Rachel’s guidebook
Sightseeing
An extraordinary 1930s estate, with its Georgian Mansion and 55 acres of cultivated gardens and expansive vistas. It now serves as a public botanical garden, woodland sculpture trail and an art museum.
593 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Cheekwood Estate and Gardens
1200 Forrest Park DrAn extraordinary 1930s estate, with its Georgian Mansion and 55 acres of cultivated gardens and expansive vistas. It now serves as a public botanical garden, woodland sculpture trail and an art museum.
Centennial Park is the quintessential Nashville green space. The park is situated on 132 acres and just 2 miles from downtown. Enjoy the Parthenon and all its beauty then hop on a scooter and zip over to the Honkey Tonks on Broadway!
788 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Centennial Park
2500 West End AveCentennial Park is the quintessential Nashville green space. The park is situated on 132 acres and just 2 miles from downtown. Enjoy the Parthenon and all its beauty then hop on a scooter and zip over to the Honkey Tonks on Broadway!
Enjoy live music at Nashville's independently and locally owned music venue! With its prime location between the Gulch and Downtown your fun is endless!
27 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Cannery Ballroom
1 Cannery RowEnjoy live music at Nashville's independently and locally owned music venue! With its prime location between the Gulch and Downtown your fun is endless!
Several times a week, the Grand Ole Opry takes place as a showcase of the best country, bluegrass, and folk bands in the country. The night GP caught it on a visit back to the Ryman, she saw the amazing Emmylou Harris, Carrie Underwood, and Vince Gill, just to give you an idea of the kind of all-star casts the Opry always hosts. The entire show is broadcast live on WSM-AM at 7 p.m. and is the longest-running radio show in history.
751 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Grand Ole Opry
600 Opryland DrSeveral times a week, the Grand Ole Opry takes place as a showcase of the best country, bluegrass, and folk bands in the country. The night GP caught it on a visit back to the Ryman, she saw the amazing Emmylou Harris, Carrie Underwood, and Vince Gill, just to give you an idea of the kind of all-star casts the Opry always hosts. The entire show is broadcast live on WSM-AM at 7 p.m. and is the longest-running radio show in history.
The Ryman was founded as a church in 1892, which explains the church pew seating. In the mid-twentieth century it came to house the legendary Johnny Cash television show and the weekly Grand Ole Opry concert and radio show, which was broadcast on WSM-AM. The television show is no more, and the Opry has moved to a new home at the Grand Ole Opry House, but the Ryman remains a must-experience concert venue.
1292 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Ryman Auditorium
116 5th Ave NThe Ryman was founded as a church in 1892, which explains the church pew seating. In the mid-twentieth century it came to house the legendary Johnny Cash television show and the weekly Grand Ole Opry concert and radio show, which was broadcast on WSM-AM. The television show is no more, and the Opry has moved to a new home at the Grand Ole Opry House, but the Ryman remains a must-experience concert venue.
Located just fifteen minutes outside of Downtown Nashville, this low-key spot hosts an open mic where you can hear up-and-coming and established singer-songwriters. Some of the biggest legends in country music have performed here, including Trisha Yearwood, Garth Brooks, Taylor Swift, and Keith Urban. A typical nightly performance consists of a “songwriters in the round,” where three to four take turns playing their tunes.
460 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Bluebird Cafe
4104 Hillsboro PikeLocated just fifteen minutes outside of Downtown Nashville, this low-key spot hosts an open mic where you can hear up-and-coming and established singer-songwriters. Some of the biggest legends in country music have performed here, including Trisha Yearwood, Garth Brooks, Taylor Swift, and Keith Urban. A typical nightly performance consists of a “songwriters in the round,” where three to four take turns playing their tunes.
This neoclassical stunner looks straight out of the nineteenth century but was actually completed in 2005. And it’s so much more than a typical symphony hall. Aldridge is a fan of the movie nights, where feature films (like Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and Star Wars) are played with a live orchestral accompaniment: “It’s such a magical experience for families to hear the symphony play alongside classic movies,” she says. “We love watching Home Alone at Christmas. It’s fun for both grown-ups and kids.”
277 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Centro de la Sinfónica Schermerhorn en Nashville
1 Symphony PlThis neoclassical stunner looks straight out of the nineteenth century but was actually completed in 2005. And it’s so much more than a typical symphony hall. Aldridge is a fan of the movie nights, where feature films (like Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and Star Wars) are played with a live orchestral accompaniment: “It’s such a magical experience for families to hear the symphony play alongside classic movies,” she says. “We love watching Home Alone at Christmas. It’s fun for both grown-ups and kids.”
