- Where to Stay
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Since it was my first time visiting Nashville it was important to me to stay in a centrally located area within walking distance of both daytime and nighttime activities. This is why we ultimately chose the Noelle.
The Noelle is a boutique hotel located in the heart of Downtown. With four different restaurants and one hidden speakeasy, The Noelle had a lot to offer on the property. We were especially charmed by the Drug Store Coffee shop in the lobby, which was stocked with fresh baked goods and coffee every morning.
The Noelle is located next to the Bobby Hotel and Dream Nashville, which also seemed to be great choices for a convenient and lively place to stay.
- Where to Eat
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When I told people I was going to Nashville they either asked if I liked country music or they raved about the great food I was going to eat. While I like country music, the food stole the show!
On the first night, we went to The Green Pheasant. On their website, they describe themselves as being an “exploration of the parallels between Tennessee and Japan through both our cuisine and environment.” This rang true, as everything we tried mixed in both expected and unexpected ingredients. The most surprising of these being that the fried rice, which includes rock shrimp, bacon, potato, and egg, also had rice crispy puffs mixed in, an addition the chef found when low on ingredients for a post-shift meal.
Every list of must-try restaurants I read included Adele’s, and that recommendation was warranted. While the food was delicious, the ambiance was even better. It felt homey but stylish and provided a comfortable experience from beginning to end.
The best brunch place we tried was Pinewood Social. With an adjoining bowling alley, Pinewood Social offers more than just food. When waiting for our table, we went outside where we were met with lawn games and sitting areas. The true holy grail of the restaurant though was the biscuits, which were not too light or too dense or too sweet or too salty, but just right.
- Where to Shop
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If you’re in the market for a cowboy hat or a boot situation, you can stop at any store on Broadway, however, if you’re looking for something a little less country, 12th street is the place to go.
If you’re a fan of sweet tea, plaid, or Legally Blonde then Draper James is a must-see. The Reese Witherspoon-owned boutique is a southern take on preppy southern styles.
Emerson Grace is another store I’d only seen in Nashville. They carry Ulla Johnson, Ganni, Soia & Kyo and other higher-end women’s brands. There are also more common stores on 12th street such as Outdoor Voices, Madewell, and Marine Layer.