Eat
RESTAURANTS
Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack
Address: 5814 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, TN 37211A
A 100-year institution that’s been serving up traditional Nashville hot chicken to international acclaim, Prince’s has become synonymous with the addictively spicy dish — that’s because Prince’s is the original purveyor of hot chicken. You can decide on the level of spiciness, from plain to XXX-hot (make sure your affairs are in order first), and you can cool down your mouth with some of their excellent coleslaw.
Hattie B’s
Address: 112 19th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
A relative newcomer to the hot chicken scene, Hattie B’s is a Nashville icon — and with good reason. With a unique spice blend, a super crispy crust, and flavor that shines to the last bite, Hattie’s is a meal you won’t stop thinking about for years to come. We recommend trying the fantastic chicken sandwich — you choose the spice level, then it’s topped with their original Nashville Comeback Sauce and coleslaw. You’ll definitely come back for more.
Bolton’s Spicy Chicken & Fish
Address: 624 Main St, Nashville, TN 37206
Bolton’s says they have the hottest chicken in Nashville, and we are inclined to agree; ordering any level of spice over “mild” is an extremely daring endeavor, but we know you’ve come to Nashville for an adventure. The fried fish is expertly cooked — juicy and flaky on the inside and perfectly seasoned and crisp on the outside. Try the catfish sandwich for a down-home classic.
Party Fowl
Address: 719 8th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37203
With an upbeat atmosphere featuring live music and 13 large-screen TVs, and a menu specializing in Nashville Hot Chicken and signature boozy slushies, Party Fowl certainly lives up to the “party” in its name. Indulge in the Hot Chicken Beignets — hot chicken served on Texas toast, alongside bourbon-glazed beignets and coleslaw, for a sweet-and-spicy celebration in your mouth.
Urban Grub
Address: 2506 12th Avenue South Nashville, Tennessee 37204
With a stylish “casual fine dining” vibe, Urban Grub serves hip, modern adaptations on your ol’ reliable Southern fare, like Southern Steak Frites, served with a Creekstone Farms dry-aged USDA prime bavette cut, or Shrimp & Grits made with smoked gouda and spicy chipotle chili peppers.
Edley’s Bar-B-Que
Address: 2706 12th Avenue South Nashville, Tennessee 37204
Voted Best BBQ by the Nashville Scene Reader’s Poll four years in row, Edley’s Bar-B-Que knows their meat. Here, you’ll find the low-and-slow-smoked meats doused in the darkly sweet, tomato-based sauce that Nashville is famous for, but their varied menu includes wild cards like tacos, lasagna, and BBQed avocado. But we say you can never go wrong with a big ol’ slab of saucy ribs at Edley’s.
Monell’s
Address: 1235 6th Ave. North, Nashville, TN 37208
Monell’s is stick-to-your-ribs Southern comfort food, and a beloved Nashville tradition. Known for their all-you-can-eat, family-style restaurants, sharing plates piled high with cheese grits and cornbread, Monell’s might just be a hug in meal form. If you’re planning on tying one on, make sure you close out the night at the after-hours Midnight Country Breakfast on Saturdays at their Germantown location.
Two Ten Jack
Address: 1900 Eastland Ave #105, Nashville, TN 37206
Nashville’s first izakaya, Two Ten Jack serves Japanese-inspired pub food using local, Southern ingredients. In true Japanese izakaya fashion, Two Ten Jack is relaxed and unpretentious, encouraging you to kick up your boots and tip back your beer, but the dishes are anything but lazy — the Tonkotsu Ramen has a rich, memorable broth that accompanies a cold drink in perfect fashion.
Acme Feed & Seed
Address: 101 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201
Acme Feed & Seed‘s unconventional name stems from the three-story building’s long and storied history; first built in 1890 and housing myriad tenants throughout its early life, its most permanent tenant moved in in 1943 — Acme Feed and Hatchery — later Acme Farm Supply. In 2014, a former Acme proprietor leased the building and turned it into a unique cocktail, culinary and entertainment space. The first floor is a “funky-tonk” — an updated take on Nashville’s classic honky-tonks, with a restaurant, bar and live music. The second floor is a lounge and sushi bar, and tends to draw a younger crowd. The third floor is the Hatchery, a huge event and live music space with beautiful rooftop views. Acme Feed & Seed is “where the locals go,” and if you want to go where Nashville history meets the present, this is the place to be.
