A Night Out in Quintessential Nashville: Dinner, Drinks, and the Grand Ole Opry

Whether you're a local and haven't been out to what one might call the old-school destinations in awhile, or, you're visiting for the first time -- I wanted to create an evening itinerary of some of my favorite (pre-"New Nashville") spots for an ideal night out on the town.

Valentine's Day in Nashville

Heyyyy Nashville lovers. And singles. Are you looking for some last minute Valentine's Day Ideas? Don't worry -- as per usual, I've got you covered. Let's take a look at what's happening in town.

FLWR Shop

You might think flowers are a cop out for Valentine's, but I'm going to have to disagree , if you're going with an arrangement or succulent from FLWR Shop in East Nashville. Your significant other deserves the best and most beautifully arranged flowers in town. The #NSFW box shown above comes with a flower arrangement in your choice of 4 sizes, two mini cocktail mixers from Nashville based Drink With Company, handmade aphrodisiac chocolate chili truffles from Utterly Nashville, Pink Love bath salts from Fig + Yarrow, a massage oil candle from Even Keel Soap of Brooklyn, and some rose petals to top off the romance. 

Whistle Punk Gift Box

He doesn't want a heart shaped box filled with chocolates. Okay, maybe he does, but that's not all he wants. This year give him something he'll really love: Gift set includes a Death Before Dullness snapback trucker cap, Bottle of Natchez Whistle Punk Beard & Shave Oil, Hand-made folding beard & moustache pocket pocket comb made by Kent and imported from the UK, 1 Whistle Punk Key Chain, 1 "Timber!" Valentines Card, and 2 1-inch "Dangerously Handsome" buttons.

Datebox

Not looking to go out on the town? You could always enjoy date night at home with Datebox -- a monthly delivery designed for you and your significant other (or even besties) to have a fun night in. From cooking classes to candy, Datebox offers  so many budget-friendly, unique, and always fabulous ideas for date night.

Rhapsody Spa

Spa days are simply the best. Whether treating yourself or someone else, you don't want to miss Nashville's newest and sexiest spa in the Westin Hotel. Because we all deserved to be pampered, right? Right.

Thistle Farms

Give to your love and give back with a gift from Thistle Farms. All of the products are handmade by women who are survivors of prostitution, trafficking, and addiction. Each time you purchase from Thistle Farms your contribution goes towards helping women heal. Products span from chocolate facial masks, body butter, and soaps to lip smoothies. 

Nashville Science Center Romance in the Stars

Wait, what? Yes, you read it right! Join the Adventure Science Center to explore romantic stories from the ancient past in the Planetarium. With 6.5 million stars and stunning visualizations of the night sky, an evening under the 63-foot dome will certainly make this Valentine’s Day unique. Tickets are $18 per couple for Adventure Science Center members, $25 per couple for non-members, and include two planetarium tickets for the Romance in the Stars live planetarium show + a box of assorted chocolates, custom made in Franklin by Paul’s Chocolate Gallery.

Restaurant + Activities Round Up

Punch Bowl served this Valentine's Day at Salt & Vine

So many restaurants in town are featuring special menus for Valentine's Day. Check out a few of my faves:

Sinema

Fest on a fabulous 3 course pre-fixe menu ($85pp) which includes decadent items like Champagne and Saffron roasted lobster, New York Strip, Macadamia crusted elk filet, crab cakes, and cherry stuffed chocolate cake. Good food paired with one of my favorite restaurant ambiances in town = a Valentine's Win.

360 Bistro

West siders -- if you haven't checked out 360 Bistro in awhile, you're missing out on one of the best spots in your neighborhood. To the rest of us: it's worth the drive out West! Valentine's Day will feature a four course, pre-fixe menu for $70pp. Courses include Maine lobster salad, blood orange and champagne zabaione; Short rib boudin balls, red aioli, chicory; and Filet, roasted mushrooms, foie hollandaise, and Chocolate Decadence.

ACME Rooftop Dance Party

A free Rooftop Valentine’s Day show for those single and lookin’ to mingle. ACME's Valentine’s Day dance party with Myzica will certainly be filled with the hottest folks taking in the hottest view in Nashville. Did I mention it was free? Oh yeah. Have fun.

Fin & Pearl

A special Valentine’s Day prix fixe menu designed by Chef de Cuisine Dale Levitski and Executive Chef Matt Farley. $65/pp special three course, prix fixe menu which includes Popcorn Scallop: Sweet corn, peanut, bacon & potato hash, salsify purée, sage peanut pesto; A fresh catch with lobster popcorn rice, wilted greens, truffle cream; and chocolate cherry fudge torte, caramel and brandied cherrie.

