Nashville is such a fun place to live and visit, a city that’s bursting with great food and good people. There’s a reason hundreds of people flock to our sweet southern town every day, looking to make Music City their home. Or maybe you’re just planning a few days, a long weekend? We’ve got you covered, too! Spring break is over, but you still have time to make it to Music City before CMA Fest takes over the streets in June. We all know how THAT goes…
Start the weekend with an early morning trip to Biscuit Love
Biscuit Love - Facebook Biscuit Love is a great place to try, even just once. The line can get pretty long if if you show up late, so we’d recommend coming by as early as you can. Try out their hot chicken breakfast sandwich or enjoy a skillet platter, maybe snag a few bonuts. They’re donuts - made from biscuit dough. Can it get better than that…? (316 11th Ave S)
Or Pancake Pantry, if you get there early!
Meghan O’Brien for OIYS Again, if you’re going to eat at this iconic joint you’ll be needing to bring along a couple of minutes to spare for a line or just show up early. Known for their sweet potato pancakes, this Hillsboro Village establishment is centrally located and positively fabulous. (1796 21st Ave S)
Walk downtown before it gets too hot.
Meghan O’Brien for OIYS Down through Riverfront Park, across the pedestrian bridge There’s so much to see and take in down by the river. You’ll be able to see clear across to LP Field, take in our ever-changing skyline and enjoy a breath of fresh air before the crowds come in.
Head over to the Nashville Farmers’ Market
Meghan O’Brien for OIYS The Farmers’ Market downtown is open seven days a week. It’s great for a produce pick-me-up, also fabulous if you’re searching for house plants or a quick lunch. Their food court is delicious as well. We’d recommend Bella Nashville or their Greek food stand. Both are fabulous!
Snag lunch at AVO.
Meghan O’Brien for OIYS Most of the meals a Avo are completely raw, and the veggie based restaurant lives up to its cutting edge hippie vibe by being located in a converted shipping container. Their locally sourced ingredients really up the ante on their expansive menu, and we’re big fans of the raw pad thai. (3 City Ave #200)
Walk it off through historic Five Points
Five Points - TripAdvisor It’s fun to walk around Five Points, where you can pop into a bar for an afternoon beer or snag a slice at the ever popular Five Points Pizza. The area serves as a homing beacon for Nashville-ites.
Then take a walk through the Idea Hatchery.
Meghan O’Brien for OIYS One of the neatest places to shop in Nashville, the Idea Hatchery consists of small business “pods” that are host to some of the areas coolest start-ups and locally owned stores.
Dinner at Mas Tacos, anyone?
Meghan O’Brien for OIYS $3 a taco and cash-only makes for a low-key and fun vibe at Mas Tacos. Their newly minted bar area is a good place for a margarita, and the whole establishment takes on the feel of a Southern California taco shack, with good natured hosts and a whole lot of authentic Mexican fare. (732 Mcferrin Avenue)
It’s time for a bit of line dancing downtown.
Thomas Hawk - Flickr Take a walk down Honkytonk Highway, enjoy a drink at Tootsie’s or head over to the Wild Horse Saloon for some boot stompin’ fun. It’s a Nashville classic!
Post-dancing ice cream is always a winner.
Mike’s Ice Cream - Facebook Mike’s Ice Cream isn’t just for kids - it’s a solid spot that’s open late, great post-drinks or if you’re looking to have a romantic walk across the Pedestrian Bridge in the summertime. It’s like an eighties movie waiting to happen. (129 2nd Ave N)
Woke up with a hangover? Get some early morning coffee at Crema.
Meghan O’Brien for OIYS Caffeine is necessary after a late night of dancing, and it doesn’t get better or more homey than Crema. The fabulous Nashville hot spot is extremely popular amongst locals, earned by their well-sourced coffee and famous avocado toast. (15 Hermitage Avenue)
Then grab a perfectly European breakfast at Marche…
Meghan O’Brien for OIYS Marche is where you shop up EARLY to get in line with all the other East Nashvillian brunch lovers. We’d recommend their fruit tartine with some coffee to start, but you really can’t go wrong. They use croissants for their french toast base, too - which is a must-try. (1000 Main Street)
Hiking through the Warner Parks is a dream.
