Thankfully, we have some wonderful friends that shared their favorite spots in Nashville before we visited. They did not steer us wrong! I highly recommend asking around before going to a new city. Our trip would not have been near as memorable without their help.
Here are our picks when traveling to Nashville. I hope they help if you ever find yourself there!
Ryman Auditorium
The "Mother Church of Country Music". This was the first home to the Grand 'Ol Opry. We geeked out over the Johnny Cash exhibit and the fact that they allow you to get up on the same stage where he once played! It didn't hurt that we watched John Mellencamp's crew set up his gear for that night's show!
The 5 Spot
I talked about The 5 Spot in my previous Nashville post, but it is just a great dive bar/venue experience. It's not intimidating at all and the bands were great!
The Pharmacy
Fun, hipster restaurant in East Nashville. Gourmet burger, milkshakes, and a beer garden. They make their own sausages for goodness sakes!
Barista Parlor
Coolest coffee shop I've ever been to. It was once a car garage, so it still has vintage motor cycles and the garage doors as part of the decor. We actually went here two mornings in a row we loved the vibe (and coffee...and sausage biscuit) so much!
Crema
Another awesome coffee shop closer to downtown Nashville. I had a pear rosemary scone with my coffee that I wouldn't mind eating every day for breakfast. We went here on a rainy morning and it was so cozy I didn't want to leave.
Hatch Show Print
Famous print shop where concert and event posters have been made for years and years. They still use a letter press to make their posters! They have such a neat, vintage vibe. They are each like pieces of art. They just moved their operations into the Country Music Hall of Fame. We bought quite a few to hang on our walls.
Third Man Records
Jack White's (of The White Stripes, The Raconteurs, etc.) record company. The have a record store, and they record and press their own vinyl next door. The store is quite the experience even though it's small. I highly recommend going!
Jack's Bar-B-Que
Iconic BBQ place right across from the Ryman. We went there right after our Ryman tour and just soaked up the atmosphere of Broadway Street. Oh, and the bar-b-que was delicious!
The Parthenon
Nashville has been called "The Athens of the South," so it's only fitting that they built a scale version of The Parthenon for their centennial celebration, right? It's smack dab in the middle of a beautiful park. The inside has the history of The Parthenon, an art gallery, and a HUGE statue of Athena.
The Hip Zipper
Best vintage store I've ever been to. A lot of times I'm intimidated by vintage stores and to even try anything on, but the girl working here couldn't have been more welcoming and helpful. She even gave us a huge list of of other vintage stores and her favorite restaurants in the area. Jake and I both walked away with some great finds!
Gruhn Guitars
a HUGE guitar shop just outside of downtown. Jake was in heaven. Mandolins, banjos, and lots of other things I'm sure he could tell you about. They even let you try out any instrument you would like. When else will you get to play a $5,000 guitar?
Opryland Hotel
This hotel has its own zip code it's so big. We didn't actually stay there (although I would love to someday), but we did pay to park and walked around for a few hours. There is basically a small city inside the hotel, complete with tropical trees, rivers, cobblestone walkways, gazebos...you get the picture. It's huge, and definitely worth seeing.
Twenty One Pilots
We went to see them while in Nashville. This is not a "Nashville" pick per say, but they are just a really good band that you should check out! :) They are amazing live, too!!
Now go forth, and have a great time in Nashville!