Sandwiched between downtown, Music Row, West End and Hillsboro Village is Midtown, an area adjacent to the prestigious Vanderbilt University. Here, students, music industry folks and business executives converge with visitors in the neighborhood’s many chef-driven restaurants and bustling bars. Its walkability, multitude of hotel options and proximity to both downtown and other unique neighborhoods make it an exceptionally convenient area to stay in Nashville.
Vanderbilt University
2201 West End AvenueSandwiched between downtown, Music Row, West End and Hillsboro Village is Midtown, an area adjacent to the prestigious Vanderbilt University. Here, students, music industry folks and business executives converge with visitors in the neighborhood’s many chef-driven restaurants and bustling bars. Its walkability, multitude of hotel options and proximity to both downtown and other unique neighborhoods make it an exceptionally convenient area to stay in Nashville.
Neighborhoods
Just shut of downtown lies this once abandoned industrial area that's undergone an urban revitalization. This exceedingly walkable LEED-certified community is teeming with instagrammable murals, shops, live music venues, breweries, and diverse culinary offerings.
455 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Gulch
Just shut of downtown lies this once abandoned industrial area that's undergone an urban revitalization. This exceedingly walkable LEED-certified community is teeming with instagrammable murals, shops, live music venues, breweries, and diverse culinary offerings.
One of the most walkable neighborhoods in Nashville, 12 South is a shopping and dining destination chock full of restaurants, coffee houses, bakeries, bars and boutiques featuring local designers.
353 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
12 South
One of the most walkable neighborhoods in Nashville, 12 South is a shopping and dining destination chock full of restaurants, coffee houses, bakeries, bars and boutiques featuring local designers.
Located across the Cumberland River from downtown Nashville is the stomping ground of Nashville’s creative class, attracted to the area’s culturally-diverse and eclectic vibe and historic homes dating back to the early 1900s. In the early aughts, East Nashville helped put Nashville on the map as a culinary destination with beloved restaurants like Margot Cafe & Bar and Marche Artisan Foods, a reputation the neighborhood maintains today. Locals frequent the many dive bars, craft cocktail joints, coffee shops, and vintage stores sprinkled throughout the neighborhood.
221 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
East Nashville
Located across the Cumberland River from downtown Nashville is the stomping ground of Nashville’s creative class, attracted to the area’s culturally-diverse and eclectic vibe and historic homes dating back to the early 1900s. In the early aughts, East Nashville helped put Nashville on the map as a culinary destination with beloved restaurants like Margot Cafe & Bar and Marche Artisan Foods, a reputation the neighborhood maintains today. Locals frequent the many dive bars, craft cocktail joints, coffee shops, and vintage stores sprinkled throughout the neighborhood.
The sound of Nashville reverberates from the city’s downtown core where visitors from all over the world converge with the business and government district. Running smack in the middle is Lower Broadway where Honky Tonks play world-class live music 365 days of the year and never charge a cover. In the area “North of Broadway” are historic buildings reimagined into music attractions, boutique hotels, art galleries, and chef-driven restaurants, and “South of Broadway” are newly constructed hotels, eateries, music venues, and attractions. Wherever you go, there is plenty of fun to be had around Nashville’s incredibly walkable downtown campus.
204 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Downtown
The sound of Nashville reverberates from the city’s downtown core where visitors from all over the world converge with the business and government district. Running smack in the middle is Lower Broadway where Honky Tonks play world-class live music 365 days of the year and never charge a cover. In the area “North of Broadway” are historic buildings reimagined into music attractions, boutique hotels, art galleries, and chef-driven restaurants, and “South of Broadway” are newly constructed hotels, eateries, music venues, and attractions. Wherever you go, there is plenty of fun to be had around Nashville’s incredibly walkable downtown campus.
Food scene
Philip Krajeck’s highly anticipated passion project, an East Nashville pizza-focused spot, debuted in early 2018, and has since earned its way into the regular restaurant rotation for many locals. Consistency, clam pies, and chicken Milanesa from this neighborhood spot in McFerrin Park prove that yes, Eater Nashville’s 2018 chef of the year Krajeck can steer two ships at once.
151 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Folk
823 Meridian StPhilip Krajeck’s highly anticipated passion project, an East Nashville pizza-focused spot, debuted in early 2018, and has since earned its way into the regular restaurant rotation for many locals. Consistency, clam pies, and chicken Milanesa from this neighborhood spot in McFerrin Park prove that yes, Eater Nashville’s 2018 chef of the year Krajeck can steer two ships at once.
