After ten years of traveling to Nashville, I am finally getting around to writing down all of my Nashville favorites. Blake is from Nashville and his family still lives there, so we are lucky enough to visit there a couple times a year. Nashville somehow manages to combine southern charm, live music, Vegas nights, an amazing restaurant scene, and the cutest boutiques into one tiny city. Well done, Tennesee.
So, when in Nashville…here’s the scoop.
WHERE TO STAY
21c Museum Hotel – This place is new and ultra trendy. It is part 24 hour modern museum and part hotel. Very cool.
Hutton Hotel – Located in the West End neighborhood, this place gets an extra star from me because it is pet friendly. And by pet friendly, I mean really pet friendly. Your furry friends are greeted with a pet bed, scratching station, and treats.
Thompson Hotel – Brand new and located in The Gulch, this place has the best views of downtown Nashville. Bonus, James Beard award winning chef opened an amazing seafood restaurant, Marsh House, in the hotel.
Omni Nashville – Located RIGHT downtown, steps off Broadway. It has a great rooftop pool!
WHERE TO EAT
When in Nashville you need to eat that good ole’ southern comfort food and the options seem endless. The food scene in Nashville is going crazy. When I first started going to Nashville about 10 years ago, there were good restaurants, yes, but there were not cute, trendy, amazing restaurants. Now, no matter how often we make it down to Nashville, I cannot keep up with the restaurant scene. I compiled my favorites, and some I am dying to try. My mother-in-law is always up to date on everything new and delicious around Nashville, so her favorites are below too.
Adele’s – This is a farm to fork restaurant and definitely top of my list for Nashville restaurants.
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken – Hot chicken is a must, if you like spicy! This one is highly regarded around Nashville. Other hot chicken options are Prince’s Hot Chicken and Party Fowl (if you REALLY like it HOT)
Fin & Pearl – When I think about Nashville, I don’t think “great seafood.” But this restaurant has GREAT seafood! Honestly, everything we had here was amazing, and the vibe is really cute. It’s also in the Gulch, which is a must visit while in Nashville.
Merchant’s – We had our engagement party here, so this place will always hold a special place in my heart. Located in the heart of downtown Nashville, this place is steeped in Nashville history. Originally a pharmacy/hotel in the 1890’s, turned speakeasy/casino/brothel in the 1920’s and now a delicious restaurant!
Pinewood Social – This place is cute and delicious. It is half restaurant and half bowling alley. A great place for Bachelorette parties, girls weekends, or just a fun winter activity in Nashville.
Biscuit Love – I am not a biscuit person. But, if you are, this is a must try.
Bartaco – This is a great taco joint on 12th Avenue South. One of my favorite things about this place, the walls are covered with awesome travel pics taken by the owner of the restaurant! How cool?!
Gray’s – If you have some extra time in Nashville and feel like venturing out to Franklin, which you definitely should do! This place is an old pharmacy turned restaurant. It’s cute and delicious.
Mere Bulles – Again, if you want to venture out of the city, this place is to-die-for. The fried artichoke are out of this world and so is the she-crab bisque. I always leave here with a well-earned stomach ache. The artichokes are so good, that last time we were in Nashville and couldn’t fit this into the itinerary, I ordered them to go for a snack. I have never been for Sunday brunch, but my mother-in-law raves about it and it is definitely on my wishlist. Added bonus, it is located in a historic plantation style house out in Brentwood, SO CUTE!
Homestead Manor – It’s easy to forget about the history surrounding Nashville with the amazing music and restaurant scene. But if you take some time outside the city, there are hidden historic gems everywhere. This place is an old Civil War mansion. There is a cute little restaurant and you can tour the grounds and house afterward (including the attic which doubled as a hospital during a Civil War battle, they actually show you the blood stains on the floor).
WHERE TO SHOP
12th Avenue South – My favorites here are White Merchantile, Imogene + Willie (AWESOME jeans), MODA Boutique, and Summer Classics.
Franklin – There is also a White Merchantile in Franklin, along with Jondie, Heylee B, and Kelly Spalding Designs.
Broadway – When in Nashville, you must boot shop. One of my first trips to Nashville I bought not one, not two, but THREE pairs of cowboy boots and I still wear them all the time. They are quality, handmade boots and hold up over time. Boot Country on Broadway has a buy one, get two free special, all year round. So if you are there with a group, it is definitely worth a stop!
WHAT TO DO
Bluebird Cafe – If you haven’t heard of this, you’ve probably been living under a rock. Infamous for where Taylor Swift was discovered and now crazy busy every night because of the show Nashville. But if you can get a spot or want to wait in line, it is always highly recommended by locals and visitors alike.
Honky Tonks – No trip to Nashville is complete without a few Honky Tonks for some good old live country music on Broadway. Tootsie’s is a must, as one of the oldest on Broadway, but take your pick, you can’t walk a half block without running into a few.
Station Inn – A true local music spot, with no frills whatsoever and known for discovering local talent.
Murals – Nashville has some pretty great mural wall photo ops. Some of the best are, I Believe in Nashville which is off 12th Ave South, the Draper James wall, also off 12th Ave South, and the What Lifts You wings mural in the Gulch.
Happy Travels!
