Nashville City Guide: 8th Ave/Melrose & Berry Hill

I've already included some of the most popular areas of town (12th South, the Gulch, Downtown, Germantown), but now i'm talking about my neighborhood - 8th Ave or the Melrose area, and we'll throw in Berry Hill for fun.

10 years ago, I don't even think I would drive down this road, other than to go to the 24 hour Kroger (and that was really only if I was desperate). Now, 8th is not only where I live, but I love spending time on this road! There's so much great stuff here.

COFFEE
8th & Roast

Hands down, my favorite cup of coffee in town. They have iced coffee on tap and they roast their beans in house. The fact that this is walkable from my house is the icing on the cake - but I'd gladly drive here. Seriously, MY FAVORITE!

Frothy on 8th
A smaller version of the classic. They do no cook foods like sandwiches, and make all of the same great drinks and baked goods as the 12th South original. It's also attached to Grimey's record store, which is fun!


RESTAURANTS

Fenwick's 300
An upscale diner concept, created by the people who brought us FIDO and Bongo Java. It's one of my favorite casual breakfast or lunch in town.

Baja Burrito
Nashville's most loved burrito. This local spot is always busy, but always tasty! I personally love the peasant plate and eating on their patio.


Vui's Kitchen
This new Vietnamese restaurant is to die for! I tried the spring rolls and noodle bowl and enjoyed every bite. Extremely fresh and made to order.


Sinema
Sinema is like being in a glamorous 1920's movie - in an old theater and all! They serve gorgeous food and delicious cocktails. This is on the swankier side, so save it for a special occasion.

Peace, Love, and Pho
A great little pho restaurant around the corner from our house. The owners are sweet and the food is delicious.

Smiling Elephant
The best thai in Nashville, without question. The space is small, the hours are slim, but the food is delicious. Don't bring a large group here, you'll never get in. Order the curry, you won't regret it!

The Sutler
The Sutler is so fun. It's got that "country" twist that makes you remember you're in Nashville, but in an upscale way. Their basement bar is my favorite. It's a cool place to grab a drink with a group. They also have live music most nights!

Dozen Bakery
Dozen is my new favorite place! Their menu is simple and changes seasonally, but they make some of the best, fresh meals in town. Great for breakfast or lunch.

The Hook
The Hook is my new favorite place to walk to from our house. They have really fun drinks and an awesome patio! The food is casual but tasty. Think of it as Chipolte quick, but for fish & chips (and other seafood). They also have happy hour every day, with rotating deals!

DRINKS
Urban Juicer
My local juice bar. They've got a great selection and you can even order online to pick up!

Craft Brewed
A great place to try flights of beers and fill up a growler. They have a large selection and a nice patio for a drink!

TO DO
Zanie's
Want to see your favorite comedian? This is the place to do it! A lot of famous acts frequent Zanie's, so check their calendar before you visit.

Grimey's & the Basement
Grimey's, which is attached to Frothy Monkey & the Basement, is a great record shop. One of Nashville's best, in my opinion. The Basement is a great venue for local and national bands, check their calendar for upcoming shows.

Monthly Flea Market
The last weekend of each month, Nashville Fair Grounds hosts a flea market. There's a lot of great vintage finds and furniture to browse.

Antique Row
There are at least a half dozen antique shops on 8th Ave. All styles and eras. If you like antique shopping, check them out!

Santa's Pub
It seems I've saved the best for last. If you love karaoke, this is your place; it's quite literally a double wide trailer that has Santa's face spray painted on the outside. The man who owns it actually looks like Santa. It's very low key, you can only buy a few beers in the bottle (Yuengling is the fancy beer), and it's cash only. The one rule: no bad language! Santa is very strict and will kick you off stage, so keep it clean :)

Guys, my neighborhood is the best! Come visit whenever you want ;)
xo

PS - Other Nashville Neighborhood Guides

Nashville Neighborhood Guide: The Gulch

What's crazy about the high-rise garden we know as the Gulch, is that 7 years ago, it was barely a warehouse industrial district. There were 2 restaurants and a venue.... and that's about it. Now, it's super swanky, and if you're looking for "city life" in Nashville, that's the place you want to live.

