Dogs are a man’s best friend.
But, we think all creatures are worthy of getting up close and personal with.
That’s why we’ve been hunting down Music City’s best animal experiences and we’re sharing them with you below.
Whether domesticated, farm, forest, aquatic or jungle – Nashville has a host of ways you can experience a variety of species in some really unique environments.
Keep reading for how to get wild with Nashville’s Best Animal Experiences.
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7 Unique animal experiences in Nashville
Mewsic Kitty Cafe
Enjoy a purr-fect visit to the Mewsic Kitty Cafe where resident free-roaming “foster felines” reside “until they meet their furever families.” Confused? Don’t be. Nashville’s first “Cat Cafe” basically combines a coffee shop with a cat rescue for a win-win. Have a cappuccino and enjoy all the kitty cuteness.
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The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee
Get out your tissues. Perhaps one of the greatest tragedies is the way captive elephants have been historically treated, but there’s a beautiful refuge for these gentle giants not far from our bustling city. The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee rescues elephants from captivity to spend the rest of their days in a Hohenwald, TN paradise, tended to by a fully trained staff. While the habitat is closed to the public at the moment, you can visit the Elephant Discovery Center to explore the “many ways elephants shape our world.”
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Goat Yoga Nashville
Who knew goats were natural yogis? Well, Goat Yoga Nashville did and their goat-infused yoga classes are one of the most unique experiences you will ever have. You’ll stretch, laugh, connect with nature and de-stress. Even if yoga isn’t your thing, you have to roll out a mat, get into a down dog and let the staff goats do their magic.
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The Gentle Barn
The Gentle Barn will open its barn doors on August 26. Get ready for a farm animal rescue where you will be able to “hug a cow, cuddle a turkey, give a pig a tummy rub.” Their mission is to teach “People Kindness and Compassion to Animals, Each Other and our Planet.” We think this will be a beautiful addition to our community and a great place to visit anytime you need a cuddle from a cow.
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Aquarium Restaurant
Ariel only wishes she was part of this world! Taking “Under the Sea” to a whole new level, diners are surrounded by a 200,000 gallon tank while seated at the Aquarium Restaurant. Mermaids have been known to swim among the fish, sharks and stingrays, making this a marine life experience not to be missed!
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Dog Day Festival
Save 9/15/2018 for Dog Day Festival, Nashville! The Parthenon Lawn at Centennial Park becomes a canine extravaganza complete with a costume contest, pupper parade, training classes, demonstrations, contests and pet portraits, a low-cost Microchip Clinic, food trucks, door prizes, fun zones, live entertainment/music and so much more! Hosted by the Nashville Humane Association, there will be adoptable dogs present, so you just may find your new best friend.
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Radnor Lake
An oasis in the city, a visit to Radnor lake is always graced with a variety of wildlife like deer, blue heron, wild turkeys and owls. A Class II Natural Area, this protected sanctuary is home to turtles, frogs, mink and otter too – so the opportunities to connect with nature and to learn are endless. Be prepared for anything from a leisurely stroll to a challenging hike depending on how far you venture.
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Now, go get wild!
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For all your Nashville needs (arts & culture, live music, eats and drinks, outdoor adventures and more) browse daily suggestions at Wannado.com/Nashville.