Leave Camp Lejeune, NC as early as you can and point the car west on I-95 S before connecting to I-40 W for the long haul into Nashville. You’re looking at roughly 10.5–12.5 hours of drive time once you factor in gas, food, and a couple of stretch breaks, so this is a true arrival day rather than a sightseeing day. Expect the last stretch into downtown to be the busiest around rush hour, and once you’re near 4th Ave S, use one of the public garages for easiest hotel parking and check-in—downtown valet can get pricey fast, usually around $25–45 overnight depending on the property.
Once you’re settled, take a short, low-pressure walk down Broadway to reset after the drive. This strip is loud, neon, and very much the Nashville postcard: live music spilling from every doorway, rooftop bars, and a steady stream of boots, bachelorettes, and visiting sports fans. Keep this to about an hour and just let the energy wash over you—no need to overplan. If you want a drink, grab one casually, but mostly this is about people-watching and getting your bearings downtown before dinner.
Head to The Southern Steak & Oyster in SoBro for dinner; it’s close enough to walk from most downtown hotels and a good first-night choice after a long drive. Expect Tennessee-leaning seafood and steakhouse plates, with meals landing around $30–60 per person depending on drinks and entrees. It’s a polished but not fussy spot, and dinner should take about 90 minutes if you want to linger. Afterward, walk off the meal on the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge for skyline and river views—especially pretty after dark when downtown lights reflect off the water. If you still have energy, finish the night at Ryman Auditorium for a show if one’s running; it’s one of the best first-night experiences in town, and even a late show feels worth it. Tickets vary a lot, so if you’re going, book ahead and plan on a couple of hours total before calling it a night.