12 South
A laid-back, walkable neighborhood with plenty of great eating, drinking, and shopping options. What was once one of Nashville’s rougher neighborhoods is now mostly comprised of younger couples, families, and artists.
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High-end boutique shopping and an eclectic assortment of restaurants.
IDEAL ITINERARY
Start with a coffee from Frothy Monkey and head up and down 12 South, people watching and window shopping. Be sure to grab a drink at one of the many establishments along the way and grab dinner at Urban Grub or Bar Taco.
KEEP IN MIND
Parking lots are nonexistent, but street-side parking in the neighborhood is free.
East Nashville
The city of Austin and the borough of Brooklyn had a baby and named it East Nashville. This eclectic neighborhood is full of alternative shops, lively local eateries and bars, and a young and hip crowd.
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Almost everything thats hip in Nashville originates here.
IDEAL ITINERARY
There are so many great places to eat and drink, a progressive dinner or spending a week here might be the only way to do it all. Make sure to stop into No. 308 for drinks, or head to the Five Points area. For dinner, we suggest Lockeland Table and catching a show at the Family Wash. Head to 3 Crow Bar to close down the night.
KEEP IN MIND
Although mostly gentrified, keep your wits about you on some of the side streets.
The Gulch/Hillsborough Village/Midtown
Sandwiched between the beating, crooning heart of Nashville (Broadway) and the upscale attitude of Green Hills, you’ll find the city’s beloved Midtown and its shiny new cousin known as The Gulch.
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Relaxed and diverse food options in a hip, urban environment
IDEAL ITINERARY
Locally, Midtown is the place to go when the touristic, country music/karaoke beat of Broadway and 2nd Ave has grown tiresome. Posh boutiques, happy hour havens, and great food are actually within walking distance. Go on a walking tour of Midtown’s breweries, including Jackalope, Yazoo, and Tailgate Breweries. After you’re all hopped up, check out The 404 Kitchen for dinner and the bars on Demonbreun to keep the party going.
KEEP IN MIND
Oozing with young professionals, The Gulch is a welcome gentrification of a neighborhood that used to be the home of the city’s old railway yard.
Broadway/Downtown/2nd Ave/Sobro
Get your boots on and head down to the heart of Music City.
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Honky tonks, tourists, and sporting events
IDEAL ITINERARY
Walking down Broadway is a must for any visitor to Nashville. Pop in and out of different honky tonks--which is southern for “dive bars with live music”. Some of our favorites are Robert’s Western World and The Stillery. Aside from the bar and music scene of 2nd Ave, Downtown is full of sporting event options like catching a Predators hockey game or the Tennessee Titans in the fall. This is the most touristy area of town, but it isn’t overdone with too many cheap souvenirs, and still manages to keep its local flair. Whatever you do, resist the urge to call Nashville “Nashvegas”.
KEEP IN MIND
Karaoke is very popular, but unless you sing like a participate on The Voice, leave it to the professionals.
Green Hills
Green Hills is one of the most well established neighborhoods in all of Nashville. The term “old money” gets thrown around a lot, and when you see the magnificent houses and pristine landscapes you’ll understand why.
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Shopping at The Mall at Green Hills might be your best bet for running into Taylor Swift. If you’re looking for more of an up-and-comer, the famed Bluebird Cafe hosts writer’s nights that have helped launch many a country music career.
IDEAL ITINERARY
Start off with a touch of nostalgia at Fox's Donut Den, then head to The Mall at Green Hills for some upscale retail therapy. Don’t waste too much time at the mall though, as you’ll want to savor every moment of French comfort food at Green Hills Grille for lunch. Grab your camera and walk off some of the calories at Radnor Lake--an awe-inspiring walking trail nestled in the hills of Nashville. If nature isn't your thing, get a dose of house envy driving through Green Hills and into the Belle Meade area with its stunning homes and regal landscapes. Finish off the night with a show at Bluebird (if you can get in) and dinner at etc. Nashville, where the cocktails and dishes are sure to delight.
KEEP IN MIND
Traffic is especially maddening getting in and around the mall. Dining options are better on the outskirts of Green Hills, in the Belmont or Berry Hill areas.
West End
Nashville’s West End is an American college town tucked neatly into the city limits. The location of the city’s largest park, a hotbed of local karaoke bars, restaurants, and three universities, help this area maintain a youthful vibrancy. It’s also home to a full-scale replica of The Parthenon.
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Plenty of hotels, late night restaurant options, and crazy college kids
IDEAL ITINERARY
Breakfast at any place other than Pancake Pantry will serve you a big bowl of regret. Get there early and hungry to beat the line. Head over to The Parthenon and check out its exhibits, the 42-foot tall Athena statue, and the surrounding Centennial Park. If you’re into college football, get tickets to a Vandy game ahead of time. If not, check out the shops and boutiques of West End Avenue and the nearby Hillsboro Village. For dinner: The Tin Angel for Mediterranean-esque American bistro fare, or The Catbird Seat. Midnight movies at the Belcourt Theatre are a local favorite as is Springwater Supper Club and Lounge--one of the diviest live music venues in town.
KEEP IN MIND
Shakespeare in the Park runs from August to September and free Movies in the Park on Thursdays in June.