FOOD
Otaku Ramen
Yay, more ramen! We only have a few ramen places in Nashville, so this gives us more options. The vegetarian option was delicious, and I'd also recommend the pickled veggies as a starter. It's a cozy place, so plan on waiting around - but it's worth it!

Biscuit Love Brunch
What was once a food truck favorite now has a brick & mortar location, and it's DELICIOUS. Definitely not your healthiest option, but it's a tasty one. They do great breakfast and brunch options.

Party Foul
Get yourself some Nashville hot chicken. While I haven't personally tried Party Foul, mainly because I don't eat chicken, it's usually pretty busy and I bet it's great!

Burger Republic
This place has some good GF and vegetarian options. The sides are good, and I hear the shakes are delish! They have a nice patio, too.

The 404 Kitchen
I haven't personally been here, but I've heard great things!

Bar Louie, The Pub, Cantina Laredo are some chains you'll find in the Gulch if you're looking for something familiar, but I'd stick to the fun, new restaurants! 

Photo via

DRINKING
Jackalope Brewery
Jackalope is the lesser known brewery in town, but still a favorite. They host fun events and parties, and you can do a brew tour, too. Their seasonal brews are awesome!

Yazoo Brewery 
Nashville's favorite beer! Take a tour of our pride & joy. Definitely make sure you try the classic Dos Peros with a lime!

Photo via

Hops & Crafts
Pretty new to the Gulch, but a cool space! Lots of great beers on tap and some snacks. Stop by for a great people watching spot.

Juice Nashville
Ok, so this isn't traditional drinking - but if you want to get a green juice or ginger shot, this is your place in the Gulch!

COFFEE
Barista Parlor Golden Sound
For all the cool kids in town, stop at Barista Parlor. They also have their location in Germantown (and East Nashville), but this one is my favorite. There is almost no parking, but you'll find a place. Ask the barista what their favorite coffee is at that moment, and order it.

Photo via

ZolliKoffee
Zolli is attached to the Jackalope brewery, and a cute little place. It's usually pretty quiet, but it's a good cup of coffee.

WHAT TO DO
There's some good shopping in the Gulch, like Urban Outfitter's and a few boutiques. There's also some fitness centers. Nashville's only Barry's Bootcamp is in the Gulch as well as a barre3 location if you want to get your sweat on.

PARKING
The Gulch is becoming busier than it can really handle - there are a few parking garages (one at the corner of Division & 12th) that pay by the hour, there is street parking that is controlled by quarters, and there are some valet options with certain restaurants. It's best to bring a little cash with you, regardless of your plans! 

The Gulch is definitely a hot spot in Nashville, and really close to Downtown with a more chic appearance. Have you ever been?

Other Nashville Guides:
12th South
Downtown
Germantown

Nashville Neighborhood Guide: Germantown

Germantown! If you would have asked me 3 years ago if I knew some good places in Germantown, I would have told you the only time I'd been there was for a cool New Year's Eve party in a random warehouse. Sounds totally legit, right?

In the last couple of years, Germantown has really taken off. From the cool loft apartments, to the walkability of some of the city's hottest new restaurants, it's really become a hot spot. To be honest, I'm writing this post from one of my new favorite coffee shops, which just so happens to be in Germantown. More on that in a minute.

Germantown is just north of Downtown Nashville, but still on the south side of the river (if that makes sense).

There are so many great spots in Germantown, and it's easily accessible from Downtown and many other hot spots (like East Nashville and 12th South area). Let's talk about what to do in Germantown!

RESTAURANTS

5th & Taylor
Less than a year old (at time of publishing), 5th & Taylor was a fun date night this year. The cheese plate is killer and the low lighting makes you feel like you're in New York City. AND there's nothing I love more than a wait staff that can explain a wine list to you to help you pick a good glass of red ;) Reservations accepted (and suggested).

5th & Taylor lobby via 

312 Pizza
Chicago style pizza lovers, this is your place. Very casual, very delicious. Great beers on tap and they also have thin crust pizza! Please note it's not the place to go if you're hungry and ready to eat right now - the deep dish pizza takes about 30 minutes to cook.... so have a late snack before you dine or perhaps choose one of their appetizers.

