Here is a breakdown of my must-do’s, must-see’s, and (most importantly) must-eats of the Music City.
Breakfast/ brunch:
Kitchen Notes (Downtown Nashville)
Nestled inside the beautiful Omni Hotel in downtown Nashville, Kitchen Notes is sure to impress. By far one of the best brunch experiences I’ve ever enjoyed and I savored every moment of it. I recommend ordering the buffet option so that you don’t have to make the near impossible decision of what to order; you’ll get to taste it all! The buffet offers everything: fresh fruit, southern cheesy grits, perfectly cooked breakfast meats, made-to-order waffles and omelets (the list goes on). My personal favorite was the homemade biscuit bar with fresh fruit preserves and jams! What more can you want? The chic atmosphere and mid-century modern decor are the icing on this (already amazing) cake.
Pancake Pantry
Calling all breakfast lovers! The Pancake Pantry is a well-known diner with true Southern Flair! I guarantee you will leave with a full stomach and a happy heart. The superior service is worth noting; our waitress was delightful and checked on us countless times. I think she was really concerned we weren’t getting enough to eat. She even gave us coffee refills to go! I definitely recommend ordering the pancakes (although that probably goes without saying); however, the eggs and hash browns are excellent as well! Actually just get it all! Go big or go home right? The pancakes will literally melt in your mouth and are served with classic maple syrup and the most heavenly house cinnamon sugar syrup. Maybe I’ll develop my own version of this and share the recipe with y’all! Most importantly, be sure to go hungry!
Coffee:
Barista Parlor (East Nashville)
People across the blogosphere have long been raving about how amazing Barista Parlor is, and I now understand what all the fuss is about. The exquisitely crafted coffee, although a bit on the pricey side, is well worth every penny. It is served in a self-pour beaker (nice touch) and is brewed to perfection (really it is). As amazing as the coffee is, I have to admit it is almost overshadowed by their glorious breakfast sandwiches. Eggs, cheese, and your choice of meat between the most incredible, flaky, homemade biscuit. Definitely the best breakfast sandwich I have ever tasted. You can also purchase cronuts here (just saying). Everything was so good that I wanted to come back every single morning of the trip.
Crema (Downtown Nashville)
Located just minutes from downtown, Crema is a must pit-stop while you are out doing all those touristy things. On the menu you will find the ever-trendy avocado toast (need I say more?) and moist, tender pastries to boot! I had their seasonal pumpkin berry muffin; it was fluffy, moist, and full of spicy fall flavor (the tart berries accented the flavor perfectly). When it comes to the drinks, you really can’t go wrong. Nashville’s coffee restored my faith in local coffee shops. I didn’t miss Starbucks one bit! The presentation of the products at Crema is divine and the atmosphere perfect for both business and pleasure.
Lunch/Dinner:
The Pharmacy Burger Parlor and Beer Garden (East Nashville)
My husband said Pharmacy’s burger may be the best burger he has ever had (and he tends to order burgers at every single restaurant we frequent, so he is pretty much an expert). I’m not sure what makes this burger so special; whether it’s the brioche bun, the tender meat, or the unique, innovative toppings, but it really is something to write home about! The lighted patio/ beer garden atmosphere was reminiscent of Munich, Germany and made for a memorable, laughter-filled night with friends.
Sinema Restaurant & Bar
If you want to enjoy some fine dining, I highly recommend visiting this stunning restaurant located inside a converted historic movie theater. The decor seamlessly fuses together elements from the original building with stylish modern pieces. The food is literally art (both in flavor and appearance), as unique as the concept itself, and well-worth the price. I recommend ordering the Caramelized Onion Kale Dip as a starter (I literally could have eaten it all night). This is a great spot for a romantic night out!
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken
Can you say hot?! This chicken is not for the faint of heart. I’m a spice gal so I went ahead and ordered the “hot” level chicken and it made my eyes water like crazy (I still loved it); however, if you are sensitive to spice I definitely recommend going with the “mild” unless you want to be sucking down drinks all night. If you are feeling extra brave there is even something called “hot as cluck”; however, they will not take it back if you “chicken out”. So if you can’t handle the heat… Your chicken comes with two sides. Whatever you do be sure to get the macaroni and cheese as one. It was the best mac and cheese I’ve ever had (I know I’ve said that about a lot of things this blog post, but the food in Nashville is just THAT good you guys).
Butchertown Hall (Germantown, Nashville)
This restaurant is new on the scene, having just opened in February, but it has already made quite the impression and has found its way onto numerous best-restaurant lists. The wood-fired cooked meat is tender, mouthwatering, and would make any German proud! I recommend getting the brisket, which you can order by the pound or as a sandwich. If you order it by the pound be sure you have somebody or somebodies to share it with because it is a lot of food! For your side, I recommend the Brussel sprouts or the thyme oil roasted potatoes. Also, the hand-crafted sodas are exquisite and caffeine-free to boot (perfect for this mama-to-be)! I’m craving one right now…
Hang-out/ Grab a drink:
Pinewood Social (Near Downtown Nashville)
By and large one of the most well done businesses I’ve seen in quite some time, Pinewood Social includes a restaurant, lounge, bar, coffee shop (Crema- the aforementioned coffee shop), and retro bowling alley. Literally a one-stop shop for hanging out and killing time! Hats off to you Pinewood founders! The amazing atmosphere coupled with the great food makes for an unforgettable night out on the town. A great place to gather with friends or meet co-workers for an after-work cocktail. For an extra treat you can reserve a lane in the bowling alley ($20/person/hour). You may want to secure a reservation as Pinewood is quite the popular spot!
