Nashville, also known as the music city, is filled with honky-tonks, country music and delicious food. All of my favorite things in one city! I’m not sure why it took me 28 years to visit Nashville but man am I sure glad I finally did. We experienced the best of country music at the Hall of Fame and listened to live bands at the honky-tonks on Broadway. My inner foodie was in heaven with great food ranging from Nashville’s famous hot chicken to Japanese Ramen. Finally, we topped off the weekend with a little shopping in the 12South neighborhood and catching up with friends over some excellent craft cocktails.
Nashville is a great weekend getaway and just a Southwest flight away! The fun starts in the airport where over 100 bands play year round. It’s a quick 15 minute drive from the airport to downtown. There are tons of hotels to stay at such as the Aloft for 10,000 SPG points per night or the Hyatt Place for 12,000 points per night. One of the best parts of Nashville is the close proximity, everything is walkable or a short uber ride away. Put your points to good use and check out the music city!
12 South Neighborhood
Here is some of our Nashville favorites…
Food:
Biscuit Love – located in the Gulch, this is by no means your ordinary biscuit shop. Try the East Nasty biscuit with fried chicken, cheddar and sausage gravy and get an order of bonuts to share. Be prepared to stand in line outside because this place is always packed.
Biscuit Love
ACME – located downtown next to all the honky-tonks, the food here is great despite being in such a touristy area. My favorite was the fried green tomatoes with pimento cheese. Make your way all the way up to the rooftop for some great views of Broadway.
ACME Feed & Seed on Broadway
Otaku Ramen – new Japanese restaurant located in the Gulch. This is a far cry from your college days $.20 pack of ramen. The restaurant itself is very small but they have a connecting bar with snacks and a great drink selection while you wait. We all ordered a different flavor ramen and all were delicious.
Otaku Ramen
The Pharmacy – Where else would a bunch of pharmacists go for lunch? This East Nashville joint has amazing burgers. The chili-cheese burger was one of the best I’ve ever had and they even make their own sodas. The atmosphere is great as they have a beautiful outdoor beer garden. There is often a wait but grab one of the many beers they have one tap to pass the time.
The Pharmacy Chili Cheese Burger and Pilsner
Hattie B’s – the one food you must try when visiting Nashville is the famous hot chicken. Hattie B’s is the original and did not disappoint. Mmm fried chicken coated in hot sauce, classic southern sides and banana pudding for dessert. Once again be prepared to stand in line and in our case with rain gear.
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken
Patterson House – this speakeasy located in midtown specializes in craft cocktails. The menu features too many cocktails to count and if you still can’t find a drink to suit your needs ask your server for something off the secret menu. Don’t forget to try the fried brie and pork rinds for a snack.
Patterson House Cocktails
Entertainment:
The Country Music Hall of Fame – if you’re a country music fan this is a must! Relive the greats of country music past as well as the stars of today. Don’t miss the movie that takes you through the decades of country music. And, you can even record your own song in Taylor Swift’s tour bus!
Taylor Swift Tour Bus
The Grand Ole Opry – America’s longest running radio show turns 90 this year! Different country music stars are showcased each night so you never know who you might get to see. While we didn’t have a chance to see a show at the Opry House this trip it’s definitely on our list for next time.
Grand Ole Opry
Honky-Tonks on Broadway – a trip to Nashville is not complete without a stop at Tootsies or one of the many other honky-tonks on lower broadway. The street lights up at night with neon signs and is often referred to as nashvegas. Sing and dance the night away to live country bands.
Broadway
Try a Bushwacker – Nashville is home to the original boozy milkshake. Head to midtown and grab a bushwacker from Rebar or Broadway Brewhouse.
Bushwacker
Shopping in 12South – this neighborhood is full of cute boutiques, coffee shops and restaurants. Grab a coffee at the Frothy Monkey and do some shopping on 12th Ave South. Reese Witherspoon has a shop here and this is also where you’ll find the famous I Believe in Nashville sign.
Goo-Goo Shop – home of the marshmallow, caramel, peanut and milk chocolate treat….the goo-goo cluster that has been around since 1912. It’s the world’s first combination candy bar. Stop in for a free sample or two at the shop downtown.
GooGoo Candy Bar
Pedestrian Bridge – take a walk over the Cumberland River and get some great views of the city!
Nashville Pedestrian Bridge
If you’re looking for a weekend getaway add Nashville to your list. It’s a city full of southern charm as well as urban cool.