Nashville, Tennessee, otherwise known as Music City. Whether it’s your first time here or you’ve been a few times before, there is so much to do in this fun city that there’s always something or somewhere new to explore! After visiting several times in the past couple of years, I have some favorite places to share with y’all, some of which that are more well-known, and some that are more off the beaten track. Hope you enjoy!

Getting here: 

• If you’re not within driving distance of Nashville or prefer to fly, the growing Nashville International Airport (BNA) makes traveling here easy. I do love that since we live in the Louisville, KY area now, Nashville is only a quick 2.5 hour drive!

Where to stay:

• Nashville has lots of different neighborhoods that are fun to explore, but especially if it’s your first time here, I recommend staying near Broadway or Music Row so that you can walk as many places as possible. Most recently, I stayed at this Airbnb that was very convenient for walking to The Gulch and to the cute Edgehill neighborhood. This one also looks to be a great location that’s even closer to Broadway!
• If staying in a hotel is more your speed, the Omni Nashville Hotel has a great spa and rooftop pool, and the Kimpton Aerston Hotel is in an amazing location, right on Broadway. If you’re more of a budget traveler, either this or this hostel look like great options for you!

  

What to do: 

• There is so much to do in Nashville that I hardly know where to start! In downtown Nashville, some must-visit sites are the Pedestrian Bridge for a fantastic view of the skyline, and just walking along Broadway itself to people-watch and stop in some honky tonk bars for the incredible live music.
• My favorite park in Nashville is Centennial Park (not to be confused with the also-lovely Bicentennial Park!) that features a replica of the Parthenon and walking trails around a pond that are perfect for enjoying on a nice day.
• Germantown is an adorable, walkable neighborhood that I love to explore, with lots of cute boutiques and restaurants, as well as the Nashville Farmer’s Market that is open year-round. The 12 South neighborhood is also not to be missed, with tons of great shopping and restaurants, and some great street art, like the famous ‘I Believe in Nashville’ sign and Reese Witherspoon’s Draper James store.
• If you’re looking to experience a bit of history while in Nashville, taking a tour of the 19th century Belle Mead Plantation is the perfect way to do just that. They offer a variety of tours, including a fun segway tour!

  

Where to eat: 

• Gosh, I could do a whole post on where to eat here alone (and I probably will, at some point!) but here are some highlights. For brunch, Edgehill Cafe is a bit more off-the-beaten track (meaning less waiting!) and has delicious omelets, waffles, and much more. They are also very allergy-friendly, which is perfect for me with my gluten allergy.
• I also love The Flipside in 12 South, a retro-type diner that does a great weekend brunch which includes their full lunch and dinner menu too. I can personally vouch for how great the Pollo Ranchero and the Popeye is, but it’s hard to go wrong with anything here!
• Five Daughter’s Bakery, with locations in 12 South and East Nashville, has out of this world donuts, including paleo donuts (that are gluten-free!) and vegan donuts too. Christie Cookie Co. also has incredible cookies to satisfy your sweet tooth, with a location in Germantown and one in 12 South.
• I love sushi, and PM Nashville in the Belmont area does not disappoint, especially with their unique sushi burritos! Germantown Cafe (in, you guessed it, Germantown!) is also a great choice for lunch or dinner with classic southern fare that’s as well-priced as it is delicious.

  

Have you been to Nashville before, or is it on your travel list? I hope this guide helps you have an amazing time while visiting Music City! Keep an eye out for more posts to come, with even more detailed guides to things like the bars and restaurants here in Nashville, as well as a post on all of the coolest street art in Nashville! And if you haven’t checked out my weekend getaway guide to Asheville, NC yet, find that here.