Hotels & Places to Stay
With so many different neighborhoods and vibes, it can be difficult to choose where to stay when you visit Nashville. Do not fear! I’ve helped you narrow your search
With so many different neighborhoods and vibes, it can be difficult to choose where to stay when you visit Nashville. Do not fear! I’ve helped you narrow your search below. I highly recommend staying in one of the neighborhoods below.
downtown
The obvious option is downtown! Downtown is a wonderful location to stay if you’ve never been to Nashville and want to do the tourist activities like see the Honky Tonks (bars with live music, pictured above) on Broadway. Lots of hotel, food, and shopping options. Keep in mind, hotels downtown are going to be more expensive than other neighborhoods.
View from Acme Feed & Seed Rooftop on Broadway.
midtown
Central to all the neighborhoods (about a 5-minute Uber to anywhere you want to go) and it has its own mini Honky-Tonk strip with bars, music, and restaurants that you can walk to. It’s also a little cheaper than getting a hotel downtown and there are a ton of hotels to choose from.
My favorite cocktail bar of all time, The Patterson House, is located in Midtown.
the gulch
A fancy, modern neighborhood with trendy rooftop bars, hip restaurants, and picture-perfect opportunities. It’s only a mile from downtown so you could walk, scooter (there are scooters to purchase all over the place), or Uber to the Honky Tonks.
L.A. Jackson: The popular rooftop bar atop the Thompson Hotel in The Gulch.
the opryland resort
If you don’t mind staying a bit farther from downtown (20-minute drive), or maybe you’ve already seen the Honky Tonks (been there, done that) then try The Opryland Resort. It’s humongous, and there’s so much to do, you don’t even have to leave the hotel if you don’t want to.
Walking around the enormous Opryland Hotel.
The Opryland Resort is pretty expensive, so it’s ideal for special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries. Click here for the hotel’s website. And click here for my weekend itinerary at the Opryland Resort.
east nashville
East Nashville is its own separate, local neighborhood. It’s about a ten minute drive from downtown, so AirBnb’s are more reasonably priced here. There are some amazing hidden gems in this neighborhood; there are many fun bars and restaurants where you’ll find locals spending their time. If you want to stay in a real Nashville neighborhood while being a short drive away from all of the downtown action, East Nashville is a wonderful option. My husband and I recently stayed in an AirBnb in East Nashville and did a “staycation” and it was so fun! I’m linking the AirBnb we stayed in below. Tons of room and walking distance to popular spots in East!
*Note: some areas in East Nashville are safer than others. I recommend staying near the Five Points neighborhood, and reading Airbnb reviews before you commit.
One of the most popular restaurants in East Nashville, “Lockeland Table”.
East Nashville Air Bnb (the one we stayed in). P.S. I talked to the owner of the property and told him I loved his place. He said there’s no way to put in a promo code for y’all on the AirBnB website, but if you message him directly on Instagram with the code WINEDINE before OR after purchase, he will personally take 10% off for you.
Another Air Bnb Option in East (walkable to a lot of cool spots in East!)
Historic Place to Eat
Loveless Cafe is famous in Nashville; it’s been serving up old fashioned southern cookin’ for 65 years!
Loveless Cafe is famous in Nashville; it’s been serving up old fashioned southern cookin’ for 65 years! It all began with Lon and Annie Loveless, who served biscuits and fried chicken to wary travelers on Highway 100 out of their home. When word traveled about their delicious meals, they became so popular that they turned their house into a restaurant and built a motel to accommodate their guests. And the rest is history.
A local’s tip: At peak times and days expect to chill on the front porch for a while. The best non-peak times to visit are a non-holiday, Wednesday or Thursday between 8:00 am – 9:00 am or 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm. Also keep in mind that because it’s located on Highway 100, it’s a little bit of a drive but totally worth it!
Eggs, bacon, and grits
Biscuits with homemade preserves
You’ll feel like you’re back in time at Loveless Cafe.
Frozen Drinks
I love Nashville, but woah, can summer be brutal! Luckily, there are boozy frozen drinks to get us through. In this post, I list my favorite spots to grab a freezing cold cocktail.