Rolf & Daughters
Another beloved Nashville restaurant. This join will set you back quite a few bucks, but is quite popular with the locals. Everything is locally sourced and mostly home made. I'd say it's non-traditional Italian, but that may be a bad explanation. It was one of the first restaurants to put Germantown on the map, so check it out.

Butchertown Hall
One of the new kids in town is Butchertown Hall. They are a unique combo of German meets Tex-Mex (think tacos AND bratwurst).... which sounds strange but completely works - even for this vegetarian. They've got great cocktails and an amazing patio in the summer. They don't take reservations but it's a fun place to get a drink and brave the long wait times.

Butchertown Hall photo via

City House
City House is a Nashville classic. There's something on the menu for everyone, has the vibe of a very upscale restaurant, but the prices aren't insane. The decor is welcoming and vibe-y, and you can't meet a Nashvillian that doesn't love it! Make a reservation if you can.

Garden Brunch Cafe
Ok, so this technically isn't in Germantown - but I don't know what other neighborhood to place it in.... and it's right across the street. So we'll just say it counts :) Garden Brunch is this cozy little house with great southern cooking that meets brunch. Definitely try one of their Eggs Benedicts.... you won't regret it.

COFFEE

Barista Parlor
The newest member of the Barista Parlor fleet, this third store is taking over Germantown. BP is known for their moto friendly decor, airy spaces, and delicious pour overs. What's fun about BP is that they get new coffee from different places around the country all the time. You can find Damn Handsome, Counter Culture, Stumptown, and many more. You can ALSO find the ever popular Five Daughters Donuts at all of the Barista Parlor locations. YUM.  

Steadfast Coffee
Steadfast takes the cake on my favorite new coffee shop this year. With their fresh coffee soda and their delicious drip, I love visiting this space. Heck, I'm here right now. They also serve up some of my favorite brunch in town these days and it's quite possible to find me here on a Saturday morning. :) They ALWAYS play great music (Dr Dre, Haim, Jimmy Eat World) which makes for a winner in my book. They also do beer on tap so it's a great place for happy hour. Park on the street for best results, as their parking lot is a bit of a s**t show. :) 

Steadfast Coffee photo via

The Red Bicycle
The Red Bicycle was probably the first place I ever went in Germantown, other than that warehouse NYE party. I got crepes with a friend and they were pretty dang good! They also do fun coffee drinks if you're into your lattes. The Celiacs in the house can enjoy any crepe us carb-i-vores can, because Red Bicycle has a GF crepe option! They also have a new location in Woodbine, but this is definitely the adorable original.

TO DO

Nashville Sounds 

Have you been to the new Nashville Sounds Stadium yet? It's soon nice! The old stadium was fine, but it could have been any 25 year old stadium. The new place has great lawn seats (for $7 most times!), and a really swanky bar area with fun lounge chairs and craft beers. They also had a nice wine selection. You can choose from your typical hot dog & popcorn from concession, or visit the artisan stands with street tacos and sauvignon blanc. Guess where I ordered from.... :) We really enjoyed going last year and can't wait until games start up again. Oh yeah, and they play baseball there. But it's just a fun night out. 

Farmer's Market photo via

Nashville Farmer's Market
Totally revamped in the last year is the Farmer's Market. Nashville has tons of local markets (like our Sevier Park FM, East Nashville FM, and the Franklin FM, just to name a few), but this farmer's market is set up in a dedicated facility and runs year round (the rest are seasonal, usually April-November). This market has all your local farmers, dairy and meat venders, but also has a great indoor market with some great restaurants. Including but not limited to, Jeni's Ice Cream, Sloco, and B&C BBQ. It's fun to wander, pick up a few veggies and a snack. I love the new farmer's market and am so glad they changed it! Last year, it was basically a run down flea market. Now the rule is you have to home make/home grow 80% of your product in order to be a vendor. It's great. Definitely worth checking out!

