Sophisticated Rose Template
The template screams “fancy”. Dark colors with pops of gold and pink. Perfect for bachelorette parties or birthday parties.
This template screams “fancy”. Dark colors with pops of gold and pink. Perfect for bachelorette parties or birthday parties. Click the image below to purchase. My Etsy story is new, so if you do decide to buy, please leave a nice review! Thanks! And don’t forget, my itinerary templates are fully editable and customizable. You can also try before you buy using the link in the description of the product.
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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
Red Bicycle Coffee
You can’t go wrong with anything at this cute coffee shop: choose from breakfast sandwiches and tacos, lunch sandwiches and burgers, crepes of all flavors, and of course all the espresso drinks you can imagine.
At Red Bicycle you can dine inside in their spacious, airy, and modern yet cozy space or on the front or back patio. Or, you can skip the line and order to-go! Their menu is extensive and includes breakfast sandwiches and tacos, lunch sandwiches and burgers, crepes of all flavors, and of course all the espresso drinks you can imagine. If you go for lunch or dinner, you can also order wine or beer!
Breakfast Burrito: Eggs, hash browns, and your choice of meat and cheese. Side of salsa. Front porch at The Nations locations.
“The Avo”: avocado, fried egg, and Brie on your choice of bagel or biscuit.
website
hours & locations
The Nations
712 51st Avenue N
Nashville, TN 37209
Monday – Friday: 6:30am – 6:00pm
Saturday & Sunday: 7:00am – 4:00pm
Woodbine
2190 Nolensville Pike
Nashville TN 37211
Every Day: 7am-7pm
Otto's Bar
Creative and classic cocktails, beer and wine, and snacks like nachos and chips & guac is what Otto’s is made of. Enjoy the outdoor patio and happy hour from 4-6 on weekdays.
One of the things I love about Nashville is that you are always discovering places that have been right under your nose the whole time! Otto’s is an adorable cocktail bar just down from M.L. Rose in the Nations that opened in October, 2020. I’ve driven by here countless times since then, but never noticed this hidden gem so close by. Otto’s is camouflaged between businesses and at a quick-glance, looks like an auto shop. That’s because, well, it used to be one. They have parking in the front and rear, a cozy-cool decorated indoor space, and a semi-covered outdoor patio with plenty of heaters to keep you warm during colder weather. Not to mention dainty string lights to set the mood.
Creative cocktails, classic drinks, tacos and more.
Partially covered outdoor patio with heaters.
The menu is full of creative cocktails as well as classics, and options for beer and wine lovers, too. They have several food options: think things like tacos, chips and queso, and nachos. Happy hour is from 4-6, with drink specials galore. I will definitely have to check out brunch from 11-3 on Sundays.
The “Painkiller”: Ron Hacienda Santa Ana Cask Strength Rum, Pineapple Juice, Crème de Coconut, Nutmeg, and Cherry.
$5 Chips & Queso
website
hours
Wednesday-Saturday: 4pm-10pm
Sunday Brunch: 11am-3pm
Happy Hour: 4pm-6pm
address
4210 Charlotte Pike Nashville, Tennessee 37209
Urban Grub
Urban Grub in 12 South is a classic, tried-and-true favorite of ours. Great for a romantic dinner or a fun brunch with the girls.
Urban Grub in 12 South is a classic, tried-and-true favorite of ours. Great for a romantic dinner or a fun brunch with the girls. No matter when you decide to go, be sure to make reservations. For dinner, definitely start with a charcuterie board and a cocktail. The Filet Mignon, Stone Oven Mac & Cheese, and the Shrimp & Grits are some of my favorite dinner items. For brunch, go with the sweet and savory Chicken & Waffles or one of the many Benedict options. Brunch is served on Saturday and Sunday from 11-3.
Chicken & Waffles… our favorite item on the brunch menu.