The Row Kitchen and Pub
Address: 110 Lyle Ave, Nashville, TN 37203
Known for saucy Wagyu signature burgers, Southern seafood specialties and 20+ local draft beers, The Row Kitchen and Pub is an always-fun spot to catch a meal in Music City. The rustic-chic space is adorned with the faces and stories of music legends, and in true Nashville style, The Row offers live music every night of the week.
Loveless Café
Address: 8400 TN-100, Nashville, TN 37221
Loveless Café says they haven’t changed in over 65 years, and once you walk into the quaint little motel café and sit down at a charming checker-printed tablecloth, you’ll be inclined to agree. Loveless Café is a real misnomer, because all you’ll receive is love and true Southern hospitality — you can taste the love in their fluffy scratch-made biscuits (don’t forget the gravy!), and you can sense it in the down-home friendliness of the staff. Here’s to another 65 years, Loveless!
Oak Steakhouse
Address: 801 Clark Pl, Nashville, TN 37203
An updated, innovative take on the traditional steakhouse, Oak offers farm-fresh local ingredients, and both standard and specialty steak selections, from Angus to Wagyu. With a modern, airy space equipped with high ceilings and intimate tables, Oak feels like the antithesis of the dark, claustrophobic steakhouses of yore.
The Wild Cow
Address: 1100 Fatherland St SUITE 104 11/22, Nashville, TN 37206
If you’re looking for vegan food in the land of hot chicken and smoked meats, look no further than the ironically named Wild Cow. With substantial sammies like the French Quarter Dip, made with Creole-seasoned portabella and seitan and topped with soy Swiss cheese, you definitely won’t miss the meat, and you definitely won’t leave hungry.
Biscuit Love
Address: 316 11th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
You obviously need to order biscuits at the very cute Biscuit Love, but if you’re looking for further recommendations, just know that Bon Appetít magazine called their East Nasty sandwich the Best Sandwich in America — no big deal. The sandwich comes with one of their perfectly heavenly buttermilk biscuits topped with a fried boneless chicken thigh, aged cheddar and sausage gravy. You can also add an egg, and since life is short, you probably should.
The Garden Brunch Cafe
Address: 924 Jefferson St, Nashville, TN 37208
Known for their indulgent pancakes and creative takes on eggs benny, The Garden Brunch Café is open for weekend brunches and the occasional spoken-word or jazz night. With an interior that feels more like an art gallery than a restaurant, The Garden Brunch is an upscale but relaxing spot to grab a filling breakfast.
BAKERIES
Christie Cookie Co.
Address: 1205 3rd Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208
Christie Cookie Co. is a Nashville tradition — soft and chewy, and full of chocolate chips, nuts — whatever your fancy. The headquarters in Germantown is a special experience; grab a fresh chocolate chip cookie still warm from the oven, a cup of cold milk or hot coffee to wash it down, and you’ll feel the comforting glow of a happy tummy. Don’t forget the cookie dough or the Christie Cookie ice cream sandwiches!
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream
Address: 2312 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204
An endearing ice cream joint that scoops deliciously creative flavors of ice cream and frozen yogurt made from local ingredients, Jeni’s is popular for a reason. Let yourself be lured in with flavors like Goat Cheese With Cherries or the consummately Southern Gooey Butter Cake. And if you find yourself suddenly addicted to the creamy frozen treats, don’t worry — Jeni’s ships pints nationwide.
Drink
BARS
Attaboy
Address: 8 Mcferrin Ave, Nashville, TN 37206
If off the cuff is your thing, stop by Attaboy on your going-out rounds. There’s no menu at this minimalist speakeasy-style bar in East Nashville, and each drink is personalized based on the flavor profiles you like to imbibe. The interior is dimly lit and very trendy, and being there will make you feel about ten times cooler than you already are — which is, of course, extremely cool. Make sure you check out the amazing patio in the summer months.
