As Nashville grows to new heights (literally), new restaurants, cafes and hangout spots have also cropped up. To help navigate the wealth of options here in Music City, Nashville Explorers Club has put together an itinerary of some of their favorite spots around town, so you don't miss out next time you're here.
Day 1
Germantown is one of my most favorite areas of town. Only two miles from the beloved Broadway, three miles from East Nashville, and right off the interstate, you can't go wrong by staying in Germantown. If you're looking to stay here, look no further than the Germantown Inn.
The Germantown Inn is a six-room boutique hotel which was a recent renovation to a historic home. Each room contains pops of color and creativity as they celebrate unique presidential facts for which each room is named.
Take a walk through Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park to learn even more of Tennessee's history.
While you're getting settled in, we'd suggest spending a night exploring the neighborhood. If you're a fan of hops, head over to Bearded Iris for some of the best IPAs I've ever had. If not, hop across Jefferson, and check out Little Harpeth Brewing for a refreshing Chicken Scratch Pils.
Craving a cocktail? Head over to the bar at Silo, and get one of the best old fashioned cocktails in town.
Dinner is served up at City House, where they perfectly combine Italian and Southern cuisine. My recommendations are to share a pork belly pizza (be sure to add an egg!) and lamb sausage, while washing it down with a Solomon.
After dinner is a unique nightlife. Just a block away is The Green Hour – a chocolate shop, Tempered, by day, which doubles as an absinthe bar on the weekend nights. Be sure to try the local absinthe by Corsair Distillery, Red.
If you're looking for even more nightlife, look no further than The Back Corner, an extension of 5th & Taylor, to get some craft brews or cocktails in a chill dance party environment.
Day 2
When you wake up, make your way to Steadfast Coffee and grab a Matchless Co. coffee soda and egg sandwich. Once you're energized, make friends with the folks at Foggy Bottom where they can hook you up with a canoe or kayak so you can spend your afternoon along the Harpeth River. Get there a little earlier to avoid the crowds; and be sure to bring you snacks and drinks.
On your way back to town, stop by Edley's Bar-B-Que West for a quick bite to eat. We'd recommend trying everything, and sharing, with a few bushwackers.
Once you get the river washed off and maybe a rest, head over to Jackalope Brewing for a second helping of the local brew. We love Thunder Ann and Lovebird.
After a beer, if you're still hungry, go north across Broadway to Chauhan Ale & Masala House for a dinner of Nashville's finest Indian cuisine. We recommend the Lamb Korma with chili cheese naan bread.
Head back to the Gulch to the new Thompson Hotel. Walk straight past the front desk to the elevator, hit the R button in the elevator to be taken to L.A. Jackson, Nashville's finest rooftop bar. Here, we love sitting outside watching the sunset and watching the buildings glow as the sun disappears to the west.
After a cocktail and a perfect sunset, walk around the corner to The Station Inn to catch bluegrass music like you can't get anywhere else in the city. Try the Yazoo Daddy-O and the pimento cheese.
Still awake and looking for that nightcap? If you go to Edgehill Village, you’ll find Old Glory. Look for the first door with a yellow triangle around the door.
Day 3
If it's a Sunday, we recommend heading over to 5th & Taylor for brunch. We loved their duck hash, grits and quail wrapped dates.
Make your morning even brighter with Barista Parlor for a bourbon vanilla latte and some excellent photo ops.
It's time to burn some daily calories, so light activity at Shelby Bottoms Greenway and Natural Area is on the agenda. Rent a B-Cycle and make your way down the trail to Cornelia Fort Airpark, an abandoned airport that turned into a park.
After a thrilling ride burning off brunch, head to Mas Tacos or Rose Pepper. Grab some tacos and a margarita.
For a sweet treat, Five Daughters Bakery fits the bill with confection options a 100 Layer, Paleo, or even vegan doughnut.
Time for some fun! Pinewood Social or Donelson Bowl offer hangs around the bowling alley while relaxing with your group.
For dinner, check out Butcher & the Bee for a farm to table meal we love to share with our friends. We recommend sharing all off the Mezze options along with the brisket meatballs.
If you're down for another night in East Nashville, check out some of our favorites: Duke's, Dino's, No. 308, and Rosemary & Beauty Queen.