MAY 27, 2022
Travel Diaries:
AN INSIDER’S GUIDE TO NASHVILLE
When I moved to Nashville several years ago from my small hometown in Texas, I was prepared for a fun adventure in the country music capital. What I wasn’t prepared for was all of the growth the city would experience and how it would skyrocket to become one of the hottest tourism destinations in the country.
For all of its popular hotspots, Nashville is equally quaint, filled with lovely spots for brunch, quiet neighborhoods for exploring and plenty of southern charm. I’m proud to call Nashville home – and a place I love to roam on the weekends with friends. Here is my local’s perspective on this thriving city that you have to experience for yourself.
Bridgestone Arena
If you want to catch a major musical tour or professional sports game, Bridgestone Arena is the place to be. I recently attended a Predators hockey game (Bridgestone Arena is home to the Predators) and Justin Bieber’s Justice World Tour. Whatever event you attend at Bridgestone Arena, you will be in for a ton of fun and a rowdy crowd.
Insider’s tip: Wait until the day of the show when Bridgestone releases last minute tickets. I scored the Justin Bieber tickets for a steal two hours before the show :)
12 South Neighborhood
Known for its shopping, restaurants and walkability, 12 South is my favorite place to roam during the day. I recently paired my Women's Ashlyn Crew Neck and Women's Riley Sweatshorts together for a matching look that was perfect for brunch in 12 South at Frothy Monkey. My favorite part? The neighborhood is filled with charm, including potted plants for sale, coffee shops, retail boutiques and murals created by local artists.
Insider’s tip: RESERVATIONS, RESERVATIONS, RESERVATIONS!! With the speed at which Nashville is growing, it’s important to plan ahead for any places you've been eyeing for breakfast or dinner.
Broadway
When you think of Nashville, lower Broadway is the spot that usually comes to mind. It’s the epicenter of entertainment, filled with honky-tonks and live music acts that perform daily. A newer addition to lower Broadway are the celebrity bars of country music artists, like Jason Aldean and Miranda Lambert, each lending their name and personality to cool and unique spaces. At night, the neon bar lights light up and line the street, making it one of my (and my out-of town guests) many favorite places to roam.
Insider’s tip: Go during the day to beat some of the crowds and lines! Plus it's a nice view from the rooftops during the day time.
Grand Ole Opry
If country music had only one stage, some would say it would be the Grand Ole Opry. This is a must-visit if you are a country music fan, rich with so much history that it feels like you’re stepping back in time. Some of the country's biggest names have performed on the Grand Ole Opry stage, and catching a show or taking a backstage tour here should be at the top of your Nashville bucket list.
Centennial Park
Centennial Park is one of Nashville’s many recognizable destinations, and you’ve probably seen the replica of the Greek Parthenon and 42-foot statue Athena in any tourist’s guide to Nashville. The park itself is a leisurely delight, perfect for picnics, strolling, walking your dog (or dogs, rather) or just enjoying the great Nashville weather.
Insider’s tip: Head to Centennial Park every weekend in May and June to catch “Musicians Corner” which features performances by several local artists, artisan vendors, craft beer, wine, and cocktails, local food trucks and more.
Old Hickory Lake
If getting out of the city bustle is your thing, check out Old Hickory Lake. It’s less than an hour from city limits about 25 miles up from Cumberland River. I recently visited for a change of pace and it was the perfect place to roam for the day, complete in my Women's Arcadia Tee.
Insider’s tip: Rent a pontoon boat (with a captain if you’d like) and hit the water for the day! You can fit up to 17 people on a boat and some even come with a water slide to enojy!
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Written By: Jessica Stilley, Sportiqe eCommerce Manager
