MY FAVORITE SPOTS IN NASHVILLE!
Are you coming into town for your photoshoot? If yes and you are looking for some fun things to do while you are here then look no further because I’ve got you covered with this list of some of the coolest spots in Nashville!
(click the photos to visit each location’s website for additional information)
COFFEE, BARS + RESTAURANTS
ANZIE BLUE
I had to start this list off with Angie Blue because this spot is my absolute favorite place in Nashville. Anzie isn’t just coffee, but also a bar + restaurant. Anzie is is such a fun/chill vibe all at the same time. Their coffee is great + everything on the menu is amazing. They have comfy chairs, a kind staff, and a great rewards program which makes it a little too enticing to keep coming back. They offer CBD gummies and CBD oil to add to your drink too if that’s something you might be interested in. On weekends they have a live jazz band and sometimes they do drag shows too which is really not something I’ve seen in any other coffeeshop before.
PINEWOOD SOCIAL
PINEWOOD HAS GOOD COFFEE, DRINKS, AND FOOD AS WELL AS A COOL ENVIRONMENT. THEY HAVE A VERY AESTHETICALLY PLEASING BOWLING ALLEY IN THE BACK OF THE RESTAURANT IF YOU’RE FEELING COMPETITIVE. THE TIME’S I’VE GONE I HAVE EITHER GOTTEN COFFEE OR DRINKS AND APPETIZERS AND I CAN CONFIRM EVERYTHING TASTES GREAT. IF YOU COME HERE YOU HAVE TO ORDER THE BRUSSELS SPROUTS EVEN IF YOU DON’T LIKE BRUSSELS SPROUTS. I PROMISE YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED. ALSO SIDE NOTE, ASK YOUR WAITER TO VALIDATE YOUR PARKING. THERE’S PAY PARKING ACROSS THE STREET OR THERE’S A GARAGE BEHIND THE BUILDING.
PORTLAND BREW
LOCATED ON 12TH AVE SOUTH THERE’S NOTHING IN PARTICULAR THAT MAKES THIS PLACE INSANELY UNIQUE OTHER THAN THEIR RAINFOREST SYRUP MAYBE, BUT IT’S A CUTE COFFEESHOP THAT IS LOCATED ON 12TH AVE SOUTH AND I REALLY ENJOY THEIR COFFEE.
LIBERTY COMMON
I came here for my 21st Birthday with a few friends for brunch and it is exactly the type of place girls will come to take cute pics for their instagram. They have mimosas and your typical trendy brunch food, but a little boujier! It’s bright and airy with cute blue booths, lots of natural light, and high ceilings. If you park in the 222 Parking Garage they will validate your parking too.
AMERICANO LOUNGE
So I just recently discovered this spot, but I have been in love since. Wednesdays-Sundays they are open until midnight serving coffee +. drinks, as well as a few food items too. My go-to drink here is their espresso martini. They also have root beer floats which is pretty fun! They also have live jazz music and some other fun events like poetry slams. Being here feels like you’re apart of some secret club for people that love coffee, fun cocktails, and jazz music.
FROTHY MONKEY
Also located on 12th Ave South, Frothy Monkey has great coffee and a lot of yummy brunch items. It is also located right in front of the “NASHVILLE LOOKS GOOD ON YOU.” It does get very busy during the weekends so be sure to be prepared to wait for a table.
THE GOAT
Another cool little coffee shop/bar/restaurant spot. Their bbq Mac and cheese flatbread is a favorite of mine as well as their Buffalo cauliflower wings.
BARS
OLD GLORY
SOMEONE RECENTLY TOLD ME THAT OLD GLORY WAS CONSIDERED ONE OF THE UNDERGROUND SPEAKEASIES IN NASHVILLE. IF YOU’RE NOT FAMILIAR WITH WHAT I’M TALKING ABOUT LET ME EXPLAIN. NASHVILLE HAS A FEW VERY SECRET “SPEAKEASIES” THAT ARE UNDERGROUND BARS THAT CAN BE TRICKY TO FIND OR EVEN GET INTO WITHOUT KNOWING SOMEONE OR SOMETHING. SO LET ME OFFER A BIT OF DIRECTION TO YOU. IF YOU FIND BELLA NAPOLI RESTAURANT AND YOU’RE LOOKING AT THE FRONT DOOR YOU’RE GOING TO TURN TO YOUR LEFT AND WALK DOWN THIS ALLEY UNTIL ON YOUR LEFT YOU SEE THREE LITTLE STEPS LEADING UP TO AN UNMARKED DOOR. THIS DOOR IS THE MAIN ENTRANCE TO OLD GLORY. THEY HAVE HAPPY HOUR AFTER 11PM TOO WHICH IS A GOOD THING TO KNOW.