Etc.

Have you been to Deb Paquette's newest venture in Green Hills? Well, here's the perfect opportunity to spoil yourself along with your love with a choice of four starters, two salads, four entrees and two desserts to build their own four-course meal. Chef Deb's globally-inspired options include snapper crudo with pink peppercorn vinaigrette; roasted cauliflower with pea pesto (which so happens to be my favorite appetizer in Nashville); grilled tuna and octopus with quinoa and smoked lima bean espuma; filet and short rib with pesto potatoes; and chocolate-peanut butter mousse with milk chocolate crunch. $80pp.

Etch

At one of Nashville's most fab spots this Vfalentine's Day, choose from four starters, two salads, four entrees and two desserts. Dish selections include smoked duck and parsnip bisque; non-conventional Caesar salad with poached farm egg and oysters; grouper and clams escabeche with cana de oveja ravioli; chuck filet with celery root griddle cake; and lemon tart with brown butter shortbread crust. $90pp.

Salt & Vine

This one is for you, ladies. If you'd prefer to ditch the fancy prix fixe Valentine’s Day menus and celebrate all the single ladies of Nashville this year -- Salt & Vine is the place to be. They’ll be bumping Beyonce radio, Prosecco will be flowing, and  handing out complimentary, house made chocolate covered strawberries for the hell of it. But that’s not all, what better way to applaud the evening than with a boozy punch party? Discounted punch bowls all. night. long.

LGBT Friendly Guide to Nashville

Despite being located in the South, as a 9+ year resident of Nashville, I can personally attest it is a city which warmly welcomes both its LGBT residences and guests. An incredible, vocally supportive mayor (who married the first gay couple in Nashville when it became legal in 2015, who's office promptly arranged a memorial following the tragedy in Orlando) stands alongside so many businesses and residents alike who strongly support equality amongst all.

I recently sat down with Nashville's LGBT Chamber of Commerce and Loews Vanderbilt Nashville to discuss this idea of creating a LGBT-friendly itinerary for Loews' #TravelForReal campaign, and through said conversation hand-selected businesses and compiled a three day agenda of my faves who strongly support the LGBT community. This was initially designed as a "staycation" for LGBT Nashvillians but certainly can be used by all locals and visitors, as well!

Without further adieu:

Day 1:

Brunch at Mad Donnas
One of Nashville's most popular Brunch spots and one you definitely do not want to miss. Don't let the line scare you -- you'll be through it and casually brunching in no time. Brunch features reasonable prices, 2-for-1 Mimosas, a Bloody Mary bar, their fabulous burgers, Cap'n Crunch French toast, and more.

1313 Woodland Street, Nashville

Dinner and Cocktails at Mason's

The hotel-restaurant stigma is completely thrown out the window with Mason's restaurant and bar, located in the lobby of the Loews Hotel. Chic atmosphere, top-notch service, and delicious food and beverage menus round out one of my favorite spots in town. Watching your figure? Erin Oprea, Carrie Underwood's personal trainer, has you covered. Oprea herself worked with the Mason's team to create delicious (healthy) options on both the food and cocktail list -- just look for the barbells next to the menu item. Like me and prefer to go all out? I highly recommend the Lamb meatballs, Shrimp and Grits, Ancho Spiced Berkshire Pork Chop, Brussels Sprouts, and Springer Mountain Farms Chicken. Don't forget about dessert too -- the pastry chef is certainly bringing her A-game.

2100 West End Avenue, Nashville

The Best Haunted House in Nashville

Fall: It's one of my favorite times of year in Nashville. The changing leaves, the cooling temps, bonfires, cider, s'mores, Oktoberfest. Oh, and Haunted Houses. For some reason, something about immersing ones self in a terrifying experience is obnoxiously appealing to me - and I look forward to the season every. single. year.

I've visited my fair share of haunts in town, and I have to crown a new favorite for 2015 - one that quite simply stands out above and beyond any house I've ever experienced: Nashville Nightmare. The sets, the design, costumes, overall production, the fact that it consistently scared the hell out of me and my friends - all elements of a top notch haunted house, which made for an absolutely terrifying experience.

There are actually two houses on site - Night Terrors and Horror High. The first, contains over 25,000 square feet of scenes that will undoubtedly re-visit you in your nightmares. I can't begin to tell you how many times I screamed. Out loud. Like a child. Whatever. The latter, Haunted High, is located in the abandoned remains of an actual high school. Terrifying. By the time we made it through both, I was without voice. I mean, no big deal, right?

