Donelson Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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 centre 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 centre, drive east for about 10 miles (16 kilometres) 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

Activities


Our pick of the best Donelson Hotel Deals

Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center

Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center

4 out of 5
2800 Opryland Drive, Nashville, TN
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$660 per night from 30 Oct to 31 Oct
AU$660
30 Oct - 31 Oct
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! (1,711 reviews)
"Top notch resort. Love it!"

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
Best Western Plus Nashville Airport Hotel

Best Western Plus Nashville Airport Hotel

2.5 out of 5
911 Airport Center Drive, Nashville, TN
The price is AU$170 per night from 20 Oct to 21 Oct
AU$170
20 Oct - 21 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Nashville. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,161 reviews)
"The pool is a terrible design. No sun.."

Reviewed on 15 Oct 2025

Best Western Plus Nashville Airport Hotel
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 AU$175 per night from 17 Nov to 18 Nov
AU$175
17 Nov - 18 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Nashville. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Popular attractions Grand Ole Opry ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (630 reviews)
"Good"

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

Holiday Inn Nashville Airport by IHG
Nashville Airport Marriott

Nashville Airport Marriott

3.5 out of 5
2200 Elm Hill Pike, Nashville, TN
The price is AU$216 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
AU$216
26 Oct - 27 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Nashville. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,021 reviews)
"Have to pay to park I think $20 a night."

Reviewed on 14 Oct 2025

Nashville Airport Marriott
Holiday Inn Express Nashville Airport by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Nashville Airport by IHG

2.5 out of 5
1111 Airport Center Dr, Nashville, TN
The price is AU$146 per night from 10 Nov to 11 Nov
AU$146
10 Nov - 11 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Nashville. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)
"Room was clean, staff very nice, only problem with breakfast was no bacon."

Reviewed on 16 Oct 2025

Holiday Inn Express Nashville Airport by IHG
Radisson Hotel Nashville Airport

Radisson Hotel Nashville Airport

3.5 out of 5
1112 Airport Center Dr, Nashville, TN
The price is AU$186 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
AU$186
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Nashville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,040 reviews)
"We stayed here with our family before flying out of BNA. We had to shuttle at 3am. The staff was very friendly, the property was clean, and the room was comfortable."

Reviewed on 16 Oct 2025

Radisson Hotel Nashville Airport
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

2/5(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 Bridgestone Arena 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

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