The counter-order cash (or check) only East Nashville joint sees crowds line up from noon to night, thanks to its reputation as a solid street taco shack. Therefore, hitting at off-peak times is preferable (also because parking is limited.) Go-to moves here include the fried avocado taco, plantains, elotes, and the chicken tortilla soup.
693 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mas Tacos Por Favor
732 Mcferrin AveThe counter-order cash (or check) only East Nashville joint sees crowds line up from noon to night, thanks to its reputation as a solid street taco shack. Therefore, hitting at off-peak times is preferable (also because parking is limited.) Go-to moves here include the fried avocado taco, plantains, elotes, and the chicken tortilla soup.
Local hospitality veterans Hrant Arakelian and Elizabeth Endicott opened Middle Eastern restaurant Lyra in the summer of 2018, bringing manoushe, hummus, and fried haloumi, and lamb ribs to East Nashville. Beyond the refreshingly new for Nashville menu — Lyra’s bar program is also not to be overlooked.
87 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Lyra
935 W Eastland AveLocal hospitality veterans Hrant Arakelian and Elizabeth Endicott opened Middle Eastern restaurant Lyra in the summer of 2018, bringing manoushe, hummus, and fried haloumi, and lamb ribs to East Nashville. Beyond the refreshingly new for Nashville menu — Lyra’s bar program is also not to be overlooked.
Truly unlike any other restaurant in Nashville, Eater Nashville’s 2018 Restaurant of the Year shines with Chef Jake Howell’s creativity, complemented by the hospitality of top-notch co-owners Craig Schoen and Yuriko Soy. The seasonally available tomato (or mushroom) toast and the braised rabbit in garlic broth are absolute must-hits while tasting one’s way through the gin and tonic menu.
51 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Peninsula
1035 W Eastland AveTruly unlike any other restaurant in Nashville, Eater Nashville’s 2018 Restaurant of the Year shines with Chef Jake Howell’s creativity, complemented by the hospitality of top-notch co-owners Craig Schoen and Yuriko Soy. The seasonally available tomato (or mushroom) toast and the braised rabbit in garlic broth are absolute must-hits while tasting one’s way through the gin and tonic menu.
Nashville’s first izakaya opened in East Nashville’s Walden Phase 2 in 2014, marrying local, Southern ingredients with Japanese-inspired pub comfort food. Today it’s still a leading choice among locals for its ramen, yakitori, and sushi selections — while the garlic noodles with crab butter are another sure bet.
407 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Two Ten Jack
1900 Eastland AveNashville’s first izakaya opened in East Nashville’s Walden Phase 2 in 2014, marrying local, Southern ingredients with Japanese-inspired pub comfort food. Today it’s still a leading choice among locals for its ramen, yakitori, and sushi selections — while the garlic noodles with crab butter are another sure bet.
There’s a reason Philip Krajeck is a household name in these parts. A person only needs to visit the former boiling house at the Werthan Factory in Germantown once to understand what the multiple Beard Award nominee has done for the city’s dining scene, and his second restaurant, Folk, which opened last year, is no different. Not to be missed — Krajeck’s pasta offerings — some of the absolute best in the city.
441 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Rolf and Daughters
700 Taylor StThere’s a reason Philip Krajeck is a household name in these parts. A person only needs to visit the former boiling house at the Werthan Factory in Germantown once to understand what the multiple Beard Award nominee has done for the city’s dining scene, and his second restaurant, Folk, which opened last year, is no different. Not to be missed — Krajeck’s pasta offerings — some of the absolute best in the city.
The neighborhood restaurant helmed by chef Hal Holden-Bache is quintessentially Nashville throughout, and a cool place to spend a night chowing down on Nashville hot pig ears, empanadas, pasta, and pizza. Its reconstructed storefront is a nod to the original 1930s H.G. Hills store that once called the space home.
525 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Lockeland Table
1520 Woodland StThe neighborhood restaurant helmed by chef Hal Holden-Bache is quintessentially Nashville throughout, and a cool place to spend a night chowing down on Nashville hot pig ears, empanadas, pasta, and pizza. Its reconstructed storefront is a nod to the original 1930s H.G. Hills store that once called the space home.
One of Nashville’s most significant restaurant openings of 2017, this Germantown restaurant and bar expertly paired executive chef Julia Sullivan and GM/sommelier Allie Poindexter with Strategic Hospitality. The focus here is on seafood and seasonal vegetables, plus a raw bar program that is among the best in town.
