tennessee
travel guide
TENNESSEE
A harmonic blend of iconic music, breathtaking mountains, and deep-rooted Southern heritage, offering a unique mix of culture, scenic beauty, and timeless charm.
nashville
The heart of country music and often called "Music City." It's a vibrant, growing city that blends its rich musical heritage with a modern, urban atmosphere. The city is famous for attractions like the Grand Ole Opry, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and live music venues along Broadway.
Beyond music there is a thriving food scene, historic landmarks, friendly Southern charm and diverse neighborhoods and scenic parks.
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Reunion Hotel— A modern, upscale boutique hotel offering a blend of luxury and Southern charm. Located near the heart of the city, it features stylish rooms, a rooftop bar with skyline views, and easy access to the city's vibrant music and dining scene. Note: There is a bar right under the hotel and it can be very loud until the early hours of the morning.
Noelle— A sophisticated boutique hotel that blends timeless elegance with modern design in the heart of downtown. Known for its chic rooms, rooftop bar, and curated art installations, it offers a luxurious experience with easy access to the city's cultural and entertainment hotspots.
Urban Cowboy — A trendy, eclectic boutique hotel housed in a restored Victorian mansion, offering a unique blend of vintage style and modern comfort. With its artful design, cozy rooms, and vibrant communal spaces, it provides a one-of-a-kind experience just minutes from the city’s lively music scene.
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Bongo Java — Nashville’s oldest coffeehouse, opened in 1993 and has since become a beloved local institution. Known for its locally roasted coffee, handmade espresso drinks, and fresh pastries with a laid-back vibe. There is also a huge assortment of board games!
Dozen Bakery — A cozy, community-focused bakery popular spot known for its artisanal breads, pastries, and sandwiches. Its cozy atmosphere and commitment to using locally sourced ingredients make it a go-to for both breakfast and lunch.
E+Rose Wellness Café — A plant-forward eatery offering superfood smoothies, bowls, salads, and organic cold-pressed juices made with whole, natural ingredients. Developed by a dietitian, this café focuses on health and wellness, serving fresh, flavorful vegan-friendly meals aimed at nourishing both body and mind.
Flora + Fauna — A locally owned café and coffee roastery with a delightful menu featuring seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, with popular items including delectable avocado toast and hummingbird pancakes. The inviting space, filled with greenery, provides a perfect backdrop for enjoying a quiet coffee or light meal.
Locust — Famous for its expertly crafted dumplings, made with delicate wrappers that encase rich fillings, a highlight of their small, evolving menu. Chef Trevor Moran, who previously worked at NOMA, the restaurant is celebrated for its innovative dishes like beef tartare hand rolls and unique desserts.
Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint — Famous for its whole-hog barbecue smoked for up to 24 hours. The laid-back roadhouse-style atmosphere features a spacious beer garden, complete with games and live music, making it a perfect spot for a casual meal. Their signature vinegar-based bbq sauce is not to be missed.
Pharmacy Burger Parlor + Beer Garden — Known for its gourmet burgers made with locally sourced grass-fed beef, served in a nostalgic, 1940s-inspired setting. The spacious beer garden, with its lush greenery and relaxed atmosphere, is perfect for enjoying craft beers, house-made wursts, and handmade sodas.
Redheaded Stranger — A lively shop known for its Southwestern-inspired menu, featuring tacos, green chile cheeseburgers, and breakfast burritos served all day. A casual, colorful atmosphere, perfect for grabbing a margarita and enjoying unique dishes like tater tot breakfast tacos or queso-covered treats. A hangover must!
Roze Pony Cafe — A chic, all-day café offering a wide menu from breakfast through dinner, plus coffee and cocktails. The café serves a variety of American dishes with local favorites like smoked trout dip and crispy Chicken Paillard and the soufflé pancakes. Highly recommend making a reservation.
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Audrey — A unique dining experience that beautifully blends Appalachian culinary traditions with Japanese design influences. The restaurant features an inviting ambiance characterized by rustic charm and modern aesthetics. A perfect date night!
Bastion — A unique experience with its two distinct spaces: a casual cocktail bar and a 24-seat restaurant. The bar is known for its laid-back atmosphere and creative nachos, while the restaurant provides a refined, multi-course tasting menu that highlights Chef Josh Habiger’s innovative approach to fresh ingredients.
Butcher & Bee — A vibrant farm-to-table approach with a focus on seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients. The space offers a relaxed atmosphere, with an eclectic menu featuring Mediterranean-inspired dishes, like their famous whipped feta, and an inviting brunch scene.
Catbird Seat — An intimate restaurant known for its interactive dining experience centered around a U-shaped counter that seats just 20 guests. It features a seasonal tasting menu of 10-12 courses that showcases sustainable ingredients and innovative techniques, creating a unique culinary journey.
FOLK — A trendy, high-ceilinged Italian restaurant known for its seasonal, innovative menu featuring creative pizzas and an extensive wine list with a focus on fresh, organic ingredients. Note... the fried chicken is amazing but huge and the tiramisu is divine.
Henrietta Red — Located in Germantown, are fresh seafood and modern American dishes in a coastal-inspired, casual-elegant setting. Known for its raw bar and sustainably sourced ingredients, the restaurant fosters a social, shared-plate dining experience.
Husk — A modern Southern restaurant that showcases the region's culinary heritage. Located in a historic 19th-century home, the menu changes twice daily and features dishes that highlight flavors of heirloom vegetables, pimento cheese and pork prime rib.
Lyra — A Middle Eastern restaurant offering a blend of traditional flavors with contemporary techniques. Known for its wood-fired pita and hummus, as well as inventive small plates, and sharing dishes like lamb kebabs and octopus, accompanied by craft cocktails.