Meghan O’Brien for OIYS Take some time to brig it back to nature, find yourself by Percy Priest Lake or hiking back through the stunning hills of Middle Tennessee. Taylor Swift has been spotted on Mossy Ridge Trail a couple of times, so you may see a star while you’re out.
Find a low-key bookstore - we’d recommend Rhino Books.
Meghan O’Brien for OIYS Rhino Books on Charlotte Avenue (4918 Charlotte Ave) is fabulous, as is the newly opened Her Bookshop located in East Nashville in the Shoppes at Fatherland (1006 Fatherland St #103a).
We’d recommend hopping in your car and wandering 12 South on this lazy afternoon.
Mike Rohde - Flickr Chock full of shops and boutiques, 12 South is where you’ll find Reese Witherspoon’s Draper James storefront, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams and Imogene + Willie. We’d recommend popping into White’s Mercantile if you’re looking for something authentic and locally made to bring home as a souvenir.
MAFIAoZA’S is good for a slice of pizza…
MAFIAoZA’S 12South - Facebook A massive, drippy, loaded slice that has all sorts of gorgeous cheese pull. Their two-for-Tuesday special is popular amongst the young folks, as well. Go early to snag a seat! (2400 12th Ave S)
If you’re looking for fancy, we’d recommend Josephine.
Josephine - Facebook Their menu changes up your experience every time ,with seasonal dishes that invigorate the senses with Tennessee’s locally sourced produce and ingredients. The sleek atmosphere adds a bit of spice and fancy to date night - so wear them heels, girl! (2316 12th Ave S)
Head to The Basement for a great show.
The Basement Nashville - Facebook Great for local bands and, well, locals, The Basement is a great venue for live music and a solid can of PBR. You aren’t looking at anything fancy, but you’ll get the true Nashville, homey vibe. (1604 8th Ave S #330)
Or Bluebird Café if you’ve bought tickets ahead of time.
Karen Miller - Flickr One of the most iconic spots in Nashville, you’ll either want to buy tickets WAY ahead of time or feel cool with waiting in line for a couple of hours. Options, options - and all up to you. Located in a Green Hills strip mall, this is probably the place where your favorite country music star was discovered. Your chances are REAL good. (4104 Hillsboro Pike)
Late night drinks at the Patterson House will end your weekend well, don’t you think?
The Patterson House - TripAdvisor Patterson House is known for their contemporary cocktails and speakeasy-esque vibe. You’ll be waiting roughly an hour in their gorgeously decorated waiting room, but your experience will never be the same twice. (1711 Division Street)
You did it! You’ve owned Nashville.
Meghan O’Brien for OIYS Nice work exploring this great city, folks. You did it. Now y’all come back now, ya hear?
If you are headed out into Nashville in the next couple of weeks, we know that You Don’t Want To Miss This Gorgeous Lantern Festival In Tennessee This Year
Biscuit Love - Facebook
Biscuit Love is a great place to try, even just once. The line can get pretty long if if you show up late, so we’d recommend coming by as early as you can. Try out their hot chicken breakfast sandwich or enjoy a skillet platter, maybe snag a few bonuts. They’re donuts - made from biscuit dough. Can it get better than that…? (316 11th Ave S)
Meghan O’Brien for OIYS
Again, if you’re going to eat at this iconic joint you’ll be needing to bring along a couple of minutes to spare for a line or just show up early. Known for their sweet potato pancakes, this Hillsboro Village establishment is centrally located and positively fabulous. (1796 21st Ave S)
Down through Riverfront Park, across the pedestrian bridge There’s so much to see and take in down by the river. You’ll be able to see clear across to LP Field, take in our ever-changing skyline and enjoy a breath of fresh air before the crowds come in.
The Farmers’ Market downtown is open seven days a week. It’s great for a produce pick-me-up, also fabulous if you’re searching for house plants or a quick lunch. Their food court is delicious as well. We’d recommend Bella Nashville or their Greek food stand. Both are fabulous!
