Nashville is a music and food lover’s paradise and that is all there is to it. We majorly packed it in for 3 days and I think we did some justice to our short window – here’s a few of the delicious and festive spots we hit:
EAT!! (Yes we ate all this in three days…)
Dinner
- Adele’s – Celeb chef Jonathan Waxman offers seasonal comfort food like great meatballs and craveable kale ceasar in a beautiful industrial space in the Gulch
- City House – Germantown neighborhood gem with insane pizzas – don’t miss the smoked lamb sugo, buttermilk cottage cheese with okra, grits al forno, mmmmm…
- 404 Kitchen – cozy little shipping container next to the Station Inn in the Gulch. Try the rabbit with gnudi.
BBQ
Peg Leg Porker – OMG the ribs. Pimiento cheese was pretty epic too.- Edley’s – There are three of these around town. Everything was unforgettable here, fried okra yes! – at lunch have the Tuck Special with brisket, pimento cheese, over easy egg, pickles and two sauces on a perfect bun. Heart stoppingly good…
Breakfast and snacks:
Nashville Farmer’s Market – The permanent building in the middle of Bicentennial Park has a fun international food hall with Saturday outdoor produce market- Kitchen Notes in the Omni Hotel – We didn’t have a whole meal here, but my biscuit was hands down the best of the trip – super flaky and buttery – if you like that sort of thing…
- 417 Union – great spot for breakfast with memorable Bloody Marys in a cool old dining room dedicated to civil war and WWII history.
Sprinkles – If you’re in the 12South area, you kind of have hit the cupcake ATM.- Biscuit Love – Once a food truck, now a charming biscuit themed cafe. There are lines around the block but go after the lunch rush to try the fluffy style biscuits and “bonuts.”
Jack Brown’s Beer and Burger Joint – The most perfect little burgers in town, and a huge yard out back for corn hole and lounging.
PLAY!!!
The District – honky tonk heaven (or hell depending on how you feel about the raging crowds). Go during the day for lots of great live music but a mellower scene. Our favorite stop was Roberts Western World and their house band Brazil Billy.- Saint Anejo – The fun tequila library upstairs is a great stepping off point for an evening out in the Gulch.
- The Station Inn – Classic spot for serious appreciation of bluegrass and acoustic country.
CHECK IT OUT!!
Country Music Hall of Fame- Hatch Show Print – take a tour and watch posters roll off the presses at this working letterpress print studio which has been cranking out artwork for the music industry since 1879. Great spot for souvenir posters and original postcards!!
- Ryman Auditorium – Once a gospel tabernacle and former home of the Grand Ole Opry, this beautiful building has hosted a most incredible array of performers for well over a century. Do not miss the tour.
Bicentennial Park – Escape the city for a stroll through Tennessee state history in this beautiful mall down the hill from the capitol, and be sure to stand in the center of the 95 bell towers (“Carillons”) for a lovely tolling serenade on the hour.- Boot stores abound especially on Broadway in the District (cheap), but for higher end boots visit Lucchese or Frye (which had a band set up when we were there – of course!)
- Draper James – Visit Reese Witherspoon’s sweet southern clothing store in 12South and be sure to take your picture by the Nashville sign around the corner!
Craft South – Inspire your inner DIYer at this craft heaven- Littleton Leather – I am coveting these beautiful handbags, belts and other leather goods at the Five and TENN store in the Omni hotel.
We are going back for:
Bluebird Café for music, Pinewood Social for bowling and fun indoor outdoor festivities, Parthenon because wow, Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant for music and bbq, Loveless Cafe for country ham, live music at the Ryman, a field trip to Andrew Jackson’s home The Hermitage, and so much more…
Tracy Barsotti 