Nashville: Hop-On Hop-Off Brewery Trolley Tour

When exploring Nashville, many travelers focus on country music, iconic landmarks, and lively downtown. But if you’re a beer enthusiast or simply curious about Nashville’s local brews, the Hop-On Hop-Off Brewery Trolley Tour offers a refreshing twist. This tour promises a relaxed, flexible way to sample the city’s burgeoning craft beer scene while enjoying the comfort of a vintage trolley.

What makes this experience stand out is its convenience—you can hop off at any of six breweries, spend as much time as you like, then hop back on to continue your journey. We particularly appreciate how this tour blends authentic local flavor with safety and ease, making it ideal for casual explorers and beer lovers alike.

Of course, no tour is perfect—some might find the six-brewery itinerary a bit ambitious, especially if you want to truly savor each stop. But for those who enjoy a flexible schedule and a taste of Nashville’s craft scene, this trolley offers excellent value and a fun way to explore.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a laid-back, guided experience without the pressure of a strict schedule. It’s perfect for groups, individuals, or couples looking to enjoy Nashville’s local breweries at their own pace, whether you’re in town for a quick visit or a longer stay.

Key Points

• Flexible Experience: Hop-on, hop-off at any of 6 breweries, making it easy to customize your day.
• All-Inclusive Transportation: Unlimited trolley rides and safe, air-conditioned transport between stops.
• Diverse Breweries: Visit a variety of local breweries, including Honeytree Meadery and Bearded Iris.
• Cost-Effective: At $45, it offers a reasonable way to explore multiple breweries without additional transportation costs.
• Guided Convenience: An easy, fun way to discover Nashville’s thriving craft beer scene, especially if you prefer not to drive.
• Limitations: Visiting six breweries might be a bit rushed, and some reviews suggest the ride back to downtown isn’t always included after visiting all stops.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Nashville Brewery Trolley Experience

For those curious about what exactly this tour entails, here’s a detailed breakdown. We’ll explore each element, highlighting both the advantages and the possible drawbacks, based on available reviews and the tour description.

How It Works: The Basic Structure

Starting from downtown Nashville (usually at the Omni Hotel on 5th Ave), you’ll board a vintage trolley that takes you on a clockwise loop around the city’s brewery hotspots. The route covers six key stops—including Honeytree Meadery, Tailgate East, Southern Grist, East Nashville Beer Works, Bearded Iris, and Monday Night Brewing. The entire loop takes approximately one hour.

What’s unique is the “hop-on, hop-off” system—meaning you can get off at any stop, explore, and then rejoin the trolley later. Your ticket grants unlimited rides throughout the day, giving you the freedom to linger or skip stops as you please.

Transportation and Comfort

The trolley itself is air-conditioned, which is a pleasant relief during Nashville’s warm months. The vintage look adds a nostalgic touch, making the ride enjoyable beyond just transportation. The group size appears manageable, ensuring you won’t feel crowded, and the driver or guide is typically knowledgeable, adding context and local flavor.

The Brewery Stops

Here’s what you can expect at each destination:

• Honeytree Meadery: A sweet diversion into the world of mead—honey wine—offering a different kind of craft beverage. Visitors often enjoy tasting and learning about the fermentation process.

• Tailgate East: Known for its relaxed vibe, this brewery reflects East Nashville’s creative spirit. It’s a good spot for casual conversations and enjoying local brews.

• Southern Grist: A favorite among craft beer aficionados, Southern Grist offers a variety of innovative brews. The reviews mention that the food and tapas here are delicious, adding a tasty complement to your drinks.

• East Nashville Beer Works: A neighborhood favorite, this brewery showcases Nashville’s thriving local craft scene, often praised for its friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere.

• Bearded Iris: Recognized for its modern approach and quality brews, Bearded Iris is a highlight for many beer lovers. The stop offers a chance to sample some top-tier local beers.

• Monday Night Brewing: Known for its approachable beers, Monday Night offers a laid-back vibe with a focus on quality and community.

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What Travelers Are Saying

Feedback from participants highlights several positives: knowledgeable guides make the experience informative and engaging, while the delicious food and tapas at some stops elevate the tasting experience. One reviewer exclaimed, “Our tour guide, Trevor, was exceptional!” indicating personalized attention and enthusiasm from guides.

