Donelson Travel Guide

Nashville

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


Top hotels in Donelson

Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
4 out of 5
2800 Opryland Drive, Nashville, TN
The price is ₹26,784 per night from 9 Jul to 10 Jul
₹26,784
₹34,296 total
9 Jul - 10 Jul
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,645 reviews)
"The property is large and beautifully landscaped inside and out. the rooms are pricey and so are the restaurants but there are good options within a mile of the resort. Unlike Disney World, I saw very few trash cans but no trash. Rooms with a balcony facing the garden conservatory are the best."

Reviewed on 24 Jun 2025

Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
Nashville Airport Marriott
Nashville Airport Marriott
3.5 out of 5
2200 Elm Hill Pike, Nashville, TN
The price is ₹7,325 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
₹7,325
₹8,765 total
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Nashville. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,027 reviews)
"Easy access to airport. Hotel provides shuttle service. Rooms are bigger."

Reviewed on 2 Jul 2025

Nashville Airport Marriott
Quality Inn Nashville - Opryland Area
Quality Inn Nashville - Opryland Area
2.5 out of 5
2617 McGavock Pike, Nashville, TN
The price is ₹7,132 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
₹7,132
₹8,540 total
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Nashville. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Grand Ole Opry and Nissan Stadium are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (690 reviews)
"Very close to attractions. Really nice bar called scoreboard next door"

Reviewed on 2 Jul 2025

Quality Inn Nashville - Opryland Area
Sonesta Select Nashville Airport Suites
Sonesta Select Nashville Airport Suites
3 out of 5
1100 Airport Center Dr, Nashville, TN
The price is ₹8,405 per night from 7 Jul to 8 Jul
₹8,405
₹11,426 total
7 Jul - 8 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Nashville. Enjoy free breakfast, a free airport shuttle and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,137 reviews)
"Was pleasantly surprised. Got a room for two nights, simply because our stairs are being modified right now and it was just a job that could not be done with two dogs in the house. Every single one of the staff members that we encountered were friendly and professional. They allowed our two giant ..."

Reviewed on 4 Jul 2025

Sonesta Select Nashville Airport Suites
Holiday Inn Nashville Airport by IHG
Holiday Inn Nashville Airport by IHG
3 out of 5
2864 Elm Hill Pike, Nashville, TN
The price is ₹8,833 per night from 7 Jul to 8 Jul
₹8,833
₹10,526 total
7 Jul - 8 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Nashville. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a free airport shuttle. Popular attractions Grand Ole Opry ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (430 reviews)
"A clean , spacious"

Reviewed on 4 Jul 2025

Holiday Inn Nashville Airport by IHG
Club - Hotel Nashville Inn & Suites
Club - Hotel Nashville Inn & Suites
3 out of 5
2435 Atrium Way, Nashville, TN
Stay at this hotel in Nashville. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,294 reviews)
"Front desk staff was very friendly. Room was clean and well prepared. Free breakfast was ample."

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2025

Club - Hotel Nashville Inn & Suites
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

3/5(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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Rutledge Hill

Rutledge Hill might not have many top sights, but Broadway and Nissan Stadium are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Rutledge Hill
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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

Donelson Travel Guide