Donelson Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Donelson
Donelson
Donelson
Donelson
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

Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
4 out of 5
2800 Opryland Drive, Nashville, TN
The price is AU$516 per night from 5 Jan to 6 Jan
AU$516
includes taxes & fees
5 Jan - 6 Jan
Stay at this 4-star spa resort in Nashville. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, a full-service spa, and 18 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,602 reviews)
"Love spending the holidays at Opryland!"

Reviewed on 1 Jan. 2025

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 AU$144 per night from 8 Jan to 9 Jan
AU$144
includes taxes & fees
8 Jan - 9 Jan
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! (3,016 reviews)
"Very nice property. Well lit and safe. Staff was very helpful with information on things to do. They provide a shuttle downtown, but we found out that Uber/Lyft was cheaper. Would definitely stay here again. I was well pleased."

Reviewed on 3 Jan. 2025

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 AU$197 per night from 9 Jan to 10 Jan
AU$197
includes taxes & fees
9 Jan - 10 Jan
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly hotel in Nashville. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Loved our room. Adjoining rooms for our family. Was perfect for our trip"

Reviewed on 29 Dec. 2024

Hyatt Place Nashville Opryland
Comfort Inn Nashville - Opryland Area
Comfort Inn Nashville - Opryland Area
2.5 out of 5
2460 Music Valley Drive, Nashville, TN
The price is AU$146 per night from 9 Jan to 10 Jan
AU$146
includes taxes & fees
9 Jan - 10 Jan
Stay at this hotel in Nashville. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
"Nice property. Near lots of things in Music Valley and easy to get to downtown. Some noisy activity in hallways were a distraction from 9 to 11 pm."

Reviewed on 1 Jan. 2025

Comfort Inn Nashville - Opryland Area
Best Western Suites Near Opryland
Best Western Suites Near Opryland
2.5 out of 5
201 Music City Circle, Nashville, TN
The price is AU$138 per night from 16 Jan to 17 Jan
AU$138
includes taxes & fees
16 Jan - 17 Jan
Book a 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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,224 reviews)
"Great hotel. Far from the hustle and bustle of Honky Tonk Highway ( Uber $22). It is not far from opryland resort. It may be walkable for some. Not for me . It is up the hill ( walkable) from several music venues each having a couple of bands a day. My only complaint would be “the bed” it was tilted. ..."

Reviewed on 31 Dec. 2024

Best Western Suites Near Opryland
Ramada by Wyndham Nashville/Music Valley
Ramada by Wyndham Nashville/Music Valley
2.5 out of 5
2420 Music Valley Dr, Nashville, TN
Book a 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. ...
5.2/10 (1,000 reviews)
"The checkin and staff was great and friendly. Lobby very clean. Room clean but dated. The beds were TERRIBLE. Metal frames and loud springs created a TON of LOUD noise and echoed in room. Woke up every time someone just turned over. Absolutely horrible."

Reviewed on 2 Nov. 2024

Ramada by Wyndham Nashville/Music Valley
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
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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, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and Bridgestone Arena are top sights worth seeing.

SoBro

Donelson Travel Guide

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