117 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Henrietta Red
1200 4th Ave NOne of Nashville’s most significant restaurant openings of 2017, this Germantown restaurant and bar expertly paired executive chef Julia Sullivan and GM/sommelier Allie Poindexter with Strategic Hospitality. The focus here is on seafood and seasonal vegetables, plus a raw bar program that is among the best in town.
The Charleston-born restaurant is a transplant in name only, as executive chef Bryan Lee Weaver has made the menu entirely his own — honing in on vegetable-focused small plates with superb sandwiches in tow. It’s hard to go wrong choosing anything off the ever-changing seasonal menu, but definitely start by ordering all of the mezze.
269 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Butcher & Bee
902 Main StThe Charleston-born restaurant is a transplant in name only, as executive chef Bryan Lee Weaver has made the menu entirely his own — honing in on vegetable-focused small plates with superb sandwiches in tow. It’s hard to go wrong choosing anything off the ever-changing seasonal menu, but definitely start by ordering all of the mezze.
A weekday lunch stroll through downtown’s Arcade allows a peek into the days before bachelorettes, boozy brunches, and hot chicken were synonymous with Nashville. Enter Manny’s House of Pizza — owned and operated by Brooklyn native Manny Macca since 1984. The restaurant underwent some major renovations in 2017 and emerged as popular as ever, serving Sicilian-style slices of pie to hordes of hungry lunch patrons Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Manny's House of Pizza
15 Arcade AlleyA weekday lunch stroll through downtown’s Arcade allows a peek into the days before bachelorettes, boozy brunches, and hot chicken were synonymous with Nashville. Enter Manny’s House of Pizza — owned and operated by Brooklyn native Manny Macca since 1984. The restaurant underwent some major renovations in 2017 and emerged as popular as ever, serving Sicilian-style slices of pie to hordes of hungry lunch patrons Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Since what feels like lightyears before Broadway’s streetscape was ruined by three-story mega-bars named after modern country music stars, Robert’s Western World has consistently offered old-school country music and rockabilly for those seeking a true Nashville honky-tonk experience. And while it’s undoubtedly more bar than restaurant, the fried bologna sandwich with an icy PBR and MoonPie for dessert is an unarguably iconic Music City meal.
601 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Robert's Western World
416 BroadwaySince what feels like lightyears before Broadway’s streetscape was ruined by three-story mega-bars named after modern country music stars, Robert’s Western World has consistently offered old-school country music and rockabilly for those seeking a true Nashville honky-tonk experience. And while it’s undoubtedly more bar than restaurant, the fried bologna sandwich with an icy PBR and MoonPie for dessert is an unarguably iconic Music City meal.
Executive chef Katie Coss took the helm at Nashville’s staple Husk outpost last year, and the historic mansion continues in its glory as one of the best and most stunning spots in the city for brunch or lunch, any day of the week. Can’t miss dishes include the pimento cheese with benne wafers, deviled eggs, Southern vegetable plate, fried chicken, and the ever popular Husk cheeseburger. As impossible as it sounds, be sure and leave some space for dessert.
224 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Husk
37 Rutledge StExecutive chef Katie Coss took the helm at Nashville’s staple Husk outpost last year, and the historic mansion continues in its glory as one of the best and most stunning spots in the city for brunch or lunch, any day of the week. Can’t miss dishes include the pimento cheese with benne wafers, deviled eggs, Southern vegetable plate, fried chicken, and the ever popular Husk cheeseburger. As impossible as it sounds, be sure and leave some space for dessert.
Those who appreciate a good temple to meat respect pitmaster Carey Bringle’s dedication to the barbecue craft. Dry-rub ribs are the move here, but the pulled pork sandwich is another, less messy standard.
181 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Peg Leg Porker BBQ
903 Gleaves StThose who appreciate a good temple to meat respect pitmaster Carey Bringle’s dedication to the barbecue craft. Dry-rub ribs are the move here, but the pulled pork sandwich is another, less messy standard.
A West Nashville institution that thankfully, hasn’t changed with the times, Bobbie’s Dairy Dip opened in 1951. They’ve been cooking up burgers and hot dogs for decades, and the milkshakes, sundaes, and iconic hand-dipped cones are Nashville classics.
83 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bobbie's Dairy Dip
5301 Charlotte AveA West Nashville institution that thankfully, hasn’t changed with the times, Bobbie’s Dairy Dip opened in 1951. They’ve been cooking up burgers and hot dogs for decades, and the milkshakes, sundaes, and iconic hand-dipped cones are Nashville classics.
