Donelson Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Donelson
Learn about the origins of country music in the nostalgic bars and museums of Music Valley and navigate the indoor canals of a remarkable hotel.

Donelson is a trendy hub of artists and musicians, brimming with eclectic restaurants and cafés. Independent boutiques and markets stand beside quirky museums and bars with live music, while a golf course and water park use the leafy terrain at its core. Explore the quaint historic center and bucolic greenery on your visit to Donelson to experience the highlights of this village.

For a sense of the retro culture, head to Cooter’s Place, outside which stand a tow truck and bright orange car from the iconic television series The Dukes of Hazzard. Venture inside and find yourself in a world mirroring the comedy series from the 1980s. You may even meet the museum and storeowner Ben Jones, who played a sidekick on the show.

Next door is the Willie Nelson and Friends Museum and General Store. Check out the memorabilia, costumes and former belongings of the famous singer and his fellow county music stars.

To experience the region’s famous country music for yourself, walk south through the Music Valley to the iconic Grand Ole Opry, whose stage is graced by a mix of the genre’s legends and contemporary artists.

A little south, the village opens into vast green grounds. Play a few rounds at the Two Rivers Golf Course and admire the Italianate façade of the Two Rivers Mansion. Kids will enjoy splashing around in the Wave Country pool. Nearby, meander along the waterways of the indoor gardens of Gaylord Opryland Resort.

Arrive at Nashville International Airport at the southern end of the village. If you’re already in the city center, drive east for about 10 miles (16 kilometers) to get to Donelson. You can also travel by commuter train to the Donelson railway station.

While here, make sure to see other nearby districts such as South Nashville, Hermitage and East Nashville.

Donelson is a nostalgic haven, taking visitors back through television of the 1980s and the development of country music.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Donelson Hotel Deals

Ramada by Wyndham Nashville/Music Valley
Ramada by Wyndham Nashville/Music Valley
2.5 out of 5
2420 Music Valley Dr, Nashville, TN
The price is NZ$153 per night from 20 May to 21 May
NZ$153
per night
20 May - 21 May
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Nashville. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
5.6/10 (1,004 reviews)
"Great time"

Reviewed on 14 Apr. 2024

Ramada by Wyndham Nashville/Music Valley
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
4 out of 5
2800 Opryland Drive, Nashville, TN
The price is NZ$690 per night from 12 May to 13 May
NZ$690
per night
12 May - 13 May
Stay at this spa resort in Nashville. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, 18 restaurants, and 5 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,006 reviews)
"The resort was amazing. Lots of dining options. Plenty to do. Nice rooms. Friendly staff."

Reviewed on 19 Apr. 2024

Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
Club - Hotel Nashville Inn & Suites
Club - Hotel Nashville Inn & Suites
3 out of 5
2435 Atrium Way, Nashville, TN
The price is NZ$223 per night from 24 Apr to 25 Apr
NZ$223
per night
24 Apr - 25 Apr
Stay at this hotel in Nashville. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,396 reviews)
"Very nice facility"

Reviewed on 22 Apr. 2024

Club - Hotel Nashville Inn & Suites
Hyatt Place Nashville Opryland
Hyatt Place Nashville Opryland
3 out of 5
220 Rudy Cir, Nashville, TN
The price is NZ$282 per night from 1 May to 2 May
NZ$282
per night
1 May - 2 May
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Nashville. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,013 reviews)
"Our room was clean and quiet! The desk staff was friendly and helpful. The breakfast area was clean and nicely presented. The coffee was very good."

Reviewed on 22 Apr. 2024

Hyatt Place Nashville Opryland
Best Western Suites Near Opryland
Best Western Suites Near Opryland
2.5 out of 5
201 Music City Circle, Nashville, TN
The price is NZ$236 per night from 20 May to 21 May
NZ$236
per night
20 May - 21 May
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Nashville. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,114 reviews)
"Friendly staff, clean, spacious room, comfortable bed. Hot breakfast included. Close to Opryland, shuttle to downtown ($10 pp round trip 2024)."

Reviewed on 18 Apr. 2024

Best Western Suites Near Opryland
Comfort Inn Downtown Nashville - Music City Center
Comfort Inn Downtown Nashville - Music City Center
3 out of 5
1501 Demonbreun St, Nashville, TN
The price is NZ$278 per night from 30 Apr to 1 May
NZ$278
per night
30 Apr - 1 May
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Nashville. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,730 reviews)
"It was easy to get to and liked that we could walk to get something to eat. It was old room but our room was clean. Only issue was the air conditioner did not cool the room. It was colder outside than the room."

Reviewed on 21 Apr. 2024

Comfort Inn Downtown Nashville - Music City Center
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Donelson

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Opryland

A noteworthy feature of Opryland is its popular shops. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Grand Ole Opry and Cooter's Nashville.

Opryland
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South Nashville

2/5(1 area review)

You'll enjoy the museums and live music in South Nashville. You might want to make time for a stop at Tennessee State Fairgrounds or Geodis Park.

South Nashville
Cumberland Park

East Nashville

4/5(1 area review)

The lively bars and live music are top of the list for many visitors to East Nashville. A stop by Nissan Stadium or Cumberland River might round out your trip.

East Nashville
Cumberland Park

East Bank

If you're spending some time in East Bank, Nissan Stadium and Cumberland River are top sights worth seeing.

East Bank
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The District

The abundant dining options and live music are top of the list for many visitors to The District. A stop by Broadway or Ryman Auditorium might round out your trip.

The District
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum featuring interior views

SoBro

If you're spending some time in SoBro, Bridgestone Arena and Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum are top sights worth seeing.

SoBro


Donelson Travel Guide

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