My Guide to Nashville

i’ve been gone 9 months, so i’m sure there are some hip pop-ups and new must-sees. this is MY nashville. this is where i love to go. if you are planning a visit, i hope this guide can give you some ideas.

 in nashville, the pace is slower, the schedules looser and the vibe is CHILL. so just roll with it. if you visit nashville, i think you should have three priorities – hang out on a patio, hear some music and catch up with some friends. after the jump i share my favorite places to eat, to drink, to hear some music & where to stay …

FOOD + DRINK

i am all about the quiet catch-up over a tasty meal. i hate going to a noisy restaurant where i feel like the servers look at your table with hungry eyes for a quick turnover. i like a place where you can sit for a while.

get the fish tacos at fido, iced coffee at portland brew (and hug my sister in law!), the crying tiger at int’l market. everything is good at woodlands (& its byob) their service is quick and they do a great lunch buffet. merchants is swanky – fun for a girls night out or a romantic date. firefly is where my family celebrates together (when alva sr. is in town). it’s quiet with great service, a quaint handwritten menu with southern-cajun specials. it’s a place you can disappear into a conversation and enjoy a delicious meal.

i did live in nashville as a college student (at belmont), so i ate a lot of cheap food. on patios, lawns, in plastic booths. good times.

a little east-side representation here – the nashville biscuit house is awesome, especially after a heavy night out. i dream of weenie is just fun (& very family-friendly) – hot dogs out of an airstream? yes please. PM was like my neighborhood bar. get a japanese old fashioned with a burger or the asparagus & edamame salad. the taproom is a great porch if you can get there early and claim a seat. paletas are perfect for a walk in sevier park. and the beer margarita at chago’s cures all mid-week woes.

MUSIC

first i would see if any of the nashville artists i featured earlier this week are playing. then, i would check lockeland springsteen and the nashville scene critics pick for tips on good shows. those people know what they’re talking about.

the bluebird is famous for a reason – don’t miss the chance to hear some high-craft writers. if you can’t get into the bluebird (reserve a table!), douglas corner is great too. i think 8 off 8th is better when someone fun curates the line-up; you can see some amazing bands for free. i saw a few shows at the high watt before i left and i really liked the industrial space and the sound engineer – he was good.

WHERE TO STAY

air bnb has some great options – here is a great family home in 12th south next to sevier park and an adorable bungalow in 12th south near great restaurants. slightly off the beaten path you can stay at a cabin in east nashville or an amazing private room in a 1906 historic home.

if a hotel is your thing, i recommend the hutton hotel - we stayed there for an anniversary night and it was very comfortable and the downstairs bar is really fun. for a chain, i recommend the hampton inn green hills – its next to the mall and near some decent stuff. if you really want to go all out, stay at the hermitage. classic southern elegance.

hope you have a great trip! enjoy music city! i leave tomorrow for my trip back and i can’t wait.