By: Rebecca Griffin

Let's start by rewinding back twenty-something years ago to when I was growing up and listening to legendary country music artists on repeat. My dad recorded cassette tapes (yes those existed) for me with countless great songs by The Dixie Chicks, Shania Twain, Rascal Flatts and so many more talented artists. I can still remember sitting in his truck waiting for what seemed like hours on end just to hear my favorite songs like I Hope You Dance or This Kiss. Now we can just YouTube songs, but there was something so special about waiting to hear a song you love and basking in the moment when it finally came on the radio. Nashville is a city that preserves deeply rooted country music history. It's a city that where the locals make you feel welcome, where the young and hungry never stop performing their songs in bars in hopes to be the next Faith Hill or Keith Urban. It's a city of hope and promise, and I absolutely love it. 

Hopefully, by now you're convinced Nashville is the best city to ever exist. Whether you are or you aren't, I’ll tell you about some of the must-see places to further your interest in the music city. America runs off of coffee, right? I mean, we are all just zombies until we have that first, or second, cup in the morning, right? I have to say that yes, Fido is very popular and can get super crowded, but it completely lives up to its reputation. The lattes are so rich and, bonus, they do latte art, for all you avid coffee drinkers that want a little extra. The food they offer truly is for everyone, as they offer savory food for vegetarians and meat lovers alike. Equally as great cafes include Barista Parlor and Frothy Monkey which offer local espresso in hip coffeehouses. 


Photo credit: Barista Parlor @jillianskrillian  |  Fido @itsruhbecca

So now that you've had your morning coffee in a local coffee joint, or maybe you're taking your coffee to go, where to now? I love to walk around Nashville as it has both busy city life on Broadway and relaxed walking areas near Hillsboro Village. For the type that enjoys quiet, relaxed vibes, I suggest taking a stroll through the shops near Fido. There's clothing stores like Posh Boutique and United Apparel Liquidators. A Village of Flowers is a floral shop you have to step in and take in the beautiful fresh cut flowers and snap a quick Instagram picture since it's so breathtakingly beautiful. This little cluster of shops has lunch places too in case you get caught up shopping for hours and get hungry. We've all been there! For a quick bite, there's Provence Breads & Cafe which has the best selection of soup, sides, and sandwiches. You can create your own unique combination or anything your heart desires. Now since you're satisfied as far as food goes, I suggest walking down a little and enjoying the beautiful Vanderbilt campus as it offers beautiful walking paths and shade trees. And, since we're all avid country music fans here, take a look at Taylor Swift's Nashville penthouse which is on 900 20th Avenue South, on the corner of 20th Ave S and Chet Atkins Place. I'm still convinced she should've stayed with producing and singing country music. 


Photo Credit: @itsruhbecca | @avillageofflowers

Of course you can't go to Nashville and not see the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. On the main level there is Hatch Show Print where you can tour the print shop and make make your own print for just $15. Inside the museum itself (discounted tickets start at 4pm), on display are the outfits of singers like Miranda Lambert, Shania Twain, Little Big Town, Rascal Flatts, and so many more. The museum offers a makeshift tourbus where you can record yourself singing to a selection of country songs and play it back for a good laugh, which you have to try. Also on display there are countless records mounted on the walls, as well as the Taylor Swift Education Center featuring outfits she wore on the 1989 Tour, and old cars country music stars like Johnny Cash used to ride in way back in the day. Speaking of Mr. Johnny Cash, make sure to visit his cafe and museum which is off Broadway on 3rd Avenue South. I promise you'll get Burning Ring of Fire stuck in your head! But you'll also get a good bit to eat, and get a nice look inside his museum if you so choose. 


Photo credit: @itsruhbecca  |  @hatchshowprint

Equally as famous is the Grand Ole Opry. Unlike the Country Music Hall of Fame which gets changed up every now and then, the Grand Ole Opry pretty much stays the same, but you have to see it because you get an exclusive look inside famous country music stars dressing rooms and get to walk across the Grand Ole Opry stage at the end of the tour and get your picture taken. The Opry features performances by country music stars several days of the week, where you're likely to see performers like Brad Paisley, Old Dominion, Terri Clark, and so many more. Plus, you should get a coupon offering you a discount on a visit to the Ryman Auditorium which is where the Grand Ole Opry first began.
 

