Exploring Nashville: Exciting Activities Near The Airport

what to do around nashville airport

Nashville International Airport (BNA) offers a variety of on-site services and entertainment options for travellers with a layover. From beauty treatments and massages to educational museums and outdoor adventures, there is something for everyone. If you're looking for a quick break between flights or have a few hours to spare, there are plenty of attractions to keep you entertained near Nashville Airport.

Characteristics Values
Live performances Grand Ole Opry
Water attractions Wave Country
Annual events Tennessee State Fair
Jogging trails Nashville's city parks
Memorials Nashville War Memorial
Record labels Music Row
Cruises General Jackson Showboat
Salons Nashville Nails and Salon Services
Spas Massage bar
Medical care CareHere!
Museums Adventure Science Center, Sudekum Planetarium, Tennessee State Museum, Johnny Cash Museum, Lane Motor Museum
Resorts Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center
Zoo Nashville Zoo
Vineyard Arrington Vineyards
Farmers' market Nashville Farmers' Market

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Get a massage, manicure, or haircut at the airport

Nashville International Airport (BNA) is a hub of activity and a great place to relax and rejuvenate before or after a flight. The airport and its surrounding areas offer a range of services and attractions to enhance your travel experience.

One way to unwind is to indulge in some personal care and pampering. The Escape Day Spa and Salon, located in the heart of Nashville, offers a luxurious and relaxing experience. Their award-winning services include a variety of massages, haircuts, colours, extensions, and balayage. The talented team will ensure you leave feeling refreshed and revitalised, offering a range of state-of-the-art treatments and techniques to heal and enhance your skin and hair.

For those short on time, a relaxing massage can be a great way to ease travel tensions and muscle soreness. The spa's massage menu offers a range of options, from quick chair massages to full-body treatments, ensuring you step off your flight feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.

If you're looking for a quick beauty fix or a pre-flight manicure, the salon offers a range of nail services, including manicures and pedicures. You can also treat yourself to a stylish haircut, colour, or even extensions, ensuring you arrive at your destination feeling confident and well-groomed.

The Escape Day Spa and Salon provides a tranquil setting, allowing you to forget the hustle and bustle of the airport. With a focus on luxury and premium-quality services, it's the perfect place to treat yourself or a loved one. Gift cards are also available, making it a unique and memorable gift idea for anyone travelling through Nashville Airport.

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Visit the Adventure Science Centre

If you're looking for an educational and entertaining experience near Nashville Airport, the Adventure Science Center is the place to go. Located at 800 Fort Negley Blvd, the science centre offers engaging and interactive learning experiences for students, teachers, and families.

Planetarium and Dome Theatre

The centrepiece of the Adventure Science Center is its state-of-the-art, 63-foot dome theatre and planetarium. Here, you can embark on spectacular journeys to the stars, enjoy laser shows, and watch full-dome films suitable for both children and adults. The Sudekum Planetarium provides an immersive experience of the wonders of space, with comfortable wheelchair-accessible seating.

Hands-on Exhibits

The science centre features over 175 hands-on exhibits that bring science to life. These exhibits cover a range of fascinating topics, including biology, astronomy, physics, earth science, energy, weather, sound, and space. You can explore interactive galleries, such as the one dedicated to human performance, or delve into immersive exhibits like the exploration of pollinators. The centre also offers day-long and week-long camps where participants can actively engage with STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) concepts through experiments and discovery.

Live Science Demonstrations

The Adventure Science Center takes pride in its award-winning daily live science demonstrations, labs, and science cafes. Their talented staff of scientist educators ensure that learning is not just confined to exhibits but also comes alive through interactive and engaging presentations.

Accessibility

The Adventure Science Center prioritizes accessibility, with a fully accessible building and majority-accessible exhibits. However, some exhibits, such as the Moonwalk, EVA Experience, Mission: Possible, and the Blue Max Flight Simulator, require a full leg range of motion to experience. The centre also offers discounted admission for seniors aged 65 and above.

Whether you're a science enthusiast, a family seeking educational entertainment, or simply looking for a unique experience near Nashville Airport, the Adventure Science Center is a wonderful destination that fosters curiosity, exploration, and a deeper understanding of the world around us.

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Explore the Lane Motor Museum

If you're interested in cars and their history, the Lane Motor Museum in Nashville is the place to be. With a variety of exhibitions and activities on offer, the museum provides a fun and informative experience for visitors of all ages.

One of the key exhibitions at the Lane Motor Museum delves into the afterlife of car parts. It explores the creativity and ingenuity of humans who can transform discarded car parts into something new and functional, showcasing the endless possibilities that exist even after a car's original purpose has been served. This exhibition is a testament to human innovation and sustainability.

For gamers, the museum has an exciting collection of video game cars, featuring iconic vehicles like the Peel P-50 and the MG Metro 6R4. Visitors can also watch gameplay clips from popular video games, bringing their virtual racing fantasies to life. The museum also showcases a range of rare competition classics, from two-wheeled vehicles to open-wheel and closed-wheel racing cars, offering a glimpse into the world of motorsports and its history.