CLYDE’S
CLYDE’S IS A FUN PLACE TO COME TO AND DRINK FOR CHEAP DURING THEIR HAPPY HOUR. HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE COTTON CANDY SHOT WHICH WAS ONLY $3.00 DURING HAPPY HOUR. THEY ALSO HAVE A FULL MENU AND PING PONG AND SHUFFLEBOARD.
GREENHOUSE BAR
SO I HAVE TO ADMIT I’VE NEVER BEEN TO THIS ONE…YET. BUT ITS A BAR INSIDE A GREENHOUSE, DOES ANYTHING ELSE NEED TO BE SAID ABOUT IT? I FEEL LIKE NO.
RESTAURANTS
SADIES
IF YOU’RE A FAN OF UPSCALE MEDITERRANEAN FOOD SADIE’S IS A MUST! NOT ONLY IS THE ENVIRONMENT SUPER ADORABLE, BUT THEIR FOOD IS AMAZING AND BEAUTIFULLY DISPLAYED. THEY ALSO HAVE A WIDE VARIETY OF DRINK OPTIONS FOR THOSE THAT MIGHT NOT WANT ALCOHOL AND FOR THOSE THAT DO.
THE CHEF & I
AT THIS RESTAURANT I HAD THE BEST MEAL OF MY ENTIRE LIFE. I’M NOT JUST SAYING THAT EITHER. THE FOOD HERE WAS QUITE LITERALLY THE BEST I HAVE EVER HAD. I BELIEVE THEIR MENU IS EVER CHANGING, BUT WHEN I WENT WITH MY HUSBAND FOR A DATE NIGHT I GOT THE VEGAN BOX WHICH WAS 4 SMALL PLATES OF DIFFERENT VEGAN ENTREES AND I LEARNED I DON’T HATE MUSHROOMS AFTER ALL BECAUSE THE MUSHROOM DISH BECAME MY FAVORITE MEAL TO DATE. IT’S DEFINITELY MORE UPSCALE, IT’S A GOOD SPOT FOR A NICE DATE NIGHT, I’D SAY PLAN ON BUDGETING $150 OR SO FOR A PARTY OF 2. ALSO YOU’RE DEFINITELY GOING TO WANT TO MAKE A RESERVATION WAY AHEAD OF TIME.
HOUSE OF CARDS
THIS PLACE IS TRULY A ONE OF A KIND EXPERIENCE. IT’S A HIDDEN AWAY SPEAKEASY RIGHT ON BROADWAY. RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED AND THERE IS A STRICT DRESS CODE ENFORCED. THEY HAVE A MAGICIAN COME TO YOUR TABLE AND THERE IS A MAGIC SHOW AFTER YOUR DINNER TOO. THE FOOD IS INCREDIBLE AND THE MAGICIAN IS ALSO INSANELY GOOD. IT IS PRICEY SO THAT’S ANOTHER THING TO KEEP IN MIND, BUT TOTALLY WORTH THE PRICE.
BAR TAC0
Apparently this place is kind of a chain so hopefully it’s okay I’m mentioning it on here. A good spot for “hipster” tacos. My favorite is the cauliflower ones, my husbands favorite is the pork belly. Definitely get the green salsa and some chips and get churros for dessert!
MERCHANTS
Merchants is owned by the same people that own Pinewood social. Located on Broadway so it’s close to all the fun bars and nightlife. They also give you popcorn instead of bread when you get to your table so that’s super fun. It’s really pretty on the inside and the food is very good too.
ELLISTON PLACE SODA SHOP
If you’re looking for a retro spot for milkshakes to live out your grease dreams this is the perfect spot!
THINGS TO DO
RESTORATION HARDWARE
OKAY SO HEAR ME OUT WITH THIS ONE. IT’S A FURNITURE STORE YES. HOWEVER IT’S NOT JUST ANY FURNITURE STORE. THIS IS THE FURNITURE STORE THAT MILEY CYRUS AND TAYLOR SWIFT SHOP AT. IT’S KINDA LIKE THE BOUJIEST IKEA TO EVER EXIST. AND DID I MENTION IT HAS A RESTAURANT/COFFEESHOP AT THE CENTER IN THEIR “COURTYARD” AS THEY CALL IT. MY HUSBAND AND I LIKE PLAYING A GAME WE CALL “GUESS HOW MUCH YOU THINK THIS COSTS” AS WE WALK AROUND THE FURNITURE AND ROOM DISPLAYS AND WHOEVER GUESSED CLOSER TO THE RIGHT ANSWER WINS THAT ROUND. (EVERYTHING IS VERY EXPENSIVE IN CASE YOU MISSED THAT). THERE IS FOUR STORIES OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL ROOMS YOU’VE EVER SEEN. I PROMISE THIS IS A FUN DATE, JUST TRUST ME.
