3 Tennessee Tourist Spots I Tried to Hate (But Ended Up Loving)

As a Southerner who has visited Nashville many times throughout the years, I’ve rolled my eyes more times than I can count at the flood of cowboy-booted tourists lining up for photos downtown. I’ve always thought of myself as someone who appreciates the city’s deeper, less obvious charms, like the dive bars, the indie shows, the food scene. So I assumed the must-see attractions in Tennessee weren’t for me. But after visiting a few of them with friends, I realized something surprising: some of Nashville’s most cliché attractions are genuinely worth loving. Even as someone who isn’t a fan of country music, I found myself captivated by three places in particular: the Grand Ole Opry, the Gaylord Opryland Resort, and the Country Music Hall of Fame.

The Grand Ole Opry

To be honest, I didn’t expect to enjoy the Grand Ole Opry. The idea of a tour around the legendary venue and must-see attraction felt, at best, kitschy. But walking its halls completely changed my mind. There’s something magical about being in that legendary circle on stage, the same one that’s hosted everyone from Patsy Cline to Dolly Parton to today’s stars. Of course, it's incredibly interesting to see stage costumes from icons who have played the Opry throughout the years. The mix of old-school tradition and modern performance gives the Opry an energy that’s hard to describe until you’re there. It’s not about genre; it’s about community and performance. I left with an understanding of why this place is the heartbeat of Nashville.

Gaylord Opryland Resort

The Gaylord Opryland Resort has always been a bit repulsive to me. With its faux riverboat rides, glass-domed atriums, and yesteryear-themed stands, it seemed like the definition of a tourist trap. But the first time I walked through, I couldn’t help but be impressed. The sheer scale of the place is jaw-dropping — nine acres of sprawling indoor gardens, winding pathways, waterfalls, and a tropical atmosphere that feels almost surreal in the middle of Tennessee.

Yes, it’s over the top. Yes, it borders on theme park territory. But the attention to detail is stunning, and it’s hard not to smile when you wander through the lush Conservatory gardens or cross one of the little bridges over a koi pond. At night, when the lights glow across the glass ceiling and the fountains dance, it feels like something out of a movie. You can spend hours exploring, finding tucked-away cafés or watching boats drift lazily through the indoor river. Even if you’re not staying at the Gaylord Opryland Resort, it’s worth visiting just to take in the spectacle.

Country Music Hall of Fame

I didn’t expect the Country Music Hall of Fame to move me. But walking through its galleries changed that fast. The museum’s curators know how to turn history into something alive and emotional, even for skeptics like me. The exhibits are immersive (though you can also see great installations at West Virginia's Country Music Museum, too). From Elvis Presley’s gold Cadillac and Taylor Swift’s tour costumes to handwritten lyrics and vintage instruments, they trace how country music has evolved right alongside American culture.

What struck me most was how accessible it all felt. You don’t have to be a fan to appreciate the artistry, the storytelling, and the deep roots of the genre. The museum balances reverence with fun: interactive exhibits let you mix your own track or record a snippet in a studio booth. By the time I left, I had a newfound respect for how country music connects people through shared stories and emotions, whether they’re told with fiddles or electric guitars.

In the end, these three Nashville icons reminded me that kitsch is fun for a reason, sometimes. They may not fit my usual tastes, but they capture something essential about the city — its warmth, creativity, and sense of showmanship.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.