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.

Best Bars in Nashville

Urban Cowboy's Public House, image via Urban Cowboy

I always have visitors (and locals) looking for recommendations of places to grab a drink in Nashville, and realized I haven't updated the blog with my favorite bars in town in some time. The last few years have been quite good to us with the food and drink scene here, and we now have a handful of spots that rival pretty much any of the hottest bar scenes you can find. 

So let's get straight to it, and, CHEERS y'all.

Best Bars in Nashville 

Old Glory

Hands down my favorite place to get my cocktail on in Nashville. An expertly crafted and always evolving cocktail menu, housed in an old factory boiler room --  making it the most fabulous atmosphere to drink in all of town. You 100% cannot miss this spot.

1200 Villa Pl #103, Nashville, TN 37212

Urban Cowboy Public House

The newest bar on my list and I can't speak highly enough of it. The vibe is ridiculously cool, the cocktails divine. Make sure and go hungry, because the wood-fired menu is insane: next-level in fact, truly raising the bar.

1603 Woodland St, Nashville, TN 37206

308

If you're looking for me in Nashville, likelihood is high we'll bump elbows at 308. My favorite happy hour ($5 bourbon + ginger with the most delish house made ginger ale), fab tacos, and on the weekends -- dance parties. 

 407 Gallatin Ave, Nashville, TN 37206

Dinos

Dive-y + cozy bar, burgers, hot chicken, and fries with Velveeta cheese? Sold. If it's hip enough for Justin Bieber, it's probably hip enough for you, too. 

411 Gallatin Ave, Nashville, TN 37206

Patterson House

New Nashville's original "speakeasy"-type bar, Patterson is known for the chic-yet-classic vibe and incredible and inventive cocktails. 

1711 Division St, Nashville, TN 37203

Hop Stop

Tucked over on the East side, Hop Stop offers one of the most extensive beer lists in town (36 on tap), serving up all the local-favorite brews. Pop in for that beer, pair it with a gourmet hot dog and a game or two of darts.

2909 Gallatin Pike, Nashville, TN 37216

LA Jackson

Get your bougie on at LA Jackson, the Thompson Hotel's stylish rooftop lounge. Offering an incredible view of the city, bites by Chef John Besh, and perhaps the hottest people watching in Nashville. 

401 11th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203

Be sure to shoot me your thoughts and follow me on instagram @ experiencenash.

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.

2016 Nashville Gift Guide

The holidays are upon us y'all.

In 2015, I created my first local-to-Nashville gift guide to give my readers a handful of gift ideas of my favorite Nashville products for loved ones. It was so much fun playing Oprah, and there are so many fabulous local products, I simply had to bring it back for 2016.

So without further adieu, I present to you my top choices for gifts during the 2016 Holiday Season.

(Yay!)

Pilgrimage Festival -- Music. Food. Celebs.

Touring the art vendors at Pilgrimage Festival -- thanks for the photo, Kristin Luna @ Camels + Chocolates.

Last weekend was certainly a hot one, but it did not keep fans from across the country from making the pilgrimage to Franklin for the second annual Pilgrimage Festival. Two days of music, art, and food -- and attended by over 15,000 folks. It was my first year attending, and y'all -- I LOVED it. Despite the heat, the festival was incredibly well executed, from the art vendors, to staff, to the top-notch talent.

Speaking of talent, this year's lineup included Daryl Hall & John Oates (!!), Beck, Jason Isbell, Grace Potter, Kacey Musgraves, Violent Femmes, The Arcs, Cake, Anderson East, and more. Only in Nashville.

Ms. Kacey Musgraves killing it on stage, per usual. 

Speaking of Nashville... In typical Nashville fashion, celebs abounded. Lily Aldridge and Caleb Followill were there to catch Beck, Miranda Lambert danced side stage during boyfriend Anderson East’s set, and Haley Williams of Paramore hung backstage to support friend Kacey Musgraves. N’Sync’s Chris Kirkpatrick (!!) and GRAMMY-Award winning producer Dave Cobb were also spotted partaking in festival fun. Sadly, I heard of no (Pilgrimage Festival partner) Justin Timberlake sightings... There's always next year, I suppose?

