A College Kid’s Guide to Nashville
Often referred to as Music City, you’d be surprised to know that Nashville has far more to offer than just, well, music. In fact, putting aside the go-to tourist attractions like the Country Music Hall of Fame, Ryman Auditorium, Grand Ole Opry, and Johnny Cash Museum, as well as the occasional Dolly Parton-themed restaurant (see: White Limozeen), it’s easy to forget that you’re standing in the country music capital of the world. But hey, if you are a country music junkie or Willie Nelson superfan, there are an abundance of ways to tap into the rich history of Nashville. With that said, I’m more fascinated by the vast array of heavenly restaurants, bustling bars, splurge-worthy shops, and even the oftentimes overlooked idiosyncrasies that make Nashville unlike any other city in the world.
Let me preface this guide by saying that I am by no means the connoisseur of all things Nashville. At most, I would call myself a glorified foodie and procrastination-driven explorer. Recounting all of the amazing restaurants I’ve been to and sights I’ve seen made me realize how much more there is out there that I have yet to traverse. In addition to that, I am, in the truest sense, a creature of habit; anyone who knows me can attest to this. When I first discovered Franklin Juice Co., which, I am ashamed to admit was not until well into my junior year, I became a regular. Perhaps it was because I felt obligated to make up for all of the açai I missed out on prior to that point; or, more accurately, it was because I suffered from an unrelenting craving for my favorite bowl The Standard, and thus had no choice but to make a weekly occurrence at the 12 South gem. The same can be said for Proper Bagel in Hillsboro, the undisputed top bagel shop in Nashville—as a native New Yorker, I can confirm that it truly does live up to the hype. I can only go so long without obtaining my necessary dose of snickerdoodles from Tiff’s Treats, brussels sprouts from Moto, dumplings from Steamboys, and yes, the list goes on. Without further ado, here is my extensive list of things to do, places to see, and foods to eat in Nashville:
12 South
If you asked twenty people what their favorite place in 12 South is, you’d probably get twenty different answers. Simply put, the opportunities are endless. After making a necessary stop at Franklin Juice Co., I’d recommend checking out the insta-worthy hotspots that light up the area, most notably the murals––@HowellsAlley’s I Believe In Nashville and nash tn’s Nashville Looks Good On You––and Amelia’s Flower Truck. Afterwards, stop into Reese Witherspoon’s clothing store Draper James, and grab a warm chocolate chip cookie from Christie Cookie Co. If you have more time, here are the rest to check out before you head off:
Where to Eat: Urban Grub, Bar Taco, Taqueria del Sol, Edley’s Bar-B-Que, Burger Up, Epice, Urban Grub, Frothy Monkey, Josephine
Dessert: Jeni’s Ice Cream, Five Daughters Bakery
Shopping: Finnley’s, Whites Mercantile
Pro-tip: Always check out the store next to Burger Up. If you’re lucky you’ll come across a trendy new pop-up restaurant!
Hillsboro/Belmont
Hillsboro Village is within walking distance from Vandy’s campus and continues on towards Belmont University. You can start your day off with breakfast at Proper Bagel, the closest thing Nashville has to a good ‘ole New York bagel, or Biscuit Love, a locally-owned business that specializes in–– you guessed it–– biscuits as well as other traditional southern food. At Revv, a women’s boutique, you can find stylish clothes and get yourself a NASH collection hat to really seem like a local. For lunch, check out Fido just up the block, a blend between an upscale coffee house and a casual restaurant, well known for its salads, omelets, and sandwiches.
Where to Eat: Hopdoddy, ‘Za Wood Fired Pizza, The Grilled Cheeserie, Pancake Pantry, Taco Mama, Double Dogs Restaurant, Meet Noodles, The Donut + Dog, Pizza Perfect, Chago’s Cantina, Chatime, Ruby Sunshine, Urban Juicer
For Dessert: Jeni’s Ice Cream
Where to Shop: UAL, Posh
Downtown/Broadway
No trip to Nashville is complete without visiting Broadway, infamous for its Honky Tonks and rowdy tourists in cowboy hats. If you’re feeling left out, check out Boot Barn or any of the many other shops on Broadway to purchase cowboy boots. You’ll likely be passed by a bridal party on a Pedal Tavern while making your way to Acme Feed & Seed (no, not the grocery store), a four-floor bar located in a historic building that dates back to 1890. Each floor features a unique aspect of Nashville including a classic Honky Tonk, a sushi bar, live music, and a rooftop bar–– basically everything but the kitchen sink. Just around the corner lies The Hampton Social, where you’re guaranteed an Instagrammable picture. The restaurant features a wide menu of American, seafood, pizza, and swoon-worthy cocktails. And, before you go, make sure to stop into as many bars as possible–– they won’t be hard to find, but if you need help, we’ll list a few staples below.
