Nashville is all about music, food and fun. We recently had the pleasure of spending weekend with a twenty something former Bergen County resident living her best life as a professional in this bustling city.  When planning our visit, we of course checked in with The Scout Guide Nashville for some advice and then we let our new Nashville insider share her favorites both on Broadway and in lesser known neighborhoods.

Tourist Must Dos:

The Ryman Auditorium: You don’t want to miss your chance to get a close look at the stage that was the home of the Grand Ole Opry and countless Country legends.  See a show on this iconic music stage, trust us you won’t regret it. 

The Country Music Hall of Fame: The museum tour is a must for Country Music fans.  Be sure to check out Elvis’s Cadillac, dresses worn by Dolly Parton, Dwight Yukom’s concert best, Jelly Roll’s Denim Jacket and of course Taylor Swift’s Navy blue cape worn in her Midnights Album video.  If you plan on taking the Historic RCA Studio B Tour, book in advance. It often sells out!

Fun Fact – Be sure to find Taylor Swift’s first gold record but don’t look in her display cabinet.  She gifted it to Eric Church after he was fired from the Rascal Flatts’ tour for playing too long.  He told Taylor that in repayment she owes him her first gold record. She started on the tour and the rest is history. 

The Listening Room Cafe: If you are looking to learn more about the men and women behind the lyrics to your favorite country songs you are going to want to visit The Listening Room Cafe. Show tickets are reasonably priced (our Friday night 8:30 pm show tickets were $20 each).  Enjoy food and cocktails while you listen to amazing songwriters share the inspiration for and sing the songs they have written for some of Country Music’s biggest stars.   

We had the pleasure of listening to Pryor Baird, an up and comer.  Check out his new single “Mighta Met A Girl” – listen now.  We are excited to someday say we heard him first at The Listening Room Cafe.

Where to Sip:

Broadway:

FLG House: Fan favorite.  We were able to enjoy a cocktail and an amazing band on the rooftop.

Jason Aldean’s Kitchen & Rooftop Bar: Fabulous vibe, live music and rooftop views of Nashville.

Cerveza Jack’s: We explored a side street for more music and less crowds.  We avoided the standing room only crowds on Broadway and grabbed a booth and spent countless hours singing along to some of our favorite Country songs.

Downtown:

Loser’s Most Wanted Bar & Grill: This is a local neighborhood “dive bar” that is sure to please. Nashville’s local residents love this bar and sing the praises of its live music, bar eats, beer, cocktails and a location off the Broadway craziness. You might even run into one of your favorite country music stars enjoying a night out. 

Where to Eat:

This is where our Nashville insider’s knowledge came in super handy. Here are her favorites:

Downtown:

The Twelve Thirty Club: Located in the heart of Broadway with an elegant flare.  Book a reservation for a delicious dinner or brunch and of course live music. 

German Town:

Geist Bar and Restaurant: Great food, wine and cocktails. Beautiful private room for a party and champagne garden in the warmer months.

Mother’s Ruin: This self described perfect blend of your favorite local bar and cocktail temple, is a neighborhood favorite in Germantown.  We would agree and suggest the Chicken Sando for lunch. It is worth the calories.

Pelato: Brooklyn Italian joint with great pizza and pasta. This is a favorite of TSG Nashville as well as our Bergen County girl.

Edgehill:

Barcelona Wine Bar: The Edgehill neighborhood bistro is a must do.  This fabulous tapis restaurant hosts an amazing selection of wine. Try a flight.  A TSG tip is a must have dessert – the Olive Oil cake is a MUST have and you might want to order 2 slices – it is that good.

Sweet Treats:

Five Daughters Bakery: Try the Donuts – they are all delicious.

Parlor Doughnuts: Around the corner from The Conrad Hotel and like FIve Daughters will not disappoint.  Here you can order 1 donut to share – they are that big!

Where to Shop:

Judith Bright: Handmade Jewelry you will love. Each piece features a gemstone that is carefully selected from trusted providers worldwide and all metals are sourced only in the United States.  Treat yourself to a cocktail ring that will steal the show at your next event.

The Impeccable Pig: If you are feeling the need for a bright floral sundress, this is the place.  Everything here screams flirty and fun.

Hester & Cook: If exquisite paper goods and party planning is your thing, you will love Hester & Cook. 

Kittenish: Jessie James Decker’s boutique makes every day glamorous. Be sure to take a picture on the signature floral wall.

Lucchese Bootmaker: As you enter this luxury boot store, your senses are delighted by the smell of fine leather.  The boots of your dreams are waiting for you and the knowledgeable staff will help you make the perfect selection.

Where to Stay:

Winnie’s Favorites: Whimsie Luxury Travel (@whimsieluxurytravel)

I love the vibe of small boutique hotels in the heart of big cities – it’s like diving headfirst into the pulse of the place and feeling its beat. The Noelle Nashville and The Joseph are two centrally located hotels downtown where travelers can mingle with locals and get a great feel for the city.

Learn More:

For more Insider Tips be sure to follow @tsgnashville and check out their Insider’s Guides to Where to Eat, Stay & Shop. 

When you have followed all of our Insider tips and decide Nashville is a must, be sure to contact Whimsie Luxury Travel (@whimsieluxurytravel) to book your hotel and help plan your music city adventure. Nashville is not just for bachelorette parties anymore…