So, it's been a few (okay more than a few) days since I've stopped in around here. Hope all (five) of you are having a great summer! Patrick and I just got back from vacation last week, and I've been playing catch up ever since. One of the things I'd been putting off was responding to a friend who'd emailed me asking for recommendations about traveling in Nashville. She's going to be here for a whole week in July, and wanted to know what fun things she and her family could get into. So, this morning, I sat down to write a response... and what it turned into was something I should probably be writing for Forbes, but instead—decided to post here! Perhaps this will convince some of you to come visit the Gibsons in Nashville... or better yet... move here!
So, without further ado...
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO NASHVILLE (the email version)
- BurgerUp (an upscale burger joint with lamb burgers, quinoa burgers, bison, beef etc.)- they have a great atmosphere and books under the hostess table for kids to read during dinner. I'd go between 5-7 to be seated right away. After 7 there's usually a wait.
- Rosepepper - Mexican Cantina - some of the food is awesome (ie, the chimichangas) plus, there's a really great hack you can do during happy hour - 2 chimichangas and 2 of the city's BEST margaritas for just $20. Not bad.
- Bread and Co. - This is a place that you order up at the counter and can take stuff to go if you want. There's one right across the street from Nashville's largest public park, Centennial Park, and you could do a picnic.
- Edly's - a BBQ joint (there are 2 locations) - really delicious and kid friendly.
- Wild Cow - a vegan/vegetarian place in East Nashville people rave about alot. I must admit I haven't been there.
- Smiling Elephant - THE BEST THAI in Nashville. Hands down. Order the cashew chicken.
- Marche - for BRUNCH... any day. Beautiful and delicious.
- Jeni's - for ice cream. It's right across the street from Rosepepper
- Silly Goose - a great restaurant that's kid friendly and the Chef recently won a People's Choice award for Food & Wine Mag. Just next to Jeni's and across the street from Rosepepper.
- Barista Parlor - hipster coffee mecca. Delicious homemade biscuits. Great boutique-style pour-over coffee... don't ask for cream unless you ordered a latte. I did that once and it was bad. (Go here for the scene)
- Frothy Monkey - there's one on 12 S and there's one in Franklin (and there's great shopping in Franklin... see below) - (Go here for the food and vibe)
- Crema - Really great views of the city... and in my opinion, the best coffee in town. (Go here for the views and coffee)
- OMG- a little off the beaten path, but worth a visit because the stuff here is pretty interesting and fun. Housewares, vintage clothes, lots of irreverent goodness. Tell the owners Kate and Ashley that Claire Gibson sent you.
- The Flea Market - this is only the third weekend of every month. You can check dates here, but it's a fun time. Bring cash or checks if you're thinking of going home with anything. It can get REALLY hot. take a water bottle!
- Shoppes on Fatherland and the Shoppes on Woodland. These are both really close to each other and are full of some really cool "incubator" shops. Since they are so small, the rent is affordable for new entrepreneurs to try their hand at a business. I'd go to brunch at Marche, then walk up to the shops.
- Downtown Franklin - a little out of the way (about 30 minutes from Nashville) but this has a very cute, southern feel to it. There's lots of different shops and some great restaurants down there.
- Parnassus - Book shop with lots of local authors and character. Usually have story time etc. for the kiddos!
- The Frist - there's a cool exhibit going on right now about Art Deco Cars. It's there til September!
- Johnny Cash Museum - just opened. Haven't been. Sounds cool though.
- Pedestrian Bridge - it's worth it to walk across and take in the city skyline! Super fun.
- Nashville Zoo - Could be fun if it's not too hot!
- Nashville Public Library - honestly I think it's underrated.
- Hike Percy Warner Park
- Walk the Greenway (with me and Patrick!)
- Grassy Knoll Movies
- Nashville Farmers Market - Find a buy peaches from the folks at the Peach Truck!
- Canoe the Harpeth
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Family Wash (also a great restaurant, this is your best bet on kid friendly, I think)
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Third Man Records - Jack White's label, worth a visit
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Grimey's and Grimeys II - record shops with lots of character
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Ryman Auditorium is the home of the original Grand Ole Opry. Could be cool if ya'll got tickets to a show!