In addition to the exhibits, the Lane Motor Museum provides a valuable insight into the evolution of station wagons. This exhibition includes a diverse array of European and American station wagons, highlighting the cultural and design differences between the two continents. Visitors can expect to see a range of models and modifications that have shaped the history of this versatile vehicle.

To make the most of your visit, the museum recommends arriving before 4 PM to purchase tickets and then proceeding directly to the main gallery. This ensures you have ample time to explore the various exhibits and gain a deeper appreciation for automotive history and culture. Whether you're a car enthusiast or simply looking for a unique educational experience, the Lane Motor Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of motors and their impact on our lives.

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See the indoor gardens at the Gaylord Opryland Resort

If you're looking for a fun day out in Nashville, the Gaylord Opryland Resort Gardens is the place to be. Located just a short distance from Nashville International Airport, this unique garden hotel offers a delightful nature-filled experience.

The Gaylord Opryland Resort Gardens span a massive nine acres of indoor gardens, with lush greenery, winding rivers, and beautiful waterfalls. The temperature-controlled environment ensures a perfect 72-degree temperature, making it an ideal escape from the outdoors. As you stroll through the gardens, you'll feel like you're exploring a jungle, with winding paths that lead you to different sections, each with its own unique charm.

The garden areas are divided into several sections, including Delta, Cascades, Magnolia, and the Garden Conservatory. The Delta area is the largest and most impressive, featuring the Delta River, a stunning fountain with water shows, and a Riverboat for cruising. The Garden Conservatory offers a courtyard-like dining experience, serving rustic Italian cuisine inspired by the town of Ravello.

To make the most of your visit, it's recommended to plan your route in advance and pick up a map at the entrance. This way, you won't miss any of the attractions and can navigate the large conservatory with ease. After exploring the gardens, you can walk over to the neighbouring Grand Ole Opry for a country music show or indulge in some shopping at the nearby Opry Mills Mall.

Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a photography lover, or simply looking for a relaxing day out, the Gaylord Opryland Resort Gardens is a must-visit destination near Nashville Airport. With its stunning indoor gardens, waterways, and dining options, it promises an enjoyable and memorable experience for all.

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Experience live country music at the Grand Ole Opry

Nashville, Tennessee, is known as America's "country music capital", and the Grand Ole Opry is one of the highest achievements within the country music community. So, if you're looking for things to do around Nashville Airport, experiencing live country music at the Grand Ole Opry is a must. Here's everything you need to know about this iconic attraction.

The Grand Ole Opry is a live country music radio show that began in 1925. It has been a Saturday night musical tradition in almost 30 states since the 1930s, when it expanded to a four-hour broadcast. The Opry moved to its most famous former home, the Ryman Auditorium, in 1943, and has since become a symbol of Nashville's cultural significance. Membership in the Grand Ole Opry is considered a crowning achievement in country music, with just over 225 acts having been members out of thousands of country music acts throughout history.

The Grand Ole Opry showcases both contemporary artists and country legends, performing timeless favourites by iconic artists such as Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline. The show also features special tributes to trailblazing Opry legends, with each performance spotlighting a different iconic artist or duo. In addition to the live radio programs, performances have also been sporadically televised and are now distributed digitally, allowing fans worldwide to tune in to the Grand Ole Opry.

In 2025, the Opry celebrated its 100th anniversary with a series of bold shows featuring huge stars, special guests, iconic tributes, and surprises. These shows were held at the Ryman Auditorium, transforming it back into a country music haven. The Ryman Auditorium, with its iconic status, adds to the allure of the Grand Ole Opry's anniversary celebrations.

So, if you're in the Nashville Airport area, be sure to wear your Stetson, head to the Grand Ole Opry, and experience the finest live country performances. It's an essential part of the Nashville experience and a chance to immerse yourself in the rich history of country music.

Frequently asked questions

The Adventure Science Centre is a 15-minute drive from downtown Nashville and offers family-friendly interactive exhibits and activities for children and adults. The Nashville Zoo is also a 20-minute drive from the airport.

The Tennessee State Museum, historic forts like Fort Negley, parks, and farmers' markets like the Nashville Farmers' Market are all free to visit. The Nashville Public Library also offers free year-round events and classes.

The Lane Motor Museum is less than 20 minutes from the airport and features 150 cars and motorcycles, including the largest European automobile collection in the United States. The Johnny Cash Museum is also free for children under 5 and features state-of-the-art exhibits, personal artefacts, and costumes.

The Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center is about a 20-minute drive from the airport and features nine acres of indoor gardens, pathways, and waterfalls. The resort also offers dining options and is a great place for a stroll.

Nashville Airport offers various on-site services, including Nashville Nails and Salon Services, a massage bar, and a walk-in clinic and wellness store called CareHere!

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