DAY ONE

MORNING

DRINK & EAT_ FROTHY MONKEY or MILE END DELI.

If you want to feel like a true Nashville local, head to the closest FROTHY MONKEY (multiple locations).  This Nashville chain is open throughout the day and they do everything right—  from breakfast dishes (avocado toast, espresso swirl pancakes) to artisan coffee drinks and even serve wine with delicious accompanits throughout the day.  

Head to the Fairlane hotel to the New York outpost of  the MILE END DELI.  This Montreal-style deli (which basically means “glutenous”) does everything from extreme bagel sandwiches, lox and fish plates, to breakfast ruebens,  While you’re there, it’s a perfect excuse to check out the beautiful mid-century hotel lobby and space.

WALK_ PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE & RIVERFRONT, 3RD AVE & ACME FEED & SEED. 

Take a walk along the riverfront and PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE for the best views in town.  Head over to 3RD AVE (Goo Goo Shop and Das Boot) for great souvenir shopping which will surely get you in the Nashville spirit.  Make your way down to ACME FEED & SEED, a multi-level bar, restaurant, rooftop, game hall, and of course home of the famous Acme Radio.  The rooftop is definitely worth a look (and a quick drink) for views of the river, Broadway, and downtown. 

TOUR_ THE RYMAN.

Take the historic tour of THE RYMAN if you are a country music fan.  They take you backstage of the famous venue which still houses some of the most popular artists today.  

AFTERNOON

EAT_  PINEWOOD SOCIAL or HATTIE B'S.  

Located on the riverfront, the space is a warehouse office park, so you may be skeptical at first. It is one of the most beautiful multi-concept spaces we've seen with dining, bars, bowling alley, bocce ball court, pool, games, and coffee stand.  The modern brunch menu with a Southern twist is spectacular, and the specialty cocktails don't disappoint either.  Alternatively, if you've come to Nashville to overdose on heavy southern food and want more of a casual atmosphere, head to HATTIE B'S for the best Nashville hot chicken (or all around best friend chicken) you'll ever eat.  

Don't just plan on eating at PINEWOOD SOCIAL - plan on staying for some bowling, lounging by the pool, playing games, and socializing.  The vintage bowling lanes become an afternoon destination.  If bowling isn't your thing,  there's an outdoor Airstream with a Frose (frozen Rose) machine, pool, lounge chairs and games.  If the weather is amicable, bring your suit.  You won't hear country music played here.

WALK & SHOP_12TH SOUTH NEIGHBORHOOD.  

Lined with restaurants, boutiques, bakeries, and coffee shops, this is probably our favorite street to wander.  It fuses old Nashville charm with new and modern influences.  If you have a sweet tooth, FIVE DAUGHTERS BAKERY is a must and an excuse to check out the perfectly pink-tiled decor.

WALK & SHOP_ THE GULCH & LA JACKSON.

What used to be the epicenter of the city, is now lined with brand new modern residential buildings making it the most livable part of the city and the street levels are filled with the trendiest boutiques, restaurants, outdoor restaurants and rooftops-- with the flagship being THE THOMPSON HOTEL.  The rusting railroad tracks line the streets to leave some part of the past and history of the city.  Check out, LA JACKSON, the rooftop at the Thompson Hotel for a quick refresh and pre-dinner drink.

NITE

EAT_ BASTION or HENRIETTA RED or EDLEY'S.

If you're lucky to snag a seat (via reservation at least a month in advance) at one of BASTION'S 24 seats, consider yourself the luckiest person in town. This intimate restaurant is easily the coolest thing to hit Nashville.  The menu changes daily and it is usually prix fixe.  Plus its right next to FLAMINGO CLUB which is one of our post-dinner cocktail lounges.

The newest spot and deserving of the hype is HENRIETTA RED.  Part oyster bar, bar/lounge and restaurant, the beautiful space in Germantown proves the beautiful design details don't just stop at the decor.  The food is beautifully prepared and delicious.  The assortment of oyster preparations, small plates, and mains are mouth watering. The cauliflower steak will even satisfy carnivores and the scallops are the best we’ve ever had.

If you're craving BBQ, head over to 12th South to EDLEY'S for what most Nashville locals will arguably say is the “best BBQ” in town.

LISTEN_ BLUEBIRD CAFE.  

Be sure to check out their website for a weekly lineup and ticket instructions (usually have to purchase the Monday morning the week of).  If you don’t know anything about country music, this small strip mall venue is where so many stars (i.e., Taylor Swift) were discovered, and also is where the TV show Nashville takes place.

DRINK_ PATTERSON HOUSE.  

This speakeasy-inspired specialty cocktail lounge has it all: ambiance, house made cocktails, perfect bar bites, and a lively crowd.  Standing room is prohibited, so you might have to wait (and you'll understand why so many do).

