Visiting Nashville on a whim – what to do during a weekday trip to Music City.
A few weeks back, a dear friend of mine asked if I wanted to accompany her on a trip to Nashville. She snagged one of Graduate Hotels’ “All You Can Stay” passes and invited me to accompany her on a weekday trip to Nashville.
I hadn’t been up to Nashville in quite some time, my first trip there was back in 2014 and Tim and I happened to be there during a February ice storm. I had never seen inches of ice encasing cars as that storm did. We made it out before the ice froze everything over and managed, without hassle, to enjoy our trip. We didn’t see a whole ton of Nashville, we stuck to a few walkable areas, gallivanting from cafés to restaurants to shops, keeping warm and seeing what we could during our first visit to Tennessee.
Visiting Nashville: Where and how to spend your time
This time, I had a few more days to explore. I was working, so I made the most of local cafés where I could post up safely without being crowded in. My friend and I had a running list of restaurants we were excited about and managed to squeeze in quite a few.
My favorite of which, had to be Henrietta Red. Nestled in Germantown, Henrietta Red was an absolute delight. It’s airy and inviting without an ounce of stuffiness. It feels elegant and posh, yet approachable. We snacked on oysters, imbibed with cocktails and effervescent wine, and ordered the most impressive plates of toast I ever laid eyes on. If you’re going and they’ve got it on the menu, the peach toast is a must. The sweet and savory flavors blend together to create a slab of perfection.
Another favorite evening featured The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club, where we lounged in leather armchairs and sipped on exquisite, carefully crafted cocktails. From there, we skipped on over to lou. Dining at lou, where the wine is natural and the plates shareable, felt like posting up in an expertly decorated home with old friends. The space is unique and screams please pull up a seat. The vibe was it and the food was divine.
We also stopped by Barista Parlor (adding the CBD to my latte was a game-changer) and Lyra for happy hour (that happy hour is a STEAL, let me tell you). We popped into Butchertown Hall for yet another happy hour and were, perhaps, overwhelmed with the size of the snacks. Though delicious, they were large, so know that before ordering! And, of course, no visit to Nashville is complete without a nightcap at Patterson House. This cocktail bar is a real gem and a staple (at least, for me!).
For next time
We stayed at the always-fun Graduate Hotel where Dolly reigns supreme. Whether you’re staying there or not, the rooftop is worth a visit. Secure a reservation for the pool, if you can. It comes complete with a dedicated server, towel service, and reserved lounge chairs. It was an idyllic way to start our day, especially after my training run that morning.
I feel as though I have more restaurants on my list now than when we were initially visiting Nashville! Attaboy and The Catbird Seat are at the top. What’s at the top of your Nashville list?
ps. I wrote up a few fun posts for AptAmigo about Nashville! Check out my take on the best rooftop in Nashville, best cafés for work and play, and unique cocktail spots.
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