Nashville, home to legendary honky-tonks, dive bars and hot chicken may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of a chic, up-and-coming city. However, in recent years Tennessee’s capital has earned increasing cred as an It destination thanks to a plethora of amazing restaurants, stylish boutique hotels and, of course, a lively music scene. So whether you’re scouting for a girls’ weekend or are simply looking to explore a new vibe, read on for five ways to visit the city in style.
Nashville, Tennessee
The Lodging Scene
Urban Cowboy Located in a Victorian mansion in East Nashville, this unique bed and breakfast boasts various communal areas in which guests can kick back or mingle. Bonus: Each suite is masterfully decorated in a style the hotel has dubbed Southwestern Deco.
The 404 Hotel This small boutique hotel in the Gulch area of town is surrounded by a multitude of shops, restaurants and exercise studios (for those who require Barry's Bootcamp and Pure Barre on vacation).
The Food Scene
Rolf and Daughters With a menu that changes seasonally (aside from a few permanent staples), this family-style restaurant offers up some of the most delicious fare in Nashville. Pro tip: The seaweed butter with sourdough bread is out of this world.
Butcher & Bee For an eclectic and continuously changing menu of Mediterranean cuisine, head to Butcher & Bee in East Nashville. Dishes are designed to be shared with the table, each crafted from a mouthwatering blend of flavors made from locally sourced ingredients and sustainably raised meats.
Husk Some of the best Southern food in Nashville comes from this farm-to-table spot—which is saying a lot. The menu changes daily based on which ingredients are fresh, so each visit offers a new experience.
Hattie B's You can't visit Nashville without getting hot chicken, meaning you have to go to Hattie B's. Make sure you plan ahead and come early as the wait can be over an hour. Arrive with a huge appetite. Each order of chicken comes with two large side dishes.
City House This lively Italian resto serves up all the classics with Southern flair from pizza to pasta to homemade sausage.
The Shopping Scene
Imogene + Willie Stock up on classic jeans and graphic T-shirts at the denim brand's flagship store housed in an old service station in the darling 12 South neighborhood.
Two Old Hippies For the perfect blend of music and style, hit up this must-visit store in the Gulch and peruse its unique selection of apparel, accessories and music memorabilia.
Emerson Grace Stop by for a well-curated collection of contemporary designer goods from A.L.C to Ulla Johnson to Citizens of Humanity.
The Bar Scene
Acme Feed & Seed With breathtaking views, creative cocktails and a lively atmosphere, this is the perfect rooftop bar to take in Nashville's picturesque city scene.
The Patterson House Unique cocktail creations and book-lined walls create a sophisticated and upscale environment for bar-goers.
Pinewood Social This venue is the trendiest hangout spot in the city. With a bar, restaurant, swimming pool and bowling alley, Pinewood Social is the epitome of an entertaining happy hour.
The Music Scene
Bluebird Cafe To truly experience iconic Nashville music culture, head to the Bluebird for original tunes by renowned artists and up-and-comers alike.
The 5 Spot For a relaxed ambience where you can eat, drink and listen, this is the place. Check the website for a schedule that boasts a wide variety of music from soul to rock 'n' roll to weekly dance parties.
Exit/In This historic venue opened in 1971 and has long given alternative artists and songwriters (from the Ramones to Avril Lavigne) a chance to showcase a non-country style.