I'm loving all the new possibilities that Germantown has to offer. I also feel like there's something new every day! I think it's a great place to rent an Airbnb if you're visiting or at least coming by for a drink or meal. 

Have you been to Germantown since it's started booming? What do you think?

xo

PS - Other Nashville neighborhood guides

12th South Neighborhood Guide

Downtown Neighborhood Guide 

Updated January 2016

Go Camping (without hating life)

I like to think of myself as low maintenance, but I think the truth is I draw the line at bugs and sweating all night. So, as you can imagine, camping sounded good in theory but I had some concerns.

I found the best way to overcome these concerns, and to thoroughly enjoy myself, was to be extremely prepared! Isn't that always the solution? :) I read this article in Bon Appetit and I was inspired to have an enjoyable camping trip with a slightly upgraded menu.

We went camping over Labor Day, and although Nashville's summer has been mild, this was a particularly warm weekend. Our camp site at Henry Horton State Park ended up being very shady and nice, providing a little solace from the sun. (I'll mention more about it, but camping at this state park was really wonderful!) 

From one city girl to (potentially) another, here's my list of being prepared for camping.

WHAT TO PACK

SLEEP SOUNDLY

• Tent
• Air Mattress
• Battery operated air pump (unless you KNOW you'll have power! We did not)
• Bedding: lightweight sheets (ones you don't necessarily care about), a light blanket, and pillows
• Lighting (headlamps are handy, but cell phone lights or flash lights will work too!)

EAT ALL DAY LONG

I really didn't want to eat burgers all weekend, so I got serious about our menu for the weekend.

• Cast iron pans are going to be your best friend. You can put them right over the fire! They'll make the best eggs & pancakes you've ever had (more about cast iron here). Dutch ovens (non enamel coated!) also work wonders.
• Additionally, stainless steel pots and pans do great over high heat.
• No matter what you do, leave the teflon/nonstick pans, and plastic spoons & spatulas at home. Metal or cast iron only!
• Bring 1-2 big bowls that you can use to serve & mix in. No need to bring the whole kitchen.
• A few multi-purpose serving spoons/tongs
• Paper Plates & plastic forks are great. Disposable and less dishes to do in the woods. Bring twice as many as you think you need. 
• Tin coffee cups or disposable coffee cups, depending on your style
• A roll of paper towels
• Tin Foil
• All your normal spices/condiments. For me it was salt, pepper, oil vinegar, garlic, mustard, hummus, salsa. I picked up a few packets of ketchup and mayo from the Publix deli on our way out incase anyone wanted them (they did!)
• A blender bottle (used for protein shakes) can be very multi functional. I used it to make salad dressing, mix batter and more!
• Breakfast
• We cooked pancakes, eggs, bacon, and even cinnamon rolls over the fire. They were all easy and even tastier cooked over an open flame.
• Lunch
• Keep lunch easy with snack-y foods, like raw veggies, hummus, hard boiled eggs, pretzels, sandwiches, and cut up fruit. 
• Dinner
• Prep as much as you can at home. I pre-cooked pasta to make a pasta salad (just add basil, tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella at camp), and quinoa that was easily re-heated or added into a salad.
• Chili was also a game changer: cooked at home, frozen (helped keep our cooler cold!) and reheated over the fire. It was amazing. We even made cornbread in the skillet which was an amazing addition!
• Salad kits were great as the prep work was minimal, and we still ate tasty gorgonzola and almond salad!
• In the spirit of camping, of course there were burgers and hot dogs. Just not every night :)
• Snacks
• Chips and salsa are always a winner. 
• We brought some hard cheeses (they do better without proper refrigeration) and enjoyed a custom cheese plate in the middle of the woods. Yeah, definitely not roughing it.  
• Chex Mix and trail mix seemed fitting and were great by the river or over a game of cards
• S'mores.... duh! We got creative with Oreo's instead of grahams, and Goo Goo Clusters or Reece's instead of chocolate. (Heather is a genius)
• Drinks
• Bottled water was the obvious choice. Stay hydrated!
• La Croix with a slice of lemon was a fun day-drink
• Bota Box of Sauvignon Blanc was so easy and lasted the whole weekend - no corks, no vinegar taste by day 3. And 4 bottles per box... win. Add some La Crox or Perrier for a spritzer
• We made Moscow Mules (minimal ingredients) and they were a great addition around the fire! 
• Leave the beer & the bottles of wine at home. They are cumbersome and complicated. 