Romantic dinners always end with dessert. This is the Mocha Ice Cream with a side of seasonal syrup.
website
hours
Tuesday–Friday
4pm–10pm
Saturday & Sunday
11am–10pm
(Brunch til 3pm)
address
2506 12th Ave S. Nashville, TN 37204
Nashville Jam Company
Known for their biscuits and jam and their “Bronut”: a fried biscuit stuffed with cheesecake and topped with a blueberry filling.
Nashville Jam Company is known for their biscuits and jam and their “Bronut”: a fried biscuit stuffed with cheesecake and topped with a blueberry filling. The place has a country feel to it; it’s simple, quaint, and has an outdoor area that feels like a porch.
Breakfast tacos: 3 tacos with bacon or sausage, egg, cheddar, and pico de gallo.
website
hours
Mon - Fri, 8am - 2pm
Saturday, 8am - 2pm
Sunday, 8am - 3pm
location
2806 Columbine Place Nashville, TN 37204
Big Machine Distillery & Tavern
This place is so CUTE! I love their brunch (Saturday & Sunday 10am-4pm) and their adorable outdoor patio.
This place is so CUTE! I love their brunch (Saturday & Sunday 10am-4pm) and their adorable outdoor patio. They are located in Berry Hill, which has a handful of quaint bars and restaurants, all within walking distance.
website
hours
MON: 11AM-8PM TRIVIA
TUE: 11AM-9PM SINGO!
WED: 11AM-8PM WRITER’S ROUND
THURS: 11AM-10PM TRIVIA
FRI: 11AM-10PM LIVE MUSIC
SAT BRUNCH: 10AM-4PM - DINNER: 5PM-10PM LIVE MUSIC
SUN BRUNCH: 10AM-4PM
location
2824 Bransford Ave, Nashville, TN 37204
L27 Rooftop Lounge
Beautiful pool, gorgeous view of the city, and their signature cocktails, which change with the season, are always delicious.
This may be my favorite rooftop lounge in Nashville, and it might be everyone else’s too, because it’s always busy. I highly encourage making reservations (through Resy). This rooftop is 27 floors up atop the Westin Hotel downtown. They have indoor and outdoor seating and a great view of their beautiful pool and of course a gorgeous view of the city skyline. Their signature cocktails change with the season and are always delicious. They also serve small plates and entrees if you’re hungry.
The “MELLA CANNELLA” Cocktail: Prosecco, Green Apple Puree, Cinnamon Simple
Five Points Pizza
Many people argue that this is the best pizza in Nashville.
There is a debate between Nashvillians about who has the best pizza. Many say it’s Five Points. You’ll just have to try it to decide for yourself! They have two locations: one in East Nashville and one in West Nashville. You can order an entire pie or get it by the slice! As of right now, their dining rooms are closed, and they are doing take-out only. Visit their website for latest updates.
website
hours
Every day: 11 A.M. TO 10 P.M.
location
West:
4100 CHARLOTTE AVENUE
NASHVILLE, TN 37209
East:
Yee Haw Brewing
Order a beer and grab some hot chicken in the large beer garden, or sit inside and watch the game.
Yee Haw Brewing has a huge indoor space and large outdoor beer garden with games, TVs, food trucks, shops, and merchandise. Order a beer and grab some hot chicken at Prince’s Food Truck, or buy a jar of moonshine or some bottled beers to take back home.
website
hours
Open every day from 11am-11pm except Tuesdays. Tuesday hours are 11am-7pm.
location
423 6th Ave S, Nashville , TN
Pancake Pantry
You have to try the legendary Pancake Pantry when you visit Nashville.
This place is legendary! Everyone in Nashville knows about Pancake Pantry and the infamous long line that you have to wait in to get in. Luckily the line moves fast, and if you’re lucky, there might not be a line at all! My sister and I went on a Friday at noon and were sat right away. Oh, and they recently opened for dinner on the weekend, so you can get your pancake fix at night, too!