I love Nashville, but woah, can summer be brutal! Luckily, there are boozy frozen drinks to get us through. Below, I’m listing my favorite spots to grab a freezing cold cocktail.
L.A. Jackson
The Gulch
The frozé here might be the most beautiful thing I’ve ever tasted. It’s made with still rosé, strawberry, and lime for $13. It’s expensive because it comes with a rooftop view and a rooftop breeze! If you’re hungry, the double cheeseburger will rock your world.
Jacqueline at The Optimist
East Germantown
The Optimist’s outdoor bar, Jacqueline, has several frozen drinks to choose from, my favorite being the Frozen Hurricane. I like it because it’s strong, the perfect texture, and of course it’s freezing cold! The cocktails are only $8-$9, and you can get a beer for only $5. If you’re hungry, get some ceviche to share or order the Lobster Roll Slider (SO GOOD, and it comes with fries) for a substantial meal. You can grab drinks before your reservation at The Optimist (amazing seafood) or just eat and drink outside from their limited menu if you didn’t make reservations.
The Frozen Hurricane (left) and the “Sunny Sloth” (right).
The best lobster roll slider in the city in my opinion!
Rosemary & Beauty Queen
East Nashville
If you’re up for a little adventure, make the short 10-minute drive from downtown to East Nashville to check out Rosemary & Beauty Queen. It’s a bar in a house! They have two frozen drinks to choose from: the Strawberry Daiquiri or the Pimm’s Cup. You can get a mini for $7 or a regular for $14. Check out the back patio where you can sit on swings! They also have food like chips & queso, crunchwraps, and nachos. And they have shot specials, too! How fun.
You’ll be wondering if you’re at the right spot because there’s no obvious sign!
I ordered the Strawberry Daiquiri and it hit the spot!
Sixty Vines
Downtown
Sixty Vines has two frozen cocktails options: the Frozé (pictured below), made with rosé and strawberries, and the Blackberry Bramble made with vodka, blackberry liqueur, lemon, and simple syrup. These pair perfectly with their weekend brunch (Sat. & Sun., 10am-3pm) menu! Reservations are recommended for drinking and/or eating.
Von Elrod’s
Germantown
If you’re with a big group, or your dog, head to Von Elrod’s spacious beer garden for a huge beer or choose from their two frozen drinks: a Frozen Paloma or a “Cold Fashioned”. Order a soft pretzel or check out their delicious brunch (10am-2pm), which is now served on Friday as well! They don’t take reservations, but you can call ahead 30 minutes prior to your arrive to get on the wait list (615-866-1620) during peak days (like the weekend). For larger parties of over 25 guests, contact their events team at events@vonelrods.com.
There you have it! My favorite places to grab a frozen drink in Nashville. Check them out, and let me know what you think!
Dog Friendly Spots
My favorite dog-friendly spots in Nashville.
Moved here with your pup? Or are you the type of person who brings your dog with you on vacation? Either way, I’ve got you covered! Here are my favorite dog-friendly spots in Nashville.
Von Elrod’s
Germantown
This place is massive. They have two gigantic patios with plenty of room for your furry friend. And their food and beer options are superb; order a huge stein and a soft pretzel, or if you go during brunch get a Big Ass Mimosa and the Malted Blueberry Pancakes.
Pins Mechanical
The Gulch
Giant beer pong, an outdoor bar and fire pit, and a food truck all make Pins Mechanical a fun place to bring your dog. And they will definitely meet a furry friend or two while you’re there. This is a popular dog-friendly bar and arcade!
6th & Peabody
Downtown
A huge outdoor courtyard with corn hole, fire pits, and picnic tables will make you and your dog happy. This place offers a variety of food and drinks from different vendors and food trucks. The famous Prince’s Hot Chicken food truck is located here!
The Optimist
East Germantown
For a more formal option, head to the new seafood restaurant, The Optimist. You’ll need to make reservations and request the patio so you can bring your pup! The food is fantastic… you will enjoy every bite, and their cocktails are amazing, too. Speaking of cocktails, be sure to grab a drink at their attached outdoor bar, Jacqueline, before your reservations.