CLEANING UP

• A few extra ziplock bags 
• A set of Purel wipes to get rid of anything nasty
• Brillo Pads Pre-Soaped - these were AWESOME and I got them at the Dollar Store.
• Microfiber towels (also picked up at the dollar store)
• Extra paper towels. You'll need them.
• A gallon jug of water (that you can refill at the bath house) to make your own dishwater
• Tin foil 
• A medium size tupperwear bin that can be used as your "sink". This is also a great place to store dishes after they're washed to keep them away from the elements.
• Shopping bags are great for trash, as you won't want to keep scraps around all night. I budgeted 7-10 bags per day for the 8 people, and that worked well.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR

My friend Heather asked me if I was going to be "Sporty Spice" or "Cute Camper Girlfriend" for our weekend in the woods - I opted for both.

• Running shoes & socks
• Workout clothes (for hiking and trails)
• Bathing suit
• Cover up
• water - friendly flip flops (wore these most of the weekend)
• lounge clothes (jean shorts, tank tops, easy sundresses, romper)
• Comfortable pi's
• light sweater for nights around the fire 
• Sunscreen, bug spray, and your favorite facial wipes

NOVICA dress / H M long sleeve shirt, $15 / Lucky Brand red shirt / MANGO white cardigan, $34 / Reiss top / Athleta red shirt / T By Alexander Wang white shirt, $95 / Abercrombie Fitch romper / Zoe Karssen clothing, $190 / Current/Elliott short shorts / Under Armour logo sportswear / NIKE clothing / Sweaty Betty sports bra / DELiA s bikini top / DELiA s swimsuit swimwear / Reef sandals, $25 / RetroSuperFuture sunglasses / Burt s Bees face cleanser / Hawaiian Tropic bath body, $15 / Naked Botanicals Apothecary Lavender Insect Repellent

EXTRAS YOU WON'T WANT TO LEAVE BEHIND

• Clothesline / clothespins. Hang up wet bathing suits, towels and the like so they don't get nasty.
• A few extra towels.... just incase.
• Bug spray
• Sun screen
• Proper footwear 
• Firewood/fire starters (or pick some up on your way)
• Hammocks
• Camp Chairs
• Ice, ice, ice!

Guys, camping is FUN! Don't forget to have some of that. And even if you just throw some burgers in the cooler and sleep on the ground.... it's gonna be a great memory :)

What's on your camping list? What did I forget?
xo

Nashville Neighborhood Guide: Downtown

I've never liked country music. 

I can appreciate the genre at times, with classics like Martina McBride (not that FL/GL Line crap...), but that's not why I moved to Nashville. While seeing the honkey tonk bars can be fun for a few hours just to say you've done it (like Times Square in New York or the Hollywood Walk of Fame in LA), that's not where I like to spend my time downtown. Here's a few favorite restaurants, bars, and places to have fun if you aren't a country music fanatic.

PARKING/DRIVING

There are a number of places you can pay for $10 or more for parking, but here are some more affordable options. 

1 - UBER. Depending on where you're staying, Uber can be super affordable. From our house (about 2-3 miles from downtown), it's $5-$6 one way.

2 - Park at the Titans stadium and walk over the bridge. As long as there isn't a game or event happening, this parking is completely FREE!

EAT/DRINK

Acme Feed & Seed
This has become my favorite Downtown haunt. They have 3 levels and tons to do! The ground level almost always has live music, a bar, and a great food menu (The Hatchery, Down Home Falafel, and Vegetable Garden are my favorite meals!). You order your food and can take it to any level. Level 2 has trivia some nights, sports games on others. They also serve sushi on this level. Top floor is a roof top with a bar and awesome vibes and views of downtown. Check it out if the weather is nice! Check their event calendar to see what they have going on.

