Nashville Guide
A collection of our favorite food, music and activities in Nashville. We've also included some itinerary ideas to help you make the most out of your trip to Music City!
Dining Music + Nightlife ActivitiesA collection of our favorite food, music and activities in Nashville. We've also included some itinerary ideas to help you make the most out of your trip to Music City!
Dining Music + Nightlife ActivitiesBoth of our Nashville properties were selected for their excellent locations and easy walking to food and activities.
We’ve grouped some of our favorites by Nashville neighborhood for easy searching. Hillsboro Village is a prime hotspot for foodies and is a short block away from Good as Gold Rowhouse. And, for downtown food, there’s no better place to stay than Letterpress Loft.
We hope you enjoy our insider’s guide and let us know if you think we’ve missed a spot!
223 4th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37219
Casual burger and fries spot that’s slightly off the main tourist path so it’s a great one for a good meal.
162 4th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219
If you’re craving fresh, delicious Mexican-inspired cuisine, look no further than Chile Burrito, conveniently located inside the Letterpress Loft building. The menu is seriously addictive, offering everything from hearty breakfast burritos to flavorful fish tacos and fresh, vibrant salads. Whether you’re in the mood for comfort food or something light and refreshing, there’s something for everyone.
555 Church St, Nashville, TN 37219
Favorite casual breakfast spot within walking distance. Excellent bakery and you can get an egg sandwich on a biscuit that’s amazing.
Corner of Fifth and Broadway – Nashville, TN
This spot has everything. Museums and bars in the basement, high end restaurants, rooftop concerts and the most high-end “food court” you can imagine. A must do. Walkable if staying at our loft and located across from Bridgestone Arena. A favorite spot is listening to live music at the North Assembly food hall with a view of the Ryman. Tons of great food and drink choices. Head upstairs to the Assembly Hall and there are endless choices. If you’re looking for Nashville hot chicken, try “Prince’s” upstairs and avoid the crowds of Hattie B’s at street level.
5036 Broadway Suite C-213, Nashville, TN 37203
If you haven’t tried a cronut before, you have to do a pit stop at Five Daughters. It’s a 100 layer croissant/donut combo that takes 3 days to make. You might think vanilla is just plain and boring until, of course, you try their Vanilla Cream cronut. Chocolate sea salt is another favorite. Or do a bit of savory and sweet by trying a breakfast sandwich as well. There’s multiple locations. If staying at Letterpress Loft, walk over to the second floor of Fifth and Broadway. If your group is at Good as Gold Rowhouse, visit the cute neighborhood of Twelve South.
171 3rd Ave N, Nashville, TN 37201
An Instagram worthy ice cream sundae! Mason jar, huge portions and Blue Bell ice cream. You can’t get more southern than that.
401 Church Street, Suite 100, Nashville TN 37219
They’ve got this whipped ricotta and honey appetizer that one really can’t stop eating. And it’s literally across the street from Letterpress Loft. So, you can’t get much closer than that.
1001 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203
If you like historic buildings, make a reservation and visit the former train station in Nashville that’s now a luxury hotel. You can park for free with valet for 2 hours and have a meal inside. If it’s open take a peek as well into the Frist Museum next door. It’s a former Art Deco era U.S. post office that’s now an art museum.
113 2nd Ave N, Nashville, TN 37201
To feel like a local, head up the stairs immediately to the right of the entrance. You’ll find a bar upstairs with all the food/amenities of downstairs but with the added benefit of live music. They don’t take reservations but if you’re a small party you should be ok for getting a seat! While you’re on 2nd Avenue and if you have time, check out the unique Taco Bell down the street.
2001 Belcourt Ave, Nashville, TN 37212
Must visit brunch spot. Stroll on over from Good as Gold Rowhouse in and order a “bonut” appetizer (biscuit/donut combo) to kick your visit off right!
1705 21st Ave S, Nashville, TN 37212
Bright, happy décor and healthy salads and veggie bowls. Great lunch spot if you want a break from the carb loading cuisine of the South. Walk here from Good as Gold Rowhouse.
1705 21st Ave S, Nashville, TN 37212
Excellent burgers of all kinds, drinks and fries. Bison, chicken, veggie and more.
1819 21st Ave S, Nashville, TN 37212
Popular ice cream spot on many tourist lists with all kinds of unique flavors.
1796 21st Ave S, Nashville, TN 37212
Classic Nashville breakfast spot. Expect lines. But, when they make their own cinnamon sugar syrup, what else can you expect? Walking distance from Good as Gold Rowhouse.
37 Rutledge St, Nashville, TN 37210
Southern fine dining in a restored historic Victorian. Locally sourced ingredients and a changing menu, it’s a favorite for special occasions. Make reservations.
3106 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203
Classic Italian food. It’s a chain restaurant but it’s great for big groups as they have family style serving options, generous sizes and all the extra portions you could ever want.
