NASHVILLE | Are you looking for a great place to spend a weekend with friends, or a perhaps a city to have a bachelor/bachelorette party? Whatever the reason for a fun weekend getaway, look no further than Nashville, Tennessee.
Nashville is the capital of Tennessee and one of the fastest growing cities for international tourists, and after spending a few days in town, it’s easy to understand why. With unparalleled live music, a food scene that’s on par with its much larger neighbours, and a vibrant night life, “Music City, USA”, as it’s referred to by many, really does offer something for everyone.
The weather is Nashville is mild in the winter, but is known for being hot and humid in the summer so plan accordingly. We visited during the winter and found the weather to be perfect. Below are suggestions on what to eat, drink, and do for your weekend trip to Nashville.
Eat
Jack’s BBQ
Jack’s BBQ on Broadway is the epitome of tasty barbeque with no frills. Come here for the food, which has been served since 1989 when Jack Cawthon opened shop. Smoked brisket with coleslaw, macaroni and cheese, baked beans, and cornbread? 4 house BBQ sauces are available to complement your selections Yes, please. Order from the tempting array of options at the counter, collect your food, then find somewhere to perch. There is additional seating upstairs if the main floor is busy.
Jack’s BBQ
416 Broadway
Nashville
Tennessee 37203
HUSK Nashville
HUSK Nashville serves up classic southern-style food with a fancy flair. James Beard award winning chef Sean Brock says, “if it doesn’t come from the South, it’s not coming through the door.” We admire the philosophy underpinning HUSK including heirloom husbandry, on-site pickling and homemade charcuterie. Located in a converted mansion on Rutledge Hill away from the bustle of historic Broadway, diners get a sense of Southern hospitality dining in converted rooms. We recommends the Ember “Grilled” Pimento Cheese Sandwich and the HUSK Fried Chicken.
HUSK Nashville
37 Rutledge Street
Nashville
Tennessee 37210
Pinewood Social
Pinewood Social is a place where you transition from coffee to cocktails. The space is inviting and certainly a great place to meet a group for brunch, cocktails, or dinner. Pinewood Social offers bowling and bocce ball and a see and been scene outdoor patio and pool.
Pinewood Social
33 Peabody Street
Nashville
Tennessee 37210
Adele’s
Adele’s is named for James Beard winning chef Jonathan Waxman’s late mother. The open kitchen sets the stage for an accessible, inviting atmosphere. So accessible is the open-kitchen that you will find yourself occasionally distracted by bursts of flames from the grills. The restaurant is open for dinner daily and now offers a Sunday brunch. We loved the seasonal fare and were completely enamored with the thinly sliced cauliflower salad. Keep your eye out for celebs – Nashville’s sweetheart, Taylor Swift has been spotted in the private dining area.
Adele’s
1210 McGavock Street
Nashville
Tennessee 37203
Peg Leg Porker
A trip to Nashville would not be complete without a meal at Peg Leg Porker, which is located in the Gulch. Pitmaster Carey Bringle is well regarded in the competitive barbecuing scene, and has over 25 years of barbecue experience behind him. Carey lost his leg while undergoing cancer treatment, and that challenge left him with a renewed zest for life and a name for his restaurant which is now regarded one of the best BBQ spots in the US.
Peg Leg Porker
903 Gleaves Street
Nashville
Tennessee 37203
Biscuit Love
The cronut is so 2013. This year’s hybrid concoction is the “bonut” from Biscuit Love – a southern biscuit crossed with a donut. Bonuts come with two spreads: a lemon mascarpone and a blueberry compote. There is always a queue so consider calling in your order and picking up an order to go if you don’t have time to wait.
Biscuit Love
316 11th Ave S
Nashville
Tennessee 37203
Drink
Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge
Tootsie’s World Famous Orchid Lounge (their words not ours) is a Nashville institution and honky-tonk operating since 1960. Check out Tootsie’s Wall of Fame to see the many now-famous artists who got their start here over the years.
Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge
422 Broadway
Nashville
Tennessee 37203
Robert’s Western World
We wanted to track down Robert’s Western World after seeing Aziz Ansari travel here on Master of None. This place is a must-visit on Broadway. In addition to the rotating nightly live acts, there offer a decent selection of beers ranging from local craft to national mainstream brews.
Robert’s Western World
416B Broadway
Nashville
Tennessee 37203
Smith & Lentz Brewing Company
Smith & Lentz Brewing Company in East Nashville offers a dynamic and constantly changing beer offering in their tap room. Smith & Lentz operates a small 5 barrel system which means they yield about 10 kegs from every batch. This small batch setup allows them very creative with styles and ingredients. Smith & Lentz’s 22 taps are usually pouring something different. What remains constant is the “core four” which you should always find on tap at the taproom; a German style Pilsner, Vienna style lager, el Cuarto IPA, and a Mosaic IPA. Co-founder Adler Lentz feel in love with beer after trying a home brewed IPA at family friend’s house as an 18 year old. Since that head over heels moment, Adler has worked with brewers all over the country while commissioning new breweries on behalf of the equipment manufacturer. Adler has channeled that passion for beer into this exciting new spot in East Nashville. If you are looking for something to take with, go for a “crowler”, which a contraption at the end of the bar seals in your very own can.
Smith & Lentz Brewing Company
903 Main Street
Nashville
Tennessee 37206
Corsair Brewstillery Taproom & Tasting Room
Corsair Brewstillery Taproom & Tasting Room in located in the forming car making facility of Marathon Motorworks, now known as Marathon Village. Oddly named because it is both a brewery and a distillery. It is Kentucky-based Corsair’s first Nashville location (they have since opened another distillery), and here you can sample beer and experimental whiskey. Here they focus on “high gravity” beer – bold, flavorful and powerful beers.
Corsair Brewstillery Taproom & Tasting Room
1200 Clinton Street #110
Nashville
Tennessee 37203
Acme Feed & Seed
A bar crawl you can do in one building? Look no further than Acme Feed & Seed. Each floor features a different vibe. The first floor is a modern take on the Nashville honky tonk serving southern and featuring 28 beers on tap, while the second floor is lounge space with both Asian food and upscale gastropub offerings. The rooftop bar is the perfect spot to enjoy a creative cocktail overlooking the Nashville skyline.
Acme Feed & Seed
101 Broadway
Nashville
Tennessee 37203
Flying Saucer Draught Emporium
Flying Saucer Draught Emporium is named for the saucers that appear on the wall for “beerknurds” that join their UFO club and have tried over 200 beers. Progress is tracked no matter which Flying Saucer you are in. Flying Saucer was Untappd before smart phones. They have locations around the Southeastern part of the US.
Flying Saucer Draught Emporium
111 10th Avenue S #310
Nashville
Tennessee 37203
Do
The Johnny Cash Museum
The Johnny Cash Museum is not to be missed when spending time in Nashville. The museum houses a collection of items and mementos which give patrons a glimpse into the life and music of the legend, Johnny Cash.
The Johnny Cash Museum
119 3rd Avenue S
Nashville
Tennessee 37201
Wildhorse Saloon
Learn to line dance at Wildhorse Saloon This large 66,000 square foot theatre-like venue has 3 floors and multiple bars. When the live music takes a break, the free line dancing lessons take place on the main floor. It’s family friendly, so you can bring the kids along too.
Wildhorse Saloon
120 2nd Ave N
Nashville
Tennessee 37201