7 Days in Nashville

Jun 4

OH Nashville, how I love you.

Like, everything about you. The food, the coffee shops, the live music... THE PEOPLE.

Seriously, living in South Florida my whole life I forgot what standard respect and courtesy was and that it even existed... and don't get me started on the guys down here. I met a guy within the first few days of being in Nashville, and he was incredible kind and respectful. Manners? Respect? What is this... WHAT ARE YOU. I was so confused.

I've been to Nashville a few times before, but this time around I had an extended stay (about 8 days) which was justtt enough time to fully appreciate the city and to tease me into moving there. I changed my flight on 3 separate occasions because I didn't want to leave... I think that's a good indicator that I could call it my second home very soon? We'll see if I'm brave enough to make the move in a few months time... but right now, I'm REALLY into the idea. :-]

OK so the first few days...

I was in town for my friends Bachelorette party. There were 12 of us girls. Yes, there was a lot of eating, drinking, late nights at Honky Tonks and penis paraphernalia. It was a good time. We stayed at a big, beautiful house via airbnb in East Nashville. I extended my stay with my girl Lauren H for a couple days, where we stayed in the heart of downtown. For the remainder of the week, I was with my OTHER favorite Lauren, aka LB, who flew in from Dallas- we stayed at the beautiful Thompson Hotel in the Gulch area.

SO, I got around...

Not like that, minds out of the gutter.

I got around in that I was able to take in different areas of Nashville- and you better believe I scoped out the best spots to eat & drink in each.

Obviously, I'm no local. I was in full on tourist mode the entire time... BUT there are a few spots I have consistently gone to, enough to confidently recommend to you guys. So if you're planning a trip to Nashville, read on...

Accommodation:

The Thompson Hotel: location // 401 11th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203

The Thompson is a stunning luxury boutique hotel in downtown Nash/The Gulch. It's the second time I've stayed here and it's the only hotel I'll ever stay at in Nashville (my standards are now too high). From the moment you walk in, you're greeted and spoiled by the most friendly, helpful, charming *ehm, and good looking* staff. The location can't be beat, the food is life changing, and they happen to have one of the best rooftop bars AND coffee shops in Nashville, which I'll talk more about in a bit. You could literally spend all day and night at this hotel and have a full Nashville experience. Every detail down to the decor is perfection.

Side note: if you find yourself eating at this hotel, whether it's room service or at their restaurant downstairs, Marsh House... ORDER THE GRITS. This isn't a joke. Guys... their grits are unbelievable. Cheesy, creamy goodness that I could honestly bathe in... go ahead, feel free to visualize that. I would book a flight back just to eat another bowl.

Anyways, I'll let a few pictures try to put it to justice:

Activities:

Arrington Vineyard: Location // 6211 Patton Rd, Arrington, TN 37014

If you have a day to spare in Nashville, make your way over to Arrington Vineyard for a wine tasting and food pairing. A vineyard probably isn't something that comes to mind when you think of Nashville, but it's a nice change of pace from the craziness of Broadway. It's about 40 mins from downtown, so if you're in a big group like we were, it might be worth it (and more cost effective) to rent a little charter bus/driver.

Peddle Tavern: yes, we were those tourists that drank our way downtown via the loud, obnoxious peddle tavern. Would I do it again/recommend it? Hmm, it was fun and don't get me wrong, we all had a good time. But it was HOT, my heart was racing, my legs burning and all I wanted to do was sit in the air conditioning with an ice cold beer. It's a lot of work, and over before you know it.

Off The Wagon Tour: Alternatively, I enviously noticed open top buses "Off The Wagon Tours" where people were just dancing and drinking atop... their slogan is "we don't pedal, we party". I'd go for this one instead next time around!

Mechanical Bull Ride: Location // Wild Beaver Saloon 212 Commerce St, Nashville, TN 37201

I mean, is a Nashville trip really complete without getting challenged by a bull!? If you're with a bachelorette party... this is a must for the bride-to be.

Restaurants:

Pinewood Social- location // 33 Peabody St, Nashville, TN 37210

Pinewood Social is a trendy little hangout that has so much more to offer than delicious food in a ridiculously adorable venue.

