What a place you are, Nashville. A city full of tourists and transplants and natives alike. It’s the capital of Tennessee, a city that has a stretch of history a mile long, and welcomes businesses from across the nation. We’re a progressive state with our hands deep in the pocket of southern tradition – and that’s hard to do. Let’s have a day in Nashville, as it is, here in 2017. Watch for the Millennials.
- Start your day with a bit of coffee at Barista Parlor.
Sean Davis - Flickr We’d recommend stopping in at the original location in East Nashville, to snag a cup of the city’s premier coffee. Barista Parlor has actually been listed as one of the best coffee shops in the nation, making it a must-visit. (519 Gallatin Avenue)
- Then head on over to Sky Blue for brunch.
Sky Blue - Facebook Great for brunch or an early breakfast with the locals, be prepared for a longer line if you come past 8:30. We personally love to pop in early so we can eat our granola and sip at our (second) cup of coffee in peace. (700 Fatherland Street)
- Take a mid-morning walk around the Farmers Market.
Nashville Farmers’ Market - Facebook Nashville has an all-week farmers market downtown, and it’s one of the best places to go if you’re looking for produce or a mid-week lunch date with co-workers. Plus, you can pick up a plant for home in their garden center. (900 Rosa L Parks Blvd)
- Or stroll through Cumberland Park.
Nashville Riverfront Cumberland Park has been newly revamped, making it a great place to explore both with kids or on your own. Plus, who can turn down a stroll by the river? It’s beautiful! (592 S 1st Street)
- Or maybe Radnor Lake?
Michael Hicks - Flickr You’ll want to head down south to the Brentwood area for Radnor Lake, but it’s one of the most serene hiking loops in the city. You don’t have to go far or drive for long to take a moment to yourself in this stunning place.
- Fine, fine - jog through Centennial Park.
GreenNetizen - Flicr Centennial Park is known for its Shakespeare Festival, multiple music shows held out on their front lawn as well as the ever-impressive Nashville Parthenon. It’s a great place to hang out with friends or chill in the warm sunshine. (2500 West End Avenue)
- Snag something for lunch at Prince’s Hot Chicken.
Prince’s Hot Chicken - Facebook It’s a Nashville classic, and the grunge of the atmosphere is set-off by the crush of locals that rush through the door at lunchtime - er. Anytime, really. (123 Ewing Drive)
- Or Hattie B’s, if you’re looking to stay close to downtown.
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken - Facebook You’ll see the West End location pictured above, but we’d recommend visiting the Hattie B’s on the west side of town. The new location still serves up some roasty-toasty poultry, but the parking is easier and the crowds a (tiny) bit smaller. (5209 Charlotte Pike)
- Time for people-watching in the Gulch!
The Gulch - Facebook You can walk through the Gulch with coffee in hand, ducking in and out of shops or visiting Barista Parlor Golden Sound if you need MORE coffee. I Love Juice Bar is also located on the main strip, as well as Bar Louie, the ever-popular Biscuit Love and Little Octopus.
- Or pop in and out of the shops at Hillsboro Village.
Hillsboro Village - Facebook Hillsboro Village has more of a student-vibe, but it doesn’t mean walking the area isn’t fun. Taylor Swift has been spotted at Fido multiple times, headed in for a latte, and there’s nothing like a show at Nashville’s resident indie theatre, the Belcourt.
- Treat yourself to dinner at City House.
City House - Facebook City House is a PRIME date spot in Nashville. The gorgeous location in Germantown only serves to emphasize the delicious nature of their menu, southern infused Italian dishes with a spin. The pork belly pizza? Add an egg to it. KILLER. (1222 4th Ave N)
- Or Husk.
Daniel Ziemans - Flickr Husk is located in a renovated mansion, with all ingredients locally sourced and offered on an ever-changing menu. It really is ever changing - you’ll never have the same experience twice. (37 Rutledge Street)
- Or Butchertown Hall?
Daniel Ziemans - Facebook We’d recommend bringing your meat-loving dates to Butchertown Hall, as the name suggests. A meat-centric menu and streamlined design makes for a progressive atmosphere tinged with a delicious meal. Plus, they have a stunning full bar. (1416 4th Ave N)
- Finish out the night with a quick hop on over to Tootsie’s.
