Business trips aren’t known for being relaxing, and they aren’t known for being very much fun. They aren’t supposed to be! You’re supposed to get to work and return home when you’re done.

However, all work and no play makes us all dull people. You may not be able to live out your vacation dreams while you’re out of town on business, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of things you can do in Nashville when you have a few hours to kill!

Whether you just have a half an hour or you have a few hours to spare, these ideas are a great way to have a little fun in Nashville between meetings.

Catch an Evening Show at the Grand Ole Opry

No trip to Nashville is complete without a visit to the Grand Ole Opry. Fortunately, there are scheduled shows on an almost daily basis. From country music superstars to local musicians and comedians, there are plenty of great shows to choose from.

Not really into country music? Or maybe you don’t have enough time in the evening for a show? Consider a tour instead!

There is a lot of history at the Opry, and you can learn a lot of it in during a daytime tour that is available nearly every day of the year. If you do have enough time for a show, consider sticking around for the post-show tour that shows you what goes on behind the curtain.

Spend an Afternoon at the Parthenon in Centennial Park

Who says you have to go all the way to Greece in order to see the Parthenon. There’s a full-scale replica located in Centennial Park!

No scheduling is required in order to tour the Parthenon as it would have appeared when it was first built. Not to mention, it’s conveniently located in Centennial Park. That means you can stroll through the gardens and admire the Parthenon on your own time. Located just two miles west of Downtown Nashville, it’s likely to be close to your hotel too!

Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Country music is a uniquely American invention that has fans all around the world. The best way to learn about its history is to visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

New exhibits are opening all the time that keep things interesting. Just a few exhibits the museum has hosted include:

  • The Judds: Dream Chasers takes a fresh look at the story of The Judds.
  • Sing Me Back Home is a permanent exhibit that tells the story of country music throughout its history.
  • Dylan, Cash, and the Nashville Cats: A New Music City tells the surprising story of the time Bob Dylan came to Nashville in 1966.

Spend the Morning Shopping Local Boutiques in Downtown Nashville

If you promised to bring something home for a loved one while you’re away from home, you have to visit Downtown Nashville. You’ll find plenty of things to keep you busy, but spending the morning shopping local boutiques is one of the best ways to kill a little time and find that special something for that special someone.

From furniture to gardening, clothing, knickknacks, and much more, there are plenty of one-of-a-kind items to choose from. Many stores are within walking distance of each other, so there’s no need to spend all morning looking for a parking spot.

Grab a Drink at a Brewery in East Nashville

The craft beer industry is booming, and there’s no better place to see it in action than East Nashville. This eclectic place features historical landmarks, delicious local restaurants, and local breweries that have beers you won’t find anywhere else. If you find yourself in the Music City in the spring, you may even be able to participate in Brew Fest!

This area is often referred to as “Nashville’s version of NYC’s East Village”, so you can expect a different kind of atmosphere when you step into one of its restaurants or breweries. It’s a great place to unwind after a long day or gather with your coworkers before you board the plane to return home.

Don’t think just because you’re taking a business trip to Nashville that you’ll be stuck in your hotel and the office. With just a few minutes to spare and the ideas on this list, you can squeeze in a little me-time and soak up everything Tennessee has to offer!