Things to Do in Nashville: Self-Care Reset

Nashville, Tennessee, has more to offer than just country music. Whether you’re just visiting, have recently moved here or have been a Nashvillian since birth, it can be fun to see things through the eyes of a tourist for a bit. 

Set aside time to check out all Nashville has to offer — all in the name of a self-care reset.

Mind the temperature

Nashville experiences a wide range of temperatures. If you’re visiting in summer, it’s important to consider how the weather can affect the health of your skin.

Summers get pretty hot and humid, with temperatures hitting the upper 80s and even 90s Fahrenheit. Wearing sunscreen in this weather not only reduces your risk of developing skin cancer but can also help preserve youthful-looking, radiant skin for as long as possible. 

When choosing a sunscreen, look for one that hits three important criteria — a sun protective factor (SPF) of 30 or above, broad spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays and water resistance. These factors ensure that your sunscreen protects you as much as possible. 

Some tinted sunscreens, like our 100% Mineral Tinted SPF, can also double as a way to cover minor redness and blemishes. Once you’re home from your self-care day, make sure to cleanse your skin. 

Studies have shown just how much of an impact the environment can have on your skin, so cleansing it of all those toxins and external stressors can help keep your skin healthy, radiant and blemish-free. And don’t forget to moisturize — your skin’s precious moisture barrier requires hydration to look and feel its best! 

If you’re unsure where to start with your skin care routine, put a visit to Skin Pharm Nashville on your self-care agenda. We can help you build a routine tailored to your skin texture, tone and needs — from cleanser to moisturizer and every step in between. 

Let's talk about must-see things to do in Nashville when you need a little self-care.

1. Visit a spa

Visiting a spa or a cosmetic dermatology practice, like Skin Pharm Nashville, gives you various options to help support your skin’s health and appearance. Schedule a consultation to discuss your options with one of our advanced practice providers. You deserve to feel good in your skin! 

Spend a some time stepping up your skin care game. Our Nashville medspa is stocked with medical-grade skin care products to help you build a skin care routine that can serve as a daily self-care ritual.

2. Treat yourself to some shopping

Nashville also offers an array of shopping opportunities. From country music memorabilia and local artisan shops like Hatch Show Print to high-end boutiques and unique home goods, there's something for everyone.

3. Go for a hike

Nashville may be a bigger city, but there are still plenty of ways to get out and explore in nature. There are many hiking trails in and around Nashville, all of them offering different ways to see the natural beauty that makes up this part of the south.

Here are just a few to check out:

• Radnor Lake State Park
• Stones River Greenway
• Warner Parks
• Richland Creek Greenway

If you don’t want to head out on your own (especially if you’re not an experienced hiker), there are also guided tours available for many of the top hiking spots in and around Nashville. 

For those who don’t want to stray too far out of the city, there are also ways to explore in a more urban setting. Wandering through East Nashville or the Gulch to experience unique and memorable shopping and eating can fulfill that urge without heading out of town or breaking out your hiking boots. 

There are plenty of sightseeing opportunities around the city, too. Look into walking tours downtown or stroll the Pedestrian Bridge to see Broadway from the river. 

4. Try a local fitness studio

If you're eager to break a sweat and meet some locals while visiting Nashville, slipping into one of the city's fitness studios could be just the ticket. The welcoming instructors and diverse classes cater to all levels of fitness enthusiasts, from beginners looking to stretch their limbs to seasoned yogis seeking a new challenge. 

Beyond the mats and weights, these studios serve as community hubs. Whether you're looking to tone your muscles, increase your flexibility or just soak in the positive vibes, Nashville's fitness studios are eager to welcome you with open arms.

So, if you're craving a dose of endorphins and a touch of local flavor during your stay in Nashville, lace up your sneakers, grab a water bottle and visit a fitness studio.

5. Hit the country music highlights 

Although Nashville is about much more than just country music, the country music mainstays are worth experiencing. Specifically, make sure not to miss the greatest hits:

• Johnny Cash Museum
• Musicians Hall of Fame
• RCA Studio B
• Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
• The Grand Ole Opry
• Ryman Auditorium

Wandering the halls where many legends have performed is like strolling through country music history.

For a taste of live music anytime, head down to the Honky Tonk Highway on Lower Broadway in downtown Nashville — you'll find a variety of music venues, restaurants and bars with live music 365 days a year.

From bluegrass and country western to rock and even pop, you'll hear just about every genre of music downtown. Don’t skip hot spots like Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge and smaller venues, too — you might even get to see a rising singer-songwriter in the making.

6. Don’t miss The Parthenon

When you think of Nashville, you probably don’t think of Ancient Greece — but they do have one thing in common. Although it may seem unusual, Nashville is home to a full-scale replica of the original Parthenon in Athens, Greece. 

Inside the replica is a rotating art collection, and the museum offers tours and family activities that you can enjoy. The Parthenon also hosts concerts and other events. They keep a full calendar on their website if you’re the planning ahead type.

Nashville’s Parthenon is located in the middle of the beautiful Centennial Park, with more than 130 acres of rolling green land to enjoy. In addition to the Parthenon, there’s also a sunken garden for those who like to meditate outside, a one-mile walking trail, an art center and multiple enrichment programs to enjoy. 

7. Enjoy all the delicious foods Nashville has to offer

Nashville has become just as much of a food mecca as a country music hub. While the city may be known for hot chicken and fluffy biscuits, Nashville has a variety of renowned restaurants and cuisines to choose from. 

Other cultural highlights not to miss

It’s impossible to list everything you can check out in Nashville, but we’d be remiss not to mention a few other highlights. 

• Belle Meade Winery
• Belmont Mansion
• Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
• Cheekwood Estate and Botanical Garden
• Frist Art Museum
• Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Convention Center
• Nashville Predators hockey games
• Nashville Farmers’ Market
• Nashville Zoo
• National Museum of African American Music
• Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame and Museum
• Tennessee State Capitol Building
• Tennessee State Museum
• Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory

The bottom line…

With so many different things to see and do, Nashville is an excellent place for some self-care, offering options for your mind, body and spirit. 

Just make sure to take care of your skin, especially if you’re spending any time outside. You can also make skin care part of your self care reset by scheduling a consultation or cosmetic treatment with one of our advanced practice providers at Skin Pharm Nashville. 

We’d love to help you reveal your best and most beautiful skin yet.

Sources:

The efficacy and safety of sunscreen use for the prevention of skin cancer | NIH

How to select a sunscreen | AAD

Environmental influences on skin aging and ethnic-specific manifestations | NIH

The Skin Barrier and Moisturization: Function, Disruption, and Mechanisms of Repair | NIH