The Red Phone booth
Address: 136 Rosa L Parks Blvd, Nashville, TN 37203
Housed in a 100+ year-old building in downtown Nashville, gain access to The Red Phone Booth by entering a secret phone number into a restored antique phone booth that looks like it was transported straight from vintage London. The bar inside is as tasteful and distinguished as it gets, with leather booths and golden-tinged lighting — and a strict dress code. The menu features star-shaped Neapolitan pizzas and just the kind of cocktail program you’d expect at a prohibition-themed speakeasy.
The Sutler Saloon
Address: 2600 8th Ave S #109, Nashville, TN 37204
Three legendary bars in one, the Sutler Saloon has the feeling of a friendly neighborhood bar with big-name live music performances, and serving over 90 bourbons and whiskeys and a bluegrass brunch on the weekends. Head downstairs to the Rambler for a totally different vibe — an upscale cocktail bar with dim lighting and plush booths. Or for another experience entirely, head next door to the Melrose Billiard Parlor, a retro, neon-lit hideaway offering pool and ping-pong.
Fable
Address: 114 28th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37203
Fable is a cocktail lounge and piano bar that offers an experience — with a theme inspired by dreams and fairy tales, you’ll find a darkly romantic interior with plenty of cozy velvet and leather furniture. The menu offers an excellent charcuterie selection and impressive small bites, but the real stars are the imaginative cocktails, with some of the names cleverly alluding to — you guessed it — fables.
Pearl Diver
Address: 1008 Gallatin Ave, Nashville, TN 37206
Once a 50s-era auto garage, Pearl Diver is unrecognizable now as an island-themed bar and lounge. If you’re thinking tacky tiki, think again. Think gorgeous, gleaming mid-century modern furniture, restored to all its glory. Think tastefully understated design choices and sumptuous oceanic colors. But most importantly, they make a smashing daiquiri — a perfect sip for the Pearl Diver’s patio.
Pinewood Social
Address: 33 Peabody St, Nashville, TN 37210
If you’re looking for a single spot in Nashville that can keep a group entertained for a whole day or evening, Pinewood Social just might be your best bet. With a dining room, bar, dipping pool, bowling alley and drive-in cinema, guests to Pinewood will feel like kids again with an upscale fun center experience.
Rosepepper Cantina
Address: 1907 Eastland Ave, Nashville, TN 37206
If you’re a connoisseur of tequila, Rosepepper Cantina is known as a mecca for lovers of the liquor. Not only do they have a remarkable selection of tequilas, including some very fancy Patrons, Rosepepper is known for their fresh and fruity margaritas, available by the glass or the pitcher. Enjoy one of the tasty Mexican fusion dishes on the festive patio.
Santa’s Pub
Address: 2225 Bransford Ave, Nashville, TN 37204
Do you love karaoke? Do you love Christmas? Do you love true-blue, no-frills, smoky dive bars? Then have we got the bar for you! At Santa’s Pub, an unassuming doublewide trailer in South Nashville, it’s always Christmas, and it’s always time for karaoke. Beer is cheap and cold. And in case you were wondering, yes, the owner really does look like Santa Claus.
BREWERIES
Smith & Lentz
Address: 903 Main St, Nashville, TN 37206
Smith & Lentz is a small and self-described “fiercely independent” brewery with an extremely spacious, dog-friendly back patio, perfect for long and lazy summer afternoons. Bring your own food from one of the nearby restaurants, enjoy an icy German Pilsner, and challenge your friends to a little cornhole. (It’s all in the wrist.)
LIQUOR STORES
Jasper Liquor and Wine
Address: 843 Briley Pkwy, Nashville, TN 37217
Jasper Liquor & Wine is a family owned liquor store, located half a mile away from the hotel (either a four minute drive, or a ten minute walk), boasting a large collection at low prices. A perfect stop for a perfect night in!
Donelson Pike Liquors
Address: 519 Donelson Pike #101, Nashville, TN 37214
Located just a few miles away and right off the highway leading to Nashville International Airport is Donelson Pike Liquors, which offers an assortment of beer, wine, liquor, and mixers. You can check out their stock on their website.
