By Karina E.
I recently spent a few days in Nashville, TN, visiting my good friends Nancy and Rob, who just made the move down south. Let me tell you when you’ve got locals showing you around who already know all the hot spots, you’re in for an unforgettable time.
Here’s a recap of our adventure, organized by neighborhood, with all the music, food, and fun along the way.
🎶 Broadway – The Heart of Honky-Tonk
You have to start with Broadway. Yes, it’s touristy, but it’s also pure Nashville energy. Live bands at every corner, neon signs lighting up the night, and a rhythm that doesn’t quit. We went during the day to people-watch and we leaned into it. Bar after bar had a band on each floor of their multi-level venue and a rooftop bar up top. We hopped around about 8 different places and heard cover bands, from country to rock, and original singer song writers play – what a fun time!
🍸 East Nashville – Cocktails & Cool Vibes
East Nashville has that effortlessly hip, artsy vibe and Nancy & Rob nailed the spots.
– Bad Idea – Creative drinks and stylish ambiance.
– Rosemary & Beauty Queen –cool scene set in a bungalow-style home with a backyard designed like a treehouse.
– Attaboy or Fox Bar – if you want a speakeasy with a cool vibe and great cocktails, this is your spot!
🍷 Sylvan Park – Happy Hour Done Right
We hit Answer for happy hour, a cozy, neighborhood feel with top-notch bites and drinks. Perfect wind-down spot.
🏙️ Wedgewood-Houston (WeHo) – Our Home Base
WeHo was where their townhouse was, and the area gave off cool, creative Brooklyn-meets-Nashville vibes. Highlights:
– Soho House Nashville – Classy, casual, and very “in.”
–Iggy’s – If you want to see how a former French Laundry chef is cooking up creative, very unique pasta in Nashville, don’t miss this spot! It’s rated top of Nash!
– 888 – Innovative Japanese restaurant and vinyl record listening lounge. Hands down, the best Japanese in Nashville!
– Carter Vintage Guitars – A music-lover’s paradise. Hundreds of guitars and a great photo opportunity. I’m ready to rock.
🎤 Midtown – Music + Exploring
Friday night = live music!
– The Local and Exit/In had incredible bands and classic Nashville feel.
One of the mornings we ran through:
– Vanderbilt’s Campus – Beautiful.
– The Parthenon – Yep, a full-scale replica!
– Virgin Hotel + Edgehill – Fun shops and a great walkabout neighborhood. If you don’t have a place to stay like I did, I would highly recommend the Virgin Hotel. You can transfer points from Amex or Chase to Virgin to book.
🛍️ Hillsboro Village – Designer Finds on the Low
-We stopped at UAL (United Apparel Liquidators) — hidden gems galore.
🍔 12th Ave South – Boutiques + Bites
We strolled down 12th Avenue South and loved every second:
– The Henry – Trendy and delicious for dinner.
– Burger Up – Excellent lunch spot to refuel mid-shop.
So many cute stores to choose from and, if you’re not a shopper, at least stop to memorialize your visit with photo in front of the famous, ‘I Believe in Nashville’ mural.
🏃♀️ Belle Meade – A Breath of Fresh Air
Nancy & Rob also have a house in this beautiful, residential area, only a few miles from the heart of Nashville. One morning, we ran through Percy Warner Park. It’s tree-lined, serene, and the best way to kick off the day.
🍝 Germantown – Foodie Heaven
We hopped over to Germantown and hit:
– Monday Night Brewing – Set in an abandoned meat-packing facility, this laid-back brewery with great beer and vibes, has 24 on-tap beer options and a great outdoor space to relax.
– Little Hats – Handmade pasta and one of the best sandwich shops in town, in a cozy atmosphere
– Did some shopping at the cute stores.
☕ The Gulch – Murals & Matcha
We wrapped the trip in The Gulch, and it delivered:
– Milk & Honey – Coffee and pastries, plan ahead for this spot as the wait can be long. If it is, put your name down and explore the neighborhood shops and maybe even pick out a dinner spot from the many offerings this neighborhood has.
– Wings Mural – Obligatory Insta moment.
🍻 SoBro – Beers & Backyard Vibes
We met one of Rob’s colleagues at Yee-Haw Brewing Co., a fun outdoor bar in SoBro on the 6th & Peabody campus. Great beer, moonshine tastings, live music, tacos, hot dogs — it’s a super casual spot that’s easy to love.
🎤 Next Time: Nashville’s Live Music Venues
While we caught some great live acts on this trip, next time I definitely want to hit more of Nashville’s legendary concert venues. At the top of my list is the Ryman Auditorium, the iconic old church that many say is the absolute best place to see a show, the acoustics are supposed to be unreal. We’re also eyeing big-name shows at Nissan Stadium, Bridgestone Arena, and Ascend Amphitheater, all great venues depending on who’s in town. There’s also The Pinnacle, a brand-new venue where Nancy and Rob will be seeing the Zac Brown Band next week. For a more intimate experience, I’d love to visit The Blue Room, The Listening Room or 3rd & Lindsley for singer-songwriter nights.
✈️ Final Thoughts
This trip had everything — live music, great food, local gems, and plenty of laughs. With Nancy and Rob as our expert guides, we saw Nashville like insiders. Already counting the days until my next visit.
The Points Mom’s Got IT!
