I’m a country girl. Always have been, always will be. The moment I stepped off the plane during my first trip to Nashville, I immediately fell in love.
There was a gentleman playing on a small stage in the middle of the airport and I wondered why he wasn’t a big star. That’s exactly how I felt as I entered every Honkey Tonk on Broadway. So much talent piled into a few city blocks. There’s just something about country music that makes my soul dance! And, knowing how many dreams are floating around these bars gives me chills. I could sit and listen to them for hours.
During most of my trips to Nashville, I have run the Rock n Roll 1/2 Marathon. Combining a couple of my favorite things makes each visit unbelievably awesome. I have taken my kids a couple times and they love it. Most of the Honkey Tonks on Broadway are kid/family-friendly until 10pm. The Wildhorse Saloon is kid friendly all evening during the weeks. My son (12) and daughter (6) loved dancing with the other kids. There are also plenty of museums and activities to keep them busy! On our last trip, we tried to see how many murals we could find. Nothing like free entertainment!
Each and every time I return, I am drawn to the music and people and food and shopping and in my dreams, I wish I could move my family there. To a farmhouse, just outside the city. Nashville, thank you….for making me feel loved. And, most of all, making me feel at home!
“And, knowing how many dreams are floating around these bars gives me chills. I could sit and listen to them for hours.”
What to do: Go honkey tonkin’ on Broadway, Centennial Park, tour the Ryman, catch a show at The Blue Bird Cafe, take a walk on the pedestrian bridge to get a great view of the Nashville skyline, visit Vanderbilt campus (its beautiful), Country Music Hall of Fame, Grand Ol Opry, take a trolly ride, depending on when you go, you could catch a Tennessee Titans game, Predators game at the Bridgestone Arena or a watch the Nashville Sounds (minor league baseball team). The Rock n Rock Marathon and Half Marathon take place every April!
Where to shop: Super cute boutiques on 12 South (Imogene + Willie, Draper James, etc); The Gulch, Hillsboro Village (LOVE Tribe Kelley’s new shop)
What to eat: Fin & Pearl, Biscuit Love, Loveless Cafe, Butcher & Bee, Martin’s BBQ, Party Fowl, Salt & Vine, Etch, FGL House (great rooftop bar), Urban Grub, Bar Taco, Frothy Monkey (my favorite coffee shop in Nash), Acme, The Pharmacy (more touristy than I like and the burger was mediocre, but its an East Nash staple), AVO, Peg Leg Porker, The Old School Farm to Table (northwest Nashville), Barista Parlor (try the Bourbon Vanilla Latte), The Juice Bar has yummy juices if you need some greens in your life!
Where to stay: use AirBnB ($40 off coupon provided on this blog) I’ve stayed in several hotels, but AirBnB is the way to go. I’ve rented an apartment at Cumberland on Church, a cottage on the West End and my favorite was a tutor-style house just off of 12South. It was fantastic! Be sure to read the reviews to be sure you are choosing the right one!
