I lived in Nashville, Tennessee for two years and it will always have a piece of my heart. That’s why I love making trips there a few times a year to check out what new and exciting things have planted roots in the “Music City”. I’ve done all of the “touristy” things there are in that town and you probably have too, so today I am sharing a few local gems not everyone knows about.
The Gulch
Just steps away from downtown is an area I lived in for a year that has grown substantially since I left town. Once the site of Nashville’s bustling railroad yard with origins dating to before the Civil War, the Gulch fell into neglect following World War II. The Gulch received its name from the natural geographic depression arching throughout the 110-acre development. A sparsely occupied area for nearly 50 years, urban revitalization began when the Turner family took hold of the land in the early 2000’s. Through numerous public and private sector initiatives, MarketStreet Enterprises and other development companies continue to transform the dynamic ever changing landscape of the vibrant neighborhood.
- LA Jackson is a rooftop bar that sits at the top of The Thompson hotel in the middle of The Gulch. This bar is a hotspot for young adults and it’s drink menu is a gem, the views aren’t bad either.
- The Mockingbird is a modern diner serving up global fare and delicious fun. The restaurant plays with a special sense of whimsy that is evoked in the menu. Playful in nature, each dish at The Mockingbird is a nod to the experience that the owner’s want their diners to have.
- Milk & Honey Nashville holds true to the brand’s original focuses like gelato and craft coffee, but expands on the offerings (and space). Patrons can expect a wide-variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner options, ranging from fresh juices to lunch sandwiches to after-work cocktails.
Franklin, TN
About a 20 minute drive outside of the city is a small quaint town with the nicest people and the best shops. Franklin, Tennessee is where the city folk go to settle down and raise families. Main street in Franklin is my favorite place to take my family when they visit and they hold unique seasonal festivals all year round.
This year was the 33rd annual street festival ‘Dickens Of A Christmas‘, a recreation of the Charles Dickens era using historic downtown Franklin’s Victorian architecture as the backdrop. Some 200 musicians, dancers, and characters filled the streets, including several from Charles Dickens’s stories. We saw and interacted with the nefarious Fagin from Oliver Twist; Jacob Marley, Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim Cratchit, and of course Victorian Father and Mother Christmas with treats for children.
This year it was unseasonably cold for Tennessee, it is usually in the 50s or 60s in December and this year it was in the low 30s. I highly recommend attending the towns Pumpkinfest & in warmer months downtown Franklin invites you to attend the outdoor Beatles Tribute band concert held on the square.
Downtown Nashville
The hustle and the bustle of the city is down on Broadway in downtown Nashville. If you want to meet anyone NOT from Nashville, this is where you will probably find them. This area is made for tourists.
- Husk is reinterpreting the bounty of the surrounding area, exploring an ingredient-driven cuisine that begins in the rediscovery of heirloom products and redefines what it means to cook and eat in Nashville. Housed in an old colonial home this restaurant changes their menu daily and it is a place you have to try at least once.
- The Opry at The Ryman if you ever get a chance to see a performance at The Ryman, DO IT! It’s one of the best places to see a concert and no seat is a bad seat. The best time I like to go is in the winter when the Live at the Opry shows are at the Ryman.
Hillsboro Village
This is another neighborhood outside of Belmont University that has a plethora of shops, restaurants, and sights to see. 
- The Grilled Cheeserie is Nashville’s favorite food truck, and now a melt shop, serving up gourmet grilled cheese melts and nostalgic treats featuring seasonally inspired, responsibly sourced products.
I could continue and go on and on about a million other places you need to visit, but then I’d be writing a book. If you are interested in visiting Nashville, TN and would like some suggestions for planning your trip, send us a DM and I would be happy to help!
-M.