719 8th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
If you can handle the heat, Nashville hot chicken is a local specialty that you need to try. There’s a few choices in Nashville. Party Fowl is a personal favorite.
903 Gleaves St, Nashville, TN 37203
BBQ is a must do in Nashville and this is a favorite spot in Nashville’s Gulch neighborhood. You must try the Memphis style dry rub ribs. They’re smoked to perfection.
2506 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204
For big groups and special occasions, this is our favorite restaurant. It’s located at in Nashville’s 12 South neighborhood which only a few minutes from both our Nashville rentals. It’s a steak and seafood restaurant with lots of seating options indoors and outdoors for groups to enjoy and feel like they have a bit of privacy. With a larger group, consider ordering the family style steak and side options to try a wide variety of excellent options.
Nashville, also known as the “Music City,” boasts an exceptional music and nightlife scene that attracts visitors from all over the world. Renowned for its rich musical heritage, Nashville offers a diverse range of genres, from country and bluegrass to rock and pop. Countless live music venues line the streets, where talented musicians showcase their skills every night. From iconic honky-tonks on Broadway to intimate bars and clubs in various neighborhoods, there is always a place to enjoy fantastic live performances. In addition to its music, Nashville’s nightlife scene is vibrant, with trendy bars, rooftop lounges, and speakeasies offering unique cocktails and a lively atmosphere. Whether you’re a music enthusiast or simply looking for a memorable night out, Nashville has an abundance of excellent music and nightlife choices that are sure to leave you entertained.
9 Music Square S., Nashville TN 37203
If you like old-school dive bars that are off the beaten path with great music and beer selections, then Bobby’s Idle Tavern is your place. Bobby’s has been a staple in Music Row for decades. It has a rich history as a favorite watering hole for musicians recording sessions at the studios of Music Row. Check out a open mic night or songwriter night.
156 Printers Alley, Nashville, TN 37219
Blueprint Underground Cocktail Bar is the newest addition to Printer’s Alley and is an upscale cocktail spot with a cool, art deco theme. If staying at Letterpress Loft, you can take the elevator to the basement and walk right out onto Printer’s Alley. Blueprint is immediately to the right when exiting our building.
618 4th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37210
For a more low-key night where you hear some great acoustic singers, buy a ticket to the Listening Room. They have acoustic performances where 3-4 songwriters take turns showcasing their songs and telling stories about what inspired the lyrics and experience. The food is just ok. But, the musical talent and overall experience is excellent. You can also go just for drinks and spend the minimum per person required for your show plus the cost of the ticket.
329 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203
Lower Broadway and it’s high energy honky tonky’s are world famous for a reason. Most tourists searching for music and nightlife arrive at Broadway and never have a need to search out other places. Live music is blasted out of every window and floor of amazing bars and restaurants. Recent additions are bars owned by Garth Brooks, Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean, Lainey Wilson, Miranda Lambert, Jon Bon Jovi, Luke Bryan and more.
If you’re staying at Letterpress Loft, you are only a short block away and can stroll on over whenever you want
1200 Villa Pl Suite 103, Nashville, TN 37212
Located in an old renovated boiler room and with signature drinks and cocktails, Old Glory is an electic cocktail lounge. This is off the beaten path, but it’s a unique spot. There’s actually no sign. But, you’ll find it behind Barcelona Wine Bar with a yellow triangle around the door.
200 4th Avenue North Top Floor, Nashville, TN 37219
For a quieter evening and you’re staying at Letterpress Loft, check out the rooftop bar across the street inside Hotel Noelle. It has excellent city views and a relaxed atmosphere. There’s also a former speakeasy called “Hidden Bar” in the basement. Ask the front desk for directions.
809 Gleaves Street, Nashville, TN 37203
If Jazz is more your scene and you’ve had your fill of the tourist crowds, then check out Rudy’s Jazz room. It’s a dark, moody type of vibe with excellent live jazz performances. They do have a full Cajun & Creole menu. It’s about a 5-10 minute drive from downtown Nashville.
101 20th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37203
Ultimate lounge spot for a girls trip! Think pink, Dolly Parton and lots of bling. Book ahead. Rooftop bar and pool at top of Graduate Hotel.
Nashville has something for everyone. Start with live music on Broadway, visit the Country Music Hall of Fame, and take a Studio B Tour. Don’t miss the Grand Ole Opry. Shop at Green Hills Mall or explore boutiques in 12 South. Tour Belle Meade Plantation or Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage. Experience intimate live music at the Listening Room. Explore parks like Centennial Park and Percy Warner Park. Take a day trip to Franklin for a charming Southern experience. Don’t forget to visit Tennessee’s waterfalls and swimming holes.
