What is it about Nashville?
I’ve been going back and forth from Nashville since 2016… I honestly fell in love- first with that airport carpet *wink* no but for real, there was a live band playing in the Tootsies Airport Lounge and from that moment on I knew I was done for.
There is two reasons you FIRST end up in Nashville, the first is likely a Bachelorette, the second is the nightlife. Honestly though, those two things are great but it’s not everything. I don’t think you can find two neighbourhoods alike. The houses are beautiful, the people are so friendly, food is drool worthy. But before I go into my list of “top” places to hit up, I wanted to explain my view of Nashville and then my husbands.
So if you know me personally… I’m obsessive lol. Like about anything I love, so when I first even had the thought to go to Nashville I became obsessive about knowing everything. I knew that everyday 80 people moved to Nashville, I knew the rough areas, the up and coming areas, where the house flip “hubs” were, the best little boutiques to shop at, the best spot to get my sweat on and then where I was going after to get the best vegan treat. I even knew where to find Deacon’s house from the show Nashville. I researched the shit out of this city, the more I found out the more I wanted so badly to pick up my family and move us there permanently (keep in mind this is before I even set foot in Nashville #stagefiveclinger lol)
Let’s switch the focus to my hubby. Tyler loved the ‘idea’ of Nashville. He didn’t really research it, he just went off my high of all the things I loved about it. It’s like any city in North America folks, there’s construction, homelessness, poverty, ‘ugly areas’, nightlife noise etc. It literally broke my heart
Tyler had this idea that it was a small town, with cutesy homes, country music, dirt roads and just overall small town vibes. There are areas like this BUT Nashville is VERY big and there is so much to see + do. I felt like I needed to defend the city to him because he got jipped out of the experience. I don’t want that to be you! So- here it goes the real deal guide to Nashville Y’all.
Where to Stay
I would recommend finding an Airbnb. Instead of giving you actual Airbnb’s here’s some neighbourhoods to look at and what they have to offer.
The Gulch- Some of the best little shops from coffee at Killebrew located in the bottom of the Thompson Hotel to clothing boutiques like Blush or Kittenish to getting an amazing workout in at Shed Fitness with Brittany. You want a picture with those famous ‘Angel Wings’ on the black wall? The Gulch is where you’ll find it. Depending on the day you may be waiting in line. It’s an upscale area with trendsetting restaurants.
12South- The best about this area is the amount of diverse shops you’ll find. A lot of the local designers and makers are featured here in the boutique shops along the way. You’ll find everything from coffee shops like one of my favs, The Frothy Monkey to the BEST donuts in the world the Five Daughters Bakery.
Hillsboro Village- Snuggled up between Vanderbilt University and Belmont University. It’s only a four block stretch but again packed with great shops like Revalator Coffee and Revv. You want a ‘Nash’ hat? The owner of Revv is the founder/creator of the hats. Laci ALWAYS has some in stock at that location but they also opened up The Nash Collection store downtown on Broadway!!!!
East Nashville- The creative class. They have the funkiest restaurants and bars. The food here is unreal and the drinks are one of a kind. Craft cocktail joints and vintage shops are all over. The homes here in East Nashville can date back to the early 1900’s. They are beautiful and its a vibe you can't find anywhere else in Nashville.
Downtown- B R O A D W A Y sums this up. As a tourist, you’ll end up here. Its inevitable. Cool hands on spots to try out is the Liquor Lab where you can create and mix drinks the hands on approach, the Pedal Tavern where you bike around town with a guide drinking, sweating, and singing until you can’t sing no more! You have to go to Tootsies because well, it’s Tootsies and it’s part of the Honky Tonk Highway on Lower Broadway, 10am to 3am and they are all FREE (*no cover). Also, hit up Ole Red they have amazing live music.
Germantown- This is actually Nashville’s oldest neighbourhood. The Germantown Café is a hit and I always go to Bits & Pieces Antique Boutique while I’m in town because I love their stuff. They also have a few of my favourite clothing stores- Alexis and Bolt -it’s everything Nashville in there and Abednego is the coolest shop around. If you happen to be visiting in season you can hit up a Sooners Baseball game.
