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

Grounded

I'm grounded for almost a month.

Not like, "I got in trouble and now I can't go to Homecoming", grounded. 

The kind of grounded where I'm not getting on an airplane for a while :) After being gone for 2 solid months, it's a welcome break. Because after all, one of my favorite parts of traveling is coming back home at the end!

In an effort to embrace my down time, I've decided to Tour My Own Town. Try new things, hang out at places I haven't frequented in a while, make lots of plans with friends, and mostly - maximize the time I spend on my relaxing front porch.

Pour your cup of coffee and let's go

Here are some Nashville-y things I'd like to do while I'm home.

Hit up Arrington Vineyards

A view from the winery. Wait until all of those leaves change!

My favorite. Pouring a glass at home isn't too bad either...

I've already been out once to pick up my quarterly portion of wine (best decision I ever made!) but the weather is so fantastic, I'd love to go again. We play cards, bring a picnic, and enjoy the sunshine & the changing foliage.... YAY!

Work the Coffee Circuit

We have so many great coffee shops here, I'd love to make my rounds. 

8th & Roast

Pinewood Social (they serve Crema Coffee!)

I already went to Frothy Monkey a couple of days ago, but definitely need to hit up 8th & Roast, Crema & try out Woodbine Coffee Co. Has anyone been there yet?

Go to a Local Show

My friends band, Neulore, is playing their CD release show this Sunday. I can't freaking wait.

Try New Restaurants

The Sutler just opened down the street from our house, and I've heard good things about Espice & Flipside in 12th South. Anyone been there yet?

Also, I'm probably the worst vegetarian ever.... because I've never been to the Wild Cow in East Nash. If i'm over that way, I just really want to eat at Silly Goose because it's my favorite!!! But I really want to see what Wild Cow is like.

Seasonal Brews

We have two local breweries in town & some fun places that serve craft beers on tap. I like beer, but really only when it's draft. Craft Brewed  is down the street, AND they have a patio. Sold. I know Jackalope Brewery & Yazoo Brewery make seasonal brews, too. Does anyone know which restaurants carries them on draft?

Host Friends

Some of the Nashville favorites. 

I've missed these friends of mine! Really excited to host brunch for some of our favorite people soon. I've been dreaming up all sorts of delicious brunch fare & I'm really excited to use my home made infused liquors for Bloody Mary's! Does anyone have a good recipe?

All in all, it feels really great to be home & in the swing of things. Sometimes being grounded is nice, eh? Am I missing anything, Nashvillians? Any other city folks interested in #TourYourOwnTown? 

While I'm enjoying Nash, here are the trips I'll be prepping for in October & November:

10 Nights in Italy

4 Nights in Chicago

4 Night Cruise

Stay tuned for packing guides!

xo

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