We visited Nashville for the first time back in October, I wanted to share all about what we did, where we stayed and where we ate during our first time in the city! This trip was a long time coming; we had to cancel this trip last year because of sickness, and then again this year for work. We finally were able to make it work for my 40th birthday this year!

I’ve been planning this trip in my mind for a long time! My heart loves this city, and it’s weird because I’d never been before this trip, but I have a deep appreciation for the South, Southern culture and hospitality! There’s a lot of things that pull my heart to Nashville, and visiting confirmed even more when I love this place so much! I can’t wait to go back!

A few things to note about our trip that I think are significant;

we traveled during the week (Tuesday-Friday) we didn’t wait in line for murals, and the city was generally less busy at most places.
we stayed in 12 South- which is very walkable. We took Ubers everywhere else that was outside of 12 South.

Where we stayed: We stayed at the most adorable Airbnb property, located above Bar Taco and tons of cute shops. The apartment had everything we needed for our stay and after much research turned out to be the perfect stay for us because it was close to everything in 12 South!

One of the high lights of our trip was visiting and seeing a show at the Grand Ole Opry House! It’s a must do in my opinion when visiting Nashville, even my husband who generally doesn’t like Country music loved the show so much!

One of the things we did in Nashville was walk, and walk A LOT! I think this is one of the best ways that you can see any city! What I loved about 12 South is that is was so walkable, tons of shops and restaurants in the area. One thing I loved so much about Nashville were the endless murals, adorable shops and food!

12 South neighborhood highlights:

I Believe In Nashville Mural

Draper James (Reese Witherspoon’s store)

Four Daughter’s Bakery

Frothy Monkey

Stoney Clover

Bar Taco

(tons of small shops/boutiques

Nashville is separated into neighborhoods/areas, another great spot is The Gulch! Home to the “What Lifts You Mural” (pictured below.) Lots of fun shopping, restaurants and museums.

Noteworthy in The Gulch:

Uncommon James (Kristin Cavallari’s store)

Kittenish (Jessie James Decker’s store)

Biscuit Love

Milk and Honey

What Lifts You mural

The last noteable area Nashville is Broadway! This is where all the honky tonks are, and close to that is a new shopping area on 5th & Broadway with tons of shopping and restaurants. Even if you aren’t a huge fan of the bar scene (which we aren’t) it’s still a must do, just to see it! We went to 5th & Broadway one evening to eat some Nashville famous hot chicken (Hattie B’s), do some shopping and see a few places on Broadway.

Where we Ate: (left to right, all locations in 12 South)

Frothy Monkey : They have a few locations in the metro but we ate at the 12 South location for breakfast one of the days, and made a few trips for coffee throughout our days. Highly suggest the oak milk vanilla latte and french toast. This is a Nashville hot spot and well known restaurant, it was worth it.

Emery’s Wood Fire Pizza: We were looking for a fun spot for my birthday dinner, and this was perfect! We absolutely loved this place, they had wonderful wood fired pies, great apps and fun drinks. The truffle fries were my fave!

The Butter Milk Ranch: We tried this place out for breakfast one of the days, I loved the modern decor vibe! Think Mad Men! They had the best biscuits at this place, they were so flaky and good! My husband ordered the breakfast sand which, and I ordered the Buttermilk Ranch breakfast!

Four Daughter’s Bakery: Also, a great Nashville famous spot! Famous for their layered donuts, they have several flavors to choose from, coffee and other drinks are for purchase. There’s a cute eating areas outside with a play area for kids too.

To see more of our trip to Nashville check out my Instagram highlight of our trip here. We truly loved our trip to Nashville, there is so much to explore and do- we could have easily spent a few more days here! We felt like our time was just enough time to see and explore the things we wanted to see as first timers, and it only confirmed Nashville we will be back! In the words of Dolly, “see ya’ll real soon!”

Andrea Worley