We just returned from our trip to Nashville, where we celebrated our 12th anniversary, and I thought I would pass on the recommendations we received before going, as well as what we enjoyed most while there ourselves. I saved a highlight titled “Nashville” of our trip in my Instagram highlights if you want to see videos of our trip, too!
Food
Loveless Cafe– We didn’t make it here but it came up multiple times as a recommendation.
5 Daughter’s Bakery– Very yummy cronuts (croissant donuts). Many people told me they have dreams about these.
Martin’s BBQ– A very popular spot. The brisket is amazing and we really enjoyed the cheddar sausages, too.
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken– My husband said, 10/10. I am a wimp when it comes to spicy foods, and you do have the choice to lessen the spice, but I think that is what “makes it.”
The Pharmacy– Such yummy, unique burgers with a pretty outside dining area. We both really enjoyed it here.
Frothy Monkey Coffee Shop– We didn’t eat here, though the food looked good. I did crave their sugar-free vanilla lattes.
Acme Feed and Seed– We never made it here but another popular spot.
Ladybird Taco– A popular spot in the 12 South area that we didn’t get to.
Peg Leg Porker– This spot was a HIT! Great pulled pork and as my husband said, “These are the best baked beans I have ever had in my life.” The only thing missing for us is that they don’t do brisket, which we both love.
Pancake Pantry– If you LOVE pancakes, then this is the spot for you. TONS of gourmet pancake options.
Pucketts– This spot came up over and over as a must-try, and we can see why, though I don’t think we ordered the right things. I was trying to eat on the healthier side during this breakfast, but we saw plates and plates of the chicken and apple waffles being taken out, and that appears to be where it’s at.
Ruby’s Sunshine- Across the street from Pancake Pantry is this little gem, and we both really enjoyed it! They put a fun spin on their dishes and have healthier options, too, if looking to take a break from the heavy dishes.
Edlys– One of our top BBQ spots because they do a little bit of it all, and this is where we tried grits for the first time and we both really enjoyed them. Good BBQ and great sides.
Good Country Southern Restaurants off the beaten path (as recommended by my friend, though we didn’t get to)
- Barbara’s Home Cookin’ (right off Hillsboro Road in Franklin)
- Arnold’s Country Kitchen (downtown Nashville)
Franklin
- Pucketts (Also a location here)
- Biscuit Love- we didn’t make it here, but heard about it over and over)
Bars
Note- Due to my anxiety, we didn’t spend much time downtown as the crowds were just a little too much for me. It was very busy, even during the daytime mid-week, so we spent most of our time in the surrounding areas.
Honky Tonks-
Ole Reds- It was closed for private events when we were downtown, seemed pretty popular
The Stage- We popped in here, and could see how it would be a good spot. It was pretty slow during our visit.
Wild Horse Saloon- We never made it here, but they have line-dancing lessons over the weekend that sound fun.
Robert’s Western World- Heard of its popularity, but never made it in.
Tootsies Orchid Lounge- This felt very true Nashville honky-tonk bar-ish (not that I really know!)
Rooftop bars
White Limozeen- Dolly Parton’s bar- a truly great girl’s-night spot.
L27- A nice rooftop bar with beautiful views
Activities
Bluebird Cafe- We LOVED this. It’s an intimate setting, so you MUST get in line early as they ony have a limited number of seats. To be safe, I’d say 2 hours before showtime. We were there 1.5 hours before and were okay, but it also was a Monday night.
The Listening Room- This is a bigger venue than the Bluebird, but a similar idea. Four artists up on stage sharing their music. It’s only $5 for a ticket, but then it’s a minimum of $15 per person in food/drinks, which we had no problem meeting.
Grand Ole Opry- Eight performers, from up-and-comers to bigger names. We saw Trace Adkins during our show and it was a great evening. Probably one of the highlights of the trip.
Opryland Hotel- A BEAUTIFUL hotel to walk through and enjoy. There are so many HUGE plants to look at and even a large waterfall/stream running through the main area.
Country Music Hall of Fame – Recommended multiple times but we never made it in.
Jack Daniel’s Distillery- This was a great tour! Very interesting and the grounds are beautiful. I don’t like whiskey at all and enjoyed it.
Line Dancing at the Wild Horse Saloon- Held over the weekends, but we left town before.
Arrington Vineyards– owned by Kix Brooks of Brooks and Dunn. “Beautiful spot to grab some snacks and sit on the grass and enjoy live music/ wine and the true country. I loved going there.”
Drive to Franklin/Leiper’s Fork– This may have been one of my favorite days. The drive out to these two little towns is just gorgeous and it felt nice to get a little break from the downtown crowds. My friend suggested we take the backroads for the scenic route, and I am so glad we went this way. She said, “take 21st Ave. up to Hillsboro Road in the Green Hills Area ( look up the Hills Mall to get directions) and then keep driving on Hillsboro Road” it’ll take you right to Franklin/Leiper’s Fork.
The Factory at Franklin – There is a Jeni’s Ice cream in here (which is very popular over here), as well as a number of other cute little shops and eateries.
The Carnton Plantation- Tons of history about times during the Civil War, we never made it but was recommended over and over for the history buffs, or for those just wanting to learn more.
Shopping
Draper and James- Reese Witherspoon’s store
Serendipity– Cute little boutique in the 12 South shopping area
White Mercantile- Located at the end of the street in the 12 South area, great little spot for gifts.
Uncommon James- Kristin Cavallari’s Store
Molly Green- A cute family-owned boutique with the friendliest staff near Pancake Pantry.
Downtown Franklin- The shopping on this street is great. Tons of little stores with the friendliest people.
Walton’s- This is in downtown Franklin and is a very quaint jewelry store that my friend recommended, and it’s where her husband bought her wedding ring from! We stopped in and it did feel like a special little spot!
Antiques in Leiper’s Fork– There is the most beautiful little sitting area with a gazebo behind Tennessee Turquoise Co (owned by Chris Stapleton’s wife) and you can grab a drink at one of the spots nearby and enjoy. We also did a challenge back here and it will always be a special little spot I remember!
Hotel
We stayed at a hotel downtown called the Moxy, but we wouldn’t stay there again, solely based on the location. Again, as soon as you walked outside you were blasted with the music from all of the bars, and this just wasn’t our scene. We’d stay somewhere closer to the 12 South area, or maybe even at the Opryland Hotel, which also has a new indoor/outdoor waterpark.
I hope this list is useful to you if visiting Nashville for the first time!
As always, thank you for stopping by!
<3 Shannon
So glad you came to Nashville. I’ve lived in the area almost 20 years and there is a few things you listed I haven’t done and want to check it out. 🙂
Thanks for putting this together!!