There are over two dozen pancake flavors; my sister got the Banana Bread Pancakes and I got the Small Appetite Plate (1 egg, 4 silver dollar pancakes, and your choice of bacon or sausage). I also asked for a side of blueberry compote, and they were more than happy to give me some! This place has a country feel, similar to cracker barrel, and they serve regular coffee and no alcohol. It was a simple, wholesome, delicious experience!
The Pub
Go with a Guinness and some wings or order some red wine and the salmon… there’s no wrong way to do it!
The Pub makes me feel like I’m in England; they have traditional pub fare, British decor, and it’s humongous but somehow cozy. I love the dim lighting and great service. Sometimes they have live music, too! Go with a Guinness and some wings or order some red wine and the salmon… there’s no wrong way to do it!
Website
Hours
Mon-Thu: 11am-10pm
Fri-Sun: 10am-10pm
Happy Hour: M-F 3pm-7pm
Location
400 11th Avenue South Nashville, TN 37203
Headquarters
Headquarters is the epitome of quaint… the space is only nine feet wide! It’s small, yet cozy, and they have a cute back patio where you can sit and enjoy your food and drink.
Headquarters is located between Sylvan Park and The Nations, right on Charlotte Pike. It is the epitome of quaint… the space is only nine feet wide! Even though it’s small, its rustic decor make it great for pictures. As of right now, they are letting you sit on their adorable back patio. Their food menu is small, but delicious! They have bagels, quiche, pastries, breakfast sandwiches and more. And the coffee was terrific! I can’t wait to go back.
Iced Oat Milk Latte on the back patio
Quiche of the day and an Everything Bagel with cream cheese
The Lodge at the Pool Club (Rooftop Bar)
What doesn’t this place have? A pool, cabanas, a gorgeous view, brunch, food, fun cocktails… it has EVERY.THING.
The The Lodge at the Pool Club is a new spot on the rooftop of the Virgin Hotels on Music Row in Midtown. Go in, take a left and keeeeeeep walking, (like, it’s kind of a long walk haha), until you’ve turned the corner and find the elevator with a sign that says “this way to the Pool Club”. Do not take the elevators you first see when you walk in. Those will not take you to the rooftop. OK, now for the deets on this place. What doesn’t it have? A pool, cabanas, a gorgeous view, brunch, food, fun cocktails… it has EVERY.THING. During the holidays, the inside is so warm and cozy and beautifully decorated! You can also rent a heated cabana, ($500) for you and 8 of your friends.
Now for the menu: choose from parmesan truffle fries, a burger, truffle mac & cheese, among many other delicious things. OMG! My mouth is watering just thinking about it. Right now their winter cocktails are so fun: Get a “Snow Bunny” which is Absolut Vanilla Vodka, Hot Cocoa, Nutella, Peppermint, & Toasted Marshmellows, or go with something lighter like the “Breckinridge Babe”: Aviation Gin, Raspberry, Rosemary, Lemon, & Bubbles. Reservations are not required, but I highly recommend, especially at peak times like weekends.
The “Breckenridge Babe” Cocktail
Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup
“Midtown Greens” Salad: spring mix, goat cheese, caramelized walnuts, strawberries, w/ balsamic vinaigrette
Ladybird Taco
Located in the bustling neighborhood of 12 South, Ladybird Taco is a wonderful place to go for some breakfast tacos, which are only $3.50 each.
Located in the bustling neighborhood of 12 South, Ladybird Taco is a wonderful place to go for some breakfast tacos, which are only $3.50 each. Choose from chorizo or bacon (paired with eggs and cheese of course), or go vegetarian/vegan with avocado and potato tacos. For lunch pick from house made brisket, salsa verde chicken, carnitas, or the cauliflower taco. Order it to-go online, or order at the counter to dine-in. If the weather’s nice, snag a table on their adorabl outdoor patio.
The #4 Breakfast Taco: Chorizo, egg, and cheese (I subbed corn tortillas). Paired with an Iced Coffee with Almond Milk.