Photo from nashvilleguru.com
Martin’s BBQ
Downtown or Midtown
The best barbecue in Nashville, in my opinion, is served at Martin’s. They have a few locations in Nashville and dogs are welcome on all of their patios, but the one downtown has a huge beer garden for you and your dog to spread out. The one in Midtown also has a bigger patio, so I would pick one of these two locations.
Centennial Dog Park
Midtown
If you’re in need of a dog park, my favorite is Centennial Dog Park in midtown. You can’t bring food here but we like to bring some coffee (from Starbucks or Three Brothers) as we watch our dog, Howie, play with the other dogs there. They also have a water station for the dogs when they get thirsty! It’s .9 miles away from Martin’s BBQ in midtown, so you could go there before or after eating! You can let your dog run unleashed in the dog park, and then leash him/her and walk around Centennial Park. Be sure to check out the giant replica of the Parthenon in the park. A great spot to grab a photo with your pup!
Howie loves Centennial Dog Park!
Bottomless Mimosa Spots
Here are the best places to drink mimosas indefinitely.
Want to drink mimosas to the extent that by the end of brunch you’re going to want to text your ex? I’ve got you covered! Here are the best places to drink mimosas indefinitely.
Chef and I
The Gulch
$21
Brunch at Chef & I is Friday - Sunday from 10:30am to 3pm. Get the “Bottomless Mimosa” prepared with Louis Perdrier Brut and fresh orange juice for $21 or the Brunch Mimosa Bucket (shown below) where you can make your own mimosas with Bisol Jeio Prosecco and cranberry, pineapple and orange juices for $30. This place is fancy… watch the chefs in action and enjoy each decadent bite. Reservations highly recommended.
City Winery
Pie Town
$25
Brunch at City Winery is on Saturday and Sunday from 10:30am-3:00pm. They serve bottomless mimosas, rosé, AND bloody Mary’s, oh my! All for $25. Reservations encouraged.
Photo from citywinery.com
Big Machine Distillery & Tavern
Berry Hill
$18
If you want to get off the beaten path, away from the crazy, touristy parts of town, then head to Big Machine for brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00am-4:00pm. Choose from the Brunch Cocktails (a variety of mimosas or their Bloody Mary) for $18. To eat, get the waffles, biscuits and gravy, or the cheeseburger. Enjoy the patio and live music! No reservations needed, and their patio is dog-friendly!
Sinema
Melrose
$18
“Fine Dining” at its best. Go for their “Bottomless Brunch” on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00am-2:00pm. They serve all you can eat for $29.50 per person. They also have a bottomless Bloody Mary Bar for only $15. Reservations encouraged.
Photo from sinemanashville.com
Stateside
Downtown
$30
Brunch at Stateside at the Dream Hotel is Friday-Sunday, 10:00am-3:00pm. They offer bottomless mimosas, Bloody Mary’s, and frosé for $30. Or, you can do all three for $35. Reservations encouraged.
Earnest Bar & Hideaway
Wedgewood-Houston
$28
Earnest Bar & Hideaway serves brunch on Saturday and Sunday, 10:00am-3:00pm, with Bottomless Mimosas for $28. Pancakes, Avocado Toast, and Hot Chicken and Mac are all items that can be found on the brunch menu. Reservations encouraged.
Photo from instagram.com
Burgers
Oh, man, does Nashville have some good burger joints.
Oh, man, does Nashville have some good burger joints. Below, I’ve listed my favorites.
Bad Luck Burger Club
Yes, you’ll find the best burger in Nashville in a food truck called The Bad Luck Burger Club. The food truck’s location changes each week; sometimes they’ll be at a Farmer’s Market, sometimes they’ll be at a brewery, and other times they’ll be at a fun Nashville event, like the Night Light Outdoor Movie Series. Wherever they are this week, I highly suggest you find them, get there early to beat the inevitable line, and enjoy the best burger you will ever taste! It’s two smashed patties, American cheese, grilled onions, pickles, and their secret sauce. If you’re lucky, they might have an additional “special” burger on the menu… like the Pimento-OH GEEZ or the Heckin’ Jalapeño.
Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint
Second up, we have Jack Brown’s. There are two locations in Nashville: one in Edgehill and one in Germantown. Their burgers don’t come with lettuce and tomato, so you can go with a regular cheeseburger like I do or one of their specialties like the Cobra Kai, a burger topped with cream cheese, pickled jalapeños, and jalapeño jelly or the Greg Brady, a burger topped with house-made Mac ‘n Cheese, American-Cheddar blend, and Martin’s BBQ chips. Every burger is juicy and cooked to perfection. Make sure to try a local craft beer and order a fried Oreo for dessert.
L.A. Jackson Burger
Next up we have the L.A. Jackson burger from L.A. Jackson, the gorgeous rooftop bar located at the top of the Thompson Hotel in The Gulch neighborhood. This burger is double stacked and comes with American cheese, shire onions, tomatoes, pickles, aioli, and fries. I ordered mine with just cheese cause I wasn’t in the mood for toppings this day. You can also sub a Beyond Burger for $2 if you’re vegan/vegetarian! Wash it all down with the “Frozé”, made with still rosé, strawberry, and lime.
M.L. Rose Craft Beer & Burgers
When in doubt, head to M.L. Rose! It never fails. They have three locations: Sylvan Park, Capitol View, and Melrose. We like the Sylvan Park location because of its big patio but the one in Capitol View is close to shopping, downtown, and also has a patio of its own! I always go with the AN.M.L. Style Burger: two smashed patties, American cheese, grilled onions, lettuce, tomato, pickle, and awesome sauce. I get it without the bun. Why? I’m not sure. The burger is just so good, I feel like I don’t even need the bun. “The Belgian” is another favorite of mine: two smashed patties, smoked gouda, crispy onions, chopped bacon, lettuce, and garlic peppercorn aioli. Make sure to order a “Local Flight”: five miniature local draft beer tastings! Oh, and check out their brunch, too. It’s fabulous!
The MockingBurger from The Mockingbird
I think I’m obsessed with double smashed patties. Here’s another double cheeseburger that is perfect. It comes with American cheese, charred onion, fancy sauce, and fries. You can sub an Impossible Patty, add bacon, OR add a fried egg. Wow. To drink, get the “Punchin’ Bag Cocktail”: the daily punch spiked with your choice of vodka, gin, bourbon, or tequila… served in a bag! Mockingbird is one of my favorite places to go for dinner or weekend brunch. Plus, it’s located in The Gulch (near downtown) next to more food and shopping.
Some other burgers I haven’t tried yet, but I’ve heard great things:
The cheeseburger at Saint Stephen (Germantown)
Joyland (East Nashville)
The Tennessee Burger from Burger Republic (The Gulch)
The Pharmacy Burger Parlor & Beer Garden (East Nashville)
Gabby’s Burger & Fries (We-Ho)
Hugh Baby’s BBQ & Burger Shop (West, East, & Berry Hill)
Patios
When the weather is nice, you can find me on a patio in Nashville. Here are some of my favorites!
When the weather is nice, you can find me on a patio in Nashville. Below, I’ve listed a few of my favorites.
#1
The Optimist’s outdoor patio bar, “Jacqueline”, is at the top of my list. They specialize in boozy frozen cocktails and shaved iced, and have beer and wine options too. The patio is massive, and there’s tons of seating options. As of right now, they are open 4-9pm, Thurs-Sun. Grab some oysters or a lobster roll slider if you’re hungry. No reservation needed.
#2
6th & Peabody downtown has a huge patio with fire pits, Prince’s Hot Chicken food truck, and Yee Haw Beer. This place is always a fun time!
#3
The Hopyard at Fat Bottom Brewing is a hidden gem. You’ll find locals playing corn hole, enjoying happy hour, and soaking up the sun.
Cocktails
My absolute favorite cocktails in all of Nashville.
These are my absolute favorite cocktails in all of Nashville.
#1
“The Painkiller” at Otto’s Bar in West Nashville. Ron Hacienda Santa Ana Cask Strength Rum, Pineapple Juice, Crème de Coconut, Nutmeg, and Cherry. The most expensive cocktail on the menu for good reason. Tastes like you’re on vacation, makes you feel goooood. No reservations needed.
#2
The Frozen “Hurricane” at The Optimist’s outdoor bar, Jacqueline, in East Germantown. Goes down easy but hits you hard, just like I like it. No reservations needed.
