We’ve known for a long time that this city is special and if you haven’t experienced Music City for yourself, this is your time to do it! Ready to hit the road? We know you know all about the country music and honky-tonk highway, but there is plenty of other fun to be had in Downtown Nashville and its surrounding neighborhoods. There is no better way to experience a new city than like the locals do, so we are highlighting our favorite places in Germantown and East Nashville neighborhoods!
East Nashville
Everyone’s favorite part of vacation is letting loose from your normal diet and trying new things, right?! Well lucky for you East Nashville is just the place to do that. From ramen and sake at Two Ten Jack to margaritas and tacos from Mas Tacos Por Favor, you can find the best of just about any cuisine. We can’t talk about East Nashville without mentioning Dino’s– this dive bar is home to one of the top three burgers in the country according to Bon Appetit Magazine, and has for the longest time been the go to neighborhood spot! We didn’t forget about our vegan friends! Check out Rosemary and Beauty Queen- this cocktail bar serves vegan-friendly Mexican food that even the meat-eaters will agree is uber tasty! Not to mention the great cocktails and awesome patio that come along with it! When you are ready for a nightcap- check out Attaboy. This speakeasy-style bar doesn’t have a cocktail menu- the staff will create a personalized drink based on your cocktail preferences. Talk about a one-of-a-kind experience!
While you are eating and drinking your way through this neighborhood, don’t forget to stop by and shop at local boutiques! Customize your clothes at Ranger Stitch– to “nashify” a piece that will wow anyone who sees it. Or check out the fine jewelry offerings at Consider the Wldflwers, maybe you’ll even walk out with a new ear piercing! Grab souvenirs for yourself or loved ones from Gift Horse! This gift shop focuses on supporting independent artists and has a large selection of locally made goods.
Germantown
By just walking a few blocks over from the hotel- you’ll find yourself in Germantown, one of the older neighborhoods in Nashville. This area has an industrial up-and-coming feel while also giving city neighborhood vibes with brick sidewalks and plenty of greenery. As you wander around this neighborhood- be sure to stop by these local shops! Golden Slipper has a curated selection of local artisans, home goods, plants, snacks, and more! You can even create a custom candle! If you find yourself wanting to spice up your wardrobe- check out Alexis & Bolt and Abednego, both of these locally-owned boutiques have both men’s and women’s clothes!
Okay, now let’s get to the good stuff- the food! Mother’s Ruin has the feel of just your casual neighborhood bar, but with elevated bar food- creole shrimp roll, Cholula honey wings, green chile queso, need we say more?! There is also City House, a staple in the Nashville community since it opened. Think Italian food with a southern flair, this James Beard Award Winning Restaurant is a must when visiting Nashville. Looking to treat yourself? 5th and Taylor is the place. From the starters (order the sausage cheddar biscuits) all the way to the desserts you cannot order the wrong thing on this menu! Looking for activities after dinner? See if there is a show at Brooklyn Bowl, this new music venue is part bowling alley! You could also head back towards downtown to Alley Taps or Station Inn– these dive bar spots are a great place to have a low key night while listening to some live music!
