Let’s explore Nashville the long way — cruising 17 miles along U.S. Highway 70 West as it winds from Donelson through downtown and out toward the suburbs.
We kick things off by merging onto Lebanon Pike from Briley Parkway (TN-155) near Donelson, on Nashville’s east side. This stretch is a local favorite for avoiding the interstate traffic when we want to roll into downtown at a slower, more scenic pace. The first few miles carry us through quiet residential neighborhoods dotted with mid-century homes and local businesses. Near Spence Lane, we hang a turn west, skirting the edge of historic Mt. Olivet Cemetery before floating across Browns Creek — a little urban stream that many folks miss as they zip by. Not long after, Lebanon Pike blends seamlessly into Hermitage Avenue, marking our transition from neighborhood streets to the city’s industrial fringe.
As we duck under the massive flyovers where Interstate 40 and Interstate 24 knot together, we steer northwest onto Korean Veterans Boulevard, dropping us right into the heartbeat of downtown Nashville. The city buzz intensifies as we cruise up First Avenue and swing left onto Broadway — easily one of the most recognizable stretches in Tennessee. Here, it’s all honky-tonks, neon lights, and crowds drifting in and out of music joints. We pass the legendary Ryman Auditorium, the “Mother Church of Country Music,” and Bridgestone Arena, home to the Nashville Predators and big-name concerts. After crossing Rosa Parks Boulevard (U.S. Highway 41), we navigate the short viaduct over the rail yards — a quick moment where the skyline peeks through steel and concrete.
A few more blocks on Broadway and we pivot north along George L. Davis Boulevard, paralleling I-40 for half a mile before reconnecting with Charlotte Avenue. This corridor is a true cross-section of Nashville’s modern urban sprawl. Hospitals like TriStar Medical Center stand beside local diners and high-rises fade to open spaces as we near Centennial Park — home to Nashville’s full-scale Parthenon replica and one of the city’s top picnic spots. Once we slip under Interstate 440, the commercial strip gives way to tree-lined residential streets and older neighborhood shopping centers.
Pushing further west on Charlotte Pike, the vibe shifts again as we roll through Charlotte Park — a well-established community with a laid-back feel. We pass cross streets like Annex Avenue and Hillwood Boulevard, a couple of strip malls, and local eateries before threading through the I-40 interchange for both eastbound and westbound traffic. It’s here where locals know to duck off for gas or groceries, with Davidson Road and River Road marking the last few big stops before Highway 70 carries on out of town toward Bellevue and beyond. We end our run at a convenient fuel stop — the perfect place to top off and plan the next leg of the adventure.
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