Did you #MakeThePilgrimage this year? What was your favorite part?

High school/college me was freaking out about Better than Ezra.

The art vendors were incredible, and the locale of the festival was stunning.

The Park at Harlinsdale, where Pilgrimage Festival is held, is stunning.

Speaking of Ms. Musgraves, this happened. I love her. The perfect way to cap of a perfect weekend.

(Thanks to George Dickel for having us out, and for the VIP treatment. I do love your whisky.)



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Music City Food + Wine - Nashville's Ultimate Foodie Weekend

Held at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, Music City Food + Wine Festival is my favorite festival of the year.

Y'all. Last weekend was perhaps my favorite weekend of 2016.
...and 2015.
...and 2014.

Notice the trend?

Hanging with mah boos, Maneet Chauhan, Beth Sachan of Eat. Drink. Smile. and Kristin Luna of Camels & Chocolate. 

Music City Food + Wine Festival, one of Nashville's premier foodie events put on by Food and Wine magazine and the Kings of Leon. Mingle and meet with your favorite chefs at the Grand Tasting (unlimited bites and drinks), attend culinary demos, boozy tasting sessions, and listen to the best music in town. Food + Booze + Music = my absolute favorite kind of combination.

Let's get to it the best way I know how to recap: via a photo round-up of the weekend.

The Best Men's Shopping in Nashville

Guys: Looking to do some shopping outside of the outlet mall? I've got you covered with my picks of the best men's stores in Nashville.

Shirt: Jack Randall // Jeans: Imogene + Willie Barton Slim // Shoes: Nisolo Emilio Chukka Boot Noir

Jack Randall

Jack Randall's sister (women's) store, Vinnie and Louise, has been a hit in town for a hot minute. Now, it's the guys turn -- and thank goodness for us Jack Randall has come into the Nashville fashion scene. With affordable, fun, fashionable shirts/pants/shorts/shoes/sunglasses and more, Jack Randall has quickly become one of my top spots to shop.

jackrandall.com  729 Porter Road, Nashville, TN 37206

Nisolo

Nisolo shoemakers handcraft each boot, and ya'll -- they are hot. I'm a proud owner of both the Nisolo chukka and trench boot; not only are they stylish, but are also incredibly comfortable. Almost every single time I wear either pair, I receive a compliment. Quality + fashionable + functionality at an affordable price? A definite win.

nisolo.com  1803 9th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208

Haymakers

Other than Nordstrom, Haymakers offers probably the best selection of denim in town. The remainder of their inventory includes casual wear, and even custom-to-order suiting. Need a haircut? They've got you covered, with a full-service barber in tow.

haymakersandco.com  3307 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203

Imogene + Willie

Go-to for t-shirts, hats, and my staple pair of raw denim jeans. The best part? They size, alter, and fit each pair of jeans to your specification. I wear my Barton Slims nearly every day (and have worn I+W jeans almost every day for nearly 3 years) and am absolutely in love.

imogeneandwillie.com  2601 12th Ave. S, Nashville, TN 37204

Top Knot Vintage

Sometimes it's nice to pick up a unique piece of clothing that isn't also owned by the majority of your male buddies. How? See: Top Knot Vintage. A slick collection of curated vintage pieces takes the difficulty of tracking down a unique shirt, pants, or shoes yourself. 

instagram.com/topknotvintage  307 N 16th St, Nashville, TN 37206

J. Crew Men's 

Yes yes yes. I realize it's not a local brand -- however, guys, we have our own, entire J. Crew store in Edgehill Village. Solid staples: my every day button ups, chinos, and tennis shoes typically come from the Crew -- plus, you can grab a post-shopping beverage at of Nashville's greatert bars, Old Glory, afterward. 

jcrew.com   1201 Villa Pl #100, Nashville, TN 37212

Q&A with Mr. Dave Barnes!

