Nashville: Private City Tour with Singer-Songwriter & Live Music

Summary

Music Row, Parthenon views and original songs with Steven

You’ll ride through Nashville with a local singer-songwriter guiding you past city icons like Music Row and the Parthenon, hear an original song performed live outside, snack on classic GooGoo Clusters, and get stories you won’t find in any brochure. This isn’t just sightseeing — it’s feeling the city’s rhythm up close.

What’s the experience like?

He’s tuning his guitar in the parking lot, humming something low — that’s Steven, our guide for this Nashville private tour. I didn’t expect to start my day hearing an original song outside the Parthenon (the real one’s in Greece, but this copy is massive and weirdly perfect against Tennessee sky). Steven strummed a few chords, sang about chasing dreams on Broadway — not the New York one — and for a minute even the traffic seemed to hush. The air smelled like grass and fried food drifting from somewhere nearby. I’m still thinking about that moment, honestly.

We’d already cruised down Riverfront and Broadway by then, windows cracked just enough to catch bits of honky tonk music leaking out of bars. Steven pointed out places he’d played or written songs about. At Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, he gave us a quick history lesson by the giant state map (I tried to find my hometown — no luck). There was a bell you could ring if you wanted; some kids were going wild with it while their parents looked half amused, half exhausted.

There was an optional stop at Antique Archaeology — yeah, the place from American Pickers — but we just peeked inside because it was packed. On Music Row, Steven slowed down so we could spot the studios where “the boys make noise,” as he put it. He joked about celebrity sightings but only waved at a guy who might’ve been someone (or maybe just liked hats). We passed Vanderbilt University too; apparently there’s drama behind its founding but I zoned out watching students skateboarding past.

The last bit took us down 12th Avenue South past Dolly Parton’s office (I waved) and Reese Witherspoon’s dress shop. Some folks ended here for dinner; we grabbed GooGoo Clusters from Steven instead — sticky chocolate on my fingers all afternoon. It wasn’t polished or fancy but felt like seeing Nashville through someone who actually lives music every day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Nashville city highlights and music tour

• Drive along Riverfront and Broadway
• History lesson at Bicentennial Capitol Mall
• Visit Antique Archaeology and shops
• Tour Music Row with photo stops
• Drive by Vanderbilt University
• See outside of the Parthenon
• Photo op and song performance
• Drive down 12th Avenue South
• Optional Angel mural photo op

Top questions

How long does the private Nashville tour last?

The timing is flexible based on your itinerary and guide availability for your booked day.

Is hotel pickup included in this Nashville private tour?

The tour includes private transportation with pickup arrangements coordinated after booking.

Who leads this private Nashville city tour?

A local singer-songwriter named Steven Whitson guides and performs during the tour.

What attractions are visited on this Nashville tour?

You’ll see Downtown Nashville, Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, Music Row, Vanderbilt University, the Parthenon, 12th Avenue South, and more.

Are snacks or drinks provided during the tour?

The tour includes locally made GooGoo Clusters, Moon Pies, and Fiji bottled water.

Can I customize stops or end at a restaurant?

Yes—some guests choose to end at a favorite restaurant on 12th Avenue South and return by Uber.

Is this private city tour suitable for all ages?

The experience is suitable for all physical fitness levels and welcomes service animals.

Will there be live music during the tour?

Your guide will perform an original song live during one of the stops outside a venue.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation around Nashville with flexible pickup arrangements, locally made GooGoo Clusters and Moon Pies to snack on along the way, plus Fiji bottled water to keep you refreshed between stops at city landmarks and photo ops before returning whenever you’re ready.