COFFEE SHOPS
Crema Coffee Roasters
Address: 15 Hermitage Ave, Nashville, TN 37204
For freshly roasted coffee and exquisitely poured artisanal lattes, do yourself a favor and take some time for yourself at Crema Coffee Roasters. Enjoy the lovely and bright interior, and the sounds and smells of roasting coffee. Slowly savor the rich flavor of your cortado, the creaminess of your perfect avocado toast, while you observe the hippest of Nashville’s locals grabbing their caffeine fix. Crema is the ideal little pick-me-up while you explore the city.
Three Brothers Coffee
Address: 2813 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203
With a café focused on local artists, Three Brothers has very eclectic, inviting vibe, but their housemade syrups will seriously draw you in. Can you resist a latte enhanced with hazelnut with walnut bitters syrup? Very doubtful. Three Brothers also offers a small menu of breakfast dishes, like the tasty Artichoke Galette or Breakfast Burrito.
Frothy Monkey
Address: 2509 12th Avenue South Nashville, Tennessee 37204
Frothy Monkey is a very popular local coffee roaster and café, and it helps to get here during off-peak hours. However, they are popular with good reason. Frothy Monkey offers top-notch java, hearty breakfast and lunch dishes served every day, as well as craft beer, wine and cocktails. They also have a selection of local coffee and tea-themed gifts you can take home with you.
Do
SHOPS
Nashville Boot Co.
Address: 603 8th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
You can’t come to Nashville and not buy a pair of real cowboy boots! And though there are lots of shops in town that sell boots, Nashville Boot is the best — their selection might be smaller than some of the warehouse stores, but it’s handpicked to please, and their staff are the nicest, most helpful salespeople you’ll ever meet. You’ll definitely find the right pair to kick up at the honky-tonk.
MUSEUMS
Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum
Address: 401 Gay St, Nashville, TN 37219
Johnny Cash, Elvis, Frank and Nancy Sinatra, The Beach Boys — come worship at the altar of music legend at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum, which honors all musicians, regardless of genre or instrument. See your favorite artists’ fabled instruments, studio booths, and other memorabilia, and actually play and interact with many of the exhibits (croon into a mic like Ray Charles, or experience the fog machine at a Jimi Hendrix concert).
Ray Stevens CabaRay Showroom
Address: 5724 River Rd, Nashville, TN 37209
Come to the CabaRay and enjoy the food, the shows and the Vegas-style fun, but be sure to also take in all of the history and memorabilia that surrounds you in this remarkable place. A lively piano bar with a very popular music and comedy dinner show performed by the inimitable Ray Stevens every Thursday through Saturday evening, the CabaRay is a Nashville institution.
Johnny Cash Museum
Address: 119 3rd Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201
Devotees of the Man in Black will adore the Johnny Cash Museum, a red brick building filled to the brim with bona fide pieces from the life of the legend himself, including clothes, instruments, awards, photos and videos, plus real props and artifacts from the movie, “Walk the Line.” The museum is self-guided and likely won’t take you more than an hour, but it’s worth every minute for country music fans.
Adventure Science Center
Address: 800 Fort Negley Blvd, Nashville, TN 37203
For both curious kids and kids-at-heart, the Adventure Science Center is a non-profit science museum featuring over 175 hands-on interactive exhibits like Virtual Reality, Interactive Media, Soundbox (the science of music and sound!), 3D-printing workshops and the Sudekum Planetarium.
Frist Art Museum
Address: 919 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203
Housed in a classic art deco building, the Frist Art Museum holds rotating visual and contemporary art exhibitions, as well as educational and community outreach programs. Frist’s beautiful gift shop is often called the best gift shop in Nashville, offering art prints, books, clothing, art supplies, and fantastic, local artisan-made jewelry, and blown glass and pottery pieces.
Lotz House Civil War Museum
Address: 1111 Columbia Ave, Franklin, TN 37064
The Lotz House is a two-story frame house built in 1858 in the central Tennessee town of Franklin, on the Historic Registry since 1976. It’s worth seeing because it was in the epicenter of the pivotal Battle of Franklin during the Civil War in 1864. The Lotz House served as a hospital in the aftermath of the battle, and you can still see many of the battle scars on the house.
