BEST TIME TO TRAVEL: April – October (though I visited once for NYE and it was super fun!) Nashville has great spots to grab a bite and relax outdoors, so it is best to visit the city when the weather is the nicest. The summers can get hot, though, so I’d recommend going outside of July and August.

WHERE TO STAY: Downtown/Sobro will be centrally located to many places you will want to visit. It is close to the main bars, so you will likely be walking distance from your hotel at the end of the night. If you are looking for an area with more character, with great restaurants and breweries, I would recommend staying in the Gulch.

friday.

If you are flying into Nashville, take a quick pit stop at The Grand Ole Opry on the way to your hotel. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend visiting unless you’re nearby, but it’s a beautiful hotel, and the greenhouse area is worth checking out if you have the time.

Since you probably won’t be in Germantown the rest of the weekend, spend your Friday evening in the area. I’d recommend starting out at Geist for some specialty drinks. Then head nearby to Butchertown Hall. Then, if you are staying downtown, and have a little energy left in you for a nightcap, head to the LA Jackson rooftop. Drinks are on the pricier side, but the view is worth it.

saturday.

Sleep in and start the day in the 12 South neighborhood. If you’re hungry, grab a coffee and super small breakfast (this day is going to be full of eating) at Frothy Monkey.  If you have more of a sweet tooth, Five Daughter’s Bakery is nearby. The Flipside is also a good option if you are in more of a brunch mood (get the Bloody Mary).

Next, spend some time exploring the neighborhood. There are a lot of cute murals and boutiques, including Reese Witherspoon’s store, Draper James. The I Believe in Nashville mural is right by her store too.

After walking around for a while, head next door to Bartaco for some Mexican food. The service, food, and ambience are all GREAT, so I highly recommend trying to fit this place into your visit.

To walk off the tacos, head to the Pedestrian Bridge. It offers great views of the city and is near more touristy museums and activities if they are on your list. Next, I would recommend unwinding at a coffee shop nearby or relaxing at your hotel, because you want plenty of energy to go out later.

By now, you should be ready for some BBQ. In order to go out on Broadway right after dinner, I recommend checking out Martin’s BBQ. They have a REALLY nice open-air space upstairs with live music, so it is the perfect primer for a night full of country. Portions are pretty large, so come hungry.

If really crowded bars and country music aren’t really your thing, opt to go to Demunbreum Street next for your nightlife. Tin Roof is a local favorite there. Otherwise, it’s time to hit Broadway street. Since it can get particularly crowded, I would recommend starting at Honkey Tonk Central. It’s super touristy, but has three floors of live music and balconies that overlook the street. Then, I would walk just a block or two away to FGL House. This bar has an AWESOME outdoor patio on the top floor and different types of music to appease anyone in your group –the bottom floor is typically a traditional country singer, while the top floor has a mix of hip-hop and remixed country. Finally, I would end the night at Tootsies. Again, it’s super touristy, but a CLASSIC Nashville bar. Once you can battle through the crowd on the bottom floor, the rooftop area has really pretty views and good music.

sunday.

Since you are likely exhausted from your night out, it’s time to brunch and just stay in one spot for the rest of your time in Nashville. Nashville has an AMAZING brunch scene, so take advantage of it while you are here. I would recommend checking out Pinewood Social. This spot really has anything you could want. The brunch is amazing, the outdoor space has bocce ball and a pool, and the back area has the most beautiful old bowling alley. Once you are seated, ask to be put on the waitlist for bowling, if you haven’t already made a reservation. Typically when we’ve gone, the wait has been just a bit longer than our brunch.