All The Best Places to Eat, Shop, Stay and Drink in Nashville
Last weekend, we (my daughters Lauren and Rebecca) took a road trip with Amos to see Sarah in Nashville. Sarah and her husband Will are moving to Germany in August and it was one of the last times that we could all spend together before she leaves. We ate at new places and shopped at beloved boutiques and for the first time, stayed in an Air BNB. As always, it was great to spend time together in a city we love! It was a wonderful trip! Here are just a few suggestions for your next trip to Nashville!
Where to Eat…
5th & Taylor
Nestled in the heart of Germantown, 5th and Taylor is traditional Southern Fare, but seriously refined! The main dining room is a huge warehouse space featuring an open kitchen with a life-size statue of General Francis Nash (Nashville’s namesake). The warm candlelight and large paintings give the restaurant the perfect ambiance. We tried the Bacon Wrapped Quail, Beet Salad, and Duck’am among many other things- each meal is served with sharing size portions of mashed potatoes (so amazing!). This restaurant is a must try…everything was delicious!
Milk & Honey
If you’re in the mood for a biscuit, look no further! Milk & Honey’s casual atmosphere makes it the perfect place to begin your day in Nashville. It is located in the chic Gulch area. The service is wonderful, the coffee is delicious, and you can get a biscuit the size of your head (or a kale salad, if you’re looking for something a bit lighter- which is also wonderful!)
Adele’s
Adele’s is also right in the center of the Gulch. We were able to get a nice table outside and the views did not disappoint! We started out with a beautiful Burrata and heirloom tomato salad, which was perfect! The trout and salmon entrees were also amazing- light and satisfying enough so that we were able to finish with the Chocolate Budino and Southern Coconut Cake! So good…and also we had the sweetest waiter! Highly recommend!
Epice
After so many huge meals, we were all happy to stumble upon something a little bit lighter at Epice! It is located in the 12 South Neighborhood of Nashville (right down the street from Dolly Parton’s compound)! We started with the most refreshing Grapefruit Fizzes (freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, vodka, and club soda- amazing!) and then enjoyed the Mediterranean cuisine. The Epice salad was so tasty- a hint of spice with the creamiest goat cheese and fig vinaigrette. The atmosphere is simple and clean, but beautiful!
Edley’s BBQ
Obviously, you can’t visit Nashville without eating some barbeque! Edley’s is home to Nashville’s best barbeque and while it’s a little more casual (you order at the counter), it’s so much fun and the southern staples are scrumptious! If you’re not in the mood for barbeque, you can also try some of their famous hot chicken- YUMMY!
Jeni’s Ice Cream
Jeni’s is a must do while in Nashville! There are several locations, but we visited the one in the 12 South Neighborhood and had so much fun! They have flavors like Brambleberry Crisp and Salted Peanut Butter with Chocolate Flecks!
Where to Drink…
Rare Bird
If you want a seriously delicious cocktail and the perfect view of Nashville, Rare Bird is the perfect place! It is located at the top of the Noelle Hotel right in the heart of downtown. You can go for a traditional Mint Julep OR you can try their Frozen Spicy Paloma, which is so good that I’m craving one right now! The bar is set up with comfy outdoor seating and fireplaces- you won’t want to leave!
L.A. Jackson
L.A. Jackson is another one of my favorite rooftop bars- this one is located at The Thompson Hotel. Unfortunately, we were not able to visit this time due to Coronavirus closings, but we will go next time! The views are also beautiful and the Tequillin’ Me Softly is delicious!
The Patterson House
The Patterson House is a traditional speakeasy and is the perfect place for a more intimate experience. All of the cocktails are so carefully curated and crafted using the best ingredients! You’ll feel like you’ve gone back in time!
Where To Shop…
White’s Mercantile
We had the BEST time at White’s Mercantile! It is located in the 12 South Neighborhood (right next to Epice) and it really and truly has something for everyone…beautiful cookbooks, yummy candles, vintage dishes, and of course baby gifts! I got a vintage juicer (which I’ve been using to make some of those amazing grapefruit fizzes) and of course gifts for Hudson and Graham! Don’t leave Nashville without visiting White’s!
Draper James
Draper James was sadly also closed during this trip, but when you can go, you absolutely should! Reese Witherspoon is the owner at this sweet little shop and it screams Southern Charm…they always offer a glass of sweet tea when you walk in the door!
Parish
Parish is the perfect little boutique if you’re looking for a great outfit to wear out on the town! It is very small, but they have so many fabulous pieces and a very helpful staff!
Living with Landyn
Living with Landyn is one of my personal favorite blogs…and Landyn’s store is just as great! Everything is neutral and warm and beautiful- and there really is a little bit of everything! You can find something for your kitchen or a cute dress to wear at the beach all in one place! I opted for a fun pair of tortoiseshell sunglasses and my daughter got a new dress for upcoming family photos! The store is also located in the cutest little area with an old timey Milkshake Bar…so much fun!
The Nashville Farmer’s Market
We decided to venture out to the Farmer’s Market on Sunday afternoon and I’m so glad we did! It’s always so nice to actually meet the locals and get a feel of what they really do to enjoy their city! The produce and meat were all beautiful, but we settled for some amazing local hot sauce and soaps. It was crazy hot, but the best experience- and we were able to cool off with some yummy grapefruit and rosemary popsicles!
Where to Stay…
Noelle
Noelle is a 224-room boutique hotel and is amazingly beautiful! The tile floors are warm and cozy and the Drug Store Coffee Shop is one of the first things you see when you walk in…beautiful and also a great latte! The hotel is located right downtown and is so convenient to everything you’ll want to do! This is definitely a great place to stay if you want to really experience everything the city has to offer!
The Thompson Hotel
The Thompson Hotel is located in the Gulch and the first thing you notice when you walk in is how amazing everything smells…and of course, the lobby is stunning! The rooms are modern and sleek and offer beautiful views of the city and you can’t go wrong with making a reservation at The Marsh House Restaurant!
Sarah and Me, having a little fun at the Thompson!
Air BNB
For this last trip to Nashville, since there were four of us…and of course, Amos! We decided to go for an AirBNB and couldn’t have been happier. Our place was clean and had plenty of room, but the best part was that it was centrally located and close to everything. I would highly recommend taking a look at the Air BNB app. Just make sure you read the reviews!
The Westin Nashville
I’ve stayed in the Westin Nashville several times and while it’s not a boutique hotel, it is a very centrally located place to stay and so nice! The hotel is in the city’s downtown district and is close to attractions like Music City Center, Music Row and Broadway. If you want to be close to some of the city’s iconic attractions and be a true Nashville tourist, it’s a great place to stay. They also have a rooftop bar that has beautiful views of the city!
There are so many more fabulous things to do in Nashville, and this post is a good place to start! Nashville is one of my favorite cities and I’m sure you’ll love it just as much as I do…go and make some memories!