Copy of NASHVILLE
Weekend travel guide to Nashville, Tennessee including the best hotel recommendations, restaurants, bars, museums, things to do, eat, see and explore.
NASHVILLE
THE STORY_
NOT INTO COUNTRY? NOT A PROBLEM.
Nashville earned its name by way of good ol' honky tonk country music, but today, Nashville has created a new identity that outshines the music. “Music City” attracts an artsy crowd that has inspired beautiful restaurants, concept bars, outdoor gardens, and festivals, all with a dose of sincere Southern, laid back hospitality. After a stayover in Nashville, you'll probably want to move there (don’t say we didn’t warn you).
"
THE ROOM_
THE THOMPSON NASHVILLE
Thanks to the THOMPSON NASHVILLE, Nashville has a fresh, hip hotel to match the new beat of the city. We love the Thompson for that reason alone, and it's location in the downtown area of "The Gulch" makes it the prime location with a less touristy crowd. The rooftop bar, LA Jackson, has quickly become the spot to mingle and socialize while enjoying one of the best views of Nashville.
URBAN COWBOY BED & BREAKFAST
URBAN COWBOY NASHVILLE. If you want an authentic Nashville experience, which means making music and friends, of course, stay on the Eastside at this Victorian home turned B & B. The eight dreamy rooms are individually designed to celebrate Nashville's artistic character and all hold true to a "Cowboy Glam" style. You might not want to leave your room or the common areas (music room, public house bar, porch and lobby).
THE GUIDE_
DAY ONE_
morning
DRINK_ CREMA. Filled with young, creative locals, this coffee house has great views of the river and downtown. Their macaroons are flavors you’ll actually be down with (think sprinkle birthday cake and lemon poppy seed).
WALK_ PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE & RIVERFRONT. 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.
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.
HANG_ PINEWOOD SOCIAL. 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_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.
NITE
EAT_ BASTION 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. Or, stay on 12th South and head 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). This hip coffee shop 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.
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.
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_ LA JACKSON ROOFTOP AT THE THOMPSON. The rooftop at the Thompson is buzzing at all hours of the day and night with the younger adult crowd. Head here just before sunset as it provides one of the best backdrops of the Nashville skyline.
EAT_ ROLF & DAUGHTERS. 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.
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.
PLAN AHEAD_
MAKE RESERVATIONS_
CHECK the CALENDAR_
THE LIST_
EVERYTHING FROM OUR GUIDE (PLUS A FEW OTHERS WE LOVE)
day_
nite_
DRINK
CAFFEINE_
COCKTAILS_
PLACES