For those into checking out potential emerging artists, try and get a spot at the infamous Bluebird Cafe. The small cafe has become more popular than anyone ever saw coming and is a bit of a ride from downtown Nashville, but it certainly lives up to its reputation. With nightly performances by upcoming artists, be sure to make a reservation and get there early. It's difficult to get a seat inside, but it's one of those places you definitely have to see in Nashville. It's where anyone who wants to be a musician performs it seems. Of course, if you can't get a spot inside the Bluebird Cafe, take your pick among endless bars down Broadway. With places like WannaB's that offer a signup for singing karaoke, Tequilla Cowboy, and Big Bang Nashville, you'll have the entire night to sing, dance, drink, and enjoy Nashville's nightlife. For more of a more relaxed nightlife setting, check out the quirky Greenhouse Bar which exists in an actual greenhouse! There's also UP, which is a rooftop lounge offering signature cocktails where you can view the skyline while sipping out of copper mule mugs. What an absolute dream. 


Photo credit: @uprooftoplounge  |  @itsruhbecca

Nashville truly is a city that has so much to offer. The city has both vintage, country roots and modern livelihood, which makes it the optimal city to visit in light of your taste. With endless shops, museums, eateries, and city views, the convivial city of Nashville offers the best disposition you could hope for. Be sure to check out these places whether you're a local looking to explore new places or a first-time visitor hoping to see the best Nashville has to offer. Nashville has even more to offer, but these are some of my favorites that I think are worth putting at the top of your list.

-----------------------------


Rebecca Grifin is an adventurer at heart who loves to travel, drink strong coffee, and write blog posts. As a soon-to-be college graduate, she's looking to work for an interesting company that allows her to creatively write amazing content. In a dream, she would be a freelance travel blogger who explores countless cities from the depths of Australian beaches to ancient ruins of Rome. Apart from traveling and writing, she's into wellness, supporting local communities, and living a happy, modern lifestyle.

Instagram: @itsruhbecca
Email: rebeccaleagriffin@gmail.com
Website: http://sandbtravels.wixsite.com/home/blog

-----------------------------
Interested in writing a blog post for The Nashville Guide? Apply here.

 

By: Kelsey Smith

It’s 10am on a Monday morning and you’re sitting in a coffee shop. Or maybe you’re standing and staring hardcore at people wanting them to get up from their spot so you can take it. Welcome to Nashville. We are not a normal community of people.

Photo credit: The Well @wellcoffeehouse

Going to brunch on a weekday is almost just as crowded as on the weekend. Coffee shops are packed in the middle of the afternoon. There is no rhyme or reason to when there will be traffic. There are coffee shops with multiple locations around town (and I’m not just talking about Starbucks here.) Why is this? Freelancers. We are taking over the town.

Photo credit: The Jam Coffee House @thejamcoffeehouse

As an independent contractor in the music industry, I don’t have a normal schedule. This morning I got off a tour bus at 7am and then went to my part time job at a children’s boutique at 11am. During the week I can go grab coffee with a friend at 10am or 2pm. I can sleep until noon and not feel (too) bad about it. I can run errands all day long or do absolutely nothing at all.

While this all sounds glamorous, it’s not always all it’s cracked up to be. After about 3-5 days of this, it can get incredibly boring and lonely. You begin to sleep too much because you are bored and have nothing better to do. You have to purposely spread your errands out so you can make sure to leave the house and see the sunshine. This also means you don’t know when or where your next paycheck is coming from. Can you afford to eat out or do you need to make a sandwich at home? Side note: my pantry contains ramen, pasta, and mac & cheese, so it’s like I’m back in college.


Photo credit: BOX @boxnashville

But you know what’s wonderful? I’m not alone. I could find a handful of people in whatever coffee shop I’m at and they’re in the same boat. Nashville is pretty big on community, and I love that. Creative Souls Tribe has been a great place to meet other like-minded women pursuing their creative talents and passions. Young Entertainment Professionals is also a good resource for networking and job opportunities. Known is an excellent place for women of all ages to come together and grow in community.

When you have people around you who understand your lifestyle, it makes it so much easier. Nashville is full of wonderful people with interesting and unique jobs, and we need to build each other up and embrace our crazy lifestyles.

-----------------------------------

Kelsey is one of those people that will tell you Texas is the best state and Nashville is the best city. You can find her touring on the road (selling t-shirts or being a PA) or at a local coffee shop (most likely The Well) hanging out with friends. 

Instagram: @riotkelsey
Email: kelseymariah14@gmail.com

---------------------------------

Interested in writing a blog post for The Nashville Guide? Apply here.

