Things to Do in Nashville (Before or After Retreat)

July 1, 2026

Networking in Nashville certainly has a nice ring to it, and the Network of enlightened Women is proud to host our annual Leadership Retreat for college-aged and young professional women in the Music City this August 7-9. If you are interested in joining us for a weekend hearing from leaders in conservative policy and media—including Reagan Conrad, Hope Harvard, and Chrissy Clark—you may still apply for Retreat (and a travel scholarship) through Friday, July 3, 2026.

For those who already have Leadership Retreat in their calendar, check out the slew of nearby sites and activities to add to your agenda after networking has concluded and the name badges come off.

The Tennessee State Capitol Building

If you’re already signed up for Retreat, you can rest assured we’ve included this site in the schedule. Right in the heart of Nashville sits the striking Greek Revival landmark that’s been in continuous use since 1853. Designed by architect William Strickland, the Capitol building remains one of the oldest working statehouses in the country. Better yet, Tennessee’s legislature has continued advancing a slate of conservative and common-sense policy priorities this session, including legislation addressing healthcare, school, and administrative standards.

Broadway

Just steps from our Retreat accommodations, the city’s iconic stretch of neon lights and live music spills out onto the sidewalks at all hours. While many of the famous venues are 21+ inside, there’s still plenty of honky-tonk atmosphere for all ages to enjoy as you stroll past open-air performances and take in the energy of the street—no wristband required.

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Often called the “Smithsonian of country music,” the Hall of Fame showcases the history, stories, and sounds that shaped American country music. With immersive galleries, historic recordings, and artifacts from legendary artists, it offers a meaningful and accessible way to experience the legacy of Music City’s signature sound.

The Grand Ole Opry

While its distance from downtown Nashville might require an Uber, the Grand Ole Opry one of the most iconic stages in country music history and well-worth the trip. The Opry is the longest-running live radio show in the United States and, since 1925, it has hosted generations of legendary artists alongside rising performers, blending tradition with new voices in every show.

It’s also famous for surprise guest appearances, including occasional drop-ins from major artists or unannounced collaborations—so be sure to let us here at NeW know who you get to see!

The Parthenon

You may recognize this landmark from the movie, Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief, where protagonist demigod Percy finds the first magic pearl on his quest to the Underworld. The Parthenon in Centennial Park is a full-scale replica of the original Parthenon in Athens, Greece. It was designed by architect William Crawford Smith and built in 1897 as part of the Tennessee Centennial Exposition. And, no, you won’t find the Hydra lurking behind the columns.

Ryman Auditorium

Known as the “Mother Church” of country music, the Ryman Auditorium is one of the most iconic music venues in the country and a former home of the Grand Ole Opry. With its soaring stained-glass windows and unmatched acoustics, the Ryman has hosted everyone from Dolly Parton and Johnny Cash to Harry Styles and Taylor Swift, making it a must-see stop for anyone visiting Nashville.

Cheekwood

Tucked into the rolling hills just outside downtown Nashville, Cheekwood Estate & Gardens is a 55-acre American Country Place Era estate, built between 1929 and 1932 for the Cheek family (of Maxwell House coffee fame), designed in the tradition of grand European-inspired country estates with formal gardens and architectural details influenced by historic English manors. Today, it blends art and nature through seasonal botanical gardens, sculpture installations, woodland trails, and period rooms inside the original Georgian-style mansion that offer a glimpse into early 20th-century estate living. With highlights like the Reflecting Pool, Swan Lawn, and rotating museum exhibitions, Cheekwood offers a quieter, more scenic side of Nashville that’s perfect for a reflective afternoon—perhaps after the conclusion of Retreat on Sunday.

As you map out your time in Nashville, we hope you’ll take advantage of everything the city has to offer—both inside and outside the Retreat schedule. From meaningful conversations to memorable moments exploring Music City, the weekend is designed to leave you encouraged, connected, and inspired. If you haven’t yet secured your spot, there’s still time to apply for the Leadership Retreat (and a travel scholarship) before the Friday, July 3, deadline.