Letter 101: TLC Travel Guide: Nashville
When we visit April
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Happy Wednesday!
Welcome to the fourth installment of our new TLC Travel Guide series! We asked several of our friends and fellow writers to share their favorite parts of their cities with each of you. Last week was Sacramento with Marjorie, which you can read here.
This week, we’ll visit Nashville, Tennessee, with April Sunshine Hawkins. You might remember April from her letter “Becoming the Producer of Your Own Life,” a beautiful allegorical essay on learning to design a life that brings us unbridled happiness. April lives her life to the fullest, and thankfully for us, that means she has the BEST recs for us for when we visit Nashvegas —Emily
When I tell people I live in Nashville, they usually respond in one of two ways:
Their face will light up as they report a specific spot where a delightful memory was made and talk about wanting to make a return trip.
They report that it’s on their list of places to visit and can’t wait to make a trip there because they’ve heard such wonderful things.
When Emily asked me to create a Nashville Guide for you, dear reader, I was excited and a bit overwhelmed because it’s hard to whittle things down to just a few suggestions; especially because there are so many different ways you can experience Music City, USA.
So, I’ve approached this through the lens of what I do with my friends when they come to town. Consider yourself my new bestie and I’m briefing you on what we’ll do while you’re here.
If I could pick any month of the year for you to visit, it would be the month of April. Nashville shakes off the long, dark, dreary winter (it’s suuuuuper cloudy and rainy in the winter, almost like being in the Pacific Northwest, which no one tells you before you move here) and springs to life with a satisfying vengeance!
What to Wear/Bring?
In Nash, you’ll see most people dressed casually and then sprinklings of people dressed to the Nines. Many groups of bachelorette parties strut around town dressed in matching shirts, cowgirl hats, and boots. My recommendation is to just be you and wear what makes you feel fabulous. I also recommend you bring a pair of shoes you can hike in.
My Favorite Parts of Nashville
If you’re trying to decide where to stay, I would recommend either:
The 12 South area because it’s central to the city, making it easy to get anywhere you want to go.
East Nashville for an eclectic, hip vibe.
I live in my favorite part of the city, South Nashville. I appreciate my slow, quiet neighborhood more than I can say. It’s also close enough to the action that we can leave a late-night show downtown and be home in 15 minutes flat. Brent, my partner, and I look at each other every time and say to ourselves, “Remember when we had to drive an hour home from Dallas every time we went to a concert?” Then, we smile because we’re older, appreciate our sleep, and are so grateful our bed is so close.
Now it’s time to get into the nitty-gritty of what I suggest you do whilst you are here. Please imagine Tom Hanks-like energy when he replies to Meg Ryan when she asked for help with her business.
Restaurants
Wedgewood-Houston
Dozen Bakery: Breakfast, bread, and baked goods—get the breakfast sandwich with bacon and avocado or the ham and cheese croissant or blueberry muffin
East Nashville
Folk: Get a reservation and then order tapas style with your crew
Close to the airport
Nectar Urban Cantina: A great outdoor and dog-friendly spot with delicious food)
Downtown
Assembly Food Hall: Fancy food court with local food—perfect for groups
12 South
Bar Taco: Have someone join the waitlist and then walk to shops while you wait
LadyBird Taco: Love their breakfast tacos—do not miss the salsas!
Sylvan Park
answer. Get a reservation or go for happy hour and sit at the bar—everything is good
Fancy AF and $$$$
The Continental: Unreal service and food by Sean Brock—reserve well in advance
JW Marriott: Best steak in town and beautiful view of the city up high)
Coffee
Stay Golden (delish gluten-free biscuits)
Favorite Bookstores
I’m with Molly and Emily - Parnassus is the most magical, local spot! You could also go to McKay’s on the west side for a giant selection of used books.
Favorite Outdoor Activities
Hiking - Rador State Park (dogs only allowed on the paved areas)
Percy Warner Park or Shelby Bottoms Park and Greenway
Nashville Soccer Club
We have the largest soccer-specific stadium in the country and the energy is electric at the games - if you go to Diskin Cider ahead of the game you can take their shuttle to the game and then walk/Uber back to your car.
Cheekwood
See if there is an event like Cheekwood in Bloom (tulips) or Cheekwood Lights (during the holidays)
Favorite Indoor Activities
See a show!
The Ryman is our fave—sit in the balcony in the middle if you can.
The Basement East, The Schermerhorn Symphony Center, TPAC, or any venue hosting your favorite band.
National Museum of African American Music
One of the best museums I’ve been to.
House of Cards
Dinner and a magic show (cocktail attire and reservations are required).
If you want to laugh—Zanies or Third Coast Comedy Club
Favorite Shops/Market
UAL: Nice clothes at discounted prices
Buffalo Exchange: I like to visit the Buffalo Exchange in each city I visit and try to find a used piece to remind me of the trip.
I’m grateful to have spent time with you today, dear reader! I hope you enjoy visiting Nashville, even if it’s vicariously through these recommendations. I had a lovely time sitting on my screened-in porch listening to the birds chirping and some of my favorite tunes while putting them together for you.
With gratitude,
April Sunshine Hawkins
P.S. Any other Nashville fans out there? What else would you add? Tell us in the comments!