Dave Barnes is the total package. Funny, genuine, incredibly good looking, and man he can write (+ sing) a song. I was thrilled to sit down with him recently to discuss his upcoming headlining Ryman show (tickets available here), new album Carry on San Vicente, and of course his Nashville faves.

How about we dive right on in?

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

Local Adventure 1 - A Night in Downtown Nashville

Well hey y'all!

I wanted to start posting thoughts I have here and there so fellow locals (and non-locals) can have a few ideas of what to do for night out on the town with friends. I, for one, oftentimes struggle coming up with eventful ideas so as they happen in my world -- I'll jot them down for you.

Let's start with what we did last Saturday eve.

Escape Experience Nashville

I've heard rumblings over the past year or two of Escape Games happening in Nashville -- yet never had the lovely opportunity to try it out for myself. Thankfully, that changed last week and my goodness y'all -- this is awesome. Choose between breaking out of prison in C-Block or solving clues to earn your part of your crazy Uncle's Will in The Inheritance.

Strategy, word problems, secret passageways (!), and investigation work combined for one of the most fun hours I've spent in quite some time. There is so much thought and effort that goes into these games and the spaces they occupy, you must check it out ASAP. Future rooms to include surviving a disease which wipes out 90% of the world's population in Vaccine, preventing a World War in The Bunker, and more.

501 Union Street, Nashville, TN 37219

DeSanos Pizza

All of the brainpower you use to escape can conjure up quite the appetite. Just down the street is one of my fave pizza joints in town: DeSanos. They offer authentic, drool-worthy Italian-style pizza (so Italian, their ovens and ingredients come from the motherland themselves). A recent addition gives you plenty more room to sit and enjoy your pizza, and BONUS -- you can BYOW (bring your own wine).

115 16th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37203

Bar Sovereign

After-dinner cocktail time (obvs.) There's a new bar in town and you MUST give them a try. Again an overdue experience for me to take in, Bar Sovereign is pure bad-assery -- so don't make the same mistake. Fabulous cocktails, service, and killer atmosphere. I love the subtle entrance (very speak-easy) and the overall vibe is killer. Very much looking forward to making this a regular watering hole.

514 5th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37203

Oh Hey Josephine.

Josephine is definitely not a newby to our ever-so-bustling restaurant scene in town, and has long held a top spot on my favorite brunches list (because, sticky buns). However, dinner service has always left me wanting a bit... more.

Until now.

Thanks to a lovely friend for gifting a Community Hospitality gift card over the holidays, we decided to venture back to Josephine on a random weekday night, and y'all. I couldn't have been more delighted. First, we did not have a reservation—which we didn't think would be an issue as we typically love to sit at the bar, but it wasn't an option this evening as the place was packed. We checked in with the hostesses, and were promised a table in 20 minutes. One fabulous cocktail later we were seated. Perfection.

So now to the fun part: What we ordered. There were two of us, and we opted to share a few small plates and an entree, plus dessert.

To Drink:

The No Quarter, a stirred cocktail which offered ideal flavors for the season:
Apple brandy, rye, Italian vermouth, Angostura, Peychaud's, scotch rinse.

Small Plates:

The Pretzel Bread. A solid staple since opening served with their house made mustard. (And also, pictured above.) Phenom.

Rabbit  Dumplings. Quite possibly my favorite, the standout dish for the night. Incredibly rich and so flavorful.
Dumpling, rabbit, apple cider, apples, ham, sage.

Brussel Sprouts. Because, well, you have to. Josephine's are some of the best in town.
Brussels sprouts, dried cherries, orange, peanut vinaigrette, rye crumb.

Entree:

Pappardelle with Lamb. Amaze. The rich, hearty pasta that was exactly what I needed on a cold winter evening. Pappardelle, Border Springs lamb, parmesan.

Dessert:

A rule of thumb when dining out with me: Always save room for dessert. At this point, we'd established quite a rapport with our server—as she had nailed all of her recommendations in the meal thus far. So, we decided to venture a bit outside of our comfort zone with the Angel Food Cake, but OH. It was absolute heaven. Rich, sweet, sour, so many flavors. Love, love, LOVED it.