No Nashville trip is complete without a pilgrimage to this true Southern meat-and-three. Serving lines of hungry locals and tourists for over three decades, this James Beard America's Classic award-winner is the gold standard by which all others in the genre are judged, securing its place on Eater's list of the South's best restaurants. Plus, what's not to like about a restaurant where dessert comes first?
146 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Arnold's Country Kitchen
605 8th Ave SNo Nashville trip is complete without a pilgrimage to this true Southern meat-and-three. Serving lines of hungry locals and tourists for over three decades, this James Beard America's Classic award-winner is the gold standard by which all others in the genre are judged, securing its place on Eater's list of the South's best restaurants. Plus, what's not to like about a restaurant where dessert comes first?
The godfather of Nashville hot chicken — inspiring hours-long lines and seemingly endless imitations globally — Prince’s has over 70 years and a James Beard Award tucked casually under its belt. The original hot chicken shack’s Ewing Drive location caught fire and is closed temporarily, but the South Nashville outpost (5814 Nolensville Pike) offers another option where loyalists can fulfill those fiery fowl fantasies.
55 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Prince's Hot Chicken Shack SoBro
423 6th Ave SThe godfather of Nashville hot chicken — inspiring hours-long lines and seemingly endless imitations globally — Prince’s has over 70 years and a James Beard Award tucked casually under its belt. The original hot chicken shack’s Ewing Drive location caught fire and is closed temporarily, but the South Nashville outpost (5814 Nolensville Pike) offers another option where loyalists can fulfill those fiery fowl fantasies.
Shopping
This store, owned by Holly Williams (who has exquisite taste and happens to be the daughter of Hank Williams Jr.), is the most cutting-edge of the shops in Nashville, carrying brands like Rick Owens, Ulla Johnson, Rag & Bone, and Anine Bing. Check out the second floor, too, which houses Williams's collection of music photography by the likes of Henry Diltz and Pattie Boyd.
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
H. Audrey
4027 Hillsboro PikeThis store, owned by Holly Williams (who has exquisite taste and happens to be the daughter of Hank Williams Jr.), is the most cutting-edge of the shops in Nashville, carrying brands like Rick Owens, Ulla Johnson, Rag & Bone, and Anine Bing. Check out the second floor, too, which houses Williams's collection of music photography by the likes of Henry Diltz and Pattie Boyd.
Hailing from Henderson, Kentucky, Matt and Carrie Eddmenson—childhood friends and now a married couple—worked together in Carrie’s family business, developing denim collections for brands like Rogan, Earnest Sewn, Seven, J.Brand, etc.
123 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
imogene + willie
2601 12th Ave SHailing from Henderson, Kentucky, Matt and Carrie Eddmenson—childhood friends and now a married couple—worked together in Carrie’s family business, developing denim collections for brands like Rogan, Earnest Sewn, Seven, J.Brand, etc.
If you've spent any time perusing the website of Reese Witherspoon's quintessentially Southern lifestyle brand, you'll pretty much know what to expect in the store. Located on 12South, a well-known shopping area, it immediately draws you in with blue-and-white-striped awnings and perennially colorful windows. Once you make it through the shiny navy lacquered doors, you'll find bold floral prints, preppy stripes, and cheeky home goods, like their signature "Totes, Y'all" bags.
116 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Draper James
2608 12th Ave SIf you've spent any time perusing the website of Reese Witherspoon's quintessentially Southern lifestyle brand, you'll pretty much know what to expect in the store. Located on 12South, a well-known shopping area, it immediately draws you in with blue-and-white-striped awnings and perennially colorful windows. Once you make it through the shiny navy lacquered doors, you'll find bold floral prints, preppy stripes, and cheeky home goods, like their signature "Totes, Y'all" bags.
Owned by goop friend Holly Williams, this old-time mercantile occupies an abandoned filling station, which adds to the overall effect. Here, you’ll find a smattering of groceries, plus irresistible home goods, from cookbooks to candles to linens, and a small but mighty beauty section, which conveniently includes the goop organic skin-care line. There's a second location in Franklin.
163 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
White's Mercantile
2908 12th Ave SOwned by goop friend Holly Williams, this old-time mercantile occupies an abandoned filling station, which adds to the overall effect. Here, you’ll find a smattering of groceries, plus irresistible home goods, from cookbooks to candles to linens, and a small but mighty beauty section, which conveniently includes the goop organic skin-care line. There's a second location in Franklin.