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While the city of Nashville is still known for its music (it is the Country Music Capital of the World, after all), there is now so much more to discover. From stylish shops to well-curated coffee spots, boutique hotels so good you won’t want to go home to a long, long list of restaurants, Nashville is a destination…waiting to be visited by you. Keep reading for a few of our favorite spots.
STAY
This hotel has all of Nashville talking. It’s luxurious, impeccably decorated, but also somehow manages to feel like home. Make sure not to miss L.A. Jackson Rooftop Bar and Restaurant—there are views for days and the cocktails. Don’t get us started on the cocktails. The Thompson Hotel 401 11th Avenue South
Newly opened, this tiny boutique hotel located in the Germantown neighborhood (get it?) lives up to the hype. The rooms are decorated and named after past Presidents of the United States, but that doesn’t meant they’re boring or stately. Exactly the opposite, actually. Think bright, overdyed rugs and funky portraits. Germantown Inn 1218 6th Avenue North
Just around the corner from The Thompson, you can find another Gulch mainstay. The 404 Hotel, complete with five suites filled with a curated mix of vintage and modern decor. Go ahead and put The 404 Kitchen, a James Beard nominated restaurant attached to the hotel, on your list, too. The 404 Hotel 404 12th Avenue South
Ever tried a self check-in hotel? If not, let SoBro Guest House be your first foray. The bold green color palette paired with the location in close proximity to the heart of downtown Nashville make it an attractive option. Did we mention each hotel suite comes with a full kitchen as well? (Sold.) SoBro Guest House 310 Peabody Street
[Tour the chic, natural-hued Nashville home of blogger Elise Joseph of Pennyweight.]
EAT & DRINK
Come hungry to Dozen Bakery, and don’t leave without snacks for later. Think pastries, fresh bread, and delicious sandwiches. Make a morning of it and stop by Zeitgeist Gallery, one of Nashville’s best contemporary art galleries, located right around the corner. Dozen Bakery 516 Hagan Street
Eating at this brunch spot is non-negotiable. Expect to stand in line for a few minutes, but once you order, it moves fast. Don’t leave without trying a biscuit (duh) and the sweet and spicy bacon. Biscuit Love 316 11th Avenue South
The menu at Little Octopus focuses on Caribbean fare blended with foods from Spanish, English, Indian, Portuguese, and Lebanese cultures. In other words, the dishes here are like nothing you’ve ever tasted before. (Read more here!) Little Octopus 505 12th Avenue South
This is not your average ice cream shop. Launched in 2002, it quickly grew with shops located across the country. Expect to find unlikely flavor pairings made with whole ingredients. Bonus: You can order your new favorite flavors online to be delivered to your doorstep. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream 1892 Eastland Avenue 2312 12th Avenue South 900 Rosa L Parks Blvd 1819 21st Avenue South
Traveling with a donut fiend? This is your spot. Pro tip: Their pastries are also sold at all Barista Parlour locations! 5 Daughters Bakery 1110 Caruthers Avenue 1900 Eastland Ave Suite 101
Yum, yum, YUM. Husk is located in a historic home a few minutes away from downtown. They’re all about local ingredients, and if you come for brunch, you’ll be able to see some of the gardens where they grow fresh vegetables and herbs through the back wall of windows. Husk 37 Rutledge Street
In addition to serving the usual Mexican fare, they serve over 120 different tequilas and mezcal. Enough said. St. Anejo 1120 McGavock Street
After working up an appetite shopping around 12 South, make your way to Josephine. Get the brussels sprouts, trust us. Josephine 2316 12th Avenue South
If you’re staying in Germantown, this is a must. It’s an old warehouse-turned-fiddle leaf fig filled American restaurant inspired by the chef’s Sunday night meals as a child. It’s a great atmosphere with even better food. 5th and Taylor 1411 5th Avenue North
Live like a local and stop by Mas Tacos. It’s not the spot for a fancy night out, but it is the spot for delicious, no-frills Mexican food. Mas Tacos Por Favor 732 Mcferrin Avenue
Italian with a southern twist? Yeah, you want to try that. (Grits are a pizza topping, seriously!) City House 1222 4th Avenue North
[Tour the colorful Nashville home of Elsie Larson (of A Beautiful Mess!)]
SIPS (of coffee!)
The ambiance—and hands down delicious coffee—are what make Barista Parlour’s three locations all so special. Expect to find local artists and baked goods featured in each space as well as a retro blue, white, and red interior. Barista Parlour 519B Gallatin Avenue 610 Magazine Street 1230 4th Avenue North
Come for the coffee, stay for the healthy lunch options, and maybe even return for the after hours wine and beer offerings. The rocky exterior and minimalist interior don’t hurt their case for a “must-stop destination” either. Steadfast 602 Taylor Street
The funky black and white mural found in the back of this coffee shop is just part of the draw. The freshly brewed coffee is the other draw, obviously. Three Brothers 2813 West End Avenue
[Tour a live/work space located in Nashville (you’re going to pin it all!)]
SHOP
If you’re in Germantown, you must make a stop at contemporary design store Wilder. It’s filled to the brim with inspiring objects you’ll want to take home with you. Wilder 1212 4th Avenue North
You can—and maybe will—get lost in this large antique shop for hours. The treasures, most of which are affordable, are fun to sift through even if you’re not considering shipping a new piece of furniture home. Downtown Antique Mall 612 8th Avenue South
Confirmed: The “flower shop on wheels” concept is just as cute as you imagined. There are two trucks and the easiest way to track them is on Instagram! Amelia’s Flower Truck It’s mobile!
While in Nashville, a walk down 12 South is basically mandatory. You’ll find the best restaurants, shops like Draper James, and can even pick up a cupcake from a Sprinkles vending machine. (This is also where the “I Believe In Nashville” mural is located.) One spot that is not to be missed? Imogene + Willie. Expect to find a curated shop containing thoughtful trinkets and enviable kitchen accessories. Imogene + Willie 2601 12th Avenue South
Venture out to the cool neighborhood of East Nashville (dubbed East Nasty) for a few treats, starting with minimalist clothing shop Two Son. Wander further to vintage and music shops like Fanny’s House of Music and Hip Zipper Vintage for more shopping. Two Son 918 Main Street
If you make the trek over to East Nashville, do not skip FLWR Shop! Discover moody wallpaper, lots of plants, metallic mixed with raw material planters, and a beautiful display of bright, fresh florals, of course. FLWR Shop 123 South 11th Street