The Patsy Cline Museum
Address: 119 3rd Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201
Upstairs from the Johnny Cash Museum is The Patsy Cline Museum, a collection dedicated to everything about the Country songstress who drove us “Crazy” — in the best way. Celebrate the too-short life of the legendary crooner by viewing hundreds of never-before-seen artifacts, clothes, photos, videos and memorabilia.
Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum
Address: 222 5th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum needs no introduction. It’s one of the world’s largest museums and research centers, and you usually hear their name when they induct your favorite Country stars into their hallowed halls. You can view those hallowed halls in the form of exhibits, featuring memorabilia, instruments, and gold records galore.
MUSIC
Ryman Auditorium
Address: 116 5th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219
Worship at your “Mother Church of Country Music,” amen. Ryman Auditorium was once the home of the Grand Ole Opry, from 1943 to 1974, and is now a revamped 2,362-seat venue that draws the biggest musical names from all over the world. Still arguably the most beloved building in all of Nashville, if you get the chance to catch a show at the graceful Ryman, make sure you do so.
Bluebird Café
Address: 4104 Hillsboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37215
Made famous on the TV show, “Nashville,” the Bluebird Café is a unique little venue (only 20 tables) where singers and songwriters can showcase their new material in front of an audience — unique because the performers and songwriters are often extremely famous, like Taylor Swift or LeAnn Rimes. Reservations are, as you can imagine, difficult to obtain — it’s a lottery system — but it’s certainly worth a shot to catch your favorite country stars in such a once-in-a-lifetime, intimate setting.
The Station Inn
Address: 402 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
In the heart of Nashville, in the Gulch (the area between Music Row and Downtown), you can find The Station Inn, a historic venue that’s been showcasing Bluegrass, Roots and Americana bands for more than 40 years. They also host a fun and relaxed weekly Bluegrass Jam, a classic “picking circle” where anyone with a Bluegrass instrument can join in and anyone can watch.
Grand Ole Opry
Address: 2804 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214
Founded in 1925 as a radio barn dance, the Grand Ole Opry is a weekly Country music stage concert broadcast from the Grand Ole Opry House. You can visit the Grand Ole Opry House in person and watch the show live, and even take a backstage tour if you’re a big fan of the broadcast.
Historic RCA Studio B
Address: 1611 Roy Acuff Pl, Nashville, TN 37203
So many legends recorded their songs here — Dolly Parton, Roy Orbison, Elvis Presley, Connie Francis and countless others — RCA Studio B became known as the birthplace for the “Nashville Sound,” a style characterized by background vocals and strings that helped establish Nashville as an international center for music recording. Take a guided tour and see the vintage recording equipment and instruments that Dolly used on “I Will Always Love You,” and don’t worry if you get a little choked up — that’s completely normal.
Music City Walk of Fame
Address: 121 4th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
Just like Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, the Music City Walk of Fame recognizes the people who have made their mark in Country music by making significant contributions to the industry, whether that’s through song or through connections to Nashville. All of the stars are on a nicely serene walk on Nashville’s Music Mile, so take a selfie with your favorite artist’s star, and if you’re lucky, you may get to catch one of the oh-so-glamorous induction ceremonies.
HEALTH & SAFETY
If you are having a medical emergency, please dial 911 immediately.
CareNow Urgent Care – Donelson
Address: 2372 Lebanon Pike Nashville, TN 37214
CareNow Urgent Care takes walk-in appointments – patients are instructed to sign in at CareNow.com and wait to be contacted by the facility before arriving.
Walgreens Pharmacy
Address: 1081 Murfreesboro Pike Nashville, TN 37217
Full service pharmacy and convenience store.
GET OUTSIDE
GARDENS
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
Address: 1200 Forrest Park Drive, Nashville, Tennessee 37205
Just 10 miles south of the downtown action sits Cheekwood Botanical Gardens, a 55-acre garden and art museum on the historic Cheek estate, open year round. If you’re an art lover, the Cheekwood Collection encompasses decorative arts, books, textiles, furniture, silver, sculptures and paintings, including Andy Warhol and Andrew Wyeth’s portraits of each other.
