I’ve been wanting to visit Nashville for a long time. Not just because of the country music and the Broadway scene, but also because I’ve heard nothing but good things from anyone that has visited.
I recently got the chance to go to celebrate a friend’s birthday. There was about 11 of us total that went and we had the best time. If you followed along on my Instagram stories, you saw some of the highlights of my trip, but I wanted to share more with all of you, especially for those that haven’t been to Nashville, or are thinking about going. I definitely want to go back, as there is so much more that I want to see and do. So here’s my guide to Nashville. Enjoy!
Book an Airbnb – I would definitely recommend staying in an Airbnb. There are so many options to choose from, and it’s way cheaper than staying in a hotel, especially if you’re planning on going to Nashville during a holiday or a popular time of year. Some of my friends and I stayed in the cutest Airbnb, which ended up being the second floor of a couple’s house. It was decorated so cute as you can see in this photo. The vintage photographs filled the hallway and represented all different events that took place in the city over the years. AND they had the cutest dogs! They greeted us every time we came home, and one of them named Maggie would tap you with her paw if you stopped petting her. So cute! You can shop this look by following me in the LIKEtoKNOW.It app.
Get an Uber – As far as transportation, we took Uber everywhere. It made it so much easier not having to worry how we were getting from one place to the next. PLUS, every Uber driver was so nice and offered us great recommendations on shopping, nightlife, and of course, food. You’ve got to check out Nashville Guru. This website was recommended to us and it breaks down each neighborhood and gives you the best places to visit in Nashville. It also offers a list of upcoming events along with places that have happy hour specials.
Try a Tour – We did two tours while we stayed in Nashville – the Taste of Nashville Walking Food Tour and the Old Town Trolley Tours of Nashville – both were great. I love food and I literally get hangry if I don’t eat every two hours, so the food tour was perfect for me. We not only got to taste great food and sweets, but we also got the history behind all five places that we visited from our tour guide Sean. And thankfully the little bit of rain that day didn’t put a damper on our plans.
Bert with an “e” led us on our Old Town Trolley night tour and was full of entertainment. Check out the Nashville highlight on my Instagram stories to see more of his fun shenanigans. My two favorite parts of this tour were visiting music row where we heard stories about Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley, and walking to the top of the Shelby Street Bridge to see the bright city lights and take a group photo. Let me tell you, it was a cold one that night, but it was worth it, especially because I was wearing this faux fur leopard jacket. I’ve linked it here.
Eat as Much as you Can. If there is anything you should check out food-wise in Nashville it’s barbecue and hot chicken, which are two foods the city is known for. Take your pick from Jack’s Bar-B-Que or Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint, and Acme Feed and Seed or Hattie B’s Hot Chicken. If you like biscuits and breakfast, along with a good chai, you’ve got to visit Biscuit Love, but be prepared to wait at least an hour in line to get in. It’s so worth the wait.
Urban Grub is a casual fine dining restaurant with an amazing seafood selection. I had a lobster flatbread that was to die for, accompanied by a delicious blueberry and strawberry froze. You also can’t leave Nashville without visiting No Baked Cookie Dough. They have so many kinds to choose from and you can even add toppings! I tried the chocolate chip and the cookies and cream flavors. So good! And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention 5 Points Pizza. Everyone wasn’t kidding when they said it was the best pizza in town. Their garlic knots are delicious and you can smell the garlic as soon as you walk in. I tried a slice of their prosciutto and basil pizza and it made me feel like I was back home in New Jersey.
Shop at The Gulch and Fatherland – We visited some of the best places to shop while in Nashville. The Gulch offers super cute boutiques and stores, such as Blush Boutique, e.Allen, Parish and The Frye Company, which are filled with all kinds of different pieces, and also provides great backdrops to take photos, including the one above. Also, if you haven’t seen my photo with the #WhatLiftsYou wings yet, check it out here.
The Shoppes at Fatherland are a collection of stores located on Fatherland Street, each with its own unique offering. Project 615 was recommended to us by our Airbnb couple for a different take on Nashville apparel and they didn’t disappoint, along with NancyBGoods, which was chock full of handbags, hats, jewelry and more. There are tons of places to check out so I would definitely make sure you give yourself enough time.
Explore the Nightlife – One of the nice things about the nightlife in Nashville is you don’t have to pay a cover to get into any of the bars. Many of the bars have a rooftop which you’re free to visit, take in the amazing views and the big city lights. I’d have to say that Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row, FGL House, Luke Bryan’s 32 Bridge Food + Drink, Jason Aldean’s Kitchen + Rooftop Bar and Old Red were some of my favorite bars we visited. I included pictures above and below of some of my friends and I at Old Red and Tootsie’s (you can shop my looks via the LIKEtoKNOW.it app). The live music and atmosphere was amazing and each had multiple floors with entertainment. Make sure you bring cash to tip the musicians, as that’s how they make their money, and also if you want to request any songs.
My time in Nashville was amazing. Everyone was so warm and welcoming, and eager to help and show my friends and I the best of the city. I can’t wait to go back!