A common concern is that visiting all six breweries in one day can feel rushed, with some travelers noting that after hitting five stops, the trolley doesn’t always return directly to downtown. One review pointed out, “Visit 5 and u get a ride back into the CBD, bit disappointing.” This suggests that while the flexibility is a plus, it’s worth planning your time accordingly to avoid missing out on your favorites.

Value for Money

At $45 per person, this tour offers a cost-effective way to visit multiple breweries without worrying about transportation or designating a driver. The included bottled water and air-conditioned vehicle add comfort to the experience, and the unlimited rides mean you can pace yourself.

However, be aware that beer and food are not included—so you’ll want to budget extra if you plan to indulge at each stop. The tour is best suited for those who want to try different local beers without the hassle of planning individual rides or worrying about safety.

Practical Tips

• Start early: The tour departs downtown at 11:50 AM daily, so plan your arrival accordingly.
• Wear comfortable shoes: You’ll be walking and standing at each brewery, some of which might have outdoor or uneven surfaces.
• Plan your brewery visits: Know that you can hop off and on at any stop, so decide in advance how long you’d like to stay at each location.
• Be mindful of the ride back: After the sixth stop, check if your ticket includes transportation back to downtown to avoid surprises.
• Bring your ID: Some breweries may require proof of age for tastings.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is perfect for casual travelers, beer enthusiasts, and groups looking for a fun, flexible way to explore Nashville’s local breweries. If you enjoy sampling beers without the stress of driving and want the freedom to linger at your favorite spots, this experience fits the bill. It’s also suitable for those who appreciate guided transportation and authentic neighborhood breweries rather than touristy chain venues.

It might be less ideal for travelers seeking a more comprehensive or in-depth brewery tour, or those who prefer more time at each stop. Plus, if your main goal is to explore Nashville’s music scene, this tour complements but doesn’t replace the city’s iconic music attractions.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

In a word, yes—if you’re looking for a relaxed, fun way to discover Nashville’s craft beer scene. The unlimited trolley rides and several brewery stops offer good value and variety, especially for those who want to enjoy local flavors without the hassle of planning transportation.

This experience suits adventurous drinkers who value authentic neighborhood breweries and want the flexibility to poke around at their own pace. It’s also a great option for groups or couples wanting a shared adventure with a laid-back vibe.

While it might be a bit rushed to visit all six breweries in one day, the tour’s flexibility lets you tailor your experience. If you’re prepared to plan your stops and manage your time, you’ll find this tour a delightful way to taste Nashville’s craft beer while enjoying the city’s friendly, welcoming atmosphere.

FAQ — Practical Questions About the Nashville Brewery Trolley Tour

What is included in the ticket price?
Your ticket grants unlimited rides on the trolley for the day, safe transportation between breweries, an air-conditioned vehicle, and bottled water.

Are food and beer included?
No, food and beer are not included. You will need to purchase your own drinks and snacks at each brewery.

Can I start the tour at any brewery?
Yes. You can hop off at any of the 6 stops and start your tour there, since the tour is hop-on hop-off.

What is the departure time?
The downtown departure from the Omni Hotel Nashville is at 11:50 AM daily. You can also meet at any brewery on the route to start your experience.

How long does each brewery stop last?
The tour doesn’t specify exact times at each stop, giving you flexibility. It’s up to you how long you linger, but keep in mind the overall schedule if you want to visit all six.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, as you’ll be walking around breweries and sometimes outdoor spaces.

Is this a guided tour?
Yes. The trolley is driven by a guide who may also share insights about Nashville’s beer scene.

Will I be able to sample beers at each stop?
While samples are generally available at breweries, your tour ticket doesn’t include tastings—they are purchased separately.

Is this tour suitable for groups?
Absolutely. It’s designed for groups, couples, or solo travelers who enjoy a social, relaxed day exploring local breweries.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility if your plans change.

In sum, the Nashville Hop-On Hop-Off Brewery Trolley Tour offers an engaging, flexible, and enjoyable way to experience the city’s craft beer culture. Whether you’re a dedicated beer lover or just curious to see Nashville from a local’s perspective, it’s a well-priced adventure that encourages exploration at your own pace.

You can check availability for your dates here: