features multi-level establishments where visitors can enjoy free live music from talented performers day and night. Broadway offers an authentic Nashville experience with numerous restaurants, shops, and museums all within walking distance of each other.
9. Nissan Stadium
NFL AND EVENT VENUE
Nissan Stadium is a multi-purpose facility that serves as the home field for the NFL's Tennessee Titans and is located just across the Cumberland River from downtown Nashville. The stadium offers spectacular views of the Nashville skyline and hosts major concerts, festivals, and other sporting events throughout the year. Visitors from Forest Hills can attend professional football games or participate in various entertainment events at this 69,143-seat venue.
10. Percy Warner Park
EXPANSIVE OUTDOOR RECREATION
Percy Warner Park is a 2,684-acre natural area that forms part of Warner Parks, one of the largest municipal park systems in Tennessee close to Forest Hills. The park features miles of hiking and equestrian trails, scenic overlooks, picnic areas, and historic stone gates and steps. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy bird watching, photography, and seasonal events while exploring this expansive urban forest.
11. The Bluebird Cafe
INTIMATE SONGWRITER VENUE
The Bluebird Cafe is an internationally recognized listening room that has launched numerous music careers and became even more famous through the TV show 'Nashville.' This intimate 90-seat venue offers songwriters' nights where visitors can experience the stories behind hit songs directly from the composers. Located near Forest Hills, this unassuming strip mall venue provides an authentic Nashville music experience where the focus is on lyrics and melodies rather than production.
12. Loveless Cafe
SOUTHERN COMFORT FOOD ICON
The Loveless Cafe is a Nashville institution known for its authentic Southern cooking, especially its famous biscuits and country ham. Operating since 1951, this beloved restaurant has welcomed guests from around the world seeking traditional Southern hospitality and home-style cooking. The property includes a restaurant, country market, and shops where visitors can purchase homemade preserves, ham, and other Southern specialties to take home.
13. The Parthenon
FULL-SCALE CLASSICAL REPLICA
The Parthenon in Nashville is a full-scale replica of the original Parthenon in Athens, Greece, built for Tennessee's 1897 Centennial Exposition. Inside the structure stands a 42-foot statue of Athena, just as in the original Greek temple, making it the centerpiece of Centennial Park. The building serves as Nashville's art museum, housing a collection of 19th and 20th century American art and providing educational programs about ancient Greek culture.
14. The Mall at Green Hills
UPSCALE SHOPPING DESTINATION
The Mall at Green Hills is an upscale shopping destination featuring luxury retailers, department stores, and specialty boutiques just minutes from Forest Hills. The mall houses high-end brands such as Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., and Nordstrom alongside popular national retailers. Shoppers can enjoy fine dining options, a comfortable atmosphere, and personal shopping services in this premier retail location.
15. Larkspur Conservation
NATURAL BURIAL PRESERVE
Larkspur Conservation is a natural burial preserve that offers an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional burial practices near Forest Hills. The conservation area hosts educational events such as nature writing workshops and environmental programs at its Library and Learning Center. Visitors can explore the preserved natural landscape while learning about conservation efforts and sustainable end-of-life options.