The #1 Breakfast Taco: Bacon, egg, and cheese taco on a flour tortilla.
bartaco
It seems like there are always people gathered around outside waiting for a table at Bar Taco; while I like visiting more small, local businesses, I can’t deny that this place is fun!
bartaco, with locations in a dozen states, is one of the most popular restaurants in the 12 South neighborhood of Nashville. It seems like there are always people gathered around outside waiting for a table. They do not take reservations, but you can call ahead or use their app to put your name on the waiting list. May I suggest grabbing a beer to-go at The Filling Station while you wait? I like their Baja fish tacos, brown rice, and margaritas (or their Paloma cocktail is really good, too). I also like that they have gluten free options, like the ahi tuna bibb lettuce tacos, pictured below. On nice weather days, they have a great outdoor patio, and even on cold weather days, it’s still available with heaters.
The “tuna tatako”: ahi tuna and asian slaw on bibb lettuce with a side of brown rice paired with a margarita.
website
Hours
Sun-Thurs: 11am - 10pm
Fri & Sat: 11am - 11pm
address
2526 12th Avenue South, Nashville, TN
Prince's Hot Chicken Shack
Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack in downtown has 8 levels of heat to choose from and is right beside Yee Haw Brewing, so you can wash it all down with a cold beer.
Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack is better than Hattie’s B’s. No… Hattie' B’s is better than Prince’s! This is the fight Nashvillians always have, and I don’t think it will ever be resolved. You can try both and decide for yourself! Below are the Chicken Tenders with a side of fries from Prince’s.
Prince’s has two locations in Nashville, one in Downtown Nashville and one in South Nashville. I always go to the one Downtown, which is their food truck which is parked right next to Yee Haw Brewing Company. What’s better than a beer and some fried chicken? When the weather’s nice, they have a huge courtyard where you can sit and enjoy your meal.
You have 8 flavors to choose from at Prince’s:
Plain
Light Mild
Mild
Medium
Hot
XHOT
XXHOT
XXXHOT
I got the medium, but we also tried the XXHOT just for fun, hehe. I love hot stuff, and the XXHOT was definitely hot but it wasn’t unbearable. I wouldn’t ever want to get it again, though.
Medium flavored chicken tenders with fries
XXHOT flavored tender (they let us have just one tender, to try it)
Website
Hours &
Locations
Downtown Nashville
423 6th Ave. S. Nashville, TN 37203
Tuesday - Sunday
11am–6pm
Monday - Closed
South Nashville
5814 Nolensville Pike Nashville, TN 37211
Mon - Saturday
11am–10pm
Sunday - Closed
Hattie B's Hot Chicken
One of the most famous hot chicken restaurants in Nashville.
I’m from Asheville, NC and the big debate there is Eastern Barbecue or Western Barbecue? Well, the debate in Nashville is… who has the best hot chicken? Hattie B’s or Prince’s? It’s a tough call, so you’ll just have to try both.
Pictured below are the Dirty Bird Fries (topped with Mac & Cheese, chicken bites, pickles, and comeback sauce) and the Hot Chicken Sandwich from Hattie B’s. There are 3 Hattie B locations in Nashville. The one in Midtown is the original, but there’s usually a long line. We chose the one in Melrose, and there was no wait. Order from the counter, they’ll give you a number, and then bring out the food to you. They serve beer, soft drinks, and floats, too.
They’ll ask you to choose the heat level you want for your chicken. You have six options:
SOUTHERN (NO HEAT)
MILD (TOUCH OF HEAT)
MEDIUM (WARMING UP)
HOT! (FEEL THE HEAT)
DAMN HOT!! (FIRE STARTER)
SHUT THE CLUCK UP!!! (BURN NOTICE)
I got the medium, and it was the perfect amount of heat for me, and I like spicy stuff, so keep that in mind.
Website
Hours &
Locations
MON-THU: 11AM - 9PM
FRI-SAT: 11AM - 11PM
SUN 11AM - 4PM
Midtown (original)
MON-THURS: 11AM - 10PM
FRI & SAT: 11AM - 11PM
SUN: 11AM - 4PM
West Nashville
Hours: same as Midtown’s