By: Audrey Bounds

As a foodie, I was devastated when I was diagnosed with multiple food allergies. These surfaced after being consistently ill for over a year. I was told I had to change my life completely and immediately. In addition to avoiding the foods I am allergic to, I began my first Whole30 in hopes of discovering a new way to live my life in complete harmony with food. Not only eating healthy but eating clean became a mission of mine.

Although my new Whole30 lifestyle sustained me, after two months of meal prepping and declining dinner invitations I watched my social life decline. My foodie heart longed for dinner with friends at restaurants with compliant ingredients for my lifestyle. It has been a challenge since as a southern girl changing her eating habits, I longed to eat fried chicken and waffles, homemade buttermilk biscuits, and pesto pasta. With persistence, I have found many places around Nashville that cater to my specific needs and love the challenge of eating out at all restaurants so I can publicize healthier options. I began my food Instagram (@audreysfoodescapades) to feature restaurants in Nashville (and wherever I travel) compliant to my allergies and a cleaner way of eating.

Whether you’re trying out a new diet or suffer from food sensitivities, use these tips and try the accompanying restaurants below in order to avoid being “that friend.”

Be the organizer
Anytime a group of friends wants to get together, I make sure that I coordinate or offer suggestions. It’s easier to pick a place from the start than have to maneuver your way around a group conversation on Italian food. I have a rolodex in my head (and on a Google doc) of diverse restaurants compliant with my lifestyle. If someone has a craving, I can easily find a cuisine suitable to my needs.

Clyde’s - Church Street: This is my “When-In-Doubt” restaurant. It’s very hard to find a group of friends who won’t agree on Clyde’s. They offer a great atmosphere, wide variety of drinks, and a killer menu with plenty of options.

Photo credit: @clydesonchurch

Call ahead
The best way to find out about the ingredients in your food is to ask. Whether that’s by phone or email. Restaurants want you to have the best experience, even if that means divulging certain ingredients. Call and talk to a manager ahead of time, so they can be prepared when you arrive. Hint: OpenTable has a great feature where you can leave a note when you make a reservation. Note your food allergies here and the restaurant will do their best to accommodate.

Silo - Germantown: This restaurant has always been more than accommodating when I call ahead. They make sure their staff is always ready and aware for your questions.

Photo credit: @silo.nashville

When in doubt - Farm to Table
If you are unable to discover the ingredients for dishes at certain restaurants, the easiest route is to choose a farm to table restaurant. We’re lucky to live in Nashville where one of these restaurants opens every week. They serve fresh, simple ingredient dishes that are prepared in house. The manager and chef should be very helpful in finding a dish that suits you. Husk - SoBro: Not to mention a relaxed atmosphere, the servers are incredibly knowledgeable about each dish and the accompanying ingredients. If they don’t know the ingredients, they are quick to ask the chef!

Photo credit: @husknashville

Inform your server

As a server, I’m sure it gets annoying when someone says they’re “gluten free,” but if this a true allergy/sensitivity I would stress the importance. Also, don’t be afraid to send something back if it’s incorrect. For instance, I used to eat around salads that accidentally came with cheese. It only takes one time of getting sick to apply your assertiveness. Save yourself the stomach pain and let your server know. You’ll be helping out others in the future if you make your server aware.

Bar Taco - 12 South: Their waiters are always willing to help you find the best option for you on their menu. Tip: Order their fresh squeezed juice without agave. They make it fresh on the spot and won’t add the sugar.


Photo credit: @bartacolife & @thehungryleopard

Don't be afraid to order al la carte

Ordering is hands down the worst part about eating out. You immediately become the difficult one. BUT if you don’t want to be “that friend” don’t be afraid to order items al la carte (if the option is available). Usually, al la carte items are made from simple ingredients, creating an easy and reliable meal that saves you some serious side-eye.

Fido - Hillsboro Village: Their al la carte menu is a wonderful and easy way to have a casual meetup with friends. You can also order specific items from their other entrees al la carte.


Photo credit: @fidonashville

Yelp/OpenTable to help others
Yelp and OpenTable are great tools to help other allergen-foodies. When I travel, I always look at reviews online about service. A restaurant with a good service record is more likely to properly take care of your dietary restrictions. Leave tips and tricks behind for new patrons to discover the ease of eating out.

