As with most cities, much of the activity in Nashville is dependent on the time of year you visit. There are numerous festivals and concerts throughout the year, but typically, most are during the spring and summer. One of the unsung gems of the Nashville music scene is Dancing in the District; a free weekly concert series during the summer.
From Riverfront Park to 2nd Avenue and for blocks around, there is plenty of food, shopping and entertainment to be absorbed in the downtown district.
Half the allure (or more than half) of Nashville is its people. These alluring people are best met on their own turf. The West End, Elliston Place and Hillsboro Village neighborhoods are your best bets for nightlife and mingling on any given evening.
If you have a penchant for history, Nashville is chock full of it. From president's to musical pioneers, many famous and infamous characters have left their mark here. You might choose to visit Andrw Jackson's home, the Hermitage, or traipse through one of several museums. For the Civil War enthusiast there are seemingly endless points of interest within an hour's drive of the city, as well as within the city itself.
Quick Tips:
With few exceptions, there are no remarkable accomodations that stand out from the crowd. If budget is your priority, seek out the typical motel chains you would find anywhere else in the U.S.
If you wish to spend more, again, you'll find the typical upper-end accommodations.
For more unique lodgings, try the Union Station Hotel. The Opryland Hotel is also a unique location that warrants a visit, even if you don't choose to stay there.
In general, the west side of Nashville or downtown are your best bets when looking for a place to bed down.
Best Way To Get Around:
To properly see Nashville, you need a car. If you fly into town, rent one. Otherwise, you will either limit the scope of your activities or spend more money on cab fares than you would have on a rental car.
As for public transportion, don't think about it. If you're only visiting, there is little or no reason to bother yourself with the unreliable, inconvenient and inadequate bus system.
In the downtown area, you will be just fine on foot. In fact, I would recommend exploring the downtown district on foot or in combination with the trolley, which runs on a limited route in the vicinity.
For all else, I've got three words for you: use a car.