ARRINGTON VINEYARDS
TECHNICALLY THIS ISN’T REALLY A NASHVILLE THING BECAUSE IT’S ABOUT 40 MINUTES OUTSIDE OF THE CITY, BUT IT’S TOO FUN OF AN EXPERIENCE TO LEAVE OUT OF THIS LIST. ARRINGTON IS FREE TO GET IN AND YOU CAN PACK YOUR OWN PICNIC. ON WEEKENDS THEY HAVE LIVE MUSIC AND FOOD TRUCKS TOO.
12TH AVE SOUTH
I LOVE WALKING AROUND ON 12TH BECAUSE IT JUST HS SUCH HAPPY VIBES. I KID YOU NOT WHEN I GET REALLY SAD I TAKE MY DOG ON A WALK ON THIS STREET. IT HAS LOTS OF COLORFUL MURALS, GOOD COFFEESHOPS, RESTAURANTS, AND CUTE BOUTIQUES. 12TH SOUTH IS KIND OF A MUST WHEN YOU COME TO NASHVILLE.
The graduate
Another super popular spot for bachelorettes and any girls trying to get content for their instagrams. The Graduate is Dolly Partons Hotel and it is quite a vibe let me tell you. Honestly even if taking pics for your Instagram isn’t something that interests you, you still need to see this place. It’s so over the top, you have to at least come take a peek. It has a coffee shop in the lobby too so you can enjoy your coffee while you look around. White Limousine is the rooftop bar at the top of the hotel. It’s incredibly hard to get into without a reservation and without scheduling a long time in advance. You can try your luck with waiting at the elevator in the lobby to try to be one of the first ones up there if you’re a walk in. I believe they open at 2:00pm. But it’s packed a lot of the time so just plan ahead if you’re wanting to get food or drinks at White Limousine.
Gaylord Opryland resort
This hotel is like a little town, greenhouse, water park, mall, and hotel all in one.
Rent a scooter
So I thought these were super overrated until I actually tried it and holy cow they are so much fun. I often times would see drunk people using them along Broadway late at night and I do not recommend that. However, when fully sober these are a fantastic idea. You can pick them up wherever you see them sitting around and you use an app on your phone to rent them and when you’re done you can leave them wherever you want as long as you take a photo of its location and upload it to the app.
Pedestrian bridge
(This is a really fun spot to do the scooters just an FYI). Located right by Broadway. At night it’s all lit up and a lot of proposals happen here. It’s just a bridge but it’s cool to see especially at night when the city is all lit up and the light is reflecting on the water.
PARTHENON
LOCATED IN CENTENNIAL PARK, ANOTHER MUST SEE WHEN COMING TO NASHVILLE. PLUS IT’S IN A REALLY BEAUTIFUL PARK WHERE YOU CAN PLAY FRISBEE, TAKE THE DOG FOR A WALK, KICK A BALL AROUND, PACK A PICNIC, OR JUST ENJOY THE SCENERY AND THE COMPANY OF YOUR LOVED ONE.
NOELLE, NASHVILLE, A TRIBUTE PORTFOLIO HOTEL
THIS HOTEL IS KNOWN FOR BEING BEAUTIFUL AND I’VE DONE A FEW SHOOTS IN IT BEFORE, BUT IT’S JUST A COOL PLACE TO SEE. THEY HAVE A COFFEE SHOP IN THE LOBBY THAT YOU CAN TRY OUT SO YOU CAN LOOK AROUND WHILE YOU ENJOY YOUR DRINKS!
Broadway
I feel like this one doesn’t need much of an explanation. If you want to do the touristy thing you can think of when coming to nashville go on Broadway and bar hop. I haven’t been to many of these bars because I personally stay away from Broadway at all costs, but the ones I have been to all feel very similar. It’s fun for a night to hop from one to the next, but you do it once and you don’t really have much of a desire to ever do it again, but maybe that’s just me. Jason Aldean’s is a very popular one, Tootsies, Dierks Bentley, Losers…there’s so many.
Radnor lake
Very scenic spot for a nature walk/hike around a huge lake. I’ve done quite a few photoshoots here.
PRINTERS ALLEY
PRINTERS ALLEY IS LOCATED SO CLOSE TO BROADWAY AND JUST AROUND THE CORNER FROM NOELLE NASHVILLE A TRIBUTE PORTFOLIO HOTEL, THAT YOU WILL SEE ME MENTION A LITTLE LATER ON. I’M NOT QUITE SURE HOW TO EXPLAIN THIS SPOT, YOU JUST HAVE TO GO AND SEE.
21ST AVE
21ST IS A LITTLE SIMILAR TO 12TH SOUTH BUT THERE ARE LESS MURALS HERE AND MORE RESTAURANTS. ANZIE BLUE IS ON 21ST IF YOU REMEMBER ME MENTIONING THAT SPOT AT THE VERY BEGINNING OF THIS LIST.
Percy priest lake
This is a great spot for a summer day. There’s a few spots that have beaches and people go swimming here a lot in the summer. Also sometimes people rent boats and jet skis for the day at this location. There’s also a few spots people (mostly college aged kids) go cliff jumping too.