Nashville, TN — Nashville Adventures, a veteran- and locally-owned tour company, has been named a finalist in the Music, Sports, Gaming & Entertainment – Startup category of the 2025 NEXT Awards, presented by Amazon and hosted by the Nashville Entrepreneur Center.
As one of only three startups in this category—alongside Brandwood Global and GIGGS—Nashville Adventures stands out for its immersive, curated tours that invite visitors and locals alike to experience the city’s rich history, vibrant culture, and iconic landmarks through expert storytelling.
“Being selected as a NEXT Awards finalist reflects the values we bring to every tour: hard work, community, and a love for Nashville,” said founder Paul Whitten.
Why This Recognition Matters
- Celebrating Local Entrepreneurship:
The 2025 NEXT Awards is the premier entrepreneurial celebration in Middle Tennessee, honoring innovators driving Nashville’s economic growth. Finalists include businesses across six industry categories, each represented in both startup (less than 5 years) and growth (5+ years) stages. - Nashville’s Story, Shared Authentically:
Nashville Adventures delivers unforgettable history tours, ghost tours, pub crawls, private events, and corporate experiences. The company consistently receives excellent reviews—over 500 five-star ratings across Google, TripAdvisor, and Viator—affirming its reputation as one of the city’s top-rated tour operators. - Giving Back, One Tour at a Time:
Rooted in a commitment to community, Nashville Adventures donates 1% of all revenue to veteran-focused charities and participates actively in local volunteer efforts.
What’s Next
The 2025 NEXT Awards ceremony will be held on October 20, 2025, at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center—a signature fundraising event hosted by the Nashville Entrepreneur Center, complete with recognition, networking, and VIP experiences.
Nashville Adventures looks forward to celebrating with Nashville’s most imaginative and impactful founders.
What This Means for Nashville Adventures
- Validation of Excellence: This nomination highlights the company’s storytelling, operational excellence, and community-first values.
- Amplified Visibility: As a finalist, Nashville Adventures gains heightened exposure among local innovators, investors, and the wider Nashville entrepreneurial ecosystem.
- Inspiration to Others: This acknowledgment underscores the spirit of Nashville – one that values creativity, grit, and giving back.
About Nashville Adventures
Founded by Paul Whitten, Nashville Adventures is a veteran- and locally-owned tour company dedicated to sharing Nashville’s past and present in meaningful ways. Offering curated history tours, pub crawls, ghost tours, and customized group experiences, the company has cultivated a reputation for authenticity, personalized service, and community impact.
About the NEXT Awards
The NEXT Awards & Entrepreneurs’ Hall of Fame is Nashville’s flagship celebration of entrepreneurial excellence. Hosted by the Nashville Entrepreneur Center and presented by Amazon, the event honors innovators across six industries, recognizing both emerging startups and growth-stage businesses
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