Travel in Your Twenties. Destination: Nashville

25 June 2014


Just got back from a gorgeous and sun-filled week in the south! We road-tripped down to Nashville last weekend, and I can't wait to share it with you! I know you've heard about all of the live music, and the fun bars, and the country capital of the world, etc. etc. So I thought I'd make it simple and boil it down to the TOP places you should check out on your first round of Nashville. (I definitely plan on coming back at least a few more times.)


The Packing List

You're going to want to pack your cowboy boots, for starters…
-Cute jean shorts (not too short, let's not become desperate tourists)
-Glam tanks (dress-it up a bit, but be prepared for the sun!)
-Handful of summer dresses
-Crop top (with some high-waisted shorts or skirts)
-Dark wash jeans
-Aspirin and lots of bottled water (if you plan on frequenting those bars and walking around the city)


The Food

Not gonna lie, we visited some of the top destinations courtesy of Unique Sweets/Eats because thankfully my little sister is addicted to these shows. Some gourmet meals were definitely the highlight to this trip!



Merchant's
This was our stop for dinner on the first night, and what an amazing place to kick-off the trip! Set in a beautiful old hotel with original black and white floors and wooden booths. Loved the ambience! Of course, the stellar cocktail line-up also added a little something! Great choices for pescetarian/dairy-free people, such as myself, and the family enjoyed great seafood as well. Not too pricey, but definitely a "nice" meal out :)


Pied Piper Creamery
So glad we found this gem after an extremely hot walk around East Nashville. Known for their eclectic flavors, we enjoyed a "Nutty Professor," "Can't-elope" and one of their original claims-to-fame "Trailer Trash." Loved the sorbet-so fresh and just what I needed on a hot day of sightseeing.


The Wild Cow
An amazing vegan gem in East Nashville recommended by of one of the employees at Hatch Show Print. Always love a place where I can order anything on the menu without having to worry about what is in it! Seriously, everything looked amazing. I got a quinoa, tofu and veggie warm salad with their homemade goddess dressing. Divine.


Las Paletas
Another highlight from Unique Sweets-these were the coolest! We split a hibiscus, and the parents got a mini Hot Chocolate with Chili, loved the kick of spice!


Jackson's
When in doubt…go to happy hour. Found this great outdoor bar with 1/2 price bottles of wine on Sundays. Ideal. Their prosecco was literally some of the best I've had in a while. I am going to search Chicago for that brand, fingers crossed! (Cielo if anyone sees it!)



The Tricks

Bring cash. For cabs. For bars. For tips. 

Listen to country music nonstop on your way there. It will just get you really excited!

Go with people who want to go out to bars, listen to music late into the night, and throw back a few beers. Take in the night scene-it's one of a kind. 


The Memories



Hatch Show Print
One of the historic sights in Nashville, visiting the Press was so cool! Not only did I get a memento (an adorable vintage Nashville poster), but I got some great pics of the people making the posters as we watched. So amazing to see a place like this producing original and beautiful designs over the years. I loved flipping through some of their posters from the old country music days. Astounding.


Broadway Street
You'll probably end up here anyway. But, this is the main drag for all of the country bars with that live music Nashville is known for. You can pop in 10 different bars and get a fun, unique country vibe at each one. Sometimes hearing a good cover of one of your favorite Miranda Lambert songs just makes the day.



Grand Ole Opry
Come on. You have to go here! So much history. The mix of classic old-timer artists and new up-and-coming singers was so much fun. Definitely got some names to check-out in country music. Next time I am in Nashville, I am going to make a point of seeing a show at the Ryman Auditorium as well, the original Opry (and the one featured in the show Nashville). 

Cheers!
AND, you can see all of the fun pics from my Nashville trip here! Comment and let me know any other spots you would visit so I can hit them up my next time around!

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