DRINK_ PRINTERS ALLEY.  

If you're a night owl and still need a fix post-Patterson House, head to PRINTERS ALLEY.  Just steps from 3rd and 4th Ave (between Union and Church) this alley was home to the publishing/printing headquarters where songwriters and musicians congregated.  Today, it has become a popular destination for entertainment, lined with hole-in-the-wall bars, nightclubs, and restaurants.  

DAY TWO

MORNING

DRINK_BARISTA PARLOR  (Golden Sound) or MONELL'S.

This hip coffee shop, BARISTA PARLOR, located in The Gulch is a modern space known for their drinks and sweets. If you must, grab a donut (they serve Five Daughters), pastry, or biscuit egg sandwich to hold you over 'til brunch.

For some real Southern Hospitality head to MONELL'S (the original location in the brick house) for a breakfast with all the fixins. It's as if you were staying at a Bed & Breakfast and the host spent all morning working on the spread.  Get their early as it's not as much of a secret as we wish it was.  

SEE_ COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME. 

You'll probably notice quickly, there’s not a whole lot to keep you busy in Nashville besides eating, drinking, and live music.  If you are a music fan (and somewhat enjoy country music), check out the museum (and if you’re an Elvis fan, do the Studio B tour as well).  The museum not only focuses on country music but provides a history and cultural background of all types of music.

SEE_ HATCH SHOW PRINT. 

Located in the same building as the Country Music Hall of Fame, you'll find the letterpress printing company that still designs some of the most iconic posters in music today.  Watch posters come right off the printing press and appreciate Hatch's commitment to not surrender to the digital age. 

AFTERNOON

EAT_ HUSK. 

If the charming brick house where HUSK resides doesn't scream southern hospitality, the food surely will.  All the dishes are Southern style, and the menu changes daily. You'll surely find shrimp & grits, corn cakes and other Southern delicacies as staples on the menu.  Their fried catfish is about as southern as you can get-- and start with the deviled eggs. 

WALK_ EAST NASHVILLE FIVE POINTS (Corner of Woodland St & 11th).  

Head across the river to the East Nashville neighborhood of Five Points.  This historic area has gentrified into a young, creative community and is a great example of Nashville's new identity.  Check out the antique stores, art galleries, and coffee shops away from the touristy downtown that maintain original southern charm.

DRINK_ URBAN COWBOY PUBLIC HOUSE.  

Continue your journey to the East Nashville headquarters, URBAN COWBOY. If you aren't staying at this Bed & Breakfast, be sure to pop into the rustic Public House to scope out the scene.  The bar is the only part of the hotel open to non-guests, but you'll get a glimpse of the perfectly charming Victorian house turned "Cowboy Glam" hotel .  There you will find locals, musicians, and the most "in the know" visitors.  

NITE

 DRINK_ RARE BIRD at NOELLE NASHVILLE AND SPEAKEASY AT NOELLE NASHVILLE

While rooftop bars are becoming the newest Nashville craze, there's something special about RARE BIRD. The attention to detail on each drink, perfectly curated bites, bright patterned furniture and an up close view of the Nashville skyline, you'll want to extend happy hour. While you're there, head down to the basement to MAKEREADY but you're not going there (although, it did make our List as a place to eat for B,L, or D so feel free to grab a bite). Turn around and find the speakeasy-- it's much larger then you would expect with funky but thoughtful decor and an innovative cocktail menu. 

EAT_  ROLF & DAUGHTERS or FOLK. 

 You're probably sick of heavy Southern Food by now, so head over to ROLF & DAUGHTERS.  They focus on simple, creative seasonal ingredients, full of flavor and a bit lighter then what you'd expect in Nashville.  It's impossible to order a bad dish or drink (roasted chicken and pastas are mouth watering).  The crowd is trendy but casual, and its location in Germantown will give you a preview of the next new area on the rise.  Before you go, check out GEIST for a drink.  The old hardware store turned stunning restaurant is the hottest thing in town and makes the perfect stop pre or post dinner in Germantown.  

The newest addition to the Nashville dining scene is FOLK.  Creative pizzas, small plates, and vegetables , dominate the menu and have locals swarming this East Nashville spot. 

DRINK_ OLD GLORY or LA JACKSON.  

Head over to OLD GLORY, if you can find it.  It's location in an unmarked door, in an alley behind the restaurant, Barcelona in Edgehill makes walking inside that much more satisfying.  Their specialty cocktails, loud music and open two-story space

WALK_ BROADWAY and ROBERT'S WESTERN WORLD.  For a nightcap and walk, head to Broadway.  It’s not for everyone, but you will want to check it out (think the Bourbon Street and Vegas Strip of Nashville).  And if you’re going to check out one bar, ROBERT'S WESTERN WORLD is our pick where live music, kitsch western decor and a friendly crowd come together.