Love in Nashville
While I haven’t had much time to explore and sightsee in Nashville because the first time I was there I was getting married – hence, Love in Nashville – and the second was for work, it is a special place near and dear to my heart.
Our Wedding Day: May 2015
This post includes tips for things to do, eat and listen to in the city, but – see the beautiful rolling hills in the picture – I bet the Nashville outskirts are worth exploring, too.
To-Do Tips
I’ve heard that most people go to the Country Music Hall of Fame and really like it. I toured the Ryman Auditorium and loved it. The tour was worth the $20 and I enjoyed the opening, informative video.
Ryman Auditorium
Walking along Broadway, day or night, is fun – that’s where all of the honky-tonks are and there’s great people watching! A few friends and I had a great time at a Karaoke bar on Broadway, with a quite apropos name of WannaB’s.
Karaoke with America Achieves: March 2016
The next time I’m lucky enough to travel to Nashville, I definitely want to get to the Grand Ole Opry. A few of our wedding guests ventured out and toured nearby plantations (Belle Meade) which they said was interesting.
To-Eat Tips
Monell’s in Germantown, southern food served family-style, is by far my best recommendation. You sit with strangers, you don’t order – they just bring you food, and you may have to wait in line for a table… but it is so worth it. Go hungry! Tip: Monell’s is BYOB so pick up your favorite beverage on the way or stick with their lemonade and sweet tea, both of which were delicious.
Dinner at Monell’s
My sisters and I had brunch at Husk, which was pretty good, not amazing, on the pricier side. Everyone talks about Hattie B’s for “hot chicken” which is a Nashville thing. I didn’t make it there, but have heard great things, there is more than one location, and you should expect to wait in line. Puckett’s Grocery is pretty popular, too. My husband and his family went for brunch and they said it was okay. My colleagues went to a French restaurant, Margot Cafe, and they said it was excellent. I had a delicious coffee and cookie at Frothy Monkey – a cafe with a cool vibe, hopping with what seemed to be locals. You can also find distilleries and some bourbon tasting places.
To-Listen Tips
During our wedding weekend, I remember walking down the crowded street and seeing dozens of people huddled around the open windows of a bar where someone was performing. After pushing my way to the front – hoping that I would get a glimpse Brad Paisley or Miranda Lambert or someone “big” – I spotted the singer, an unrecognizable girl who must have been in her early teens who had hordes gathered to hear her perform. I assume this is the norm in Music City, USA and you can find live music all day and night on Broadway.
I’m a big fan of the TV show Nashville (RIP) – we actually saw the cast perform live when they came to Buffalo. On the show, they always featured this little spot slightly north of downtown called Bluebird Cafe. My husband and I drove there on the morning of our wedding day, but didn’t find much action on a Sunday morning. They have regular “writers night” and “open mic night” which may be cool to check out.
Nashville cast in Buffalo
Morning of wedding day at the Bluebird
Tip: I recommend seeing which big names will be in town performing at the Ryman and Opry, and consider getting tickets. The energy at a live show in Nashville must be unreal.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t give a special shoutout to Congregation Sherith Israel where my incredible cousin is the rabbi. If you’re in Nashville for the weekend and looking for Shabbat services or hoping to connect with the local Jewish community — check them out.
Our amazingly talented photographer gave us a bunch of recommendations, too:
Coffee:
Barista Parlor
Crema
8th & Roast
Food:
A fun BBQ place downtown might be Peg Leg Porker
We really like is The Southern – it’s more of a steak and oyster house but they have really southern foods, and it’s delicious
For a fun hole in the wall Mexican place (cash only) Mas Tacos
Mitchells for sandwiches or salad bar
The Pharmacy for burgers & fun house made sodas
Marche (great brunch)
Drinks:
Sweet tip: if you haven’t had Jenis Ice cream – we have 2 locations here and it’s the best ice cream you’ll ever have!