#3
The Firm & Honest at Patterson House. Vodka, Grapefruit, Terra Firma, Vanilla, Egg White, and Angostura. These bartenders are artists, y’all. This cocktail is my favorite, but you can’t go wrong with any of them! Oh, and side note, don’t forget to order the Loaded Tots. Reservations recommended.
Salads
I wonder if anyone will read this blog post seeing it’s about SALAD. Hear me out. Some salads are nasty, but if you find a place who knows how to do them, it can be the thing you choose over the nachos and burgers.
I wonder if anyone will read this blog post seeing it’s about SALAD. Hear me out. Some salads are nasty, but if you find a place who knows how to do them, it can be the thing you choose over the nachos and burgers. This is what happens with the salads below. They are so good, I order them over all of the normal “good” stuff.
Fried Goat Cheese Salad The Mac Shack Pop-up
fried goat cheese / red onion / cherry tomato / strawberries / candied pecans / poppyseed vinaigrette.
This place serves Mac ‘n Cheese, cheese fries, sliders, and cookies, and I go with the salad!? Crazy, right? Well, not really. It’s that good. The sweet and savory combination here is absolute perfection. I’d still go with a bite of someone’s Mac ‘n Cheese though ;). Oh, yeah, and I still eat a cookie afterwards, hehe.
Arugula & Avocado from North Italia
shaved fennel / lemon / grana padano / evoo
If you’re feeling healthy, add some grilled chicken or salmon to this salad. If you want something more substantial, get it with the Meatball Sub. Yum!
The Strawberry Gorgonzola Salad from The Stillery
candied pecans / mixed greens / crispy wonton / white balsamic vinaigrette
I love the sweetness of the strawberries and pecans and the crunch of the crispy wontons.
The Kale Caesar Salad at Emery Wood Fired
Garlic Oil Bread Crumbs / Parmesan Crisp
I saved the best for last. If you hate kale and you hate salads, this one will change your mind! It’s humongous, big enough to share between two people. We thought, “no way we’ll be able to eat all this”… um, we did and then we licked the bowl. So dang good!
What are your favorite salads in the city? I would love to try more and add to this list!
Spa in the U.S. (or maybe the world): The Grove Park Inn
The husband did a good job with the birthday present this year. He surprised me with a staycation at the Grove Park Inn, one of my favorite places in Asheville. First we checked into our mountain view room, and then we spent hours swimming in the pools, lounging in the hot tubs, and relaxing in the sauna at the spa.
The husband did a good job with the birthday present this year. He surprised me with a staycation at the Grove Park Inn, one of my favorite places in Asheville! First we checked into our mountain view room, and then we spent hours swimming in the pools, lounging in the hot tubs, and relaxing in the sauna at the spa.
Tyler and I go the Grove Park Inn Spa about once a year for special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries. It is the best spa I have ever been to, and they have us hooked. If you want to treat someone to an incredible birthday/anniversary/etc, this is THE spot.
View from our room
A few things to know about the Spa at the Grove Park Inn:
Spa treatments and Day Passes are available for overnight guests only (they used to be available for non-resort guests but not anymore. Visit their website for the latest policy on Day Passes).
A limited number of Spa Day Passes will be available for resort guests only by reservation 60 days in advance (while passes last).
Reserve by calling 1-800-438-5800. Due to the limited capacity, Spa Day Passes may not be available to purchase the day of, and availability cannot be guaranteed without prior reservation.
A Spa Day Pass grants access to Spa Pools and all amenities on day of reservation only. Cancellations must be received at least 24 hours prior to Day Pass reservation date to avoid full charge.
Resort guests can buy a “treatment” aka massage/facial/pedi ect., and this guarantees you access to the spa all day as well. Treatments range from $120 to $540.
Spa treatments are exclusively available to overnight resort guests at this time. Check the website for any updates.
There is a women’s area, men’s area, and a shared middle area (for all genders).
The spa has a café open for lunch. Waiters also serve at the large outdoor hot tub starting at 11am. Cocktails, wine, and beer are available.
The spa also has a gym if you want to get a workout in :).
