The Nashville City Guide
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Living
The Nashville City Guide
September 27, 2023
Whether you’re a live music enthusiast, bachelorette to be, or simply someone who loves immersing themselves in an energetic new city, consider this your sign to add Nashville to your to-visit list. From iconic honky tonks infused with music history to the meals we’ll be dreaming about for years to come, we’re certain there’s something fun to do in Nashville for anyone and everyone. So, with the help of a few local friends, we’ve curated a complete guide to Music City—including everything from unique hotel stays to the best restaurants for brunch in downtown Nashville. Read on, and be sure to bookmark for future reference.
Activities
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum—Whether or not you’re an avid country fan, consider this a Music City must. Explore two floors of iconic artifacts, enjoy rotating exhibitions, and learn more about the city’s deep cultural impact in the industry.
Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge—As one of Broadway’s original honky tonks, Tootsie’s is decidedly iconic. Stop in for live music, delightfully themed cocktails, and a bit of Nashville history.
Arrington Vineyards—For a bit of fresh air, take the hour sojourn outside the city to spend an afternoon wine tasting at the idyllic Arrington Vineyards.
Activities
The Frist Art Museum—Featuring works from international artists and Tennessee locals alike, the Frist Art Museum is the perfect way to spend an immersive few hours.
Percy Warner Park—The perfect loop for a casual morning walk. We love a sunrise or sunset stroll.
Radnor Lake State Park—Spend some time lakeside at this local-favorite spot.
Hamilton Creek Marina—Kayak, paddle-board, or simply spend some time outdoors watching sailboats go by.
Hotels
The Hermitage—When it comes to Nashville stays, it doesn’t get much more iconic than the Hermitage. Timeless, luxurious, and perfectly situated for peak walkability.
Four Seasons Nashville—We love the Four Seasons in any city, but their Nashville location takes Southern hospitality to an entirely new level. Plus it’s home to a must-visit, riviera-inspired rooftop bar.
1 Hotel Nashville—Designed with the intent of creating a nature-inspired sanctuary in the busiest of bustling cityscapes, 1 Hotel Nashville is a destination and an escape all in one.
Noelle—From bespoke culinary experience to virtually endless amenities—plus art at every turn—every aspect of your stay at Noelle has been curated by Nashville’s finest creative minds.
Conrad Nashville—Modern, minimalist, and totally luxe, the Conrad Nashville also happens to boast incredible views of downtown. Not to mention, it’s mere steps from all of the city’s buzziest spots.
Southall Inn—For those who prefer a quieter locale, this pastoral property in neighboring Franklin is a dream come true. Just a short drive from the heart of Nashville, Southall Inn sits on 325 acres of working farmland for an immersive and totally luxe experience.
Shopping
12South—In terms of Nashville shopping, the 12South district has become an icon in itself. From vintage boutiques to covetable contemporary brands, the idyllic half-mile stretch is home to some of the city’s best.
White’s Mercantile—With a little bit of something for everyone, White’s Mercantile is a definitive Nashville destination. You’ll find everything from southern-inspired outfitting to the perfect gifts for someone back home.
Rustler Hat Co.—Treat yourself to a truly one-of-a-kind memory from your stay with custom bespoke hats, customized to your liking right in front of your eyes.
Emerson Grace—Contemporary and casual yet entirely elevated, Emerson Grace’s collection is one any boutique would envy. Plus, they pride themselves on highlighting local designers, so you can get a taste of authentic Nashville style.
H. Audrey—Carefully curated with some of our favorite brands, H. Audrey is a must-stop for any collector of modern luxury apparel.
Restaurants
Audrey Nashville—An ode to his grandmother’s kitchen, Audrey is chef Sean Brock’s modern interpretation of the classic Appalachian fare he grew up loving. From the japanese-inspired dining room to the carefully sourced and highly seasonal menu, every meal is one you’ll remember.
Adele’s—We love Adele’s for its delicious (and crowd-pleasing) farm-to-table menu, but we stay for the unmissable energy of the local community.
Lou—Sourcing from small-scale farms in the surrounding area, Lou is nothing but Nashville. They’ve also got a seriously impressive selection of natural wines to pair with any particular craving.
Yolan—A special occasion-worthy spot for authentic fine Italian dining, just minutes from the heart of Nashville’s iconic music scene.
Restaurants
Locust—For the adventurous at heart, Locust offers delicious Japanese cuisine with a menu you can’t see until you’re at your seat. Keep in mind, reservations are required.
Geist—Bespoke cocktails and classic American eats in a historic brick building—plus Nashville’s only perennial champagne garden. Need we say more?
Husk—Perfect for getting a true taste of Nashville, Husk’s menu rotates daily to feature the best of what’s in season.
Margot Cafe—Once a service station, this can’t-miss East Nashville haunt is now a cozy yet elevated dinner-only destination with a French-inspired menu that changes daily.
Henrietta Red—Serving an array of delicious staples from oysters to the quintessential biscuit, this Germantown spot is the perfect blend of casual and refined.
Bars & Cafés
Bastion—Part bar, part art experience—part restaurant too, if you happen to be hungry. Head to Bastion for an experience as pleasing to the palette as it is to the eyes.
Gerties—For current and aspiring whiskey enthusiasts, Gerties is simply a Nashville non-negotiable.
The Fox Bar and Cocktail Club—Show-stopping cocktails and a perfectly moody ambience to match. Make your visit that much more memorable—check out their curated cocktail experiences.
Le Loup—Artfully crafted drinks and the whimsy of a deep-sea theme merge at Le Loup, an intimate, must-visit cocktail and oyster bar from the team that brought you The Optimist.
Bars & Cafés
Attaboy—From the outside, Attaboy is all the charm of a classic dive. Within? A modern nod to the perfect retro cocktail bar with the drink menu to back it up.
Cafe Roze—Cafe by day, cocktail bar by night, Cafe Roze is the perfect spot for a girl’s day/night complete with a pastel pink motif.
Two Hands—From coffee and pastries to burgers and craft cocktails, Two Hands is a little bit of everything—done exceptionally well. No matter the time of day, you’ll find something you’ll love.
Dozen Bakery—Signature seasonal coffees and fresh-baked treats. We love ordering a smattering of pastries for the table to share.
Crema Coffee—We love their zero-waste ethos, but we love their exceptional cups of coffee even more. Pro tip: take beans to go—they’re the perfect gift.
Photos by Jessica Amerson
