An Insider’s Guide to Nashville
Courtesy of @experiencenash
When you first picture Nashville, we bet you think of Broadway—the downtown strip full of honky tonks and live country music. After all, Nashville is the capital of country music! And though we love this part of the city, there is so much more to it (and no, we’re not just talking about the hot chicken!)
Nashville has a wide range of delicious food, gorgeous hotels, and tons of cultural attractions. Not to mention, there are so many amazing Nashville-based design shops that are absolute musts! We turned to our friend Brittney Forrister, founder of The Lot—a boutique textile firm representing brands from all over the world and bringing them right to Nashville, to walk us through an ideal itinerary. An expert of the city, Britt shared her favorite spots with us. Enjoy, y’all!
WHERE TO STAY
We are lucky to have some amazing new hotels in Nashville, with more (always!) on the horizon. With so many popping up in recent years – The Thompson, 21C, Dream Nashville, The Virgin Nashville – it’s difficult to choose, but the hotels below are the ones where I would hang my hat for a long weekend. I suggest working out a schedule matrix of ‘stay here, drink here’ to fit in as many as you can!
Noelle – Every time I walk into this hotel, I notice something new – a little wisp of some creative detail I missed before. From top (the rooftop bar overlooking downtown) to bottom (a bar hidden behind a coat closet door) and in between (the beautiful restoration of the lobby and a rad gift shop, Keep Shop, that celebrates makers from Nashville and beyond), it’s always a go-to recommendation for out of town guests.
Courtesy of The Graduate
Graduate Nashville – Nashville maximalism at its best – quirky, inviting and so.much.Dolly. Even if you don’t stay there, it’s a great spot to set-up shop for a few WFH (work from hotel) hours at their coffee shop, Poindexter, or enjoy a happy hour at their rooftop bar, White Limozeen. The Graduate also does an impressive job of supporting local artists and makers so if you make the stop, it’s likely you’ll find a local business popping up in the lobby.
Fairlane Hotel - This sleek downtown hotel just opened a top-floor, pop-up Bouquet Bar that looks beautiful! My personal favorite though, is Ellington’s for an old-school happy hour cocktail. Bonus, Cheese Gal is also located in the hotel!
The Russell – In addition to the colorful atmosphere of the 115-year-old church turned hotel, The Russell gives away a substantial portion of each night’s stay to local homeless ministries. A true testament to the word ‘shelter’ and the hotel’s slogan, “Stay Here, Change Lives,” an average stay at the hotel provides 16 beds and warm meals at local homeless shelters. And your stay at The Russell also puts you in the heart of East Nashville, one of the best places to stay if you want to explore a myriad of incredible restaurants and bars, like Attaboy and Mas Tacos Por Favor.
If you’re looking for well-known luxury, The Omni and The Westin can’t be beat! If staying at The Westin, make sure to check out the rooftop bar, L27, designed by Nashville and LA-based duo Pierce & Ward, or the spa at the Omni.
WHERE TO EAT
Nashville has become a much more developed dining city in the last 8 or so years- we’ve added not just a ton of new restaurant options, but a broader array of types of dining options too. From high-brow to low-brow, from Korean and Ethiopian to hot chicken, the hardest part of your trip will be narrowing down your mealtime choices. Bon appetit!
Greenery Co.– Recently opened by sisters and Vanderbilt graduates, the new spot serves up fresh food in a way that is thoughtful and delicious. It’s fast casual but you’ll want to take your time and stay awhile in the inviting space designed by Sarah Bartholomew and Powell Architecture + Building.
Radish Kitchen - Dreamed up by cookbook author Amanda Fredrickson, this salad spot is the perfect stop for lunch and the design, by Lauren Bradshaw Design is as crisp and cool as the food!
Café Roze / Roze Pony - Cozy, delicious and two locations to choose from, this is my go-to spot for when my roze-colored glasses are foggy. The food and the atmosphere always fill me up and pick me up.
Two Ten Jack- modeled after a Japanese izakaya, the ramen here is slurpable and the darkly lit space is a perfect date night spot.
Henrietta Red – Tops my list for dinner reservations. Light and bright, seafood-focused, everything is delicious. Don’t miss the oyster happy hour.
Bastion- This is more of a party in the front, business in the back vibe - delicious, thoughtful dinners at a low-key ‘chef’s bar.’ If you’re not feeling dinner just yet, hang out in the front bar and enjoy a plate of nachos and a cocktail.
Tailor - every dish served at this dinner is prefaced by a story told by Chef Vivek Surti - of the history, of the dish, or of his personal memories of the food he is serving. The space is personable and chic, with a stunning central chandelier casting low light over the diners enjoying the lo-fi playlist. It’s a supper club experience with strangers that feel like friends by the end of the story.
