Nashville: Food & Sightseeing Tour with BBQ, Hot Chicken, Spirits

Summary

Eat your way through Nashville’s neighborhoods and stories

You’ll taste Nashville’s best barbecue and legendary hot chicken (brace yourself), sip spirits at a local distillery with your guide sharing stories along the way, wander into an old-school bakery for something sweet, and see neighborhoods most visitors miss—all with easy transport included. Expect laughter, real local flavor, and maybe a little sweat from the spice.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest—I signed up for this Nashville food & sightseeing tour mostly for the barbecue. But the first thing I remember is the way our guide, Marcus, grinned when he handed me a frosty cocktail at the distillery. The place smelled like toasted corn and something sweet I couldn’t quite name. He walked us through the distilling process (I tried to look like I understood), and then we tasted these small-batch spirits that actually made me pause—one was smoky and sharp, another kind of floral. It was barely noon but nobody seemed to mind.

The van was comfortable—high roof, AC humming—and we rolled past Bicentennial Mall and Germantown while Marcus pointed out murals and told stories about old musicians and why hot chicken is basically a dare disguised as lunch. When we got to the barbecue spot, the whole-hog meat was so tender it almost fell apart before I could get it on my fork. There was this tangy sauce that stung just enough. Someone at our table asked for extra napkins and everyone laughed because honestly, you need them.

We stopped at a bakery that’s been around longer than my parents have been married (the owner waved from behind a mountain of cinnamon rolls). The air in there was warm and sugary—felt like childhood birthdays or something. And then came the hot chicken. I thought I could handle spicy food but wow—I had to take a break halfway through my sandwich to sip water and blink away tears. Marcus just nodded like, “Yeah, that’s how it goes.”

Somewhere between Centennial Park and Five Points I realized how much of Nashville you miss if you only stick to Broadway or tourist spots. The neighborhoods felt real—kids playing in front yards, music drifting from open windows, someone walking their dog in flip-flops even though it looked like rain might start any minute. I still think about that view along the Cumberland River as we drove back—gray sky, bright murals, everyone full and talking over each other about which dish was their favorite.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Nashville food tasting and sightseeing

• Visit hands-on distillery
• Enjoy cocktail and spirits tasting
• Pass by Bicentennial Mall and Farmers Market
• See Marathon Village and Centennial Park
• Drive through Germantown and East Nashville
• Stop for southern barbecue tasting
• Try authentic Nashville Hot Chicken
• Sample bakery goods and confections
• Learn Nashville history and culture
• Travel in air-conditioned touring van

Top questions

How long does the Nashville food & sightseeing tour last?

The tour lasts about 3 hours from start to finish.

Is transportation included during the tour?

Yes, transportation is provided in a comfortable high-roof van.

What foods are included on this Nashville tour?

You’ll try whole-hog barbecue, Nashville hot chicken, bakery treats or confections, plus spirits tasting with a cocktail.

Are alcoholic drinks part of the experience?

A frosty cocktail and spirits tasting are included; non-alcoholic options are available for those under 21 or who prefer them.

Will we visit famous sights in Nashville?

You’ll pass by sites like Bicentennial Mall State Park, Germantown, Marathon Village, Five Points in East Nashville, Nissan Stadium, Centennial Park, and more.

Is this tour suitable for kids?

The tour welcomes guests 14 years and older; infants cannot be accommodated.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?

The reference info doesn’t specify; contact the operator directly for special dietary needs.

Is hotel pickup available?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; guests meet at a designated downtown location (ZIP 37219).

What’s included

Your day includes all featured food tastings—barbecue, hot chicken sandwich, bakery items—a guided spirits tasting with cocktail at a local distillery (with non-alcoholic substitutions if needed), comfortable transportation by private van through several neighborhoods with plenty of stops for photos or questions along the way. A knowledgeable local guide leads everything from start to finish.