Nashville's 12South Neighborhood : Where to Eat, Drink, & Shop

SO so so excited to be featured and brag about our town in the May issue of Virgin Airlines Inflight Magazine, Voyeur. You can check out a link to the actual mag here, but I've also included the article here on the blog for your reading pleasure:

Nashville is one of the fastest-growing cities in the US, expanding far beyond just a destination for country music lovers. These days it’s gaining a reputation among the most elite of foodies, with daily announcements of cool new developments and accolades handed to its hottest restaurants. All of this progress has brought resurgence — and leading the charge is the trendy 12South neighborhood. Just a few years ago a blighted part of town that locals avoided, 12South has now emerged as one of the places to be seen in Nashville. Beautifully restored homes, chic boutiques and a wide array of dining options are all within walking distance and allow for afternoons filled with a plethora of possibilities — making it truly the perfect one-stop destination to live, eat, drink, shop and play.

EAT

Nashville residents pride themselves on supporting local business, so you absolutely won’t see any familiar chains in this neighborhood. Start your day by grabbing an icicle treat at Las Paletas, a gourmet popsicle shop. Opt for an adventurous flavor such as its famous Hot Chocolate — a combination of creamy chocolate with a kick of chili. For lunch, try Edley’s Bar-B-Que for an authentic southern meal complete with all the ‘fixins’ — homemade sides such as baked beans, slaw, mac and cheese, and cornbread. In particular, don’t miss the barbecue nachos with brisket and fried pickles, and the smoked wings. Dinner reservations are a necessity at Josephine, one of Nashville’s newest hotspots. Pioneered by local restaurateur Miranda Whitcomb Pontes of Burger Up fame (her well-revered burger restaurant just down the street), Josephine’s new-American cuisine, hip atmosphere and topnotch service have already elevated it to every local foodie’s favorite list. A must try is the skillet of pretzel rolls with mustard butter, and you can’t go wrong with any one of its inventive vegetable sides or main dishes. Its cocktails are pretty good, too.
You won’t have to go far for dessert — just walk next door to Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams. Remarkable flavors include goat’s cheese with cherry, and brown-butter almond brittle. Even its classic ‘Milkiest
Chocolate in the World’ is exceptional.

DRINK

One can’t visit Nashville without trying a Bushwacker. This alcoholic milkshake-like beverage can be found at various spots throughout the city, but is particularly good (and strong) at previously mentioned
Edley’s Bar-B-Que. Mosey across the street to Frothy Monkey, and there’s a good chance you will bump shoulders with a famous musician while enjoying one of the best lattes in town. Hit Mafioza’s Pizzeria
and Neighborhood Pub to indulge in a drink (note the two-for-one drinks and pizza offer on Tuesday night). a little further down 12th Avenue South sits 12 South Taproom and Grill, a charming bar where you can grab a chair on the patio,  relax with friends and enjoy a variety of beer via its extensive list. looking for a bit
more beer to cap off the night? The Filling station carries 24 options on tap and you can even grab a growler to go. Be sure to sample refreshing creations from local breweries including Yazoo, Jackalope, Tennessee Brew Works and Turtle Anarchy

SHOP

Options are plentiful when it comes to shopping in 12South. White’s Mercantile is a recently opened boutique and the latest venture of singer Holly Williams (daughter of musician Hank Williams Jr). It’s located
in an old gas station at the southern-most end of the district. Williams showcases regional purveyors and offers a variety of items that span from olive oils and lotions to hand-picked antiques, linen and glasses.
Imogene and Willie, Nashville’s go-to spot for jeans, offers denim custom-fitted to your specifications — a must-purchase for any fashionista, including a few celebrities. The shop creates hand cuts and alters all of its designs in Nashville. Finally, a visit to Nashville isn’t complete without a trip to the music store: stop at
Corner Music and strum a few guitars, tickle some ivories and ensure you are ready to hit the stage. To suit up for your performance visit Katy K Designs, which offers western threads, including suits from Manuel — the ‘tailor to the stars’ credited as being responsible for making Johnny Cash the iconic man in black.