If you’re reading this, you’re probably getting ready for your next trip to Nashville, so welcome babe! It’s such a fun city with so many fun things to do. My fiance and I moved here in April of 2021, so I’m definitely no where near a pro but I wanted to round up some of my favorite places + things to do here in hopes that it will help you plan your visit.

Side note — please be careful on what area of town you book an Airbnb or hotel. Nashville has been having some tourist crime in certain areas so please do your research. I would stay away from the north. Hillsboro area is great, anywhere near broadway is great. Honestly, I would just go with a hotel. You may pay a bit extra but you’ll be safe and probably pretty close to everything.

Breakfast/brunch/coffee

Frothy Monkey – A KELSEY CLASSIC! If you came to visit me chances are I’ve taken you here. They have locations all over the city but The Nations location is my favorite and seams to always have the shortest wait. Their GF bread is amazing, bacon is thick + juicy and coffee is fab. They also have a full bar if you’re into mimosas and all that.

Anzie Blue – On of my favorite places! The menu is unique, coffee is good and the location is very cute. They have a cold brew flight, deviled egg flight, cheese plates, etc. but my favorite is the strawberry grilled chicken salad if you’re looking for something more fresh. It’s located in Hillsboro village where you’ll also find Crumbl cookies, Jeni’s ice cream, some other bars/restaurants and a ton of local boutiques.

Well Coffeehouse – Okay I may be biased but I love this place for breakfast! You can order ahead online and pick up or sit and wait for the food, since it’s a coffee shop vibe. They’re coffee is great but the BYO breakfast sandwich is the real MVP. I get an egg + cheese and bacon on a GF sweet potato biscuit. Kinda embarrassed to say how many times a week I order this lol.

Milk & Honey – A place I’ve been dying to go for brunch! The food looks super fresh and overall just a modern restaurant. This is another that gets a little busy but it’s Nashville, everything is busy lol.

Biscuit Love – Never been here because I don’t think they’re very GF-friendly + they almost always have a line. It is a Nashville classic, so if you love biscuits you may wanna check it out!

The Loveless Cafe – Another cafe that’s on my list! Pretty sure this one is more of a dive bar kinda vibe but so many locals have recommended it to me.

Fido – This cafe is another one located in Hillsboro village. The breakfast food is pretty good and the coffee is to die for! The avocado toast looks amazing but I have yet to try it.

E + Rose Wellness – This is a vegan option with DELICIOUS acai bowls. They’re huge and you can add pea protein to them also if you want to make it a meal. Smoothie options are available as well.

Elixir Coffee – This is located at Fifth & Broadway and it is extremely cute! Marble counters, pink accents, a perfect place for a girl’s day and has great coffee.

Lunch/dinner

Sixty Vines – LOVE this place! The vibe and decor is amazing, think Restoration Hardware vibes. They serve amazing cocktails, highly recommend the espresso martini! GF pizza, pasta, and wine on tap. It’s a great place to have a nice dinner and then head down to Broadway for a drink since it’s located on the same street. Highly recommend 3 orders of the bacon-wrapped dates.

Yolan – $$$ This is easily the most delicious and most expensive restaurant I’ve been to here in Nashville. It’s located in a hotel, think fine dining but for millennials, so not stuffy at all! Really comfortable lounge-style seats and dim lights. The food is Italian and they are amazing with allergies! They have GF rolls, pasta, and dessert which makes me seriously so happy. Highly recommend!

Sambuca – $$$ Another more expensive option that would be great for date night. They play live jazz music which is just unmatched. The food was also 10/10! It’s located in the Gulch, so you could shop a little at Kittenish, hit up LA Jackson (see below) for happy hour, and then make your way here for dinner.

Restoration Hardware – If you’ve never been to an RH cafe I highly recommend checking it out. It’s over by Green Hills mall which is about 10 minutes from Hillsboro village. I prefer breakfast here but you have to get the truffle fries! After eating, make your way to the rooftop for a photo or to enjoy your cocktail outside.

Happy Hour

White Limozeen – If you’re looking for an extra girly, pinked-out rooftop to grab some happy hour drinks (I’ve also heard they have great brunch) this is the place! The hotel is also super nice if you’re looking for a place to stay. When looking online, it’s super hard to make a reservation. I asked the front desk and they said that they recommend coming in person to make a reservation obviously if possible. I assume that if you walk in you can find a seat at the bar too depending on your group size

LA Jackson – Love this place for happy hour! It’s located in the Gulch and since it’s on the rooftop, the views are fab. They have limited hours so I would recommend checking before you go. Drinks are delicious and you can grab apps too.

Westin Rooftop – I forgot the name of the restaurant but the rooftop pool and deck is boujee in the best way. Another amazing view of Nashville!

Bars

Kid Rock’s on Broadway – This one is our favorite bar on Broadway. Great music always and great environment. We really love the rooftop!

FGL House on Broadway – If you’re partying on broadway and get hungry for some “not so bar” style food, check out FGL House. The bourbon chicken is AMAZING. It’s extra crispy popcorn chickens covered in bourbon sauce over steamed rice and veggies. The rooftop also has a great view for photos! The rooftop is also great if you have a big party and are looking for somewhere for you all to sit and actually hear each other.

Losers on Division street – I’d say more locals and those in the music industry hang out on division street. If there is a Whiskey Jam when you’re in town, GO! They’re usually so fun and you may see some celebrity artists perform.

Tin Roof – A classic & pretty sure they serve late-night bar food.

Boutiques

Kittenish – Located in the Gultch, Kittenish is owned by Jessie James Decker and it is seriously so cute! Lots of photo ops, cute clothes, and little knick-knacks. I love getting notebooks from there haha!

Molly Green – Here you’ll find lots of cute and trendy options! They have a location at Fifth & Broadway which is where Sixty vines and Elixir coffee is.

Blush Boutique – This is one of my favorite boutiques style-wise, but I really would love to see their sizing adjusted. I can barely fit into a large most times.

Dessert

Crumbl Cookies – UGH! Love this place! Who am I kidding though I love every type of cookie. These ones are the instagramable, fancy, fluffy type of cookies. Highly recommend the chocolate chip if you like sweets.

Tiffs Treats – Another great cookie place in the area that actually delivers! These cookies are more basic, can be made into ice cream sandwiches and are more melt/chewy.

The Baked Bear – This place is fun and a great option to stop at after a night out by Division street. You can make your own ice cream sandwiches, they even have GF and vegan options.

Jeni’s Ice Cream – THE ice cream place of Nashville and I get the hype. If you’re from Pittsburgh, think of it as the Millie’s of Nashville.

Other things to do

Upstage Party Bus – If you have a big group of people, ya gotta do a party bus. Our apartment complex friends + other friends all got one and it was a blast! Make sure you pregame before the bus because it’s most fun to be drunk while on it.

Nashville Toons Boat Rental – If it’s summer, ya gotta rent a boat baby! Nashville Toons make the entire experience super fun!

Treat yourself to a blowout – I’ve been to a few different places here for blowouts and they are all great! The most convenient location is The Dry House in Fifth & Broadway. It would be such a fun girl’s day to grab Elixir coffee, go get blowouts, shop a little, and finish off with brunch at Sixty vines.

Nightlight Outdoor Movies – This isn’t happening all the time but if it is when you’re in town, I highly recommend for a more chill night. They usually have a DJ, bar, and tons of food trucks. Bring blankets or chairs for the movie.

Like I mentioned above, I’ve only moved here April 2021 so I’m still learning my favorite spots. I hope this small list helps you out and have the best time during your next visit to Nash!