PARKS
Nashville Greenway
Greenways are linear parks and trails that connect the neighborhoods of Nashville to schools, parks, transportation, shopping and work. Rent a bike for the day and bike the Greenway! There are two separate paths, depending on the level of adventure you’re looking for. The Shelby Bottoms Greenway is a 4-mile ride into East Nashville, and the Stones River Greenway covers 8 paved miles with numerous side routes and some elevation changes. Challenge accepted!
Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
Address: 600 James Robertson Pkwy, Nashville, TN 37243
With just a simple and easy walk in this 11-acre park, you learn so much about Tennessee’s history while enjoying the peaceful locale; take a stroll past the 200-foot granite map of the state, spend some quiet time at the World War II Memorial, listen to the 95-bell carillon pillars, walk through the Pathway of History and relax by the Rivers of Tennessee Fountains.
Radnor Lake Park
Address: 1160 Otter Creek Rd, Nashville, TN 37220
With four unpaved hiking trails, bird watching opportunities, and a placid lake full of river otters, mink, beavers, and muskrat, Radnor Lake State Park is a 1,368-acres of wild and untamed beauty. Fishing and boating are not allowed on the lake, which makes it a much more hospitable place for watching the wildlife frolic. You can run, jog or bike on the paved roads, and the hiking trails are reserved only for hikers.
Rock Island State Park
Address: 82 Beach Rd, Rock Island, TN 38581
Where three rivers meet, between Nashville and Chattanooga, you’ll find an absolutely extraordinary set of waterfalls with natural swimming pools below. You’ll definitely want to take a dip, but the rocks can be slippery and precarious, so make sure you bring some grippy shoes. In addition to hiking and swimming, the 883-acre Rock Island State Park offers fishing and antiquing.
Cummins Falls State Park
Address: 390 Cummins Falls Ln, Cookeville, TN 38501
Cummins Falls State Park, the 282-acre day-use park located nine miles north of Cookeville on the Blackburn Fork State Scenic River on the Eastern Highland Rim, is very young in State Park years, only given the distinction in 2011. It offers some ridiculously gorgeous attractions, like the Gorge (which limits daily access and requires a pass), but be prepared for some serious river hiking if you want to get to the good stuff.
ACTIVITIES
Nashville B-cycle
Address: 145 2nd Ave N, Nashville, TN 37201
Nashville B-cycle is a bike share that allows you to check out bikes for an hour at a time. Ride them throughout Nashville and its beautiful greenways! You can easily add the app on your phone and pick up a bike whenever you eat too many biscuits at brunch, plus the bikes come equipped with baskets, so you can pick up a few too many souvenirs on the way back to the hotel.
Paddle Up Nashville
Address: 525 Basswood Ave, Nashville, TN 37209
Whether you’ve always wanted to learn how to paddleboard or you’re an expert wanting to check out the Nashville paddling scene, Paddle Up Nashville will hook you up with the equipment or the classes that you need to get floating on the Cumberland River. They offer rentals (both stand-up paddleboards and kayaks), group classes and private lessons.
Pedego Nashville
Address: 416 Woodland St, Nashville, TN 37206
If the thought of cycling just makes you feel tired, because, hills (relatable!), consider renting an eBike from Pedego — electric bikes do all the heavy lifting for you. You can rent an eBike by the hour or by the day, and you can even nab an attached trailer for your kiddo or pet. Pedego also offers guided eBike tours; the three-hour Music City Tour spans all of Nashville’s greatest hits, and you probably won’t even break a sweat.
River Queens Voyages
Address: 2 Victory Ave, Nashville, TN 37213
Nashville’s original kayak outfitter, River Queens Voyages is the destination for boat rentals on the Cumberland River. Rent a kayak and give yourself an upper-body workout as you check out the downtown scenery from the water, or bring a whole group of 6-14 friends and rent a pedal pub, and sip on brews (BYOB) and mingle while you keep those gams fit.