Thinking about a trip to Nashville for New Year’s Eve (NYE)? Nashville is a hub of great eats, buzzing nightlife and fantastic hotel stays, all packaged in the Southern charm you expect from the Music City. In 2017, Nashville was voted as the “Best Place to Ring in the New Year” by USA Today 10 Best Readers. No matter what you do or where you go in Nashville, it’s sure to be a night you’ll look back on for years.
Of course, if you can’t decide, Mint Julep Experiences offers Tennessee Whiskey Adventures six days a week, year round. Destinations include the Jack Daniel Distillery, Cascade Hollow Distillery (home of George Dickel brands), and more. If that’s not enough, we’ve also compiled a whiskey guide so you can be savvy on the best brands to buy for the loved ones in your life this holiday and New Year season (including yourself).
Below is a list of activities, restaurants and hotels you’ll want to check out so you can enjoy the end of the year in style.
Activities
Jack Daniel’s Music City Midnight: New Years in Nashville
We’d be remiss without mentioning what the Visit Music City page considers “the biggest party in town.” Ring in the New Year at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park with musical appearances from Keith Urban, Peter Frampton, Judah & The Lion and more! If you’re a fan of country music and celebrating the New Year, this an event you won’t want to miss!
Big Night Nashville New Year’s Eve Gala
Experience the New Year with 3,000 of your closest friends at the Gaylord Opryland Resort. Enjoy live music, dancing, and premier dining at the resort with special hotel accommodations to make your night enjoyable and hassle-free.
Eats
If you’re looking for a more intimate NYE experience, Nashville has that, too! Most restaurant options are offering prix fixe (meaning “fixed price”) options with limited availability on NYE, so if you’re interested, make a reservation soon!
Little Octopus
Offering seating at 6pm and 9pm, Little Octopus’s menu includes a glass of champagne; truffle dumplings; appetizers of grilled oysters, mushroom chicharron, crab claw tostada and salmon ceviche; an entree of pork shank, trout Veracruz, half chicken or vegan miso cassoulet; and champagne ice cream with chocolate shell.
Reservations begin at $95.
Etch
Etch, a globally-inspired restaurant by award-winning chef Deb Paquette (who also owns etc. in Nashville), is offering a NYE prix fixe menu option. Choose an appetizer of beer and cheese, duck tart, lobster bisque, prawns or tempura oyster mushroom; a salad; an entree of seared tuna, venison, jerk filet, or eggplant Bastilla; and a dessert of Meyer lemon mousse or a chocolate crunch bar.
Reservations begin at $90.
Fort Louise
Fort Louise, recently opened in 2017 and housed in a charming former residential house, is offering a lower-cost (but still delicious) prix fixe menu of an appetizer, entree and dessert.
Reservations begin at $55.
Hotels
The Music City is not without its share of hotels to rest from an exciting NYE night on the town. From luxurious to artsy, there are options for every taste and budget.
Union Station Hotel
Redesigned as a modern hotel with marble bathrooms, flat-screen TVs and pillow-top bedding, Union Station Hotel was once a working train station in 1900s. Enjoy original architecture and high ceilings in a downtown location close to entertainment and eats. Although this is the most expensive option on our list, you can save money and earn points through Union Station’s ties to the Marriott Rewards Program.
21c Museum Hotel Nashville
Nashville’s 21c Museum Hotel is a great fit for those looking for a boutique, art-forward hotel stay. Situated in downtown’s Gray & Dudley building, it’s a short walk to the Nissan Stadium and Bridgestone Arena. If you’re hungry, head downstairs to Gray & Dudley, the on-site restaurant, offering comfort food classics.
Omni Hotel Nashville
The pick-up location for all Mint Julep Nashville whiskey tours, Omni Hotel Nashville is steps away from the Music City Center and offers floor-to-ceiling windows, walk-in showers and modern amenities. If you’re NYE leaves you needing some pampering, head over to onsite Mokara Spa & Salon, offering deep-tissue massages and body scrubs.
Can’t Decide?
Feeling paralyzed with the different options to choose from for NYE in Nashville? We get it. Choose Mint Julep Experiences. We offer Tennessee Whiskey Adventures to top whiskey distilleries in Tennessee, including the Jack Daniel Distillery and Cascade Hollow Distillery, home of George Dickel brands. Tours include a complimentary whiskey tasting and expert whiskey history from your own dedicated tour guide. Tours run six days a week, year-round.
Yes, even New Years Eve!
Mint Julep Experiences in Nashville is an upscale tour where you get to experience the culture and craftsmanship of Tennessee. Find the best Tennessee whiskey on your adventure from Nashville to the Jack Daniel Distillery in Lynchburg or other popular Tennessee Whiskey Trail tour destinations. We also specialize in putting together exclusive custom tours for groups. Click here to book your tour now, or call us at 615-436-0187 to put together a specialized tour for your group.