Where to Stay, Eat and Shop in Nashville, TN

Stay

Hotelette:  A luxury vacation rental in East Nashville designed by the talented, Allison Crawford.  The properties pillows, art, chairs, etc. are all shoppable as well on the Hotelette website.  Super insta-worthy, trendy spot to stay in an up & coming neighborhood.

Eat

Rolf & Daughters:  Make sure you have a reservation at Rolf & Daughters before heading to Nashville.  This new american restaurant features innovative cocktails and contemporary, southern dining with amazing small plates.  Chef, Philip Krajeck, has been nominated for four James Beard awards since opening in 2012.

Hattie B’s Hot Chicken:  Is it really a trip to Nashville without fried chicken?  We opted to try Hattie B’s after reading several online reviews.  There’s almost always a line, but it is well worth the wait.  The spice comes from the seasoning on the chicken, and you can order a variety of levels of heat from Southern to Shut the Cluck Up!!!  For sides, we ordered pimento mac & cheese, creamy cole slaw and southern [collard] greens.

House of Cards:  For a fancier dinner experience complete with a magic show, visit House of Cards.  You will be greeted and seated with a ‘no photo’ policy, and tour of the historical space just below the Johnny Cash museum.  Guest can order from a selection of high-end steaks, seafood and extensive wine + cocktail list.  After your meal, you will be given a time card for the magic show.  Meet inside the theater for an enchanting experience.

Frothy Monkey Coffee Shop:  This coffeeshop is tucked between two of Nashville’s larger universities, Belmont and Vanderbilt.  They attract a crowd from college students to young professionals, and serve specialty drinks.  Sit outside on the patio on a nice Spring or Fall day.

The Henley:  The perfect brunch spot is located right inside the Kimpton Aertson Hotel, and just in front of the condo building where Taylor Swift bought her first property.  The Henley offers an award-winning menu of shareable plates.

Five Daughters Bakery:  This donut outpost has several locations across Nashville, including one within walking distance of Hotelette.  You’ll find everything from Paleo donuts to seasonal options on the menu.

Barista Parlour:  A new venture by Dan Aurebach of the Black Keys led to the creation of several trendy Nashville coffeeshops, dedicated to supporting local Nashville artists and makers.  They are known for offering a vast menu of coffee roasters including, Stumptown, Intelligentsia, Four Barrel, Handsome, Verve and others.  The building’s new age, industrial design makes it the perfect millennial hangout.

Play

Attaboy:  New York City’s popular bar, Attaboy, opened in East Nashville in November of 2018.  There’s no menu, and guests simply order by explaining their ideal flavor profile to the bartender.   Knock on the door and wait to be seated for the ultimate cocktail bar experience.

Broadway: If you want more clarity around Nashville’s title of Music City, visit Broadway street on any given evening.  The street lined with bars, many now owned by famous country music stars, hosts live shows regularly.  You will find local musicians trying to make their big break, as well as established artists already signed to a major label.  The bars might seem divey, but they are prime for a good-time.

12 South:  Perhaps Nashville’s trendiest shopping district.  Here you will find plenty of boutique shops, including Reese Witherspoon’s first store: Draper James and popular Austin recreation shop: Outdoor Voices.  Along with shopping, the street features dining options, a flower cart and plenty of Insta-worthy murals.