Attending FSU as an out-of-state student makes it harder to understand the bond that all Floridians seem to have. For example, during my freshman year I had absolutely no idea what a hurricane party was or why an alligator showing up in someone’s backyard would be considered normal but here I’m ready to learn all the ins and outs of living that Sunshine State life. While I love going to school in Tallahassee and all the good things that come with that, I will always be a Tennessee girl. Everyone has already knows about popular Nashville tourist spots such as the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Music Row, but I am here to tell you about a few of my favorite places to go visit in Nashville that you should definitely take a look at if you ever find yourself in my hometown!
Courtesy: Loveless Cafe
Loveless Cafe
Loveless Cafe is the move if you want some classic Nashville food with literally the best biscuits in the world no joke. There is a reason this place has been around for such a long time since opening in 1961. The restaurant and motel are a great example of what southern living really is.
Courtesy: Visit Music City
Cheekwood Botanical Gardens
Taking a stroll through the Cheekwood Gardens is so serene and relaxing. The gardens are sprawled across 55-acres of land with an art museum located on the estate. Every season they have something new to show off whether that be the holiday lights in the winter or the tulips in spring. They host a number of events and art exhibits year-round.
Courtesy: Downtown Franklin TN
Downtown Franklin
While technically 30 minutes away from Nashville, Franklin is definitely worth checking out. I cannot help but plug my own town on the edge of Nashville. Downtown Franklin has a quaint feel with many fun shops, restaurants, and antique stores. You can also find the Franklin Theater there which hosts everything from current movie showings to older movies and acts as a music venue as well.
Courtesy: Visit Music City
Belle Meade Plantation
There are many old historic plantation houses around Nashville, but Belle Meade is one of the most beautiful. The family that lived there in the 1800s was very revered and influential in the Nashville community. It has a rich history of breeding thoroughbred racehorses which bloodlines still has a strong legacy today. Many people in Tennessee host their weddings there because of the picturesque house, barn, and gardens.
Courtesy: Frist Art Museum
The Frist
An art museum of Broadway, near the heart of Nashville, The Frist rotates different art collection including many modern artists so whenever you go there could be something new to see. When I was there this past summer they had a very interesting exhibit that worked with multi-media art.
Courtesy: Nashville Guru
The Gulch
If you know about the “What Lifts you Wings” in Nashville then you already know the Gulch is no joke when it comes to fun art on the streets. The Gulch is what I consider very hipster with all of its expensive stores and great photo-op places as well as hosting a night market where vendors can come out to get good food, see local artists’ work and hear live music. If you go there at a good time you might be able to catch Amelia’s Flower Truck, which makes appearances at The Gulch often and has the cutest set-up selling flowers on a Volkswagen truck. Even better, Amelia’s Flower Truck was started by a young woman entrepreneur who has turned a creative passion into a business.
Courtesy: Now Playing Nashville
Centennial Park
Definitely one of the most interesting places to visit, Centennial Park not only boasts a beautiful lake and walkways through greenery but is home to a full-scale replica of The Parthenon in Greece. The Parthenon was built in 1897 for the Tennessee Centennial Celebration Exhibition and was originally going to be torn down after but was kept because of its popularity with residents. It continues to act as a museum including art and history from the Greeks, the Centennial Exhibition, and modern-day local artists. Centennial Park also hosts free swing dancing lessons during the summer if you visit then.
Courtesy: Nashville
The Ryman Auditorium
The Ryman is a classic Nashville music venue that first opened in 1892 and has hosted a great number of mainly country music artists. Providing the audience with a unique experience and is known as one of the best performance halls in America. The Grand Ole Opry was originally located in the Ryman but moved in the 1970s. If you are a music fan and have been to The Opry already, I suggest going to see a show or take a tour of the Ryman.
Courtesy: Jeni’s
Jeni’s Ice Cream
Originally based in Ohio, Jeni’s has become an absolute Nashville staple with six locations in Nashville. You can even buy it at grocery stores these days, but let me tell you there is nothing like the real thing. I never miss a chance to go when I am back home They always have unique flavors but my personal favorite is the Wildberry Lavender.
Courtesy: BC Storage
12th South
12th South is located just South of The Gulch and is another great area for food and shopping. You can find Reese Witherspoon’s clothing store Draper Jane which brings Southern Charm and style to Nashville. Other restaurants and stores I recommend are: Frothy Monkey, a popular coffee shop with a few locations in the area; White’s Mercantile, a home goods store with flair; Urban Grub, they have some fantastic appetizers; Five Daughters Bakery, a sweet little family owned donut shop and Las Paletas, a popsicle place.
Having lived in the Nashville area for most of my lifetime, I can definitely recommend checking out all of these places if you ever want to visit. I hope you can find some of these places on the list to your liking for a great day in Nashville. For now, I am very happy to represent my hometown at Florida State!