Favorite Hotel to Recommend to visiting friends and why?
When it comes to accommodations, Nashville has a home for everyone's personality.
Hotel Noelle - This boutique hotel will satisfy a high-level curated eye and offer a truly local Nashville experience, right down to the perfect setup for a pretty snapshot of your cup of coffee in the hotel lobby.
Urban Cowboy – If you’re in town for the music (and who isn’t, really?) stay at Urban Cowboy. It’s perfect if you one who loves, say, a good neighborhood bonfire, and you’ll expect friendly faces all year round.
The Thompson Hotel – This one’s a personal favorite! Because I’m constantly on the road, I am an amenities and location-obsessed gal. The Thompson Hotel is at the center of it all in Nashville’s thriving Gulch neighborhood, and every room is designed with clean lines in mind… yes please!
21 C – If your style leans toward minimal, you’ll love 21C, where you’ll fall hard for the design, but also instantly have access to a cocktail and an art exhibit upon check-in.
Favorite local cultural hub?
The New Southern is rooted in the idea of taking a unifying step forward in southern culture through creativity and community. Nashville exemplifies that very notion. Over the years, the city has become a transient hub which allows more and more ideas and diversity to flourish. It’s incubated this incredible creative cadence connecting us all. To really see Nashville, think about the city as a dynamic coming together of old and new, and of music and art. You can begin with the historic Musicians Hall of Fame, which honors all genres and the soulful stories behind each artist, or perhaps one of our historic city tours with subjects ranging from Civil Rights to art crawls. Exploring the arts in any city is almost like a time of prayer or meditation for me. Maren Morris said it best in her song "My Church" – exploring the historic birthing grounds to some of history’s best music here in Nashville is literally a religious experience. Don’t miss the Ryman Auditorium, the mothership of country music. The Station Inn is an intimate blue grass listening room, and of course, you can’t forget the Grand Ole Opry…
Favorite Local Attraction?
There are too many to name just one! Americana Fest happens annually in September and always has the best blended lineup, so you can listen to up-and-coming talent along with all your favorites. The seasonal show Girls of Nashville, founded by a few of my favorite songbirds (hello Heather Morgan, Caitlyn Smith and Maggie Chapman) which was just touted in TIME magazine, has such an empowering spirit, recognizing female artists and songwriters on the rise. As for food, don’t miss Donut Den, a Nashville staple since I first arrived – their apple fritters always satisfy my ultimate sweet tooth. The Hatch Show Print is a historic print shop that features vintage music posters from some of the greatest musicians of all time (Hello, Elvis! and while we are exploring vintage music, lets say hello to Third Man Records who is bringing Vinyl back in a BIG way!!) And if the weather’s great, stop by Cheekwood Botanical Gardens for a serene afternoon. You won’t regret it.
Favorite Local flea market / vintage hunting ground?
My Nashville picking spots are Gas Lamp Antiques and their sister shop, Gas Lamp Too. It’s also worth checking out the Nashville Flea Market, the Downtown Antique Mall, Porter Flea (check out Apple and Oak and Oui Fresh if you make it here) and Preservation Station. If you’re up for a little drive out of town, head past Franklin and check out the charming shops in downtown Leiper’s Fork. You can’t forget White’s Mercantile, which is old-school commissary meets new-age Nashville. Founded by Hank Williams, Jr’s daughter, Holly Williams, you’re destined to find a keepsake, whether a great vintage trinket, elevated kitchen basic, or a thoughtful hostess gift for the girl who has everything.
Favorite restaurant and item most ordered?
Like most things here, music and our food scene in Nashville go hand and hand! We couldn't have one without the other which perpetuates an inspiring creative energy that those of us lucky to be locals get to experience year-round. My all-time favorite restaurant, hands down, is a hidden Germantown gem, City House, run by James Beard Award-winning chef Tandy Wilson. You won’t go wrong with the Belly Ham Pizza without the egg! Give me all the pizza, always.
Other notable favorites are any of Maneet Chauhan's four restaurants. Maneet crosses all genres and is truly changing the culinary landscape in town from traditional Indian food to inventive fusion dishes. For starters, try Chauhan Ale and Masala House (get the masala fries…!) Try her contemporary Chinese fare at Tànsuŏ and order all of the dim sum (Did you know that translates to "touch of the heart?"), especially the Bao buns. And of course, don’t forget Sean Brock's award-winning Husk. To follow a good meal, head to Bastion, one of my favorite local bars, for a nightcap.
Best Local spot to People watch?
Each neighborhood has its own flavor. 12th South has turned into a local pedestrian-friendly walkable row of darling restaurants and shops... the people watching here is family-friendly with the cutest pups. For a more vibrant scene filled with cowboy boots, bachelorette parties and pedal taverns, head to Broadway downtown for Honky Tonk heaven.
Go to spot for offline inspiration?
Disconnecting is how I find inspiration. It’s as easy as grabbing a cup of coffee at our local Thistle Farms Café, an incredible non-profit that has the support from some of my favorite soulful voices like Oprah and Brene Brown. Another favorite spot for offline inspiration is through a good sweat at Inner Light Yoga or Hot Yoga Nashville.
One thing people shouldn't leave town without dong or seeing?
I wouldn’t leave town without enjoying an evening full of love and laughter at one of my favorite restaurants. Spend time with your favorites, enjoying food and conversation and the energy that this thriving, creative city gives off. You’ll get on the plane better for it – I promise! Oh, and always order dessert. Always.
