I may not be home in Nashville all that often but when I am...I become torn between cozying up at home with tea in hand and hair in a topknot, or hitting the town with those I love and adore visiting my favorite local spots, the latter always seems to win! While the internet may be plastered with endless lists of things to do, eat and see in this growing city, I am about to let you all in on my tried and true Nashville staples. These are my spots which have been the birthplace of life giving moments, magical encounters, business ideas, collaborations, deep connections, belly laughs...and most of all, so much love. This guide is for all of you. There is something for everyone on this list but most importantly, while navigating the list... and while visiting this city, I hope you all take a moment to look around and find little moments of magic for yourself and let this soulful and creative city guide you. The community and this city for me are pure magic....
To Eat
City House — If given the choice, this would be my go-to for every meal, hands down! I love the deconstructed environment fit for casual and life giving conversations. It has that local neighborhood vibe that’s just perfect for a business dinner, date night and lots of girls’ nights. You will always find me nestled up at the pizza bar with a good cab and an old friend. Fun fact, chef and Nashville native, Tandy Wilson, won a James Beard Award in 2016 for best chef in the Southeast!
Josephine — This is another local favorite and it has launched a thousand ships for me, so to speak...it’s been the birthplace of a beautiful friendships, it has been an incubator for new business ideas and it is one of my all-time favorite neighborhood gems! The intention and consistency is what I love most about the staff and menu. You can find me here on a random evening, endlessly craving more pretzel bread and Brussel sprouts.
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.
Other notable mentions that are forever in my rotation include: Little Octopus, Rolf and Daughters (order all the pastas and have the bartender make you a South Side), Tánsuŏ (Maneet is a badass), and Cafe Roze.
To Caffeinate
Thompson Hotel — There is a very distinct ‘Coffee Shop’ smell in Nashville...it’s a combination of dark roast and burnt toast (if you know, you know!) It’s honestly not my favorite scent to start the morning when I am in town so this beautiful hotel is my number one go-to for a clean cup of coffee and a meeting. I’m able to get in and out, still smelling of my Le Labo Santal 33.
Barista Parlor Golden Sound — Chill and quiet between the hours of 7:30 and 10 AM. This is my spot in The Gulch for early morning meetings.
Dose — My quick business, catch-up and date spot with the lovely Gen Sohr of Pencil and Paper. It’s where we both become over caffeinated from the day and resort to tea in the afternoon.
Proper Bagel — A taste of NY in the heart of Belmont, their vibrant case of bagels, spreads, salads and sweets are to die for, and they’ve got coffee to match.
My Kitchen! There’s no better place to enjoy a delicious coffee than right at home. Xx
To Shop
H Audrey — Owned by a sweet friend, Mrs. Holly Williams, who is kicking ass and taking names. The shop offers Nashville a consistent selection of items that you just won’t find in department stores. If I am doing a branded shoot or need a last minute special occasion outfit, this is my first stop!
Porter Flea — Always in support of #TheNewSouthern movement, I live for shopping destinations like this cool artisan marketplace! There’s no better way to celebrate local artists and community than by supporting their modern handmade goods.
Apple and Oak — This sweet little home goods store is one of my favorite spots to find beautiful pieces for your home, or even a fun little housewarming present! You can find everything from playful decor and vintage furniture to eclectic vintage rugs.
Gas Lamp Antiques — A massive antique mall spread across two huge 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 more. As an interior design stylist and someone who loves to layer it up at home, I could spend hours and hours here.
Side note...I am not a fashionista and am actually in desperate need of a stylist to pull for some events which I have coming up (HINT HINT) but feel free to shop my creature of Habit Capsule Staples HERE!
Other Notable mentions and favorites when I have time: The Perfect Pair In Green Hills for a little shoe love, Lemon Laine in East Nashville for an all natural Beauty makeover... and the store is just as darling as Laura and her fabulous team! White's Mercantile and Draper James on 12th South.. this is my favorite spot for anything housewarming!!
To Sweat
Hot Yoga Plus — This studio has the best hot room power flow classes. I am all in for a good sweat and moving meditation (resting is in plank)!!
Core Power — This yoga studio is opening up soon and it was my all-time favorite when I was living in Chicago, so as you can imagine, I’m excited!
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.
To Socialize
Bastion — This super casual spot is a local Nashville hang. A visit here means being in the company of musicians, creative entrepreneurs and everything in between. The best part? This establishment is about as unpretentious as it gets. I roll in with jeans and my staple white-tee, craving nachos and a beer with a wicked game of ring toss. Being here often makes me forget that I am in Nashville because it reminds me so much of a local neighborhood bar that you would find in Brooklyn. Xx
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!! We recently monopolized the bar to celebrate my girlfriends (#boss) newest single... Your Hurricane!! Customer Service at its finest Whoop Whoop!
L27 Rooftop — Another one of my favorite rooftop hangs for a quick glass of wine and literally one of the prettiest places to watch the sunset. The space was brought back to life with the talented design duo, Pierce and Ward. If you can, head to the second floor of the bar and stake your claim on a cloud couch... this paired with good conversation is a perfect evening in my book!
Patterson House — Do you want to know where the coziest speakeasy is in Nashville?? It is here. This is as mellow as it gets with the best attention to service and detail. I can safely say... they make the best drinks in Nashville and not to mention a killer tatortot for some of those late night last call evenings.
Geist — There’s no better way to describe this spot than charming, really truly charming! Which is exactly why I love hanging out with friends here! The building is one of the city’s most historic...what used to be an old blacksmith shop is now a sophisticated, cozy bar (and outdoor champagne garden) decorated with handcrafted pieces which were commissioned by local artists! There are definitely some major New Southern vibes happening here!