Dessert:
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams (12 South)
Ice cream is my all-time favorite dessert, so anytime there is a renowned ice cream parlor in the vicinity I’m all over it. Jeni’s has an excellent assortment of innovative flavors such as salted peanut butter chocolate chip (my favorite), wild berry lavender, salty caramel, and pistachio & honey. The ice-cream is fresh, creamy, and oh-so full of flavor! With a few locations around Nashville this is a must for an afternoon treat or after dinner dessert. Just be sure you have plenty of time as there is usually quite the line!
Gray’s on Main (Franklin)
Another really unique restaurant, Gray’s is housed inside a historic pharmacy building (that’s over a century old). After walking through the main floor you can go up a large flight of stairs into the second floor bar and music hall. I did not have dinner here (although the menu looked amazing); however, I can rave about their desserts. The dessert menu reflects Southern favorites including banana pudding and chocolate pie. The atmosphere is refined yet rustic; a great place to satisfy your sweet tooth or you can try one of their signature hand-crafted cocktails!
Shopping:
12 South
-Draper James: Reese Witherspoon’s newly opened lifestyle boutique has Southern preppy fashion, accessories, and home decor. The clothing along with the storefront itself is absolutely gorgeous, down to every minute detail. Reese really outdid herself! Now if only she would open a store on the west coast…
-Imogene + Willie: Located inside a rad, old service station, Imogene and Willie offers premium denim for men and women. It is evident that the selection, albeit small, is carefully chosen. Every piece is the store is of the utmost quality and made with premium materials.
*While you’re exploring 12 South be sure to take a picture in front of the iconic “I believe in Nashville” mural located next to Draper James. Also, there is a Jeni’s Ice creams on 12 South so you can cross that off your list as well!
Marathon Village (East Nashville)
-Antique Archeology: This is the home base of Mike Wolfe from History Channel’s American Picker TV show. You will definitely find some really cool (and slightly creepy) things here! Super fun place to visit!
-Garage Coffee: Garage is a great place to take a break in-between all that shopping. The coffee is roasted to perfection, probably because of my amazing brother-in-law Bryce Newman. Be sure to say “hi” to him if he’s working!
-Bang Candy: For the best homemade marshmallows there are, drop into Bang’s. Bring some home for your family and friends while you’re at it! Talk about a cool stalking stuffer!
Downtown Franklin
For a relaxing shopping experience stroll around historic downtown Franklin where you will find countless local boutiques selling fashion to home decor to antiques and everything in-between. A great place for gift shopping! My personal favorite is Rock Paper Scissors, a chic, stylish paper store with the best prints I’ve seen in quite some time.
By Barista Parlor
-Sisters of Nature
Love love love this darling and chic women’s boutique located next to Barista Parlor! The lifestyle store has excellently selected merchandise (they even carry prints by one of my favorite Cali designers, Kelli Murray) and the styling of the store itself is dreamy. I will definitely be stopping in again every time I visit Nashville.
-Moto Moda
This motorcycle lifestyle collective shop is just plain rad. The style is relaxed yet adventuresome, trendy yet not overdone. The owner Jimmy has incredible vision; furthermore, his laid-back, friendly attitude made for a great shopping experience.
Things to do downtown:
Tour the Ryman Auditorium Auditorium: The self-guided tour is amazing and well-done. It starts with a 10 minute interactive video (Disneyland-like) and then you are free to walk around the venue for as long as you like! If you get a chance, catch a live show here as it is the original Grand Ol’ Opry (and in my book, way cooler).
John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge: Walk this bridge for amazing views of the cityscape! A great place for taking Instagram worthy pictures!
Take a walk down Broadway: For the true honky-tonk experience (and the best people watching), go at night when all the crowds are out. You will hear talented musicians playing live in every single bar!
Other trip highlights:
Centennial Park: A very peaceful place to relax and get some exercise. Take a brisk walk around the beautiful pond and check out the to scale replica of the Roman Pantheon!
Opryland Hotel: This truly spectacular hotel has over nine acres of lush, indoor gardens and cascading waterfalls. You can even take a boat ride around the grounds! It’s basically the Disneyland of Nashville. Definitely booking a room here on our next visit! Every balcony looks out into the biosphere.
Off the Record Fashion Show: The event was hosted by one of my husband’s clients who had the ingenious idea to transform Nashville into another fashion “coast” (if you will). The event served to fuse together the music and fashion industries and was held at the mansion Rayna Jaymes calls home on the show Nashville. Countless celebs and fashion designers were in attendance showing their support for the movement. Be sure to look out for this event again next year! (All of my jewels were graciously provided by Heather Gardner Malibu. Her pieces would make an excellent Christmas gift for that special gal in your life! Hint, hint fellas!)
Special Thanks…
to our awesome tour guides Bryce and Lauren! Always a fun time with these two!