If you're looking for even more, thorough reviews of the other Haunted Houses in Nashville, I recommend turning to my friends at the Nashville Scene and checking their stellar recommendations. Scene contributor Justin Stokes ranks the various haunts based on scariness, acting, costumes, production design, time, price, ingenuity, lighting, sound and misc. novelty factors: a scale which of course seems ghoulish-ly appropriate. 

Topping The Scene's list with an A+ is the aforementioned Nashville Nightmare, which Stokes describes contains "makeup and monsters of a caliber you'd expect at Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights." Also note, Nashville Nightmare was also named among the top 31 Haunts in the nation by Haunted Attraction Magazine, so enter if you dare.

Check out the rest of the Scene's Guide to the Best Haunted Houses in Nashville on their site. 

What is your favorite Haunt in town?

GIVEAWAY: Nashville Word of Mouth - The Perfect Nashville Coffee Table Book!

CONTEST CLOSED! Congratulations, Lisa Zimmer: you're the winner! Thanks everyone who entered - I've got a few more giveaways up my sleeve, so stay tuned!

Friends.

I'm so excited to give away a copy of Word of Mouth, Nashville Conversations to one of my followers! Local author, Lily Hansen, put together a fabulous book which captures the drive, passion, and innovation of Nashvillians who have thrived in – and helped drive the art, culinary, business, and music industries that have bolstered Nashville’s boom. 

The book features stunning black & white photography from some of our town's finest photographers,  candid interviews with the likes of Mike Wolfe, creator of American Pickers, and Patrick Carney, drummer for The Black Keys (+ so much more). Needless to say, it is the perfect addition to any lover-of-Nashville's coffee table. 

Parnassus Book Store sums Nashville Conversations up quite perfectly in their review: "Although it celebrates the spirit of Nashville, Word of Mouth: Nashville Conversations is for creative entrepreneurs everywhere. As a compendium of insight and wisdom shared by those who have pursued their dreams, Word of Mouth presents stories that young and old alike should hear as they embark on their own creative journey."

One of my ABSOLUTE favorite parts about the Nashville creative community is the willingness of its members to meet, brainstorm, encourage, and to simply help one another out (which, randomly, is how author Hansen and I initially connected -- so fun.)  The creative community and its support for one another is further reason as to why I am so proud to be from this town, and, I love love love that Conversations showcases this very idea.

You can meet Lily and get your signed copy of the book at her signing at Parnassus Books Tuesday, August 18 @ 6:30PM. And, to win your very own copy, head over to Experience Nashville Instagram (instagram.com/experiencenash) -- simply follow me, and tag a friend in the comments section of the Word of Mouth, Nashville Conversations picture and you're entered! I'll be announcing the winner on Monday, August 17.

The Peach Truck Old Fashioned

As peach season bestows its last glorious weeks upon us, we clearly must take full advantage. Peach cobbler, jam, tartine, ice cream, dishes, and inspired cocktails are currently everywhere in Nashville, and I plan on soaking up every last moment of the goodness before it's gone.

Last night we had a few friends over which inspired me to create a fun cocktail,  and thus, the Peach Old Fashioned was born. Simple to throw together, and destined to be a surefire hit amongst the crowd.

Peach Old Fashioned

1/2 Fresh Peach (If you're in Nashville, you must use a Peach Truck Peach - and if you need any convincing as to why, read my interview with owner Stephen Rose.)

2 Luxardo Cherries

A Dash of Angostura Bitters

1/2 Tsp of Sugar

2 (ish) oz. Bourbon (I recommend Four Roses or Builleit)

Peel, and muddle together the peach with the cherries, bitters, and sugar. Stir in two ounces of bourbon and add ice. 

Now, prepare thyself as life will certainly be immeasurably better.

It's CMA Fest Bingo Time

Y'all. CMA Fest week brings upon us a TON of crazy to Nashville (but tons of tax dollars, but tons of tax dollars, but tons of tax dollars. keep. reminding. self.) But, thankfully for those who have to leave your house this week to brave the depths of downtown, I am bestowing upon to you CMA Fest Bingo 2015.

Mad props to my friends at Stunt Double Creative for creating the board for 2015 - and - good luck out there!

Bachelorette Weekend in Nashville

Planning to spending your Bachelorette Weekend in Nashville and need some ideas? I've got you covered with a touristy trek through town celebrating a last bit of 'freedom' before your lifetime of being a M-R-S.