And 2 of my forever favorites always: Margot’s Cafe & Bar, and City House.
WHAT TO SEE
When I first moved to Nashville, my go-to comment for those who asked how I liked the city was always: “It’s really upended my work-life balance- in the best possible way.” Nashville is always live and it’s easy to get lost in the entertainment of it all. From reading on the grass at Centennial Park (a lá Taylor Swift), to visiting the historic honky tonks on Broadway, the city is just so much fun.
Cheekwood Estate and Gardens- The outdoor gardens at Cheekwood is one of the prettiest places in Nashville to be outside. There are traveling exhibits, like Chihuly, to check out as you stroll through the grounds. Bonus points for having one of the best playgrounds in town, especially if your little one likes trains! Before or after, take yourself on a driving tour of the Belle Meade community to see some of Nashville’s most stunning homes, or visit Percy Warner Park.
Robert’s Western World - The heart of Broadway’s famous honky-tonks! Some of my favorite nights in Nashville have ended at Robert’s. Come for the old-time, country music, stay for the $5 Recession Special- a fried bologna sandwich, Lay’s potato chips, and a PBR.
National Museum of African American Music- A brand-new addition to downtown Nashville, the NMAAM takes you on a journey through musical history, from gospel to jazz to hip hop, with interactive exhibits (yes, you can lay down your own rap vocals to Super Bass in the music booth - I did) and tons of opportunities to learn more about the evolution and impact of African-American music. It’s a really good time.
Lemon Laine- Any excuse to spend time browsing Lemon Laine is a good excuse. A female-owned natural skin and beauty shop in a lovely and light-filled space. Don’t miss the Oil Bar, where Lemon Laine staff help you formulate a face oil unique to your skin while you sip on a glass of wine. A fun way to spend an afternoon with a girlfriend.
Outside Nashville - Any season in Leiper’s Fork is special, but I fall hard for fall in the small town. Antiques, local art galleries, good food and live music can all be found within steps of each other in the one-street town. I especially love the hand-dyed cotton ribbons available at David Arms Gallery. This drive will also put you close to Franklin, another worthy detour.
WHERE TO SHOP
It’s a tour that can take you from one pocket of the city to the next. 12 South, where you can stop by Reese Witherspoon’s flagship, Draper James, Holly Williams gift shop, White’s Mercantile and specialty denim shop, Imogene & Willie; to Green Hills, an established shopping district with local gems like H. Audrey. You can visit the newly opened L&L Market on Charlotte Ave with the light and bright curation of shops like Living with Landyn, Happily Grey and Amelia’s Flower Truck. I think the shoppable footprint of the city is continuing to evolve and I hope that with the growth, small corners appear with room enough for more hole-in-the-wall shops we treasure hunter’s love. Pro-Tip: If you have a penchant for grand millennial vintage, check out my friend Jessie’s online shop, Thrills of the Hunt. You might just be able to fit in a local pick-up!
Hero – I’ve always loved the fashion stretch this shop affords the city! The atmosphere is plush and moody, and the curation is spot on. Of special note, they carry my friend Mimi’s insane jewelry line, Minnie Lane. I tend to think of Mimi’s Alice star ring as entry into the cool club – if I do say so myself.
The Perfect Pair - Whitney’s curation always feels so elevated, but effortless and casual at the same time. Like, if I happen to have a tented dinner in a desert anytime soon, I hope Whit’s there and she dresses me for the occasion.
Gaslamp Antiques – This is the spot for those who want to get lost in booths of antiques and vintage wares for the good part of the day.
Patina & Co. / Woven Goods – It’s an absolute must stop. A true celebration of antique can be fancy, or not, the shop is tucked away on 8th avenue and has a cult following. Lending itself to the shop’s popularity are the two gals behind it all – Monica and Stacy. If you can’t visit Nashville for a bit, it’s worth following their antics on Instagram as they travel around the country to find their brown furniture is back bounty. Sharing the space with Patina, the ladies behind Woven Goods offer an amazing assortment of vintage rugs and a motto that I respect and ascribe to in my spaces: perfectly imperfect vintage goods.
Jason Arnold Interiors – Tucked behind his studio on Sidco Drive, Jason’s shop is an extension of his design aesthetic and beautifully edited with his finds from near and far. (While you’re in the area, stop in ReDo Home and my little studio upstairs full of boutique textiles, wallcoverings and a small for sale collection of vintage art)
Eneby Home - by appointment only, but worth it if you are serious about shopping some of the best vintage and antiques the city has to offer! If you don’t catch them on this trip,
Robin Rains Antiques - in the newly opened Nashville Design Collective in Wedgewood-Houston, is stunning. Packed with interesting finds from her travels and styled with her impeccable taste, the space is light-filled and inspiring.
Shopping for the little ones? Check out Magpie’s, The Getalong, or Patch.