Seriously, don't just go for the shortrib hash... go for the cocktail lounge, coffee shop, bowling ally and bocce courts.

Sunday funday, anyone?

Merchants: location // 401 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203

Any place that serves me popcorn with my mimosas on a beautiful white marble tabletop, you have my heart. The food was outstanding too- I got the quinoa veggie burger with goat cheese.

Oh and their baked pimento cheese dish pictured below... it's ooey gooey amazing goodness. Don't ask questions, just get it.

Biscuit Love: location // 316 11th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203 (+ multiple locations)

A Southern breakfast & lunch spot known for it's... well, biscuits. I've been here more times than I'm proud to admit. Make sure to get there early on the weekends so you don't get stuck in the long, ravenous line of those eager for their bonuts & mimosas.

Just like that one ass hole friend that orders kale at brunch... I was that girl that ordered yogurt & granola on my previous visit to Biscuit Love. Whatever I'm sure I made up for it at dinner that evening.

Little Octopus: location // 505 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203

Lauren H and I walked past this tapas-style restaurant in the Gulch area and was immediately drawn in. To be honest I can't vouch for the food because we sat at the bar for [delicious] coffee, but this is one of the most beautiful restaurants that I came across here! Light, bright, airy... with PINK booths. Simply stunning.

According to reviews, the food is just as impressive as the decor.

Coffee shops:

Frothy Monkey: location // 2509 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204 (there are multiple locations)

A locally roasted coffee shop chain serving breakfast, lunch & dinner in a hip little space. Every local I have every asked for a coffee shop suggestion has mentioned the Frothy Monkey.

p.s Hey LB, act natural real quick.

Barista Parlor: location // 610 Magazine St Nashville, TN 37203 (+multiple locations)

A hip java joint I stumbled upon in the Gulch neighborhood serving artisanal espresso's & cafe eats in a very open, industrial venue . They work with local artists, farms, businesses & bakeries.

Get there on the early side to make sure you snag one of their freshly baked (100 layer) KRONUTS before they sell out for the day. This happened to me both times on my last trip and I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.

Killebrew: location // 401 11th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203 (Inside The Thompson Hotel)

A chic little coffeehouse located inside The Thompson Hotel. Ideal for light bites and delicious coffee/tea options... I went here every day of the week!

I may or may not have gotten the XL peanut butter & jelly cinnamon roll at one point. You'll never know.

Rooftop bars:

L.A Jackson: Location // The Thompson Hotel, 401 11th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203

The best rooftop bar in town, IMO. Stunning views, classy (& fun) crowd, incredible cocktails & delicious food.

Acme Feed & Seed: Location // 101 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201

Multilevel venue located at the head of broadway... with creative cuisine, live music, yummy cocktails & a stunning view of Nashville. The perfect spot to kickstart your honky tonkinnn' evening.

Instagram'able Spots:

... because lets be real, documenting your trip via insta is one of the fun parts of traveling. If all the above photos weren't enough, here are a few more:

The "what lifts you" wings mural.

Location: 302 11th Ave S. Nashville, TN 37203 (Gulch area)

The #acousticskyline mural of which I don't have the exact address, BUT it's right across the street from Barista Parlor in the Gulch.

The insta-famous "I Believe in Nashville" mural in 12 South.

Location // 302 11th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203

The lit up NASHVILLE sign inside of Biscuit love. (As if we needed more of a reason to go here)

Location // Biscuit love, 316 11th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203

Jeni's Splendid Ice cream

When you share the same name as a popular ice cream joint, you go.

With flavors such as brown butter almond brittle, wildberry lavender & brambleberry crisp... I challenge you to NOT eat the entire thing after your "I only got it for an insta" cone.

Location // 2312 12th Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37204 (+ multiple locations)

What I Wore:

If you didn't already see my packing list from my previous blog post, WTF To Pack For: Nashville here are a few of my favorite pieces from the trip.

All this Nashville reminiscing is making me even more excited about the idea of moving there. =D

I'm sure I lost any and all of my local Nashville readers after I mentioned the peddle tavern.. BUT if there are any of you left that live there, I'd love to chat. Leave me your username below! xx

*booking flight back for July 4th weekend*

-jen x