24 hours in Nashville Tennessee

Todays post is a guest post by Katie Lewis

 

24 hours in Nashville

 

 

My sweet little Nashville has become quite the It City, with everyone from Reese Witherspoon to Nicole Kidman opening businesses or moving here. The recently canceled ABC drama “Nashville” boosted tourism, and I don’t know anyone who hasn’t run into Hayden Panettiere at The Turnip Truck, Connie Britton at Patterson House or Sam Palladio at Rosepepper.

 

Without the star sightings, though, the city has loads to offer its visitors. Know that there are lots of fun pockets of town and limited public transportation, so you’ll want your own four wheels to get around.

 

Taking a 24-hour tour of my hometown? I’ve got your schedule covered:

 

 

Coffee

Start with a morning coffee at Portland Brew on Eastland. The homes around here are old, gorgeous and pricey, yet affordable restaurants and shops have popped up in the area. I like this spot because of the loft upstairs: The big windows allow for outdoor people-watching while your fellow plugged-in laptop users sustain the quiet for getting some work done.

 

But hey, you’re on vacation, so no working: Sit at a café table out front. There’s bound to be a friendly neighbor passing by who compliments you on your scarf or asks to pet your dog.

 

While on Eastland, you might cross the street for ice cream at Jeni’s or walk down to the curve in the road, turning into Porter Road, and pop into Vinnie and Louise for some seriously affordable good-looking threads.

 

 

If you want to squeeze in some exercise during your vacay, my favorite yoga studio is LiberationYoga in 12^th South, the area of town Witherspoon opened her store Draper James and Holly Williams has White’s Mercantile.

 

 

Breakfast

I’ve been going to Sam& Zoe’s in Berry Hill for at least 12 years now, and my order’s always the same: a plain toasted bagel with cucumber and green onion cream cheese. They really know how to smear on the cream cheese, like a proper indulgent vacationer craves, and their breakfast sandwiches are delicious, too. It can be a bear to park in this lot – you’ll often hear Nashvillians talking about parking situations, since most of us drive instead of taking public transit – so I recommend parking wherever you find a spot and walking. You won’t have to trek too far, and there’s a sweet porch on which to enjoy your meal.

Berry Hill is home to some of our recording studios, brightly decorated with funky art. There are also vintage clothing shops, The Beaded Bungalow and Gas Lamp Antiques.

 

Then, you could do worse than to spend your morning at The Frist. Its rotating schedule of exhibits has included classic cars, designer dresses, vintage postcards and contemporary paintings. The museum is housed in the 1930s Art Deco former main post office.

 

 

Lunch

Mas Tacos has the best tacos in town: authentic, delicious, made fresh – everything you want in a taco, if you know what’s good. Be aware they only accept cash, there’s no air conditioning (Nashville’s a hot city in the summer, y’all) and that you need to order the plantains.

 

After lunch, you’re never too stuffed for a beer. Cross the street to sit and sip in The Pharmacy’s garden. This spot also has the city’s best burgers, in my opinion; I always order The Mission with both tots and German potato salad. No judging.

 

Afterwards, head back out onto Gallatin Road for Hey Rooster, a general store that supplies hand-stamped tea towels, stationery, cocktail mixers and gourmet marshmallows. Gourmet marshmallows. Get ye to Hey Rooster, friend.

 

This area of town is East Nashville, and it’s having a major moment. All the hipsters and young professionals want to live here, and real estate prices reflect that demand. There are loads of skinny condos sprouting up between historic homes. Careful not to praise these modern buildings within earshot of someone in a fedora or with a handlebar mustache; the gentrification is a divisive debate.

 

If you don’t mind the drive (which is how those in the suburb always preface suggestions in their area), Café Bosna is one of the best holes in the wall. The staff, who focus on German and eastern European food, are just about the nicest people you’ll meet. I like the stuffed grape leaves and warm pita triangles.

 

 

Dinner

There are so many amazing restaurants for dinner that your choice really depends on the mood you want for the evening:

Are you a “Top Chef: Masters” fan? Head to Jonathan Waxman’s Adele’s.

 

Looking for elevated southern food? You need Sean Brock’s Husk.

 

Want to drop a bundle at a delicious meal you’ll remember forever? Try The 404 Kitchen or Sinema, and really go for it; don’t hold back.

 

My current favorite spot is Rolf & Daughters. Their menu challenges the serious diner by introducing her to flavors and ingredients she hasn’t tried or heard of before, and it’s both a treat and an education. The servers are extremely knowledgeable about the wine list, and the cocktails are spot-on. I like the squid-ink pasta and any seafood dish they’ll serve me here.

 

 

Drinks

When I want a late-night drink, I have a few go-to spots:

308 for killer margaritas.

 

Holland House for professional mixologists.

 

Homegrown Taproom for live music and local beer.

 

 

I hope you have a great time in my city! Feel free to tweet me @kathryndlewis for any tailored recommendations, like a dog park for your pooch or a gluten-free dinner option. Happy to help, in true Tennessee style.

 

 

 

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