Where to Stay:

You'll want to be near downtown so you can walk around on Broadway - so check out the gorgeous Omni or the newly-renovated Renaissance hotels, both of which offer prime locale. Another great resource to consider, especially for groups, is Airbnb - my new preferred method of travel. There are a ton of listings in Nashville. Be sure to book your space or hotel room sooner than later because there is always something going on in town, and space books up fast.

Now, let's get to the real fun.

Night #1: Go to dinner, Go out on Broadway!

Start your bachelorette weekend in Nashville with a night out on the rooftop of either Rock Bottom Brewery or Acme. Acme is a fabulous new and unique venue but both offer a killer view of downtown Nashville. For dinner there are a few options: You could eat at Rock Bottom or at Acme, or you could make a reservation at Merchants, Farmhouse, or Etch  (my favorite) - all within walking distance from the downtown action.

Spending Two Days in Nashville? Here's my Recommended Itinerary!

As a follow up to my One Day in Nashville Itinerary, and for those fortunate enough to stick around longer than just a day in town, here's your Itinerary for Two Days in Nashville. Be sure to follow this agenda in order - I've set it up to optimize your day with the most efficient travel pattern throughout the city. It's most definitely a full day, but one that I'm certain you can pull off with your mad traveler expertise.

Need a driver while you're in town? Sign up for Lyft and use my code EXPERIENCENASH for $50 towards your first rides!

Let's start off day two in my favorite neighborhood in town, East Nashville.

Marche Artisan Foods
Nothing beats your day beginning with one of my favorite brunches in all of Nashville. Their always evolving menu is full of wonderful options that never fail to impress. Try a crepe, and/or (recommended: and) literally the best french toast I've ever eaten in my life.

1000 Main Street, Nashville, TN 37206

1108 Shops at Woodland
Just around the block lives a collection of precious boutiques. Vintage clothing, books, antiques are all gathered together for an eclectic and fun shopping experience. Good Buy Girls and Hello Boys are among my faves.

1108 Woodland Street, Nashville, TN 37206

Shoppes on Fatherland
Just a few blocks up the road is another group of boutique stores. Definitely walkable from your previous locale, and just as much fun. Don't miss Baxter and Bailey if you have a dog (or cat), Thrive for earth-friendly products, and Moxie for a cute made in Nashville poster or other unique gifts.

1006 Fatherland Street, Nashville, TN 37206

Jenis
I know you just had brunch but you must make room in your stomach for the best ice cream in the world, and if you've truly hit the ground and rigorously shopped as I would, this should not be an issue. I never let a visitor come see me in Nashville without giving Jeni's a try. Goat Cheese & Red Cherries and Brown Butter Almond Brittle will change your life, and sample as many flavors as your heart desires.

1892 Eastland Avenue, Nashville, TN 37206

Old Made Good
Probably my favorite shop in all of Nashville, just down Gallatin Pike from your previous destinations. These ladies truly have an eye for art, fashion, and design. Great local products and a floor entirely comprised of gold glitter round out this incredible spot.

3701B Gallatin Pike, Nashville, TN 37216

Opryland Hotel
Touristy? Absolutely. Impressive? Oh yeah. One of largest 'non-gaming' resort in the United States, Opryland Hotel is a sight to behold. You'll find indoor canals and mini-cities, beautiful plants, fountains, chandeliers, and even waterfalls. Take a canal tour and learn more about the hotel's fascinating story.

Be sure to park in the mall lot, near the Grand Ole Opry House. Parking at the hotel is crazy expensive, and free at the mall.

2800 Opryland Drive, Nashville, TN 37214

Time to head South to Downtown Franklin, one of the most picturesque towns in America.

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.

Spending a day visiting Nashville? Here's my recommended itinerary for you!

One of my absolute favorite things to do in life is entertain friends and family, especially ones that have never been to Nashville. I've given many (of what I affectionately refer to as) "Tours de Nash", and am often asked by friends, colleagues, and followers of Experience Nashville what my recommendations are for first time visitors.

I've put together a list of what I consider some of my favorite "must-dos" of Music City; places that if you only have one day here, you should definitely make a point to see.

Need a driver while you're in town? Sign up for Lyft and use my code EXPERIENCENASH for $50 towards your first rides!

So without further adieu, I present to you:

One Day in Nashville, an Itinerary

Pancake Pantry
Start your day with one of Nashville's favorite traditions, The Pancake Pantry. They have been serving delicious breakfasts since 1961, and are beloved by both locals and visitors alike. My personal favorite menu items would have to be the Potato Pancakes, Sugar & Spice pancakes, and also the hashbrowns... Although I've never been disappointed with anything I've tried here. Oh, their chocolate milk is phenom as well.