Tootsie’s World Famous Orchid Lounge - Facebook Yes, you have to hit up ONE honkytonk if you’re going to make your way through Nashville while thoroughly enjoying the whole of it. It’s a part of our culture, and the historic Tootsie’s is perfect for a local or tourist alike. (422 Broadway)
- Then get out of tourist town and enjoy a drink at LA Jackson.
LA Jackson - Facebook Located in the Gulch on top of the Thompson Hotel, LA Jackson is great if you’re looking to finish out your night in style. They have a great view of the city AND your favorite spirit. You just won Nashville. (401 11th Ave S)
How would you enjoy music city, if you only had a day?
Sean Davis - Flickr
We’d recommend stopping in at the original location in East Nashville, to snag a cup of the city’s premier coffee. Barista Parlor has actually been listed as one of the best coffee shops in the nation, making it a must-visit. (519 Gallatin Avenue)
Sky Blue - Facebook
Great for brunch or an early breakfast with the locals, be prepared for a longer line if you come past 8:30. We personally love to pop in early so we can eat our granola and sip at our (second) cup of coffee in peace. (700 Fatherland Street)
Nashville Farmers’ Market - Facebook
Nashville has an all-week farmers market downtown, and it’s one of the best places to go if you’re looking for produce or a mid-week lunch date with co-workers. Plus, you can pick up a plant for home in their garden center. (900 Rosa L Parks Blvd)
Nashville Riverfront
Cumberland Park has been newly revamped, making it a great place to explore both with kids or on your own. Plus, who can turn down a stroll by the river? It’s beautiful! (592 S 1st Street)
Michael Hicks - Flickr
You’ll want to head down south to the Brentwood area for Radnor Lake, but it’s one of the most serene hiking loops in the city. You don’t have to go far or drive for long to take a moment to yourself in this stunning place.
GreenNetizen - Flicr
Centennial Park is known for its Shakespeare Festival, multiple music shows held out on their front lawn as well as the ever-impressive Nashville Parthenon. It’s a great place to hang out with friends or chill in the warm sunshine. (2500 West End Avenue)
Prince’s Hot Chicken - Facebook
It’s a Nashville classic, and the grunge of the atmosphere is set-off by the crush of locals that rush through the door at lunchtime - er. Anytime, really. (123 Ewing Drive)
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken - Facebook
You’ll see the West End location pictured above, but we’d recommend visiting the Hattie B’s on the west side of town. The new location still serves up some roasty-toasty poultry, but the parking is easier and the crowds a (tiny) bit smaller. (5209 Charlotte Pike)
The Gulch - Facebook
You can walk through the Gulch with coffee in hand, ducking in and out of shops or visiting Barista Parlor Golden Sound if you need MORE coffee. I Love Juice Bar is also located on the main strip, as well as Bar Louie, the ever-popular Biscuit Love and Little Octopus.
Hillsboro Village - Facebook
Hillsboro Village has more of a student-vibe, but it doesn’t mean walking the area isn’t fun. Taylor Swift has been spotted at Fido multiple times, headed in for a latte, and there’s nothing like a show at Nashville’s resident indie theatre, the Belcourt.
City House - Facebook
City House is a PRIME date spot in Nashville. The gorgeous location in Germantown only serves to emphasize the delicious nature of their menu, southern infused Italian dishes with a spin. The pork belly pizza? Add an egg to it. KILLER. (1222 4th Ave N)
Daniel Ziemans - Flickr
Husk is located in a renovated mansion, with all ingredients locally sourced and offered on an ever-changing menu. It really is ever changing - you’ll never have the same experience twice. (37 Rutledge Street)
Daniel Ziemans - Facebook
We’d recommend bringing your meat-loving dates to Butchertown Hall, as the name suggests. A meat-centric menu and streamlined design makes for a progressive atmosphere tinged with a delicious meal. Plus, they have a stunning full bar. (1416 4th Ave N)
Tootsie’s World Famous Orchid Lounge - Facebook
Yes, you have to hit up ONE honkytonk if you’re going to make your way through Nashville while thoroughly enjoying the whole of it. It’s a part of our culture, and the historic Tootsie’s is perfect for a local or tourist alike. (422 Broadway)
LA Jackson - Facebook
Located in the Gulch on top of the Thompson Hotel, LA Jackson is great if you’re looking to finish out your night in style. They have a great view of the city AND your favorite spirit. You just won Nashville. (401 11th Ave S)
PS: Did you know that these 11 Vintage Photos Of Nashville’s Streets That Will Take You Back In Time?
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