Most of the meals a Avo are completely raw, and the veggie based restaurant lives up to its cutting edge hippie vibe by being located in a converted shipping container. Their locally sourced ingredients really up the ante on their expansive menu, and we’re big fans of the raw pad thai. (3 City Ave #200)
Five Points - TripAdvisor
It’s fun to walk around Five Points, where you can pop into a bar for an afternoon beer or snag a slice at the ever popular Five Points Pizza. The area serves as a homing beacon for Nashville-ites.
One of the neatest places to shop in Nashville, the Idea Hatchery consists of small business “pods” that are host to some of the areas coolest start-ups and locally owned stores.
$3 a taco and cash-only makes for a low-key and fun vibe at Mas Tacos. Their newly minted bar area is a good place for a margarita, and the whole establishment takes on the feel of a Southern California taco shack, with good natured hosts and a whole lot of authentic Mexican fare. (732 Mcferrin Avenue)
Thomas Hawk - Flickr
Take a walk down Honkytonk Highway, enjoy a drink at Tootsie’s or head over to the Wild Horse Saloon for some boot stompin’ fun. It’s a Nashville classic!
Mike’s Ice Cream - Facebook
Mike’s Ice Cream isn’t just for kids - it’s a solid spot that’s open late, great post-drinks or if you’re looking to have a romantic walk across the Pedestrian Bridge in the summertime. It’s like an eighties movie waiting to happen. (129 2nd Ave N)
Caffeine is necessary after a late night of dancing, and it doesn’t get better or more homey than Crema. The fabulous Nashville hot spot is extremely popular amongst locals, earned by their well-sourced coffee and famous avocado toast. (15 Hermitage Avenue)
Marche is where you shop up EARLY to get in line with all the other East Nashvillian brunch lovers. We’d recommend their fruit tartine with some coffee to start, but you really can’t go wrong. They use croissants for their french toast base, too - which is a must-try. (1000 Main Street)
Take some time to brig it back to nature, find yourself by Percy Priest Lake or hiking back through the stunning hills of Middle Tennessee. Taylor Swift has been spotted on Mossy Ridge Trail a couple of times, so you may see a star while you’re out.
Rhino Books on Charlotte Avenue (4918 Charlotte Ave) is fabulous, as is the newly opened Her Bookshop located in East Nashville in the Shoppes at Fatherland (1006 Fatherland St #103a).
Mike Rohde - Flickr
Chock full of shops and boutiques, 12 South is where you’ll find Reese Witherspoon’s Draper James storefront, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams and Imogene + Willie. We’d recommend popping into White’s Mercantile if you’re looking for something authentic and locally made to bring home as a souvenir.
MAFIAoZA’S 12South - Facebook
A massive, drippy, loaded slice that has all sorts of gorgeous cheese pull. Their two-for-Tuesday special is popular amongst the young folks, as well. Go early to snag a seat! (2400 12th Ave S)
Josephine - Facebook
Their menu changes up your experience every time ,with seasonal dishes that invigorate the senses with Tennessee’s locally sourced produce and ingredients. The sleek atmosphere adds a bit of spice and fancy to date night - so wear them heels, girl! (2316 12th Ave S)
The Basement Nashville - Facebook
Great for local bands and, well, locals, The Basement is a great venue for live music and a solid can of PBR. You aren’t looking at anything fancy, but you’ll get the true Nashville, homey vibe. (1604 8th Ave S #330)
Karen Miller - Flickr
One of the most iconic spots in Nashville, you’ll either want to buy tickets WAY ahead of time or feel cool with waiting in line for a couple of hours. Options, options - and all up to you. Located in a Green Hills strip mall, this is probably the place where your favorite country music star was discovered. Your chances are REAL good. (4104 Hillsboro Pike)
The Patterson House - TripAdvisor
Patterson House is known for their contemporary cocktails and speakeasy-esque vibe. You’ll be waiting roughly an hour in their gorgeously decorated waiting room, but your experience will never be the same twice. (1711 Division Street)
Nice work exploring this great city, folks. You did it. Now y’all come back now, ya hear?
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