This photo was taken on 12th Street by Emily Fudim.
When most people visit Nashville, they typically are told that they just have to go to Honky Tonk and Tootsies. While Honky Tonk and Tootsies provide for a great night out downtown, there are so many other amazing things to discover while visiting Nashville. These places are still very worthwhile to go to one night during your trip though, so no need to disregard them.
This photo was taken on Vanderbilt University's campus by Emily Fudim.
Last weekend, I traveled to Nashville to visit a relative who is currently studying at Vanderbilt University. Having him as a personal tour guide, I got to experience both the tourist and the local things to do for the full Nashville experience. While there, you should try to count how many Bachelorette parties you see frolicking from bar to bar with their bride-to-be. I think I counted 13 while there for a weekend. These ladies had the right idea because Nashville isn’t called Nashvegas for no reason.
Our first night out, we went downtown to explore the bar scene. You'll know you’re downtown when you see a massive street filled with bright neon lights. Since taxis fill the street it is best to get dropped off at the beginning of the street and walk from there. We first went to Honky Tonk to see what all the excitement was about. It was indeed a very fun time, with multiple wooden levels in the large venue and a rooftop. Live music was being played on each floor and each floor had a big, rectangle shaped bar. The late November night I spent there got a little chilly with the doors on each floor open to the balconies, so definitely dress for the occasion.
Next we went to Acme Feed & Seed, otherwise known as Acme. Food is served there and entertainment is provided at night on the upper lounge floors. The rooftop view was my favorite part about this bar because it overlooks the entire downtown area. The lit up sky over a bridge and the buildings made it beautiful on a cozy Autumn night.
Waking up feeling hungry and very in need of coffee, we ventured out for brunch. The Red Bicycle is an amazing crepe restaurant where you can choose from savory and sweet crepes. I ordered the “Wake Up” crepe, which had egg, cheese, mushrooms, onions, tomatoes and your choice of meat. It took about 10 minutes of deciding between that and the Funky Monkey which had peanut butter, banana, Nutella and walnuts. I also had one of the tastiest coffees ever called the Nutty Latte, which was a hazelnut, mocha and almond coffee.
This photo was taken on 12th Street by Emily Fudim.
Feeling very satisfied, we walked around 12th Street for some shopping. There were plenty of boutiques with beautiful clothes made of soft fabrics, delicious smelling candles and plenty of home decorations. If I didn’t bring such a tiny suitcase I would have brought home holiday gifts for everyone I know.
This photo was taken in Draper James by Emily Fudim.
Draper James, a clothing and home decorating shop on this street, hands you refreshing sweet tea as you walk in the store. They’re served in cute plastic cups with a striped light blue straw.
This photo was taken by Emily Fudim.
After all our shopping, we stopped in an ice cream shop on the street where you can taste whatever flavors you want and quench your thirst from the cucumber water cooler. I had a buttercream ice cream that tasted like nothing I’ve ever had before.
The next morning, we went to Pancake Pantry for brunch. Pancake Pantry is a little touristy, and expect to wait on a line outside. Don’t fret though because free coffee is available on the line and you can decide what you want to order while you wait. There are plenty of different pancakes and also combination meals of pancakes, eggs, meat and French Toast. Some other brunch places are called Monell's and Tavern. Tavern has great mimosas and at Tavern you sit at a large table and pass around a bunch of breakfast plates that you share with the table. You can put your name on a waiting list there and go to other places, walk around, or grab coffee at JJ's nearby while you wait. Be sure to check the hours of operation before going because they vary at each restaurant.
This photo was taken in GooGoo's by Emily Fudim.
After yet another amazing brunch we wanted to explore downtown in the daylight. We stopped at GooGoo where you can buy apple butter and varieties of chocolate clusters (these were good gifts to fit in my suitcase since they were tinier).
A photo of Bushwhackers by Emily Fudim.
A funny name but a seriously good drink; a Bushwacker. Yes that’s right. This drink is a chocolate milkshake blended with bourbon and tastes fabulous. You hardly taste the bourbon but trust me, it’s in there. These can be found at plenty of restaurants and where you can also get food.
A photo of delicious Chicken Queso taken by Emily Fudim.
When we got our Bushwhackers at dinner, I ordered a chicken queso dish which was rice, queso, chicken strips and tomatoes. Most of the restaurants that serve these also serve simple sides like French Fries and burgers which go great with these special milkshakes.
There are tons of small shops and historic buildings where you can see which famous musicians have played in Nashville over the years. You can also find cute artwork in print shops that can be perfect for sprucing up apartments. For the most part, I enjoyed even just walking through the streets because everything felt cozy and the views were pretty. There are quiet areas and then there are also bars where people are enjoying themselves on Sunday afternoons.
This photo was taken by Emily Fudim.
Nashville is a perfect weekend away, but it is also even growing as a residential area. There has been a constant in people who are moving to Nashville and I’m not surprised why so many people love the area. If you plan a visit, be sure to send us pictures and share your story to wanderersonlyinfo@gmail.com.