Where to Eat: Merchants, E + Rose and Wellness, Deacon’s New South, Bobby Hotel, Liberty Common, The Stillery
Where to Drink: Aldeans, Kid Rock, Underground, Florida Georgia Line, Honky Tonk Central, Luke Bryan’s, Rare Bird
East Nashville & German Town
East Nashville and Germantown are both a little ways outside Vanderbilt’s campus, but worth every second of the trip. In East Nashville, satisfy your hummus cravings at Lyra, and stop by The Golden Door, the trendiest of speakeasies. In Germantown, grab brunch at Henrietta Red, or maybe just some fresh produce and baked goods at the Nashville Farmer’s Market. For a more event-filled evening with friends, schedule a round at Top Golf, or snag a picnic table and see what’s on tap at Von Elrod’s Beer Hall & Kitchen.
Where to Eat in East Nashville: Two Ten Jack, Butcher & Bee, Folk, Cafe Roze, The Pharmacy Burger, Barista Parlor, Bolton’s, Dino’s, Five Points Pizza, Folk, Hawkers, Hunter Station, Lockeland Table, Mas Tacos Por Favor, Red Headed Stranger,
Where to Eat in Germantown: Butchertown hall, O-ku, Rolf and Daughters, Steamboys, Geist, The Optimist, Vui’s, Red Bicycle Cafe, 5th and Taylor
Green Hills
Aside from its wide array of supermarkets, nail salons, and department stores, Green Hills truly is a one stop shop. Whether you spend the day at the Green Hills Mall, or just come for dinner at True Food Kitchen, Green Hills is bound to fill all of your needs.
Where to Eat: Emmy Squared, RH Nashville Cafe, Santo, North Italia
The Gulch
The Gulch is a must for your trip to Nashville. Nestled in between Downtown and Midtown it is the perfect place to spend your evening. Aside from its mural covered walls (you may recognize the Insta-famous What Lifts You Wings) there are endless restaurants to check off your list. Disregarding the fact that I could probably write this whole article strictly about the Gulch, I thought I’d just delve into a few of many personal favorites. Whether it’s brunch, lunch, or dinner, Adele’s will never fail. I’d be devastated if I didn’t suggest you order the well-known JW potatoes. For pre-dinner or after-dinner drinks, LA Jackson is a rooftop bar with a fantastic view of Music City. There are so many good options to choose from in the Gulch, you honestly can’t go wrong.
Where to Eat: Moto, Chauhan Ale & Masala House, Biscuit Love, Virago, Sunda, Emmy Squared, Kayne Prime, Marsh House, Milk & Honey, Peg Leg Porker, Saint Anejo, STK, Tansuo, The Eastern Peak, Mockingbird, Virago, 404 Kitchen, Old Glory
Midtown/Vanderbilt
Walking distance from Vanderbilt’s campus, Midtown is filled with great coffee shops and restaurants. After doing work in the lobby of the Graduate Hotel, head to the top floor for cocktails at the Dolly Parton themed rooftop White Limozeen. If you’re in the mood for a taste of some local flavor, check out the one and only Hattie B’s. Oh, andd don’t forget to snag some mouthwatering cookies from Tiff’s Treats before you go.
Where to Eat: Barcelona, Tavern, The Ainsworth, Sun & Fork, The Catbird Seat, Nada, Martin’s Bar-B-Que, Thai Satay, Poke Bros
Charlotte Ave
Ever wonder where you can find a beach amidst Music City? Look no further than the Sand Bar—a hidden gem home to an outdoor beach volleyball court, frozen cocktails made with fresh fruit, and all the beach-like energy you may be craving. Just steps away, pop into Avo (vegan food for vegans and meat-eaters alike!) and take a ride to Bobbie’s Dairy Dip for old-school soft serve for dessert.
Where to Eat: Radish, Pastaria
For Dessert: Koko’s Ice Cream
SoBro
Accurately named given its location just south of Broadway, SoBro is walking distance from Downtown and a must-see in Nashville. At the intimate Listening Room Cafe, listen to stellar performances by singer-songwriters while enjoying top-notch food and drink. Pinewood Social is a trendy American restaurant with an outstanding menu, chic decorations, and a retro bowling alley.
Where to Eat: L27, Etch, House of Cards, Husk
And, finally, other driving-distance sights that don’t fit into the areas listed above:
Franklin, TN; Arrington Vineyards; Percy Priest Lake; Radnor Lake; Shelby Bottoms Park
Like I said before, this is only the beginning of all the amazing restaurants, shops, and sights to see in the one and only Music City. There are thousands of gems hidden within these streets—let us know what else you find!