Angel Food cake, concord grape, vanilla, white chocolate.

A perfect night accompanied by wonderful service, atmosphere, bevvys, and food. What more can one ask for?

Josephine

2316 12th Ave. S

Nashville, TN 37204

615-292-7766

Reservations recommended

http://josephineon12th.com

Holiday Gift Guide 2015

'Tis the season y'all, and I couldn't be more excited! (Like, so excited that we may be putting up decor today. Don't you judge.) I wanted to put together a little gift guide of my favorite local items for those of you looking to gift (or be given) Nashville-inspired swagger this year.

Click brand names to access link to online stores—or, simply pick up locally!

Olive + Sinclair Chocolate and Candy

The Cherry Bombs and Muzzle Loaders are life changing + are my newest addiction (and are available through their Seersucker line here.) Peppermint Bark for days. Smoked and Bourbon Brittle. Duck Fat Caramels. Friggin' Olive and Sinclair. So good!

Nisolo Shoes and Accessories

I. AM. OBSESSED with these handmade shoes (and fab shoes in general, for that matter.) They've got the total package: beautiful design, high-end quality, with a reasonable price. You can also find accessories for every budget—including Belts, Wallets, Totes, and more. Oh, and purchasing a pair supports a beautiful cause, helping give jobs to and supporting craftsmen in Peru.

CRT Creative Art

There are a lot of folks in town doing their thing with reclaimed wood, but there is something special about Christopher's pieces at CRT. His eye for design is spot on, with superb quality and great pricing. There are plenty of Nashville and Tennessee-inspired items, plus a handful non-regional items to class up your home decor. Get your order in by December 7 for guaranteed Christmas delivery.

Steadfast Coffee

Impress your coffee-snobbish friends with beans from my new favorite coffee spot in town—which, FYI, are roasted locally. And my goodness, they are divine.

Batch Nashville

Looking for a one-stop-shop for your holiday giving? Look no further. Build your own Batch (essentially a gift basket filled with local goodies), or select from pre-configured bundles of their own. Any way you go, your gift will be filled with a fab variety of all-things-Nashville.

Premium GooGoo

Ever since GooGoo launched its premium line earlier this year, somehow it became possible for me to fall in love with this brand even more than I already am. Handmade in their downtown Nashville locale, this gift is perfect for chocolate lovers.

Hatch Show Print

Stereotypical Nashville gift? Maybe. Still cool and gift-worthy? You bet.

Project 615 Apparel

The coolest collection of Nashville-inspired clothing. From hot-chicken inspired tees to Willie Nelson sweatshirts, you can't go wrong. Plus, l00% of the profits go toward assisting the needs recovery of those homelessness, addition, mental illness (added bonus.)

Corsair Spirits

For boozier of family and friends (read: me), consider a spirit from one of the best local liquor distillers around. Might I steer you toward the Triple Smoke Whiskey, perfect for a smoky old fashioned—particularly at this time of year.

Paddywax Apothecary Candle

To be honest, I'm SO picky about candles. And these hand poured soy candles do not disappoint. They are smartly priced, local to Nashville, smell FAB, and come in vintage-inspired bottles. My favorite flave: Amber and Smoke.

Nashville Eats Cookbook

This brilliant collection of recipes and stories by local Jennifer Justus is a MUST for any food lover, or lover of this beautiful town. Alongside its recipes, Jennifer shares personal thoughts about her Nashville—the people, music, history, and food that make it special.

Fashionable Scarves and Accessories

I'm all about the good cause for the holidays. Fashionable HQ is based here in town, but, they employ women throughout the world looking for opportunity. Handmade items include gorgeous leather bags, tea towels, scarves, and more.

Beardition Beard Grooming Gift Set

The PERFECT gift for your fully-bearded friends this holiday (and if you live in Nashville, that's surely at least half of your people.) Their gift set includes an incredibly-fine sampling of beard products: shampoo, conditioner, and oil all so brilliantly packaged, there is no need to wrap.