The Southern

Great upscale southern food. Make a reservation for sure! Whisky lovers, take note - they have some rare ones available (like Pappy Van Winkle! the only place in town I've seen it available).

M Street

This group of restaurants might technically be considered the Gulch, but I think it's worth going to no matter where you're visiting in the city! Saint Anejo (mexican), Kanye Prime (steak), Virago (sushi), and Moto (italian) are favorites of mine - but they also own Whisky Kitchen and the Rosewall in their complex (and Tavern tucked away in Midtown). Make reservations at any of them, you won't regret it.

Pub 5

Upscale bar food, great vibe. Amazing beer list and really fun rooftop! The perfect place to grab a drink before going to a show at Bridgestone.

Pinewood Social

Pinewood is one of a kind - it serves every meal, has an amazing cocktail menu, serves Crema coffee, has a bowling alley, and a pool. Yes, seriously! You can make reservations for all of the above, and I'd suggest it. No matter what you are looking for, Pinewood has something to offer, and they do it well.

Provence Bakery

The best bread in town. They do great pastry, sandwiches, and breakfast. Additionally, if you are looking for a delicious loaf of bread to bring home this is your place!

Flying Saucer

The best place for beer in the city. Sooooo many beers on tap!

COFFEE

Frothy Monkey

A local favorite, originally on 12 South, but now has a downtown location. They serve great coffee, beer & wine, as well as breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Not to mention fresh made pastry and breads all day every day! 

Crema

One of the best coffee shops in Nashville. Most locals are fans of the Cuban. I am a fan of their coffee soda at the moment, but they had a mulled coffee option that was to die for! Absolutely worth your time. 

THINGS TO DO

If you aren't looking for honkey tonk bars, country music, or line dancing.... this is what you'll want to do downtown.

Bridgestone Arena

Bridgestone Arena is where all your major players will be - Taylor Swift, U2, Cirque du Soleil, Nashville Predators... you name it, this is where it happens. Check early for tickets, shows sell out all the time!

Nissan Stadium

The Tennessee Titans play here, and sometimes large festivals happen here, too.

Schermerhorn Symphony Center

A beautiful place that puts on amazing events! The Nashville Symphony is extremely talented, and I've been lucky enough to be there for the Christmas show a few years ago. They offer discounted tickets on the regular and have really fun events. Check the calendar for events.

TPAC

Traveling broadway shows, ballet, and other arts will be at TPAC. I've seen Wicked there and it was great!

The Ryman Auditorium 

The "Mother Church" of country music, but really, it hosts great musicians from all around the world. There's something "holy" about being in this space, and musicians live for the day they play the Ryman!

The Frist

A great art museum in downtown Nashville, there are several different types of galleries to see. One of my favorite places. 

Walking Bridge

The walking bridge will always be a favorite of mine.... because Matt and I went their on our first date, and also got engaged there ;) But even if you're not proposing, the bridge is great! You can park at Titans field and walk across to get to downtown, plus its a beautiful walk. Enjoy :) 

Engagement Photos by Abby Beard

Cumberland Park

At the Titans field-side of the walking bridge, there's a great park. If you have kids, definitely bring them here! If you're just looking for a nice walk, this is also a great spot to check out. They did such a great job of making it an urban green space.

Downtown can be really fun, even if it's not country music fun! You can leave your boots at home and enjoy Nashville for its diversity, great food, and awesome events.

xo

Updated September 2015

Nashville Neighborhood Guide: 12 South

We love living in Nashville! I thought I'd start creating a neighborhood guide on where to eat, drink and play if you ever visit!

12 South is one of my favorite areas to be in town. It's always hosted one of our favorite coffee shops, but has grown SO much over the years! We are fortunate to live so close (less than 2 miles) away, and have taken many a spring walk or bike ride over there. 

Here are a few of my favorite places in 12 South!

Eat & Drink

Frothy Monkey
Frothy has been a Nashville staple for over 10 years. This 12th South location is the original (they now have 4 other locations AND a bakery!) and will always be my favorite. Cozy atmosphere inside, amazing patio outside, serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, beer, wine, and some of the best coffee and specialty drinks in town. Definitely worth your time on a visit!

