Finding a hidden gem in Nashville is pretty difficult, especially since Music City has been making national news left and right these days. We’re a city of transplants and tourists, with a few natives knocking around – and THEY know the real places to hang out. Where are the gems of this great city, we asked? And they answered.
- Peeler Park
Michael Hicks - Flickr Located at the Southern tip of Neely’s Bend in Madison, Peeler Park is a hidden gem in Nashville. The drive to the park will leave you thinking you’re nowhere near the city, and the park itself is even more serene.
- Uncommon Grounds
Uncommon Grounds - Facebook Located in Old Hickory, Uncommon Grounds is staffed by a kind local with a penchant for good conversation. Come and hang out in the eccentric space filled with mismatched tables and enjoy a coffee and a bite to eat - the perfect Saturday. (1053 Donelson Avenue)
- Prince’s Hot Chicken
Prince’s Hot Chicken - Facebook Prince’s is the place to go for hot chicken, not Hattie B’s. Although both are fabulous, one is a little more tourist-centric and a bit harder to find parking. (123 Ewing Drive)
- Percy Warner Park
Idintify Media - Flickr Located in the suburb of Belle Meade, Percy Warner’s plethora of trails, roads, and picnic areas makes it easy to completely escape from the rush of the city. The winding roads will take you back in to the secluded valleys that you would never know existed. Be sure to visit the next time you’re looking for a place to get away!
- Dino’s
Dino’s - Facebook Considered one of the oldest bars in Nashville, Dino’s serves up a solid burger and fries alongside the casual PBR, making this a haven for hipsters and tourists alike. This cheap, no-frills atmosphere will give you the kind of authentic experience you’ll never find on Broadway. (411 Gallatin Ave)
- Bells Bend
Rex Hammock - Flickr The outdoor center at Bells Bend offers wildlife and wildflower trails that are sure to take you away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. It’s also one of the most dog-friendly areas of the city, so feel free to bring along your canine friends and let them enjoy the natural beauty as well!
- Sapporo Japanese Restaurant
Sapporo Rivergate - Facebook This Madison eatery is great for sushi lovers, especially if you’re a bit nervous of eating fish in a landlocked state. We’d say it’s quite a bit better than Samurai, the West End establishment that has developed a solid cult-following. It’s Sapporo all the way for us! PS: Try their California roll - so good. (1593 Gallatin Pike N)
- Stones River Greenway
Michael Hicks - Flickr The Stones River Greenway stretches from the Percy Priest Dam up through Donelson and crosses the Cumberland on the North end of Shelby Park in East Nashville. The trail offers beautiful views of both the Stones and Cumberland Rivers and shows off parts of Nashville you never knew were there.
- Radnor Lake
Michael Hicks - Flickr First time visitors to Radnor Lake are always blown away that a place so idyllic and quiet can be so close to the heart of such a big city. Radnor is the perfect place to get away and enjoy the beautiful lake and hilltop trails. We recommend getting there early so you can have the place to yourself (and an ever coveted parking space).
- Mas Tacos
Mas Tacos Por Favor - Facebook That sounds like an overstatement, but these tacos are $3 a pop and have a cult following here in Music City. Try the fried avocado and be forever changed! (732 McFerrin Avenue)
Do you agree? You can continue the fun with a hike to this aboveground cave!
Michael Hicks - Flickr
Located at the Southern tip of Neely’s Bend in Madison, Peeler Park is a hidden gem in Nashville. The drive to the park will leave you thinking you’re nowhere near the city, and the park itself is even more serene.
Uncommon Grounds - Facebook
Located in Old Hickory, Uncommon Grounds is staffed by a kind local with a penchant for good conversation. Come and hang out in the eccentric space filled with mismatched tables and enjoy a coffee and a bite to eat - the perfect Saturday. (1053 Donelson Avenue)
Prince’s Hot Chicken - Facebook
Prince’s is the place to go for hot chicken, not Hattie B’s. Although both are fabulous, one is a little more tourist-centric and a bit harder to find parking. (123 Ewing Drive)
Idintify Media - Flickr
Located in the suburb of Belle Meade, Percy Warner’s plethora of trails, roads, and picnic areas makes it easy to completely escape from the rush of the city. The winding roads will take you back in to the secluded valleys that you would never know existed. Be sure to visit the next time you’re looking for a place to get away!
Dino’s - Facebook
Considered one of the oldest bars in Nashville, Dino’s serves up a solid burger and fries alongside the casual PBR, making this a haven for hipsters and tourists alike. This cheap, no-frills atmosphere will give you the kind of authentic experience you’ll never find on Broadway. (411 Gallatin Ave)
Rex Hammock - Flickr
The outdoor center at Bells Bend offers wildlife and wildflower trails that are sure to take you away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. It’s also one of the most dog-friendly areas of the city, so feel free to bring along your canine friends and let them enjoy the natural beauty as well!
Sapporo Rivergate - Facebook
This Madison eatery is great for sushi lovers, especially if you’re a bit nervous of eating fish in a landlocked state. We’d say it’s quite a bit better than Samurai, the West End establishment that has developed a solid cult-following. It’s Sapporo all the way for us! PS: Try their California roll - so good. (1593 Gallatin Pike N)
The Stones River Greenway stretches from the Percy Priest Dam up through Donelson and crosses the Cumberland on the North end of Shelby Park in East Nashville. The trail offers beautiful views of both the Stones and Cumberland Rivers and shows off parts of Nashville you never knew were there.
First time visitors to Radnor Lake are always blown away that a place so idyllic and quiet can be so close to the heart of such a big city. Radnor is the perfect place to get away and enjoy the beautiful lake and hilltop trails. We recommend getting there early so you can have the place to yourself (and an ever coveted parking space).
Mas Tacos Por Favor - Facebook
That sounds like an overstatement, but these tacos are $3 a pop and have a cult following here in Music City. Try the fried avocado and be forever changed! (732 McFerrin Avenue)
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