Little Donkey - Germantown: This restaurant instantly became one of my favorites after I tried it based on a review. Simple menu with simple ingredients. I can easily say I’m a frequent customer due to their ability to create tasty items with simple ingredients.


Photo credit: @littledonkeynash

Try using these tips next time you try a new restaurant in Nashville and learn that food allergies and allergic to fun are not synonymous.

Note: Not all of these restaurants apply to a serious food allergy.

--------------------------------


Audrey is a born and bred Texan working in the music industry. Along with focusing on her health/fitness, you can catch her listening to musicals, writing sketch comedy, and singing at church.

Instagram: @AudreysFoodEscapades and @AudreyBounds

-------------------------------

Interested in writing a blog post for The Nashville Guide? Apply here.

By: Abby Demmer of The Nashville Guide

HOORAY! The blog is officially launched and I'm pretty pumped about it. I may or may not be enjoying a bottle of champagne right now in my “fancy as f$ck” glass from Apple & Oak to celebrate. Don’t judge. Anyways, back to the blog…

The goal for this blog is for it to be a community resource lead by the community itself. A place for people to connect, share their thoughts and ideas, and truly find a sense of community. The content will be raw and honest (AMEN) giving readers a true inside look into everything Nashville. If this is right up your alley be sure to subscribe to the newsletter in the right-hand column. We'll be featuring a new blog post written by a local each Monday morning so be sure to check back next week.

To kick off the blog launch I wanted to share some of my current Nashville “top picks”, so here it goes:

COFFEE SHOP: BOX - Bongo + Bakery on 10th
BOX is a fairly new cafe in town and boy are we glad to have them. They serve breakfast all day and lunch as well. There are many healthy options on the menu which is my favorite. Make sure to try the Green Smoothie Bowl and Avocado Toast - you can thank me later. It’s the perfect spot to grab a quick coffee and light snack with a friend or camp out for the day to drill through work.


Photo credit: @boxnashville

GYM/FITNESS: Inner Light Yoga
Inner Light Yoga is also fairly new to town and conveniently located right next to BOX. They have an untraditional take on yoga and that’s why I love them. Music is the core of their classes. Classes are intelligently sequenced and designed to move your body while discovering physical edges.

Photo credit: @innerlightyoganashville

SHOP: Welcome Home
Welcome Home is one of my go-to’s for finding the perfect gift. They have an assortment of home decor and gifts, anything from candles to kitchen accessories to pillows, and books. Speaking of books, they carry our book, The Nashville Guide which recently came out. I might be a little bias but I think it’s the perfect gift and best way to navigate Nashville.

Photo credit: @welcomehomeshop

LODGING: Sobro Guest House
Sobro Guest House is the new hip place for visitors to stay in Nashville. (I may even be guilty of enjoying a stay-cation there because it’s that lovely.) The room designs are top-notch and so hip. Each room has a full kitchen and living room making you feel right at home. Plus, it’s a mobile check-in boutique hotel so that means no waiting at a front desk to check in.

Photo credit: @sobroguesthouse

RESTAURANT: Holland House
Holland House is a true East Nashville gem. Let’s start with their cocktails…THEY.ARE.AMAZING. The cocktails are the best of the best and perfected with house-made ingredients. The food is pretty spectacular too featuring a seasonal menu of American bistro food. Annnnd, you cannot beat the atmosphere. I highly recommend grabbing a seat out on the patio on a nice day otherwise sit at the bar inside for a speakeasy-style atmosphere.

Photo credit: @thehollandhouse

PAMPER: Poppy & Monroe
Poppy & Monroe is a natural nail salon and nature beauty boutique and let's just say its a DREAM salon. I’ve tried other salons before and I swear my nails chip within 3 days every single time. The last time I went to Poppy & Monroe my manicure lasted TWO weeks, I repeat TWO WEEKS. They also have the most stylish, tasteful, and classy nail art around. I love always seeing what new designs they come up with. Other services include makeup, skin care, brow & lash, and hair removal.

Photo credit: @poppyandmonroe

Well, that concludes a few of my current Nashville “top picks”. I hope you discovered some new places to try. What are your Nashville favorites? Leave them in the comments below. And be sure to check back on Monday for our next blog post!

Interested in writing a blog post for us? Apply here.

-----------------------------

Grab a copy of our book, The Nashville Guide to discover the very best in Nashville. Get locals personal and insightful descriptions for everything from dive bars and stylish coffee shops to hidden eateries and the hippest retailers.