While exploring Nashville, you’re sure to find a charming blend of culture and creativity around every corner. A city rich in music history (not to mention honky tonks) with a vibrant food scene, Nashville is the perfect destination for your next friends trip or weekend escape. To help you plan the perfect itinerary, we asked some of our favorite Nashville locals to share their favorite places to eat, shop, and get inspired, plus the one thing you shouldn’t leave town without doing! Start planning your next vacation now thanks to our Design Insider’s Guide to Nashville.
Discover Nashville’s Hottest Furniture Finds >>
Where To Stay
“When it comes to accommodations, Nashville has a home for everyone’s personality. Because I’m constantly on the road, I am an amenities and location-obsessed gal. The Thompson Hotel is at the center of it all in Nashville’s thriving Gulch neighborhood, and every room is designed with clean lines in mind… yes please!” — Alyssa Rosenheck
“Noelle, a historic Art Deco hotel that was recently reimagined by a Nashville favorite architect Nick Dryden. So many local artisans contributed to the hotel- it truly expresses Nashville in every way!” — Rachel Halvorson
“We designed the rooftop bar called L27 at the Westin. It’s a great place for a sunset cocktail and take in some of the best views of Nashville. We’d spend the night at the Noelle.” — Pierce & Ward
“Noelle and The Thompson.” — Hannah Crowell
“The Omni or the new Westin — both are right downtown.” — Sarah Bartholomew
Where to Eat & Drink
“Henrietta Red, City House or Le Sel.” — Sarah Bartholomew
“Like most things here, music and our food scene in Nashville go hand and hand! My all-time favorite restaurant, hands down, is a hidden Germantown gem, City House, run by James Beard Award-winning chef Tandy Wilson. You won’t go wrong with the Belly Ham Pizza! Give me all the pizza, always.” — Alyssa Rosenheck
“City House is the best.” — Pierce & Ward
“Rolf & Daughters and Epice.” — Hannah Crowell
“City House, Belly Ham Pizza. I have dreams about it, it’s that good.” — Rachel Halvorson
Where To Get Your Culture Fix
“Cheekwood, which are our botanical gardens and a Nashville treasure.” — Sarah Bartholomew
“The Ryman Auditorium.” — Pierce & Ward
“The Wedgewood Houston neighborhood of Nashville is the most robust art scene in Nashville. One of my favorite architects has a gallery (Zeitgeist) there that always has great exhibitions. It’s definitely a neighborhood worth checking out while in Nashville.” — Hannah Crowell
“12South – where you can find something for everyone! Some of my favorite restaurants/stores on the street: Whites Mercantile, Imogene and Willie, Las Paletas, Burger Up, Epice, and Frothy Monkey.” — Rachel Halvorson
“To really see Nashville, think about the city as a dynamic coming together of old and new, and of music and art. You can begin with the historic Musicians Hall of Fame, which honors all genres and the soulful stories behind each artist. Don’t miss the Ryman Auditorium, the mothership of country music. The Station Inn is an intimate bluegrass listening room, and of course, you can’t forget the Grand Ole Opry…” — Alyssa Rosenheck
Where To Go For Vintage Goodies
“GasLamp Antiques is our one Nashville spot for vintage and antique.” — Sarah Bartholomew
“There’s an amazing flea market at the fairgrounds, but our favorite place for vintage/antiques is GasLamp and GasLamp Too.” Pierce & Ward
“I love GasLamp Antiques. I have found so many treasures there. We also have a flea market at the fairgrounds the last weekend of every month where I have found some amazing pieces.” — Hannah Crowell
“GasLamp Antiques and their sister store GasLamp Too. So many good finds you can get lost for hours!” — Rachel Halvorson
“My Nashville picking spots are GasLamp Antiques and their sister shop, GasLamp Too. It’s also worth checking out the Nashville Flea Market, the Downtown Antique Mall, Porter Flea (check out Apple and Oak and Oui Fresh if you make it here) and Preservation Station. You can’t forget White’s Mercantile, which is old-school commissary meets new-age Nashville. Founded by Hank Williams, Jr.’s daughter, Holly Williams, you’re destined to find a keepsake, whether a great vintage trinket, elevated kitchen basic, or a thoughtful hostess gift for the girl who has everything.” — Alyssa Rosenheck
Looking for more places to shop? Check out a few of our favorite Nashville-based Chairish Sellers:
Robin Rains
Junk is the New Black
Kristy Cohn Design
Echoes of Design
Savant Vintage
Make + Model
Where To People Watch
“Robert’s Western World is pretty great for this. It’s a boot shop by day and a honky tonk by night. It’s a mix of locals and tourists and you just never know what you will see but it is always very entertaining!” — Hannah Crowell
“12South.” — Pierce & Ward
“Robert’s Western World on Broadway. Just trust me.” — Rachel Halvorson
“Each neighborhood has its own flavor. 12South has turned into a local pedestrian-friendly walkable row of darling restaurants and shops… the people watching here is family-friendly with the cutest pups. For a more vibrant scene filled with cowboy boots, bachelorette parties and pedal taverns, head to Broadway downtown for Honky Tonk heaven.” — Alyssa Rosenheck
Where to Get Inspired
“There are the most beautiful hiking trails down the street in Percy Warner Park.” — Hannah Crowell
“Radnor Lake State Park.” — Pierce & Ward
“Belle Meade Boulevard. It has some of the most beautiful all-American homes!” — Sarah Bartholomew
“Frist Art Museum.” — Rachel Halvorson
“Disconnecting and grabbing a cup of coffee at Thistle Farms Café or through a good sweat at Hot Yoga Nashville.” — Alyssa Rosenheck
Don’t Leave Town Without…
“A quick stop at the honky ‘tonks on Broadway. While touristy, there is nothing else like it!” — Sarah Bartholomew
“Taking a walk around Radnor Lake. It is a protected park that I grew up overlooking from a house in the trees we had as a kid. It is a beautiful place in town where you can see deer and turtles and owls. It is just a magical piece of nature that I should really take more time to enjoy in my own life.” — Hannah Crowell
“While you’re in Music City, you owe it to yourself to go to a concert at the Ryman Auditorium. It’s quite the experience.” — Rachel Halvorson
“We go see the Time Jumpers. They play on Monday nights at 3rd and Lindsley.” — Pierce & Ward
A huge thank you to our Nashville experts! Be sure to check out their amazing work.
Sarah Bartholomew
Hannah Crowell
Rachel Halvorson
Pierce and Ward
Alyssa Rosenheck