Last Thursday was my 28th birthday, and I decided to take a personal day from work, having not taken one yet this school year. I celebrated all day around Nashville – and this weekend, too! I loved everything I did, and so am sharing with you the places where I spent my 28th. Whether you have a birthday coming up, too, or just want a fun day in the city, here are some wonderful spots:
Eat
Brunch at Ruby Sunshine
On my birthday, I was invited to have a complimentary brunch at Ruby Sunshine, a new spot in Franklin, TN that serves brunch classics with a New Orleans twist. I had the Skinny Florentine (an egg white omelet with spinach and goat cheese) with an absurdly tasty, fluffy biscuit and fruit. Plus the Ruby Mimosa (OJ + pomegranate). Yum!
Afternoon treat at Las Paletas
One of my all-time favorite Nashville treats is a popsicle from Las Paletas on 12th Ave S. I still remember when they first opened. I was in middle school, and my mom and I went to try them. We were blown away! They use fresh fruits and vegetables and serve creative, vibrant flavors. To this day, they are still my favorite popsicles.
Dinner at Hathorne
My birthday night, I had dinner at Hathorne with my family, and it was so flavorful and relaxing. I absolutely loved this new spot for the food, atmosphere, and service. It was bright and open, with white walls, aquamarine-painted windows, and plants. Everything we ate was divine; for me, that was the Crispy Goat Cheese, Fried Cauliflower, and Fried Chicken a la Schnitzel. At the end, our server brought over a stack of delightful birthday donuts with a candle! Hathrone is a special place, and perfect for a birthday, anniversary, special event, or just a lovely night out.
Do
Walk around Franklin, TN
After brunch at Ruby Sunshine, H and I walked around Franklin, a beautiful area with a historic downtown just 30 minutes outside of Nashville. We popped in Sage Sleep, a new shop with bedding, mattresses, pajamas, bath robes, candles, and basically anything you could possibly need for a relaxing evening at home. We also explored White’s Mercantile, a general store with a variety of home and lifestyle goodies, Landmark Booksellers, a special, uniquely curated bookstore with a wide collection including some rare items, and Yarrow Acres, a plant lady and gardener’s paradise, with fresh plants galore and plant-related gifts. It was fun to bop around this nearby town on my birthday!
Cheekwood
The afternoon of my birthday, my mom and I went to Cheekwood in Bloom, one of my favorite times at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens. Although it just ended yesterday, and the bulbs are gone, Cheekwood has tons of events throughout the spring and summer. In fact, this coming weekend, I’ll be attending Dogs and Dogwoods, a fun two days with food trucks, live music, the Beer Garden, pretty dogwood blooms, and of course – dogs!
Bunnies at Phillips Toy Mart
Every Easter season in Nashville, the bunnies come. When I was little, my mom and I used to see them at the old McClure’s Department Store. Now, Phillips Toy Mart hosts them in-store for families to come see and pet for free. We popped by after our visit to Cheekwood. It’s always adorable!
Treat Yourself
PROSE manicure & pedicure
This past weekend, I was invited to have a complimentary manicure and pedicure at PROSE, a new nail salon in Murfreesboro, TN (about a 35-45 minute drive from Nashville). PROSE uses all natural, cruelty-free products and vegan polishes. It doesn’t look or smell like a traditional salon. The atmosphere is fresh, clean, open, modern, and inviting, and the staff is lovely and professional. Plus, my nails look amazing! PROSE has a first-time special – $50 for a mani and pedi. Book here and use code ‘first’ at checkout.
Marine Layer
I have been working with Marine Layer – a brand I really love with beachy, retro vibes, based in San Francisco – to promote the opening of their new store in Nashville, and the grand opening party was this past Saturday! (See my blog post with some of their spring looks.) It was so exciting to see the store finally here! It’s located on 12th Ave S beside the new Madewell (also a fun new addition). The 12 South neighborhood is definitely a favorite for shopping!
Nothing Bundt Cakes
My birthday cake this year was a confetti cake from Nothing Bundt Cakes, one of my favorite places to get an event cake in Nashville! The cakes and icing are so delicious, and they have such cute designs for occasions.
And there you have it! My birthday weekend in Nashville was eventful, and wonderful! When is your birthday, and how do you like to spend it? I’d love to know in the comments!
Love, Bee
P.S. My full Nashville guide, for many more recommendations!