Jenis Ice Cream

Want to be my BFF til the end of time? GIVE ME JENIS. Just in time for the holidays, the folks behind the best ice cream in the world have released a new batch of Thanksgiving-inspired flavors (Sweet Potato + Pecan Praline, Buttercup Pumpkin with Ameretti Cookies, Dark Chocolate Peppermint, you get the picture...) Now available to ship anywhere in the US!

Coops Hot Chicken Paste

Because you know you need to share our city's love for the world's best spicy "Nashville Hot" fried chicken with your friends and family at home. And, Coops is as simple as it gets: Find your favorite store bought fried chicken (and y'all, have you ever had Publix fried chicken? Life changing.), scoop some Coops into a bowl and melt, brush it on your chicken, enjoy. SO good.

Thistle Farms Bath/Body Products

Y'all - first and foremost - do NOT get your mother products from that big box bath shop. Don't do it! In Nashville, we support local. Why? Because local is always better. You won't find a better quality lip balm, shower gel, or bath/body product around—or a better cause to support. Thistle Farms is a community of women survivors of addiction, prostitution, and trafficking in Nashville. I've had the privilege to hear some of the stories of women who work here, and my word, they have quite a powerful testimony. I think the folks at Thistle sums up why they do what they do best: "This product bears witness that love is the most powerful force for change in the world," which in my opinion, is the true meaning of the holidays.

5 Best Fall Activities in Nashville

Fall is by far my favorite season -- and, as always, there is so much to do with so little time. I put together a checklist of my musts this season and wanted to share them with YOU! So, in no particular order, I present to you my 5 Favorite Fall Activities in Nashville.

1. Eat well.

Music City Food + Wine

Quite possibly the best event I've ever attended, this year's Music City Food + Wine will be held September 19 + 20. All weekend long, your ticket allows you to indulge in unlimited artisanal food, wine, beer, and spirits from the country's top chefs and purveyors. Plus, you can hang with me all weekend. Win Win.

2. Soak up the fall colors in our Botanical Gardens.

Cheekwood Harvest

Because, Cheekwood y'all. One of the most beautiful sites in all of Nashville, 2015 kicks off their 4th annual Harvest: a six-week fall festival featuring activities for folks of all ages. You can pick a pumpkin from Cheekwood's patch of over 3,000 pumpkins, check out the 5,000 stunning chrysanthemums planted across the grounds, and even experience an authentic Japanese Moon Viewing on the evening of Sunday, Sept. 27th. Check out the full calendar of events at the link above.

3. Get really, really scared.

Nashville Nightmare Haunted House

I love love love a good scare -- and do my best to attend a few haunted houses every Halloween season. Last year, I checked out Nashville Nightmare for the first time, and it was FABULOUS. One of the most intense haunted house experiences I've ever had - and definitely my new #1 in Nashville. This year they return with two new attractions, Night Terrors (25,000 square feet of awesome), and Horror High. I can't wait.

4. Go for a Scenic Drive 

A few of my favorite, most serene spots just outside the city are even more gorgeous as the leaves begin to turn in Nashville: 

Natchez Trace | Leiper's Fork | Gentry Farm

Make a day of it! Start out at the Nachez Trace Bridge, head to Liepers fork for some shopping, lunch, and homemade cobbler at the original Puckett's Grocery, and swing by Gentry Farms to pick up a pumpkin and explore the corn maze.

Burgess Falls

Just an hour and a half drive from Nashville brings you to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the state. A 1.5-mile round-trip trail offers a moderately strenuous hike, which will take you past four waterfalls and into the gorge.

5. Drink / Be Merry. 

Arrington Vineyards

40 min south of downtown through gorgeous countryside lies Arrington Vineyards, a perfect evening getaway from the city. Every weekend through November you can catch live music and sip a local vino under the stars. Pack a picnic for a perfect date night or outing with your friends.