Nashville Travel Guide
Written and photo compiled by Jessica Katz, Lifestyle Editorial Assistant
Nashville has a lot to offer beyond its honky-tonks and country music. As the perfect spot for a weekend trip, here is a list of must-sees in the vibrant Music City.
What to do:
Love music? Nashville’s robust live music culture is perfect for you. Grab a couple of friends, put on your favorite pair of cowboy boots, and bar hop down Broadway Street. Weekend or weekday, crowds fill each bar, dancing and singing along to live music. The passion these performers have for music manifests through the energy they put into each performance — it’s like getting your own personal concert!
Looking for something more touristy? Check out the Country Music Hall of Fame. Learn more about the history of country music and highly-celebrated musicians from Johnny Cash to Taylor Swift. Or, if you’re like me, geek out over the exclusive Kacey Musgraves exhibit, containing some of her old guitars, notebook pages with her handwritten lyrics, and her boldest outfits on display.
After a chaotic Saturday of partying through Broadway Street, spend a calm morning exploring the Nashville Farmers’ Market. The exterior seems to be an average farmer’s market, offering the freshest produce from local farmers and baked goods straight out of the oven from local bakeries. On the interior, the market truly comes alive. Eat from many global cuisine options, grab a fresh juice or coffee from local vendors, shop mini boutiques, and experience walls filled with colorful, radiant art.
Where to shop:
If you’re ready to drain your wallet, shop your way down 12th Street, which has the perfect combination of well-known brands and Nashville-exclusive boutiques. My recommendations: Kittenish, Blush Boutique and Parish.
Kittenish is perfect for anyone with a simple, feminine style. They sell everything from swimwear and blouses to comfortable sweats and activewear. Their boutique is decorated with pastel colors, just like their clothing.
Blush Boutique highlights southern style to me. They sell boots, fringe jackets, cute belts, and lots of denim. Similar to Kittenish, their clothing is very feminine with lots of bright pastels.
If you love to wear bright colors and bold patterns, I’d highly recommend checking out Parish. They sell everything from unique blazers and dresses to colorful sandals and sneakers; shop here if you like to dress up and stand out.
What to eat:
As a huge fan of food, I give Nashville’s cuisine a huge thumbs up.
Frothy Monkey uses the freshest ingredients leaving you satisfied after each meal, with flavors that leave your mouth watering after each bite. My personal favorite was the Quinoa Bowl — an array of veggies and quinoa topped with a tangy sun-dried tomato pesto sauce. The coffeehouse’s cozy vibe and friendly workers make you feel at home. Not to mention, the food looks pretty, too — the perfect opportunity to take “Instagrammable” photos.
Another healthy option for brunch is Milk & Honey; you may encounter a bit of a wait but the perfectly sweet, yet savory chicken and waffles refuse to let you down. In the center of 12th Street, this restaurant serves as the perfect post-shopping spot.
From Blake Shelton to Dierks Bentley and even Florida Georgia Line, in Nashville, you’ll most likely find an eatery owned by your favorite country star. These multiple-story restaurants offer a variety of comfort food from fried chicken to barbecue pretty-much-anything. Also, each floor has its own mini-dance party; DJs or live performers garnish the Nashville food experience.
From the east side’s hipster cafes to Broadway’s animated honky-tonks and cowboy boot shops, you never know what’s waiting around the corner in Nashville. Enjoy eating and listening your way through the capital of country!