5025 Harding Pike, Nashville, TN 37205
If you enjoy history or historic house tours, then check out the Belle Meade Plantation (about 10 minutes away) or tour President Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage home (about 30 minutes away). The Tennessee State Museum and the Capitol buildings are great too. And free!
1140 Columbia Ave, Franklin, TN 37064
Only about 30 minutes south, Franklin, Tennessee is a sweet, Southern town with high end boutiques and restaurants. There’s a downtown courthouse, central town square and cute church steeples and old Southern buildings. If we have friends or family visiting, even if they’re not history fans, we have them do a Civil War tour of the Carter House. They always return with rave reviews. You can see some peaceful rolling hills, huge estates and, if you want to keep going, head to Arrington Vineyards or Lieper’s Fork. Insider tip — avoid going on Sunday’s. About half the small boutiques and shops will be closed.
222 Rep. John Lewis Way S, Nashville, TN 37203
This can take a full day depending upon your level of interest and is located in downtown Nashville. You’ll need to decide ahead of time if you’d like to add on the Studio B tour. The studio is only accessible via a combo ticket and was a recording studio for Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley and many others. They’ll bus you over there from the main museum.
119 3rd Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201
This is a dinner and magic show venue in downtown Nashville. There is a dress code required include suit jackets for men. This is located in the basement of the Johnny Cash Museum and is walkable from Letterpress Loft. Reservations are needed.
A confusing tidbit for tourists – The Grand Ole Opry is in two locations —
116 5th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219
If you’re visiting in the winter, the Opry will be in the original downtown Ryman Auditorium. Originally built in 1892 as the Union Gospel Tabernacle, it is often referred to as the “Mother Church of Country Music.” Be careful though when booking tickets. Some seats have full obstructed views.
600 Opry Mills Dr, Nashville, TN 37214
For the majority of the year, Grand Ole Opry House is now the primary spot for the Opry performances. It’s bigger, newer and is about 20-30 minutes away at the Opry Mills shopping area. You could easily spend the afternoon there as the same parking lot holds an outlet mall, large stores like Bass Pro, restaurants such as Paula Deen’s and the enormous Opryland Hotel.
2126 Abbott Martin Rd, Nashville, TN 37215
This a large, high end mall with all major stores. If you’re there, then definitely try and get reserve a lunch or brunch at the Restoration Hardware cafe. It’s the centerpiece in the middle of the four story Restoration Hardware store and is beautiful.
3820 Charlotte Ave., #119, Nashville, TN 37209
There are sooo many organized tours in Nashville that it’s hard to recommend one. Celebrity house tours, food tours, pub crawl tours, distillery tours, ghost tours. Walking, biking, Segway, bus and even tractor tours. The list really does just go on and on. A classic one with a consistently high reviews is Rollin’ Jamboree
302 11th Avenue S. Nashville, TN 37203
Nashville (like Good as Gold Rowhouse) is full of amazing, huge, hand–drawn murals. One of the most famous is the “WhatLiftsYou” Wings mural. You’ll often see a line of tourists waiting for their turn for a photo. You can get some great shots and have an enjoyable day exploring the city if you pick some favorites and do a drive.
50 Vaughn Rd, Nashville, TN 37221
If you want to enjoy a bit of outdoors in the midst of the city, you’ve got some great choices. If staying at Good as Gold Rowhouse, the easiest is to head out your door and walk through the beautiful Belmont or Vanderbilt campuses. Centennial Park is a 5-minute drive away and has an impressive Parthenon building, a beautiful lake and there are often events and festivals there. A personal favorite is Percy Warner Park. It’s a 20-minute drive and has some beautiful, historic stone steps (any Nashville TV show fans might recognize them!) and miles of hilly trails among the trees. You also get to drive by the impressively large mansions of Belle Meade neighborhood on the way.
223 Rep. John Lewis Way N, Nashville, TN 37219
If you’re staying at Letterpress Loft this is walkable. It’s more of an adult show. Think Cirque De Soleil and moonshiners with a cocktail bar thrown in. A bit campy, slightly risqué and entertaining.
2200 Osage Lp, Franklin, TN 37064
If this is a girl’s trip or you’re looking for rest and relaxation, then definitely consider a spa day at Southall. It’s located 30 minutes south in Franklin, Tennessee and is excellent. You have to call the spa directly to reserve a day pass or book a treatment. This can definitely be an entire day. Bring walking shoes to explore the grounds, dine at their onsite restaurant and, in general, relax and enjoy.
390 Cummins Falls Ln, Cookeville, TN 38501
If you’re here for a longer stay and need to get away from the big city, then you should find yourself a Tennessee waterfall or swimming hole. They’re something amazing to behold. A personal favorite is Cummins Falls which is about an hour drive away. But, you’d want to have water shoes and a swimsuit for that one. Make sure to stop in Cookeville, Tennessee for lunch and a tour of the town square if you do end up venturing out. Plan to make a whole day of it.