I can’t believe it. It’s been about a year and a half since I started my blog and came out with my original Nashville Native Weekend Guide. But, as anyone who lives in Nashville knows, this city changes daily. Businesses close, and new ones open twice as fast.
As someone who was born and raised here, I am asked for recommendations often! This post serves as a way for me to recommend my favorite places to all of you. Enjoy, and please feel free to add your own preferential spots in the comments!
Stay
The Hermitage Hotel
Historic, luxurious, five-star, downtown
Union Station Hotel
1900s train station, elegant, downtown
Kimpton Aertson Hotel
Chic, laid-back, midtown
Fairline Hotel
Retro-modern, vibrant, colorful, downtown
Thompson Nashville
Contemporary, rooftop bar, the Gulch
Omni Nashville
Trendy, rooftop pool, downtown
Noelle, Nashville, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Art Deco, rooftop bar, downtown
Bobby Hotel
Eclectic, pet-friendly, rooftop lounge with pool and games, downtown
21c Museum Hotel
For art and culture lovers, downtown
Eat
Many of these can double or triple as breakfast/lunch/dinner places! I’ve simply listed my favorite time to eat at each one.
Breakfast/Brunch
Marché Artisan Foods
Big windows, European-style, brunch all day, East Nashville
Liberty Common
French and Southern blend, bright, open space, patio café, downtown
Fido
Converted pet shop, coffeehouse vibe, breakfast all day, Hillsboro Village (near Vanderbilt)
Frothy Monkey
Cozy coffeehouse with yummy eats, wonderful tea selection, several locations but my favorites are 12South & the Nations
Proper Bagel
From-scratch counter-style bagel joint, super fresh, bright space, Belmont area
Biscuit Love
Southern biscuits served all day, The Gulch & Hillsboro Village
Pinewood Social
Industrial-chic hangout space with delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner, + games, bowling, and cocktail bar, downtown
Pancake Pantry
Nashville staple, Hillsboro Village
The Pfunky Griddle
Cook your own pancakes at the table, casual, family-friendly, Berry Hill
Lunch
True Food Kitchen
Health food, fresh, seasonal ingredients, Green Hills
Caviar & Bananas
Gourmet market and café, soups, salads, and sandwiches all day, midtown
Milk & Honey
Trendy spot with yummy eats, delicious coffee and tea, baked goods, the Gulch
RH Café
Upscale, green-filled space, sunny restaurant + coffee and wine bar, Green Hills
The Food Company
Nashville staple, grab-and-go items or counter-serve, seasonal and fresh lunch options, Green Hills
Urban Juicer
Smoothies and bowls for lunch, several locations but I prefer Charlotte & East Nashville
E+Rose Wellness Café
Relaxed spot with tasty smoothies and clean eats, downtown
Dinner
Butcher & Bee
Hip, creative, farm-fresh, East Nashville
Rolf & Daughters
Industrial-chic, inventive, seasonal eats, Germantown
Barcelona Wine Bar
Spanish small plates and vibes, authentic cuisine, Edgehill Village
Lockeland Table
Rustic, romantic, sustainable efforts, East Nashville
City House
Italian with Southern flair, comforting, Germantown
Chaatable
Indian street food-inspired, clever, colorful, Sylvan Heights
Hemingway’s Bar & Hideaway
Hemingway-inspired refined tavern, craft cocktails, rustic, Wedgewood-Houston
Burger Up
Best burgers, salads, apps, communal, my go-to, 12South & East Nashville
bartaco
Mexican, stylish, white-washed, large, open space, 12South
Drink
Rosemary
House bar, secret, speakeasy, large backyard, East Nashville
Greenhouse Bar
An actual greenhouse, relaxed, lounge, Green Hills
Bastion
Laidback, vintage, eclectic, Wedgewood-Houston
Old Glory
Converted dry cleaner boiler room, tall ceilings, intimate nooks, Edgehill Village
L27
Highest rooftop lounge in Nashville, sweeping views, in the Westin, downtown
L.A. Jackson
Swanky rooftop bar atop the Thompson Hotel, the Gulch
Flamingo Cocktail Club
Pink, cocktail lounge, open patio, Wedgewood-Houston
Pearl Diver
Tropical, beach vibes and themed cocktails, summery outdoor lounging, East Nashville
The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club
Leather, dark woods, cool atmosphere, East Nashville
Do
Note: There’s a lot to do. You probably know about famous sites like the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Grand Ole Opry. I’m just listing some of my favorite things!
Cheekwood
Estate and botanical gardens, seasonal festivals and outdoor exhibits, art gallery in mansion, Belle Meade
Frist Art Museum
Art Deco building, rotating exhibitions, downtown
White’s Mercantile
General store, distinctive collection, several locations but I prefer 12South
Draper James
Store founded by Reese Witherspoon, Southern charm, 12South
The Parthenon
Full-scale replica of original Parthenon in Athens, 42-foot statue of Athena inside, West End
Amelia’s Flower Truck
Trucks park around Nashville, design your own fresh bouquet, find where they are on Instagram
The Warner Parks
Lovely walking and biking trails, roads, and scenery, Belle Meade
Radnor Lake
Protected state park, abundance of wildlife, hiking trails
High Garden Tea
Woodland tea house, seemingly magical, East Nashville
Schermerhorn Symphony Center
Stunning space, impressive shows, downtown
Enjoy your stay in Nashville, friends!
(Photos by me.)