Hanging out in one of the indoor mineral based pools
We ate breakfast at the Spa Café and then went out of the spa to the Great Hall Bar in the main lobby of the hotel for lunch. We had planned to go to one of the fancier restaurants for dinner but were so relaxed after the spa that we just ordered room service!
The Great Hall Bar (outside of the spa in the Main Lobby) has small bites and appetizers
You can order drinks and food while soaking in the oversized outdoor hot tub
Sunset view at the oversized outdoor hot tub
Website
https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/asheville-grove-park/spa
Hours
8:00am-6:00/7:00pm, daily
Address
290 MACON AVENUE
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA 28804
"Secret" Bars
The Best Hidden Bars in Nashville.
Old Glory
Edgehill
There is no sign, but go through the door with the large yellow triangle on it! Hint: It’s located in the same alleyway as Bella Napoli Pizza.
ADDRESS
1200 Villa Place, Suite 103
Nashville, Tennessee 37212
HOURS
Open Every Day!
Sunday – Thursday
5pm – 12am
Friday – Saturday
5pm – 1am
The Patterson House
Midtown
Amazing cocktails and food located at the corner of 18th and Division. Go up the stairs and enter through the door. There’s only a very small sign on the door that says “Patterson House” to let you know you’re in the right place. Once inside, they’ll take you through the curtain to the coziest bar you’ve ever seen! Reservations recommended.
ADDRESS
1711 Division St. Nashville, TN 37203
HOURS
Monday - Sunday 4pm - 1am
Sunday Brunch 11am - 3pm
Happy Hour: Sunday - Thursday 4pm - 6pm
Pictured above are the Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts.
Hidden Bar at Noelle Hotel
Downtown
Good luck finding this hidden bar underneath Noelle Hotel. Hint: take the elevator in Noelle to the lower level, walk through the door that says “storage”, and KEEP WALKING.
ADDRESS
200 4th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219
HOURS
Thursday thru Saturday
6 pm-Midnight
Attaboy
East Nashville
Attaboy in East Nashville is one of my favorite secret bars! When you arrive you will be wondering if your Uber driver has taken you to some deserted part of town and is going to kill you, but do not worry! You’re in the right place. There is a “sign” that says “Attaboy” painted beside the door, so that is helpful. The door will be locked, though, and you’ll have to knock and wait to be let in. Seating is first come, first served, so there might be a wait. And there is no menu. You tell your waiter what kind of drinks you like, and they whip you something up!
ADDRESS
8 McFerrin Ave
Nashville, TN 37206
HOURS
Every day, 5pm-3am
Red phone booth
Downtown
I personally have never been here, but I hear it’s cool! You need to have a membership or know a member or friend to get the password/phone number. Once you acquire the number, dial it into a restored London antique red phone booth to gain entry. If you’re staying at hotel, ask the front desk if they have the password! I’ve told you all the information I’m allowed to. It’s that secret.
ADDRESS
136 Rosa L Parks Blvd, Nashville, TN 37203
HOURS
Sunday: 5pm-9pm
Mon-Thurs: 4pm-11pm
Friday: 4pm-1am
Saturday: 5pm-1am
Pizza
My favorite places to go for a slice in Nashville.
Mafiaoza’s
12 South
Enjoy a 1920’s New York Style pizza and an Aperol Spritz in one of the coolest, laid-back neighborhoods in town.
Five Points Pizza
West & East Nashville
Grab a New York-style pizza and a craft beer from the locals’ favorite joint.
Emmy Squared
Green Hills & The Gulch
Enjoy a Detroit-style deep dish pizza with a thick, chewy yet crunchy crust in a chic setting. Photo from instagram.com
Bella Napoli
Edgehill
Enjoy pizza made with ingredients imported straight from Italy. Pair it with a glass of red wine or an Aperol Spritzer. Get cocktails at Old Glory, a secret bar (look for the door with the big yellow triangle on it) next door, before or after dinner.
Joey’s House of Pizza
Elm Hill Pike
Authentic New York pizza made by a family with Brooklyn and Italian roots. Joey’s is only open during the week for lunch (11am-3pm). Get there as early as you can, and expect a line; this place is popular! Picture by @wickedtasty