I recently caught up on some trash tv (yes, I can grow roots on the couch with the best of them) to see an infamous group of Jersey house wives grace Music City. However, I was disappointed and found myself yelling at the TV - “This isn’t Nashville”, “Who picked these places”, “The producers missed the mark” and “Where are all the small businesses”. I see this often when shows are taking the televised trip to the South and I would like to make this easier for everyone to ensure an authentic local experience.
I have updated my Nashville list for you. This doesn’t include everything and it is not supposed to - however, this list is filled with my personal favorites in a city that forever has my heart. We are a city celebrating creativity, community and growth while maintaining a small town personality. Nashville is where I grew into a full hearted woman, found my creative voice, while becoming my own healer and leader in this world.
I hope you love and care for our magical city along with the artists that give our streets it’s heart beat. Have fun and explore with deep curiosity - we are so much more than a televised cruise ship parked on broadway with flashing florescent lights. We are a city filled with heart, innovation and dreamers taking risks - Welcome to Nashville. Xx
To Shop
Eneby Home - This is a family owned operation that curates some of the most beautiful weathered and worn objects from around the world. This is my go to for vintage chairs, art, concrete and marble tables. If you are searching for your home or your next project - it is definitely worth an appointment. They also show in Round Top, Texas and at The Antiques and Garden show.
Gas Lamp Antiques & GasLamp Too — A massive antique mall spread across two large buildings where you can listen to 50’s and 60’s rock and roll as you shop...Each one is filled with fine antiques and furniture, home decor, vintage jewelry, books, lamps and so much more. If you have time to kill or it is a rainy day in town - these halls are worth a slow stroll.
City Farmhouse - Kim is a dear friend and fellow author (we share the same publisher). Her antique filled spot is located in historic downtown Franklin and worth the scenic drive. Kim and her husband David are some of the best pickers in the country (with notable clients such as Sheryl Crow and many more) and has a serious eye for antiques you will want in your home.
Preservation Station - when walking in you will find dedicated spaces filled with salvaged claw foot tubs, doors, chandeliers and anything to bring your “picking” passions to life.
The Golden Slipper - This darling little spot is everything a boutique experience should be - kind and appealing to all the senses. Abby and her husband hand pour the best smelling candles in town. You will also find signed copies of my book there. Xx
Brooke Worthington Jewelry - Brooke is the national go to for repurposing all your “hand me down” pieces of jewelry. She has a beautiful selection of the daintiest pieces for everyday wear but her repurposing is truly a gift for the pieces that need a little extra love.
Apple and Oak - If you need a witty gift, a card that will create a belly laugh, or a stunning rug worth framing Allison’s shop is for you!
Yearly Company - I love it when women create businesses from their personal family traditions. Anne did this and for those generational milestones - her bangles are the number one go to timestamp priceless memories.
Emerson Grace - I always hop in here for her collection of Ulla Johnson and such a great spot to find the perfect party dress.
White’s Mercantile - From a converted gas station in 12th south to the perfect spot for a hostess gift - this is my go to in town for a quick thank you treat. We also through an epic birthday bash for The New Southern for the neighborhood with all the visuals here. Xx
Imogene Willie - Worth the investment and experience for a pair of blue jean babies that will last a life time. I kicked off my book tour in a pair of these beauties.
Amelias Flower Truck - You will find Amelia’s flower truck floating around 12th south filled with fresh blooms or her flagship store at the L&L market building.
The Barefoot Cottage - a sweet lifestyle boutique where you can find a little something for all the loves in your life including your home.
Draper James - Filled with strong southern charm and a line wrapped around the corner for one of the most instagramable walls in Nashville.
H. Audrey - For all things Zimmerman and Janessa Leon - This Hill Center spot is worth the parking.
Skin Pharm - If you are in town for a getaway or a girls trip - this is a great space for the ultimate glow up. Facials and all serums included. Maegan has a fabulous space and the kindest team.
Sarah Flint - I recently celebrated Sarah coming to town with her grand opening on the second floor of The Green Hills Mall. For timeless style and unrivaled quality, her shoes will having a growing presence in my closet. Save some room in your luggage for here beauties HERE.
Seasonal + worth the calendar effort: Porter Flea, Antiques & Garden Show, TN Peach Festival
To Brunch + Lunch
The Roze Pony - I normally do casual breakfast or lunch meetings here. The vibe is chill, chic, and I always order the pancake soufflé to split for the table! Worth every bite.
