My Ideal 72 Hours in Nashville
How to spend a weekend in Nashville without going to Broadway (okay, maybe just once)
A perk of living in a city that is becoming more popular by the day, is that friends and family always want to visit. Which means I’ve had plenty of opportunities to master the art of a practically perfect itinerary.
Get your boots on and come hungry! It’s Nashville, baby!
DAY ONE
Check into your stay of choice! Here are some of my faves:
For the luxe but not overly spendy - Soho House
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need a membership to stay as a hotel guest here. Rates vary from $250-500/night but the rooms are the best in Nashville in my opinion. Plus, it’s in the super walkable neighborhood of Wedgewood Houston with plenty of spots to grab a drink or bite just steps away.
For funky, local vibes - Urban Cowboy
This boutique hotel is located in East Nashville (the Williamsburg of Nashville) and is comprised of eight uniquely designed suites housed in a historic Victorian mansion. It also shares a street with some great restaurants and is home to everyone’s favorite patio bar + pizza window.
A Downtown Classic - Noelle
A simply gorgeous hotel in the heart of downtown. Don’t miss the great coffee shop in the lobby.
Window shop and grab a pre-dinner drink in Germantown
Germantown is a walkable neighborhood just north of downtown that has great food, bars and window shopping. Here’s where to stop while you’re waiting for your dinner reservation.
Neuhoff District - A new development with plenty to do. Stop into the Jampanese inspired cafe BABYCHAN for a morning treat (and come back later for a drink at Close Company)
Sauced - A new-to-Nashville wine bar that’s hard not to love
The Golden Slipper and Abednago - Local boutiques with a fun selection of curated goods
Tempered Fine Chocolates - because dessert before dinner is 100% allowed on vacation
Dinner
5th & Taylor - This is the first spot I bring out-of-towners. It’s elevated southern food so you get that Nashville-feel, and has a great city ambiance. I’m begging you to get the sausage & cheddar biscuits, the beef tartare, and beef cheek pot roast.
Rolf & Daughters - If you’re lucky enough to snag a reservation, don’t miss out on the chicken. It’s life-changing.
O-ku - I know you don’t think “sushi” when you think of Nashville, but trust me on this..
Night Cap
Le Loup - Cozy cocktail bar tucked above the Optimisit (only open Thurs.- Sat.) and 100% worth the stop for a late night drink and bananas foster.
Robert’s Western World - Okay fiiine. If and only if you’re getting a craving for a honky tonk & want to get a fix of Broadway, I can approve that Robert’s is the go-to local spot. (Honorable mention: A dirty martini at Twelve 30 Club)
DAY TWO
Grab coffee and head to the farmer’s market
Outside of music (obviously) I always tell people that Nashville should be known for its coffee.
Crema - A classic for a reason and the best coffee in town.
Other favorites: Elegy, Paradeisos, Matryoshka
If you’re anything like me, walking around a farmer’s market is therapeutic - and maybe even more so when you don’t have a grocery list in hand. Since you’re not stocking your fridge and if you happen to be here on a Saturday, check out some of their food vendors at the Richland Park Farmer’s Market (note: only open 10-12). My go-to’s are Tantisimo for breakfast tacos or The Horn for a beef sambusa.
Walk + shop on 12 South
No trip to Nashville is complete without a trip to 12 South.
Don’t miss these spots:
White’s Mercantile - for not-too-touristy souvenirs
Stag - for great mens clothing
UAL - for discounted designer wear
Buck Mason - Just got a super cool refresh with a coffee shop, Fast Times.
Some bigger stores I like to drop into: Sézane, Lele Sadoughi, Loeffler Randall
Stroll Centennial Park
When the weather’s nice, there’s nothing better to me than a walk through this park!
And if you want some Nashville hot chicken, pop right over to Red’s Hot Chicken for the real deal.
Early Dinner
Noko - Best asian tapas. It can be tough to get a reservation but if you go early enough, you should be able to snag a 5PM. Order the crispy tuna, crab fried rice and any and all dumplings and thank me later.
If Noko’s all booked up or you’re not feeling like Asian food I swear by these spots:
Pastis - Great french food with a NY atmosphere. Get a pickle martini and steak frites.
Folk - For heaven-sent pizza (I’m a proud regular)
See a Show - I mean, we are in Music City!
There are tons of venues around town (Ascend Amphitheater, Brooklyn Bowl, Marathon Music Works) but if you’re only in for a couple of days, you have to see something at the Ryman or the Opry, I might even book the whole trip around this if there’s someone you love playing.
Grab a late night drink
Golden Sound - recording studio turned bar and as cool as it sounds.
Patterson House - most classic, never-over-done Nashville speakeasy with some of my favorite cocktails ever!