Green Hills- Bluebird Café. Need I say more, It’s a popular spot so plan ahead. Green Hills is one of the most desirable areas to live in Nashville. Looking for Mall? The Green Hills mall is it. Also want to look fresh AF before your night on the town check out my fav spots for a Blowout at The Dry House. If you can, travel south of Nashville and hit up Melissa at Parlour 3 in Brentwood because they Do. It. All. When it comes to treatin’ yo self- colour, blowout, make-up etc. Also if your looking for some beautiful art pieces Melissa has beautiful paintings for sale as well.
Have a vehicle? I highly recommending venturing south of Nashville to Brentwood and Franklin both towns are so damn cutesy. With rolling hills, beautiful views and the hometown feels.
This next list is just that… a list not categorized by neighbourhoods or how much I like them, they’re all top notch babe.
Grub
(Some of these restaurants have complimentary valet, which makes the experience even more enjoyable)
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken - Tyler LOVED this place, he claims it was the best fried chicken sandwich he’s ever had.
The Wild Cow - BEST VEGAN FOOD!!! Like the downhome food your grandma would make but vegan. Left me feeling comforted and love went into those dishes.
Adele’s - New American. The farm-to-fork establishment.
Saint Anejo - Mexian dishes. I LOVED this place, a girlfriend from Nashville took my Mom and I here one night and it was so goooood! The cocktails are also bangin’
L.A. Jackson - this restaurant has a view of the city that can’t be beat. It’s definitely a class joint but it’s worth it.
Five Daughters Bakery - I can’t stress this enough. If you go to Nashville and don’t end up on the front step of one her their locations you truly didn’t get the whole experience…book a ticket right now and go back, just for these donuts. They have all the kinds including vegan. GO GET ONE, or Six? I won’t tell.
Fitness
Shed Fitness - in the Gulch is my FAVOURITE workout place ever. I’ve owned my own gym before and I know what it takes to run one. Brittany is the shit. She runs the show there and puts together a kickass workout. Classes start as early as 5am. Let them know Sam from North and Nash says Hi!
HOTBOX Nashville - I’ve personally never attended a class here before BUT everyone raves about it. It’s worth a stop in for sure.
Inner Light Yoga - I LOVE this yoga spot. It’s got these amazing ceiling fans and electric window coverings to keep you cool and set the mood. The music is great and the class I attended was so good -both a workout and a place to Zen out in. An added bonus, the décor is on point.
The Must See for any Tourist
The Ryman Auditorium- check the website and get your tickets in advance. The Ryman used to be the home of the Grand Ole Opry. They are still open and run shows/events/performances throughout the year.
Grand Ole Opry- Tyler and a few of our friends headed here for one of our nights out. We saw some crazy talented musicians, Bobby Bones also came out and did a comedy skit…I died. He was hilarious and the whole night was epic. So many talented people all under one roof.
John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge- the views are so beautiful and you get a great view of the city skyline. It spans the Cumberland River and brings you from downtown Nashville to the Nissan Stadium home of the Tennessee Titans.
Country Music Hall of Fame - I mean it speaks for itself.
Bridgestone Arena- Home of the PREDS!!!! While your there get yourself a Smash hat.
Find one of Amelia's Flower Trucks- there are three in and around the Nashville area.
For the Outdoorsy Folk
Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park- an urban state park in downtown Nashville.
Horseback Ride through Cedars of Lebanon State Park
Drive In Movie - just outside of Nashville in Sparta.
Trail Hike/Run at Percy Warner Park. The drive into the park is lined with beautiful homes old and new, in general this is just a beautiful area in Nashville. Safe and for all hiker levels.
Rent a Bike and ride around the town
Ok guys, I'm sure I've missed a ton because there is soooo much to see and do in this city that I couldn't possibly put it all in.
But I hope this helps a little on your travels to one of my favourite places in the world!
From your #wannabenashvillian