In years past, when people thought Nashville, they thought country music: honky tonk bars lining broadway. Cowboy boots. Twang.
Nowadays, there’s so much more to the city than that (although, if you want your fill, you can still find this in the downtown area). There’s a unique, friendly vibe to Nashville, on top of the growing hospitality and culinary scene. The city is booming with new residents and new ideas on a daily basis, but somehow manages to remain just as Southern and charming as it’s always been. In fact, while we were in town, Four Seasons made the announcement of its own Nashville property, which is going to be a welcomed addition to the luxury hotel scene.
During our time, we enjoyed a stay at the Hutton Hotel, a partner of ours thanks to Virtuoso, where we can get our travelers extra perks and amenities. I’d stayed a few years prior to the remodel and it had a bit of a corporate vibe, but the new digs feel open and modern, welcoming any traveler from business to leisure. The first floor features a great big open bar connecting the lobby to the property’s one restaurant, West End, which showcased the best avocado toast I’ve ever had (that’s a bold statement since I’m a millennial, I know my avocado toast).
Speaking of eating, the food and drink (and coffee coffee coffee!!) scene in Nashville cannot be overlooked. A few of my favorites, based on which part of town you’re in:
12 South – Epice serves up lovely Lebanese dishes in a trendy atmosphere. Afterwards, pop over to Christie Cookies for the best chocolate chip cookies (secret ingredient? toffee!) – you’ll want to grab a box to last you more than just the night.
East Nashville – Our favorite outing of the trip was our combination of drinks at speakeasy-style Attaboy (no menus, just tell their super skilled bartenders how you’re feeling) before dinner at Butcher and Bee (sit at the chef’s table and YOU MUST order the Whipped Feta). For brunch or lunch, try Stay Golden, which provides a coffee experience without sacrificing great food.
The Gulch – Barista Parlor provides the perfect work environment for coffee aficionados – tons of table space and some of the best brews in town. Once you’re done with your caffeine, LA Jackson (the rooftop bar at the Thompson Hotel) is the perfect spot for a cocktail and epic views of the city.
Franklin – This historic town just 25 minutes outside of Nashville is a total charmer. What once was an abandoned pharmacy is now the best restaurant downtown, Gray’s on Main, and provides an awesome lunch or dinner experience (the wallpaper is pharmacy receipts that they found when they bought the place!). Honest Coffee Roaster’s, located in the Factory, became a quick coffee time treat of ours – cool atmosphere and awesome coffee.
No matter where you are in Nashville, you’re probably right around the corner from a Frothy Monkey, the staple coffee shop slash restaurant with the best grilled cheese (with avocado and egg!) in town.
When you’re planning your trip to the area, keep in mind that we get our clients extra amenities when you book the Hutton Hotel or the Hermitage Hotel through us, as well as some great relationships to leverage, like at the Omni property.
After a week in the city, hopping around each of these neighborhoods, I feel like we barely scratched the surface. There’s still so much more food to eat and coffee to drink.
Leave us a comment with your favorite Nashville bars, restaurants & coffee shops – we can’t wait to go back and try them out!
