So back in April I was have a typical convo with one of my besties over Gchat. You know, weekend plans, work stuff, but then we started talking about how we REALLY wanted to book our trip to Nashville. We had been talking about going for a while, and it felt like the right time to start planning. Well, 15 minutes later, the flights we’re booked. And twenty minutes after that the Airbnb was booked. Done and done. Nashville in June, here we come.
Per usual, I stalked Nashville prior to the trip. I found restaurants, shops and bars in every neighborhood so if we happen to find ourselves nearby, and we were in need of something to do, we would have plenty of previously vetted options. That’s just how I roll.
Now for your all of your Nashville needs, I’m sharing my favorite places to sleep, eat and do. My favorite spots to shop will follow in a separate post.
stay
Our Airbnb was right off 12th Ave South in the 12 South neighborhood. There is a lot to do in the area and it’s a great reprieve from the madness of Broadway (more to come on that). We were about a 10-15 minute Uber ride from Downtown. In Boston, that ride would’ve cost like $10/person each way, but in Nashville, it was like $2/person each way. BAR-GAIN.
The house that we rented was the shit. It was beautifully decorated and just super cool. There was even a porch with a swing. A.porch.swing. Basically what Southern dreams are made of.
(Full disclosure: this being my first visit to Nashville, I don’t really have any previous stays to draw on. Personally, 12 South is where I’ll always stay now. I love it that much. I’ve heard great things about East Nashville as well. So there’s another potentially great option.)
Our Airbnb was right off 12th Ave South in the 12 South neighborhood. There is a lot to do in the area and it’s a great reprieve from the madness of Broadway (more to come on that). We were about a 10-15 minute Uber ride from Downtown. In Boston, that ride would’ve cost like $10/person each way, but in Nashville, it was like $2/person each way. BAR-GAIN.
The house that we rented was the shit. It was beautifully decorated and just super cool. There was even a porch with a swing. A.porch.swing. Basically what Southern dreams are made of.
(Full disclosure: this being my first visit to Nashville, I don’t really have any previous stays to draw on. Personally, 12 South is where I’ll always stay now. I love it that much. I’ve heard great things about East Nashville as well. So there’s another potentially great option.)
eat & drink
I really tried to crush the food scene in Nashville, but I barely scratched the surface. Here are my faves.
I really tried to crush the food scene in Nashville, but I barely scratched the surface. Here are my faves.
Husk
Ok, yes, I did go here in Charleston, but it’s that good! Sean Brock is one of my favorite chefs, and if he’s got a spot close to me, you can bet that I will be there.
No surprise, the meal was outstanding. Everything was perfectly prepared, local and fresh. The charcuterie and oysters are always a good choice, but the menu changes daily so try and share as much as possible. Please, if you’re ever in Charleston or Nashville, go to Husk.
Adele’s
This isn’t your average brunch. You have everything you could possibly want – kale salad, smoked salmon, biscuits, waffles, and pastries – all for a flat price of $25. The Bloody’s are also amazing. I’m not a huge horseradish person, but there is just enough that it doesn’t bother me. Bottomeline: the kitchen knows what it’s doing here. I have nothing but amazing things to say about Adele’s. Go here for brunch, lunch and dinner. In the same day. Also, it’s really pretty inside. Industrial, country, beach and chic. I’m submitting the picture above as evidence.
bartaco
This place is AWESOME. I know there are a ton of taco places out there, and you probably expected me to list fried chicken or BBQ first, but I love bartaco. I’m drooling just looking at that picture. (Oh, and the corn usually comes on the cob, but ask for them to take it off for you. You’re welcome.) They don’t take resies and there will be a wait, but use their app to put your name in before you get there.
The Flipside
You wanted fried chicken? Here’s your fried chicken. The Flipside has like 20-some fried chicken options. I, of course, I ordered a really weird combo – fried chicken, peanut butter, sriracha and a Thai basil slaw. I have a really hard time saying no to sriracha anything so hence my lunch. The Flipside also has a pretty badass drink menu. They make killer Bloodys, and have a 2 for 1 drink special. Coming from Boston, a 2 for 1 anything has me excited.
