Do Nashville like a local.
Nashville has developed a reputation for becoming one big bachelorette party (mine included). You can’t walk up Broadway Ave without running into at least one gaggle of penis necklaces.
But if you look past the bachelorette parties, you’ll see the incredible growth that’s happening in the home of country music. In fact, 100 people move to Nashville EVERY DAY. The growth is largely attributed to the health care industry and the ever expanding music scene. As more and more transplants make Nashville their home, the city has flourished in its initiative to make it more than a “last fling before the ring” tourist destination.
Where To Stay
We are fortunate enough to have friends who live in Nashville part time and stayed with them in their Gulch neighborhood apartment. The area has everything a resident and visitor could need – restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, markets, hotels, shopping, live music, and a potential Kristen Cavallari sighting.
While we didn’t stay in a hotel, we did eat in both The 404 Hotel and the Thompson Hotel, both located in Gulch. If their restaurants were any indication of the hotels themselves, then they get The High Maintenance Traveler stamp of approval.
Where To Eat
Martin’s BBQ Joint – The vibe is eclectic Americana. There will likely be a line for the restaurant downstairs. Skip the line and head straight upstairs to the roof top bar. It’s partially covered, so it’s good rain or shine. I wasn’t a dry rub girl until I had their wings. They had this unexpected hint of cinnamon that made me go cross-eyed. If someone knows where I can get something similar in Cleveland, let me know in the comments below! The cravings are real.
The 404 Kitchen – Give yourself time to have a drink at the bar before dinner and sample their vast bourbon selection. The restaurant is located upstairs and has a modern elegance, yet casual ambiance. It’s perfect for date night or group dinners. They serve everything from braised rabbit to cheeseburgers, so there is something for every palate. I got the cheeseburger, and daaaaaaaaamn was it good! It tasted like a high end version of a greasy diner burger, in the best way.
Marsh House in the Thompson Hotel – Our friends told us a lot of celebrities hang out here, and that was all I needed to know. I’d eat out of a dumpster if it meant I had a chance of meeting Kacey Musgraves. Luckily for me, the food was quite an upgrade from a dumpster dive. The ambiance didn’t disappoint either. In fact, I took pictures of the decor because I want to mimic the design in my future home.
Party Fowl – If you’re looking for a casual spot to watch the game, this is the place. Their hot chicken dishes are a must try. The bartender warned us they were really spicy and to stick to medium or mild. I slather everything in hot sauce, so I thought he was just being a little bitch. Turns out, he was right, and I’m the little bitch.
Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse – This is not your average stuffy steakhouse. The interior is vibrant and joyful. If The Great Gatsby and Disney had a baby, it would be Jeff Ruby’s. Both the food and service were top notch, as well as the piano man who played above the bar.
Milk and Honey – This bright and airy all day eatery and bar is the perfect brunch spot. We arrived at 8:00 am on a Sunday and fortunately there was no wait. I’ve read that the line can get pretty long, even early in the morning so plan ahead if you’re in a time crunch! If you’re in a hurry, there is a grab and go option as well. The biscuit breakfast sandwiches are a must try. I had the sausage, egg, and cheese and my husband had the fried chicken biscuit. He actually asked me to recommend the dish on his behalf, and said he would go back to Nashville just for that sandwich.
What To Do
Bar hop along Broadway – Tootsie’s is the by far the most famous bar on the strip, but it’s also the most crowded. I thought at one point during my bachelorette party that the floor might actually cave in. For a chiller vibe, check out Whiskey Bent Saloon. The musician was taking requests from whoever would shout them out, and was truly one of the most talented singers I’ve ever heard. I wanted to sign him to my music label, but then I remembered I didn’t have one.
Tour and Tasting at Nelson’s Greenbrier Distillery – There are an endless number of Tennessee Whiskey distilleries to tour in Nashville. When we asked the liquor connoisseur at Kitchen 404 for her recommendation, she said Greenbrier with no hesitation. Despite not being a whiskey fan, I enjoyed hearing about the distillery’s unique history and the whiskey making process. The tasting put a few hairs on my chest, but, when in Rome, right?
BATL Axe Throwing – Looking for something safe and active to do after a morning of whiskey tasting? How about throwing a deadly weapon across a room! Axe throwing has become all the rage the last few years and I had been dying to try it.
The set up is kind of like a bowling alley. Two people stand on one side of the alley and throw at a target on the other side. There is a coach that explains the proper technique and stays with you for the entire session. Since we were walk in’s, we had to share the lanes with 6 other people, which was less than ideal. After about an hour the novelty had worn off and we were ready to go. If you have the foresight to book a time slot in advance, that’s the way to go so you don’t have to rotate turns with a bunch of strangers. And in case you’re wondering, yes, they sell alcohol. Safety third!
Nashville Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar – A perfect way to end your Saturday night is at this NOLA inspired jazz bar. The band was as authentic and lively as the bar itself. Head upstairs and watch from the balconies overlooking the stage.
If you really have your shit together, you can reserve a seat along the balcony ahead of time. If you’re a freeze baby, avoid the balcony to the left of the stage because there’s an industrial air conditioning unit that blows right into your face. I’m always sweating, so I found it to be refreshing AF.
A few more tips we learned from the Nashville locals
If you have a hankering for a southern biscuit, eat at Adele’s and skip Biscuit Love. Not only do they say the food is better, but you won’t have to wait in an insanely long line.
They don’t sell alcohol in restaurants before 10am on Sunday’s. If you’re looking for a pre-flight mimosa, you’ll have to drink from your hollow leg.
Share with the class…
What else would you add to a 48 trip to Nashville? Share your recommendations with us over at The High Maintenance Traveler Forum on Facebook or in the comments below!
