4 days in Nashville, TN

Work took us to Nashville but it was fun to have time to explore also! Initially, the city seemed like a cross between Vegas and New Orlean's Bourbon Street wrapped with a heavy dose of country music. But time eventually revealed much more. 

Day 1

Landed at 9:30, bell-checked our bags at the hotel, and took off walking! A good coffee was in order and the best cappuccinos we’ve had in years were savored at Crema Coffee Roasters. It felt like we were amongst locals and we’d good back for one of their coffee education classes.

We were then able to check into our hotel conveniently located downtown at 4th and Church. But promptly left to walk across the river to East Nashville to visit Jerry’s Artarama. Gary’s such a good sport to tag along to art stores when we’re traveling. It’s a treat as I only have online options for quality fine art supplies while at home in Detroit. The staff was super friendly and I now have new watercolor brushes to paint with. We’d heard a lot about East Nashville but had also read that it is being revitalized. We had to search hard for the 'revitalized' but did enjoy a CrustBurger at Joyland. And the hash brown waffle fries did not disappoint! 

A bit more walking past trendy eateries and a few boutiques led us through the charming bungalow neighborhood of Historic Edgefield. Walking back across the river there was no need to look at a map. We just followed the hooting and hollering of the peddle taverns. Yikes! Yet, we caught the spirit, and the gaiety plus the walking led us to a Honky Tonk rooftop bar for a beer. Such great people watching!

11:00 and bustling on Broadway

The night ended brilliantly at Sixty Vines wine restaurant. If you go, you’ll find it on the third floor of the Assembly Food Hall. Samples of wine in glasses of different-sized pours combined with creative small plates made for a lovely evening. We walked 12 miles this day so no line dancing this night as we ... were ... done!

Sixty Vines - would be interested
in one of their other locations in the USA

Day 2

The afternoon allowed for free time and the first stop was the Assembly Food Hall for a Bahn Mi sandwich. The entire sandwich was good but the roll was absolutely divine! This European food hall concept is a wonderful downtown reprieve from the surrounding bar food scene. 

bahn mi - yum!

A short walk to the Frist Art Museum allowed for several hours of top-notch, diverse, and thought-provoking art exhibits. If nothing else you should go into the lobby and admire the architecture. The building was formally the post office and the transition to an art museum was done so well. The art deco architecture is pristine and the bits and pieces of the post office that have been integrated were so smart. If you are traveling with children of any age don’t miss the second floor hands-on area. It was like none other that I’ve ever seen! Such creative activities (no pun!) and it was well-staffed with helpful, encouraging adults.

exhibits about Beatrix Potter and work of Jeffrey Gibson and ornament of the building

Then I was off to go up the street to the public library because I had seen several signs around town pointing to the library. And, well, I adore libraries! Three huge floors, well organized with a variety of spaces for different levels of quiet, activities, and interests. I pursued the stacks of art books (who occupied their own room!), chose a few, and found a beautiful old table to sit at. The quiet time resting my feet was appreciated. Again, if you are traveling with children (a preschool/elementary age) check out the children's space with a cool Nashville-inspired playground in the middle of it.

Dinner was at Makeready L & L. The interior was especially charming. If you go know that it's in the basement of the building (we had to inquire to find it.) The meal was acceptable with room for improvement. I enjoy the challenge of seeking out healthy options in restaurants while traveling. The downtown area of Nashville presents quite the challenge as menus are full of delish but fried Southern favorites. 

Day 3

Out the door early to beat the heat I made a short walk to the capitol complex. I was saving the building for last so I headed to the Bicentennial Park which creates the capitol mall. Tennessee history pages were turned and unveiled at every few steps of this 11-acre park. I especially was surprised by the carillon with the bells in the pillars. There is one for each county and the last one at the capitol building. It answers the carillon as a symbol of the government’s answering the call of the people.

carillon bells are in this pillars

Respite from the sun was found in the farmer’s market shed adjacent to the park. But not to be missed is the impressive amount of granite surrounding much of the park with a timeline of TN history etched in it.

farmer's market bike rack - so cute!

up many steps to get back to the capitol building seemed like it was going to be a daunting climb but was really very manageable. Inside the capitol, I surprisingly immediately saw the governor who popped into a photo shoot with a visiting group. The building was dignified and stately and a well-organized paper tour guide was provided since I wasn’t there in time for a guided tour. Leaving the capitol I was greeted by a small group of protestors. Their opinions were not like mine, but I was wrapped in feelings of wellness that we live in a country where all people can voice their opinions.

outside steps to the capitol, grand steps inside the capitol, and more steps! (in the library)

A bit more meandering found me at d’Andrews bakery for a pick-me-up. The croissant was good and the fresh iced tea was just what I needed. I was able to eat outside and despite being fairly far off the downtown area where so much live music is played I could see a park at the corner with a musician performing his heart out. 

Back to the hotel to get some work done and then one more walk about to cap the day. This time the destination was the Gulch neighborhood. It was smaller than I anticipated but as upscale and trendy as I had read about. Unfortunately at 5 p.m. most of the stores had shuttered for the day and I wasn’t ready yet for an evening meal. It was still a pleasant walk that left me thrilled about the walkability of this city. Another big walking day ended at 7.5 miles!

Day 4

A two mile walk to Centennial Park was interesting to see the life-sized replica of the Parthenon. Now I don't need to go to Greece!? The building was impressive and despite the trails around a little lake, the park was less than pristine. 

"The Parthenon"

I don't regret the trek to the West side as it then allowed me a chance to walk through the quaint campus of Vanderbilt University. The architecture was lovely and the layout of the buildings made it feel cozy and budding with community. 

Vanderbilt campus

I was hoping to see the sanctuary of the Downtown Presbyterian church but it was locked up tight despite it being visiting hours. Noting this for another trip. After putting in some hours of work an afternoon snack was found at the Legendairy Milkshake Bar. The milkshakes were extraordinary looking but I opted for a scoop in a cone. It's just Blue Bell ice cream but all the extras on the shakes are super creative and fun. It would be fun to share a shake with a date.

The bottom line for Nashville -- it’s a friendly, clean city that is extremely walkable. Four days covered the tourist things. I’d come back for concerts and to explore the outlining neighborhoods if I had acess to a car.