Josephine
This newcomer is a favorite of many. It's beautifully decorated inside and has a wonderful brunch. Dinner is intimate and tasty. I'd suggest making a reservation, as it fills up quickly!

12 South Tap Room
One of the best beer lists in town, including Gluten Free beers, craft beers, and locals on tap. They also have some of my favorite house made salsa & chips if you need a snack! This place is casual and unassuming, but a great spot.

Mafiaoza's
A Nashville pizza favorite. Also featuring GF pizza crust that doesn't taste like garbage... amazing, right? This place has everything you want in a local, family pizza joint. It's delicious and it will always be a win in my book.

Epice
Lebanese food with a modern twist - the Mediterranean at its finest. Loved their menu and simple, but intentional drink menu, and the beautiful vibe. Grab a seat on the patio at sunset and thank me later.

Burger UP
Fancy burgers, great truffle fries, and a cool vibe. They have a good veggie burger and a gluten free bun, plus some non-burger options like great salads and delicious nachos.

Edley's BBQ
Carnivores, enjoy this one. Everyone loves the bbq at Edley's. Vegetarians, you won't find much here except the salad or a grilled cheese. Even the collard greens have bacon in them. BUT! 

Las Paletas
Local, home made popsicles, with amazing favors like Rose, Hibiscus, Mexican Hot Chocolate, or classics like Lime, Watermelon or Caramel. One of my favorite summer day treats!

Shop

Imogene & Wille
Super cool denim shop, also has other clothing, hand bags, and some cool house wears. It's worth stopping in even if you don't need a pair of custom jeans. 

White's Mercantile
Imagine if the home section of Anthropologie was it's own store, with a handful of clothing and handbags, all upscale goods. Great candles. Adorable tea towels. Some cool Nashville "souvenirs" in a non touristy sense of the word. I absolutely love this store.

MODA Boutique
A beautiful boutique. Right next to Frothy, so take a wander when you're waiting for your coffee.

Savant Vintage
My favorite vintage clothing shop in Nashville. She has a great eye and always has new and interesting stuff! 

DO

Sevier Park
One of my favorite Nashville parks. Walking path, pretty hills, great for a picnic and a nap on a blanket. Grab a Paleta and a patch of grass and enjoy some shade.

12 South Farmer's Market
Tuesdays from 3-6pm in Sevier Park there's a great farmer's market. Fresh produce, artisan goods, and live music! Some food trucks are usually there, too. It runs April-October.

Sevier Park Community Center
If you're looking for a quick work out, check out the community center. It has a small gym w/ all the basic equipment, it's $3 to drop in. They also offer tons of group classes like Pilates,  Zumba, Boot Camp, and Yoga.... also $3. It's clean and nice and we love it.

Also, if you're looking for this photo op.....

You'll find it in 12 South.

It's one of Nashville's cutest neighborhoods, and I love it! There are other restaurants and shops, but these are ones I personally love. Hope you enjoy!
xo

Update September 2015

New Music Tuesday: It's a BIG DAY

My dear friend, Adam, has been working on this record for over three years....

AND TODAY IS RELEASE DAY!!!!!!

Do yourself a favor and go listen to this album. It's pretty incredible.

If I could go back in time and have "Don't Shy From the Light" be the first dance at my wedding, I would.

If I could have "Native Skin" playing at Respectables in college while we were dancing at 2am... I would.

I guess the fact that I know how much time & effort went into this album might make the love it more. 

But truly, it's art. Heartfelt lyrics. Raw melodies. 

It's haunting, exciting, sad, and hopeful all at the same time.

If you want to check it out (you definitely should!!!), go to iTunes and search for Neulore, or click HERE.

And if you happen to be in Nashville, their CD release show will be at 3rd & Lindsley on Sunday night. You can get tickets here. OR you can listen live on Lightning 100 on the "Nashville Sunday Night" show.

For the rest of their tour, check out their website.

This sounds like a big sales pitch.... but it's just me trying to help YOU out ;) If you like good music, give it a listen.

Did you discover any new music lately that I need to know about?

xo