Proper Bagel — A taste of NY in the heart of Belmont. This is our our weekend spot for an everything breakfast bagel and a black and white cookie to go!
Fenwicks 300 - The best french toast in town. You will find me in a baseball cap, yoga pants and with my brilliant attorney during the mornings fueling up for the week ahead.
The Food Company - The best little hidden lunch treasure in town. The southwest turkey salad with extra croutons and avocado is a must!!! Take it to go or sit outside and enjoy their garden patio.
The Pink Hermit or High Tea in the Veranda at the Hermitage Hotel - If you are looking for a fun spot for the women in your life - this is a darling destination. The cafe serves pastries, lunch and wine or you can have a true southern tea experience that will make any moment memorable under hand painted clouds in the Veranda. I also encourage you asking about the history of the space.
Chaatable - Maneet is a dear friend and truly changing the culinary landscape in town - if you want to experience Indian street food, this is your Pani Puri party spot!!
Josephine - You will find me bellied up to the bar with black coffee and their homemade cinnamon sugar bite sized donuts. I personally can’t think of a better way to start off the weekend. Reservations suggested!
To Dine
City House — If given the choice, this would be my go-to for every meal, hands down! I love the deconstructed aesthetic for a casual yet intimate night out. Their menu changes seasonally but a few staples to try are the Frico and Bellyham Pizza (no egg for me). This is a menu I trust and love to explore because you can taste the talent behind the food with James Beard Award winner - Tandy Wilson leading the way. I also love how unpretentious this spot is - its all about good food and good people.
Epice — If you want to be transported to the Mediterranean without ever leaving the deep south, this is your spot! The food is fresh and healthy which is all I really need to fuel me up. Concrete walls, honed marble surfaces, raw and untouched wood...the visual aesthetics speak to my heart and make it easy to gravitate towards. Which is why I love lunch dates here. The setting is intimate and the perfect spot to connect to those around you.
Kayne Prime - Have I told you how much I love popovers…. it is an aggressive obsession. I am normally bellied up to the bar in the back of the restaurant with a glass of their Austin Hope Cab, popovers, a petit filet and an order of their mac and cheese with jalapeños - it doesn’t get any better than this in my opinion. I like to go early for a less ‘see and be seen vibe”.
Cafe Roze - This is an eastside staple with some of the best fries in the south. Go out on a limb and order the Chili eggplant and be prepared to be delightfully surprised.
5th and Taylor - This is my go to for larger parties. The space is anchored by 100’s of candles and their sausage cheddar biscuits are a must. I love the juxtaposition of this space being more industrial paired with the warmth of a family style evening meal.
RH Cafe - Before Soho House opened, this was and still is the spot for a great glass of Daou Rose with one of the best burgers in town. Be prepared to be transported out of Nashville when you sit underneath a light filled atrium dreaming of your favorite California coast. Tip - ask to be seated away from the fountain unless you want an occasional splash.
Cafe Nonna - The ONLY Italian restaurant in my opinion for pasta. It is small, hot and worth the trip to Sylvan park. Try the seafood angelina with red sauce. You can also make your own pasta combinations and the angel hair, bolognese with ricotta is also a favorite.
To Socialize
Bastion — This Houston Station watering hole always reminds me of a little Brooklyn bar and is about as unpretentious as it gets. I roll in with jeans and a white-tee, craving nachos and a beer with a wicked game of ring toss.
Never Never - A former welding shop steps away from Bastion is another casual and cool summer hot spot.
Soho House - Nashville is now home to the largest house in North America. Members only, but worth it for meetings, pool hangs and the easiest reservation in town. Our location also has one of the most beautiful gyms in all the land - hello to sunrise yoga and sound baths on the terrace (hotel guests have access to all the amenities).
Proof at the W Hotel - I personally love the views here. You will hardly catch me out late at night but I love to schedule an early happy hour at this spot before it fills up.
Rare Bird — Perched up on top of the cute, upscale boutique hotel, Noelle, is this chic rooftop lounge with unbeatable views of downtown. There’s a fine attention to design which makes it easy on the eyes and ideal for pretty cocktails or catching up with old friends!!
The Patterson House — A nashville speakeasy staple and a must for all mixologist lovers.
LA Jackson Bar - another little swanky rooftop in the heart of the gulch. I am a fan of the Thompson hotel brand and this is always a fun spot.
