The Travel Chica

Live Simple. Consume Less. Experience More.

Random Nashville

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I was only in Nashville for a few days, hardly enough time to get to know a city of its size.

What did I expect of Nashville?

I expected country music.

I expected southern food of the high-fat, high-calorie kind.

I got both.

 

But I did not expect to be impressed by Nashville.

After all, my long weekend was a girls trip, a bachelorette party.

Exploring Nashville was secondary.

Five things I like about Nashville

I booked a ridiculously early flight to give myself a few extra hours to check out downtown Nashville and meet up with Kristin Luna so that I no longer have to call her a “travel blog friend.”  (When you say you know someone from travel blogging, to non-bloggers it is like saying you have an imaginary friend.)

#1 – Public transportation

I cannot say that public transportation is great all over the city (didn’t use it enough), but I certainly appreciated a quick, cheap bus from the airport directly to downtown Nashville.  One of the most ridiculous things about my home city Columbus is that there is no bus that goes directly to between downtown and the airport even though the distance is only ten miles.

#2 – Good food

In addition to Puckett’s Grocery, I had the opportunity to eat at Etch.  This was our fancy girls dinner out, and it was everything you want in fine dining.  We even had the “special room” reserved.  We enjoyed the modern décor and excellent service, but the food is what really stood out.

# 3 – Good coffee

 

Kristin took me to a new coffee shop that had just opened named Barista, which is owned by The Black Keys.  As you know, I am a coffee snob and I love good music (The Black Keys is one of my top five live music experiences), so I was thrilled to be in-the-know on this one.

#4 – Good beer

One of the bachelorette party activities included happy hour at Yazoo, a local brewery.  I was very impressed by their beers; a wide selection of styles and all quality.

On the way to Yazoo, I noticed more local breweries.  More to try on my next visit.

#5 – Live music

I love live music.  But I hate country music… at least the newer stuff.

What surprised me is how important live music is to the culture of the city and how much better country music is when it is performed live.

We went “honky-tonking” one night.

I was slightly concerned when I saw that on the agenda as I had no idea what it meant, and it sort of sounds like torture by country music.

In reality, it was pretty damn fun.

And not all of the live music in Nashville is country.  I heard they have a pretty great indie rock scene.

The verdict

Nashville is a great place for a weekend with friends.  And I think it could be one of those great cities to learn to be a local if you stick around long enough.  And as Kristin proves, cowboy boots are a cute fashion accessory.

Comments

  2. I’m happy you got to see more of the real Nashville, and that would definitely be thanks to the great Camels and Chocolate. I live in Memphis and Memphians and those people who live in that city in the middle section of the state tend to not like each other. I don’t like the tourist parts of downtown Nashville. But East Nashville and the areas around Belmont are fabulous. My in-laws live in the same town Kristin does so we are in Middle Tennessee a lot. There are great restaurants and my wife loves the boutiques and thrift shops.
    Lance recently posted..Finding Fantastic Travel in the ‘Little Destinations’

    • It was a very short time, but Kristin gave me a good locals take on Nashville and showed me around a couple of non-touristy areas. I have been Memphis is a great city to visit too, so I’ll look you up when I get the chance to visit.
      Stephanie – The Travel Chica recently posted..Stubborn and crazy

  3. I’ve never even thought of visiting Memphis but the food looks good and I get the impression of a laid back vibe. I think I’d be interested in a visit now. Let’s see if I ever manage to get around to traveling in the south / mid west of the US. Perhaps a road trip would be a blast :-)
    Mike | Earthdrifter recently posted..Miswak: Medicine for the Mouth

  6. I had trouble getting around Nashville without a car – but being able to get to and from the airport is still a major plus!
    Jess recently posted..Minneapolis!

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