Hidden Gems Near Nashville: 7 Unique Experiences for Your Nashville Event Guests

When guests travel to celebrate your event, whether it’s a wedding weekend or a corporate retreat, you want their experience to be more than just memorable. You want it to feel like Nashville: full of soul, discovery, and connection. While downtown’s honky-tonks and Broadway lights get all the attention, some of the city’s most remarkable experiences live just beyond the usual itinerary, especially near Rivergate and Goodlettsville, where creativity, cuisine, and culture quietly thrive.

If you’re planning your event at The Forum or another Nashville event center, consider curating a guest itinerary that pairs big-city energy with authentic local gems. Here’s your insider’s guide to Nashville’s best-kept secrets, crafted for both wedding guests and corporate travelers who want something beyond the obvious.

Experience Nashville’s Hidden Culinary Side

Forget crowded tourist restaurants, Nashville’s true flavor lives in its neighborhood kitchens. Just north of the city, Goodlettsville has become a quiet hub for local dining, where chefs are doing extraordinary things behind unassuming doors.

Start with Chef’s Market, a beloved local institution blending casual charm with upscale Southern flavors. It’s part café, part catering mecca, perfect for groups or pre-event dinners. Their menu rotates seasonally, but the shrimp and grits and lemon chess bars are non-negotiables.

For an offbeat yet elegant group dining experience, book a private tasting at Yolan (downtown, just a short drive away). This award-winning Italian restaurant by Michelin-starred chef Tony Mantuano offers multi-course menus designed for sharing, ideal for intimate team dinners or wedding welcome parties.

Looking for something more interactive? Consider a hands-on culinary class at The Kitchen Nashville, where guests can collaborate, cook, and toast to the occasion. It’s perfect for both bridal parties and corporate groups looking for something experiential and delicious.

Take a Creative Detour: Nashville’s Hidden Arts Scene

Nashville is known for its music, but the city’s creative energy extends far beyond the stage. For something a little unexpected, explore the local arts community that’s quietly flourishing around Rivergate.

Just minutes away, Copper Fox Gallery in Leiper’s Fork (a 30-minute scenic drive from Rivergate) is a curated treasure trove of fine art, ceramics, and woodwork, all handcrafted by Tennessee artisans. It’s an inspiring afternoon for groups looking to connect with creativity outside the boardroom or bridal suite.

If your guests prefer something more hands-on, The Nashville Pottery Studio offers private pottery classes that blend creativity and calm. Located just outside downtown, the studio hosts group workshops where participants can learn wheel throwing or hand-building techniques in a relaxed, inspiring environment. It’s a memorable way for guests to unwind between events, creating something tangible and personal to take home from their Nashville weekend.

Savor Small-Batch Spirits and Hidden Distilleries

Skip the crowds at big-brand distilleries and head for smaller, character-rich spaces where Tennessee craftsmanship shines.

Start with Big Machine Distillery in Berry Hill, just 25 minutes from Rivergate. This boutique distillery crafts award-winning vodka and whiskey and offers private tours and tastings. For a more intimate experience, Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery in Marathon Village blends history with hospitality, with private tasting rooms that make group events feel like something special.

And for guests who prefer a zero-proof twist, consider The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club in East Nashville, a moody, design-forward space known for its inventive non-alcoholic cocktails and private lounge atmosphere. It’s ideal for rehearsal after-parties or networking receptions that need an elevated vibe.

Explore the Outdoors, Without Leaving Comfort Behind

Nashville’s beauty isn’t just in its skyline, it’s in its scenery. For event guests looking to balance the excitement of celebration with moments of calm, the area’s hidden natural escapes offer a perfect counterpoint.

Just 15 minutes from Rivergate, Peeler Park Greenway feels worlds away from the city’s buzz. This tranquil, lesser-known trail winds along the Cumberland River, ideal for morning jogs, peaceful walks, or corporate mindfulness and team-building sessions.

When the weather is warm, get a little wet and book a group paddleboarding experience through Nashville Paddle Co. Guests can glide through calm waters surrounded by skyline views, a memorable group activity that’s as scenic as it is refreshing.

And if adventure is on the list, Soar Adventure Tower in nearby Franklin offers climbing and rope challenges that are both team-building and exhilarating, perfect for corporate groups or wedding parties looking for something active and unforgettable. Nothing makes a bond greater than going through something challenging together.

Find Nashville’s Most Photogenic Corners

Whether your guests are snapping selfies or scouting backdrops for engagement photos, Nashville’s northern neighborhoods offer visual gems beyond Broadway murals.

Just outside Goodlettsville, Rock Castle is a hidden historic estate that looks like it was lifted straight from a storybook. The manicured grounds, stone architecture, and lakeside setting make it a beautiful stop for pre-wedding portraits or company retreat photos.

Not every day needs to be filled with wild adventure. If your group needs some downtime, but still wants to experience Nashville, there is always downtown’s Marathon Village. With industrial-chic textures, local shops, and artisan studios, there’s something for everyone and all in one walkable district. Guests can wander, shop, sip coffee, and feel like locals for the day.

Immerse in Music

Of course, no visit to Nashville is complete without music.

Just a short drive from Rivergate, 3rd & Lindsley offers intimate live performances from some of the city’s most talented musicians, from emerging indie artists to Grammy winners. The vibe is relaxed, the sound is impeccable, and the experience feels authentically Nashville.

For something even more private, inquire about Songwriter Sessions at the Listening Room Café, a quintessential Music City experience where guests hear the stories behind the songs from the writers themselves. It’s equally suited for a rehearsal weekend or an executive retreat looking to end on a high note.

Shop Local, Support Local

When guests want to take home a piece of Nashville, skip the airport souvenirs. Instead, point them toward White’s Mercantile in 12South—a “general store for the modern-day tastemaker,” owned by singer Holly Williams. The curated selection of home goods, art, and gifts captures Nashville’s creative soul.

For those who like the unexpected, closer to Rivergate is Rare Bird Antique Mall, a true treasure hunt waiting to happen, filled with vintage furniture, records, and local art finds. It’s an unexpectedly fun stop for both bridesmaid weekends and team outings, perfect for those who love the thrill of discovery.

Plan Experiences Worth Remembering

Your event may be the centerpiece, but the moments around it, the coffee runs, the morning walks, the shared meals, become the stories guests carry home. Curating those in-between experiences transforms a Nashville trip into something extraordinary.

Whether you’re hosting a black-tie wedding, a creative conference, or an intimate team retreat, Rivergate offers a side of Nashville that’s both convenient and full of character. Its hidden gems promise authenticity without the crowds, charm without the clichés.

When you plan your event at The Forum, you’re not just choosing one of the best Nashville event centers; you’re giving your guests a chance to experience the heart of Tennessee in its most memorable form.

Plan your next event at The Forum, just minutes from downtown Nashville.