The Twelve Thirty Club - If you are willing to brave the broadway crowd’s - then Justin Timberlake’s bar needs to be on your list.
Station Inn, The Stage, Robert’s + Tootsie’s - If you are visiting Nashville for the first time, The Station Inn is the mother church of bluegrass and worth checking out. The rest are a few fun honkey tonks where even the locals frequent.
Collective 615 - Whether you are in town for the weekend or live here full time, popping into Nashville’s first women only co working space will give you the extra boost you need to keep moving in the direction of your dreams.
To Sweat
Fahrenheit Yoga Studio - Give me a case of the Mondays and a candle lit studio to shavasana it out! One of my favorite music city studios.
Radnor Lake - A safe haven for wildlife and a preserved ecosystem around a lake. This is a hidden gem 8 miles from downtown. Dogs, bikes and jogging are prohibited on the internal trails to prevent disrupting the sensitivity of the state park.
Percy Warner Park — Y’all! This pretty park is the perfect place to break away from your phone for an hour or two and be one with nature (and the concrete steps) that will whip your tush into shape. There are 3 equally beautiful trails to choose from which all vary in length (from 2.5 miles to 6+) depending on the route you want to take.
Dry Bar Nashville - For a post sweat BLOWOUT head to my dear friend Bonnie’s locally owned and operated Dry Bar!! Bonnie and her team will have your locks up and running in no time with a little soulful inspiration free of charge! She is the best!
To See
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens - If you combined a 55 acre estate from the 1930’s with a world class art museum and a botanical gardens to inspire the senses - you have one of Nashville’s many jewels for a solo date or a family friendly afternoon. I highly recommend an afternoon or sunset stroll here.
Hatch Show Print - I highly recommend the tour to soak in 140 + years in business of custom prints and event posters. This is a cool way to get a taste of music city history.
Ryman Auditorium - This historic location is the mother church of country music. It started out as a church in the 1800’s, transitioned into the original home of the Grand Ole Opry to now being a springboard to soon to be music legends with the best acoustics in town.
Station Inn - If you want a smaller and much more intimate venue filled with history and the world’s best bluegrass - this is the spot for you.
Country Music Hall of Fame - Home to one of the world’s most extensive music collections.
Predator’s , Sound’s, Titans, Nashville SC - For all things sports, beer and grunting.
David Lusk Gallery - David has one of the largest contemporary collections showcasing notable and new names in the art community. His space is also beautiful and right around the corner from Soho House and Bastion. Xx
Broadway + Printer’s Alley - Get your boots, boosters and cowboy hats ready!! The honky-tonks are a must if you’re a newbie to Nashville. Any night downtown is sure to ENTERTAIN. My favorite staples where you will find a mix of tourists and locals - Tootsies, The Stage, Roberts Western World, Merchants (get the tater tots please) , and Paradise Park.
The Girls of Nashville - Celebrating a full community of female singer songwriters! The Nashville rounds are corralled by a dynamic trio: Caitlyn Smith, Heather Morgan, and Maggie Chapman. They have been featured in Time magazine and People to name a few and is worth adding their events to your calendar. I guarantee you will leave feeling more inspired and community driven after any of their rounds.
To Sleep
1 Hotel Nashville - I love this spa and hotel so much that I personally do staycations at this location. If you are in Nashville for business, the vibe will give you the peace and tranquility needed to support a constructive trip. You can look through a recent staycation HERE.
Four Seasons - Always a gold standard choice if you are wanting to stay and play downtown.
Soho House - Nashville is home to the largest house in North America. You don’t have to be a member to book one of the 47 hotel rooms and when you are a guest, you have access to all the creative spaces members fully enjoy. P.S. - One of my favorite gyms in the city and I may see you there. Xx
Thompson Nashville - It’s always clean, chic and gives a boutique feel. This is a prime time location in the Gulch steps away from restaurants, music venues and downtown.
The Hermitage Hotel - If staying downtown is a must, this landmark hotel needs to be on your list. You will experience both its history, newly renovated hotel rooms and some of the best hospitality in town. I recently photographed the property and have been blown away by the level of detail and attention coming from their passionate team. Also, A selfie in the women’s restroom is a must.
W Nashville - Modern, luxe and in the belly of the Gulch!! Also, one of the best roof top views the city has to offer.
Conrad Hotel - Brand new and perfect for the business traveler who wants to be a little more midtown with all the amenities.