Just a tip—be sure to arrive EARLY (especially on weekends) or be prepared to wait in line!

1796 21st Ave. South, Nashville, TN 37212

Centennial Park
A quick drive through Vanderbilt campus and you'll be right next door to one of Nashville's most famous parks, Centennial. Home of the 1897 Centennial Exposition, this park is home to one of our most iconic landmarks, the Parthenon, a to-scale replica of the actual Parthenon in Athens. Take a walk around the lake and snap a few selfies in this gorgeous park.

2500 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203

Music Row
A trip to Nashville is not complete without a quick jaunt through Music Row, where most of the unassuming buildings housing record labels responsible for the $9.7 billion economic impact in the Nashville region are located. One particular point of interest, RCA Studio B*, where hundreds of artists (including Dolly, Willie Nelson, Elvis Presley) recorded.

When exiting Music Row, don't miss the "controversial" Musica statue in the center of the roundabout. If you're in town during a special event or holiday, you may even find clothing on this nude piece of art.

Music Square East, & Music Square West, Nashville, TN 37203
*Just a note-- to tour the studio you must purchase a ticket through the Country Music Hall of Fame

Let's head to downtown Nashville.

Crema
At this point of your tour-de-Nash, I would recommend a slight pick me up from one of my favorite coffee joints in town. I absolutely love the iced coffee and scones, but have never had anything less than fabulous here at Crema.

15 Hermitage Ave., Nashville, TN 37204

Parking
Park your car at the Nashville Public Library (only $5 for parking all day) and use my favorite mode of transportation to get the best views when touring a city: your feet. If you follow my list below in order, you will encounter the most logical walking path.

615 Church Street, Nashville, TN 37219

Frist Center for the Visual Arts
A must see for art-enthusiasts. Also, one of my favorite buildings from an architectural standpoint in Nashville. Not so much interested in a museum tour on your one day in town? Skip ahead.

919 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203

Ryman Auditorium
Perhaps the most legendary building in all of Nashville, and one of the original homes of the Grand Ole Opry. Take a tour of the "Mother Church" of country music—one of my favorite venues to catch a live show ever. Tours are offered 9AM-4PM daily.

116 5th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37219

Hatch Show Print
One of the oldest working letterpress print shops in America (opened in 1879), Hatch has created prints for artists ranging from Johnny Cash to Garth Brooks. Perfect place to find an awesome souvenir commemorating your trip to Nashy.

316 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201

Jacks Legendary BBQ
A yummy stop for lunch offering authentic southern style BBQ and sides. I'm a fan of the pulled pork with coleslaw. Oh, and don't miss the sweet tea—a true southern staple.

416 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203

Mike's Ice Cream
Simply put: Who doesn't love homemade ice cream? This is a fab local-to-Nashville spot to grab dessert!

208 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203

Schermerhorn Symphony Center
In my opinion, this is the most beautiful building in all of downtown Nashville. Check out the gorgeous architecture and fountains on your way to the Pedestrian Bridge.

1 Symphony Pl, Nashville, TN 37201

Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge
Right down the street from the Symphony you will find the most amazing view of Downtown Nashville on this bridge, which is only accessible via foot. Don't forget the camera for this one.

Near 1st and Broadway Downtown Nashville

Country Music Hall of Fame
Ya'll.. It doesn't get any more Nashville than this. An amazing collection of all things country music—from Dolly's handwritten Jolene lyrics, to the Hee Haw Corn Patch, Johnny Cash's legendary black suit, to Elvis's Gold Cadillac. This is a must see for any music fan, history buff, or anyone interested in learning about the American culture phenomenon that is country music.

222 5th Ave. S, Nashville, TN 37203

Etch
Words cannot describe my love for this restaurant, which is one of my favorite places to grab dinner in all of Nashville. Phenomenal food, service, and drinks—simply divine! Be sure to make reservations, typically at least a week in advance.

303 Demonbreun, Nashville, TN 37201

Bar Hopping
Cap off your evening by returning to Lower Broad and experiencing the best live music in the country at the Honky Tonks. My favorite spots are Tootsies, Layla's Bluegrass Inn, and the Stage. Paradise Park is always a blast, and who doesn't love an ice cold pitcher of PBR?

All of these bars are within walking distance of each other-  Downtown/Lower Broadway


Spending two days in Nashville? Check out my Day 2 Itinerary.

Have SO much fun while you're in town. As always, feel free to tweet me @experiencenash, and for the latest follow me on instagram @experiencenash and facebook.