Nashville is known for two things –– country music and good food. As a matter of fact, those who live in Nashville don’t want the rest of the country to know how extraordinary their city is because they want the unique small-town feel to stick around. Although there are many amazing places to visit, eat and drink in this wonderful city, here are some must sees that you don’t want to miss out on. As ecstatic as we all are about the Rebs’ season opener at Dudley Field—the excitement doesn’t stop there.
Restaurants
• Tavern
• Located in Midtown, just a short walk from Vanderbilt’s stadium is one of the best restaurants of all time. Complete with flat screen TV’s and incredible food, Tavern pleases guys and gals alike. Don’t forget to try their peach bellini or red sangria—and if you stay for the entire weekend you MUST get brunch here. It doesn’t get much better.
• Puckett’s
• With multiple locations throughout the Greater Nashville Area, Puckett’s is the epitome of southern comfort food. Their daily specials give Ajax a run for their money and their cherry, blackberry or strawberry cobbler will blow your mind. Also, try their BBQ sliders or strawberry field salad. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but you may need someone to roll you out of there.
• GRAYS on Main
• If you’re looking to venture away from the hustle and bustle of the city, head on over to downtown Franklin, Tenn. and try this brand new restaurant and bar. Located on historic main street, you can’t miss the GRAYS sign that comes to life at night. This rustic three-story building has unique cocktails, gourmet southern food and live music on the weekends. Don’t pass this one up.
• Fido
• I still haven’t come across a local who doesn’t like Fido. Swing by on your way back to Oxford and try their extensive breakfast menu as you reminisce on the game the Rebels victory (fingers crossed) . Oh yeah, and if you happened to bring your furry friend along with you, don’t stress—dogs are welcome to join.
• Cantina Laredo
• Mexican brunch isn’t something you come across very often but if you’re looking to expand your horizons, head over to the Gulch. Their spicy bloody mary is delicious and their handmade guacamole will have you salsa dancing before you know it. Also open for lunch and dinner, Cantina Laredo will not disappoint.
• Virago
• Also located in the Gulch is one of the yummiest sushi restaurants around. Their rooftop bar is among the best and has an amazing view of downtown Nashville. The rising sun roll is my favorite and their sake menu is legit, but don’t forget to ask about the off-menu rolls. You’ll also want to make a reservation in advance—unfortunately I’m not the only one who loves this place.
• Merchant’s
• OK so you’re hanging out downtown and just rocked karaoke in Printers Alley … and now you’re starving. Head over to Merchant’s and get a late night snack before you call it a night. They’ve got great appetizers, burgers and fish tacos that will satisfy anyone’s appetite.
• Urban Grub
• Another awesome spot to eat is Urban Grub, located in the 12 South area. Their brunch menu is incredible, complete with three types of eggs benedict, gouda-grits and all of your favorite morning libations. And just when you think it couldn’t get any better, their lunch and dinner menus are just as tasty. So if you venture over into the hipster district, don’t leave this one off your list.
Bars
• Red Door
• This unassuming little house in Midtown is much more than meets the eye. While the Red Door keeps all of your favorite liquors, mixed-drinks and craft beers on hand at all times, they still keep PBR tallboys cold for the occasional hipster (who is inevitable in Nashville). Although this neighborhood pub reminds me of “Cheers” on a normal night, this bar is sure to be one big party come the weekend.
• The SOUTH
• Referred to by many as “the Library of Nashville,” this bar on Demonbreun Street will be bumpin’ after the Rebs take down Vandy tonight. The SOUTH has an outdoor patio, huge dance floor and energetic DJ who plays good, current music—(The Library could probably stand to take some notes, sorry DJ Mario.)
• The Patterson House
• Modeled after a 1920’s speakeasy, The Patterson House is one of the most exclusive spots in Nashville. With an extensive drink list, chalk full of epicurean cocktails, you’ll feel an instant wave of sophistication as you step into a world reminiscent of Don Draper. You have to look carefully though—it’s well hidden just at the intersection of Division Street and 18th Avenue South in Midtown.
• Robert’s Western World
• If you’re looking to head downtown and get a taste of “the real deal” in Nashville, definitely check out this honky-tonk bar and restaurant. Known as one of the best music venues downtown, Robert’s is where the locals go to enjoy great drinks and authentic “old school” country flavor.
• Rebar
• Also near the commodore campus is a spot you don’t want to pass up after the game. Rebar is known for their relaxed atmosphere and convenient location in Midtown, but BEWARE—they make a mean bushwhacker.
Where to go
• The Parthenon
• Originally built for Tennessee’s 1897 Centennial Exposition, this replica of the original Parthenon in Athens is the centerpiece of Nashville’s Centennial Park. Located in West End just across from the Vanderbilt campus, this is the perfect place to go for a walk or to just relax on a blanket in the lush grass.
• Ryman Auditorium
• This hallowed auditorium boasts some of the greatest entertainers of all time. It functioned as the original home of the Grand Ole Opry and is linked to the origins and rise of modern-day country music. It serves as a National Historic Landmark and is open for tours from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
• Cheekwood Botanical Gardens
• The history of this mansion and botanical gardens goes all the way back to its original owner and founder of Maxwell House Coffee. It serves as an art museum and contains a restaurant and bar, The Pineapple Room, that overlooks a portion of the gardens. Also, there is currently an art display throughout the gardens called Light: Bruce Munro at Cheekwood every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday night until 11 p.m.
• East Nashville’s 5 Points
• This “one-stop neighborhood” in East Nashville has everything you need for a memorable and fun night in an up-and-coming area. 5 Points is the intersection of five streets and where some great bars, restaurants and shops sit. Check out Bongo East, the Hip Zipper, The Turnip Truck and 3 Crow Bar. And if you’re a fan of the hit TV series Nashville, go to the 5 Spot where part of an episode was filmed.
• Imogene+Willie
• This hip store in the 12 South area has been featured in GQ Magazine and other various publications for their unique denim. If you’re looking for a new pair of jeans for the fall then don’t hesitate to stop by and be custom fitted for some denim that, according to many, will “change your life.” They’re sales staff are also some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet.
• Country Music Hall of Fame
• Located on the west bank of the Cumberland River, just near the honky-tonk bars of downtown, this historic museum is a landmark that many travel to visit. It contains priceless memorabilia, a restaurant, live performances and is open everyday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Downtown Franklin (Main street)
• Missing Oxford already? Just head over to downtown Franklin’s Main street and you’ll be reminded of our beloved, quaint little home. Known as “America’s Favorite Main street,” this little area has adorable boutiques and amazing restaurants (some of which I have already mentioned). After you’ve strolled down the picturesque sidewalks you can check out some of the civil war landmarks that will educate you on the historic Battle of Franklin—come on it’s only the first week of school, you’re not tired of learning yet.
• Yazoo Brewery
• Take a tour of this brewery, have a cold one and play some corn-hole at this brewery in East Nashville. It’s a great place to take a group of friends and hang out after a long day of exploring. Take a tour this Saturday for only $7 and taste some really good craft beer.
• The Bluebird Café
• Open from 5:00 p.m. to 1 a.m. daily, this famous establishment located in Green Hills is known as the place where aspiring country music stars get their start and is also featured on the TV series Nashville. You better make a reservation though or you’ll be waiting in a long line outside the front door.