Peninsula — An intimate dining experience focused on Spanish and Portuguese flavors with a modern European twist. With its small, 35-seat space and dishes like octopus and Iberico presa, It's a cozy spot for tapas-style dining paired with Spanish gin and tonics or Old World wines.
Roberta’s Pizza — A beloved outpost of the renowned Brooklyn eatery, famous for its wood-fired pies that feature creative toppings and a thin, crisp crust. Located within the Urban Cowboy hotel, it offers a vibrant atmosphere and a menu that includes salads and seasonal dishes.
Santo — A Mediterranean restaurant offering a menu rich in fresh ingredients, house-made pasta, and Middle Eastern-inspired dishes. The ambiance is stylish yet inviting, featuring a minimalist design that complements a curated selection of wines and craft cocktails.
The Treehouse — An eclectic restaurant in known for its locally sourced, farm-to-table menu and craft cocktails. Set in a converted family home, it offers a unique indoor-outdoor dining experience, making it a favorite spot for creative dishes and laid-back vibes.
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Attaboy — A cozy, minimalist speakeasy-style cocktail bar known for its personalized, menu-free approach to drinks. Guests describe their flavor preferences to the bartender, who then crafts a unique cocktail tailored to their tastes in an intimate, dimly lit space.
Fox Bar & Cocktail Club — A chic, intimate spot known for its neo-Art Deco vibe and creative cocktails, making it a perfect choice for a sophisticated night out. With an inventive menu that includes both individual and large-format drinks, it's ideal for a date night or a fun evening with friends.
Jane’s Hideaway — Elevated Southern comfort food and nightly live bluegrass, country, and Americana performances. The intimate atmosphere, unique cocktails, and standout dishes like fried chicken sandwiches and okra fries make it a favorite both music and food lovers.
Martha My Dear — A hidden cocktail and wine with a laid-back, neighborhood vibe. Known for its affordable craft cocktails and daily happy hours, it’s a great spot to enjoy creative drinks in a relaxed speakeasy-style setting.
Old Glory — An industrial-style bar located in a former 1920s boiler room, featuring exposed brick, high ceilings, and original fixtures like an old smokestack and electrical boxes. Its unique space, combined with well-crafted cocktails and intimate booths, creates a distinctive atmosphere perfect for a casual night out.
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Ryman Auditorium — Often called the "Mother Church of Country Music," you can feel the history in this venue renowned for its exceptional acoustics and rich musical heritage. Originally a tabernacle, it has hosted legendary performances across genres and remains a cornerstone of Nashville’s live music scene.
Johnny Cash Museum — A museum celebrating the life and legacy of the iconic musician through an extensive collection of memorabilia, personal artifacts, and interactive exhibits. It offers an immersive experience, showcasing the depth of Cash’s career and his lasting impact on music and culture. A must see!
Grand Old Opry — The world’s longest-running radio show and a legendary live music venue that has hosted country music’s biggest stars. It moved from its longtime home at the Ryman Auditorium to a larger, purpose-built venue in 1974, located at the Opryland complex, where it continues to host performances today.
Country Music Hall of Fame — A museum that preserves and celebrates the history and impact of country music through exhibits, recordings, and artifacts. Its striking modern architecture and extensive collections make it a must-visit destination for fans, offering a deep dive into the genre’s roots and its influential artists.
Frist Art Museum — A dynamic exhibition space housed in a beautifully restored Art Deco building, showcasing a wide range of rotating art exhibits from around the world. Without a permanent collection, it offers ever-changing displays of visual art, making each visit a unique experience.
Cheekwood Botanical Gardens — A stunning 55-acre estate featuring beautifully curated gardens, seasonal displays, and art installations. It also includes a historic mansion-turned-museum, offering a blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences throughout the year.
Percy Werner Park — A vast, scenic park offering miles of hiking trails, open green spaces, and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The park’s famous stone steps, known as the "Allée," are a grand, iconic feature from the entrance up to wooded trails.
Cumberland River Pedestrian Bridge — A striking architectural landmark that connects downtown to East Nashville. Offering stunning views of the city skyline and the river below, it’s a popular spot for walking, cycling, and capturing iconic photos of Nashville.
Whiskey Row — A lively stretch of bars, restaurants, and music venues along Broadway, celebrating Tennessee’s rich whiskey-making heritage. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and live music. Walk down the side streets and you will be surrounded with open windows and live music.
Lane Motor Museum — A unique automotive museum dedicated to preserving and showcasing a diverse collection of rare and historic vehicles, including microcars and electric cars. With over 150 cars on display, it offers visitors an engaging glimpse into automotive history and innovation, making it a hidden gem.
Hatch Show Print — A colorful gallery showcasing the art of letterpress printing, featuring a rich collection of vintage posters and prints. Known for its iconic designs that have promoted country music and other events for decades, the show offers a glimpse into the history and craftsmanship of this traditional printing technique.
Pinewood Social — A stylish, retro-inspired bowling alley that combines classic fun with a modern twist, featuring beautifully designed lanes and a vibrant atmosphere. With a full bar, delicious food options, and live music, it is perfect for a cold rainy or hot humid day!
Whiskey Distilleries — A unique opportunity to explore the rich flavors and craftsmanship of Tennessee's renowned spirits, often featuring tastings at local distilleries and bars. Guided tastings provide insight into the whiskey-making process while learning about the history and culture of this beloved drink.
Food Tour — A delicious journey through the city's vibrant culinary scene, showcasing a diverse array of Southern dishes and local specialties. Tours include stops at popular restaurants, food trucks, and hidden gems, allowing you to taste everything from hot chicken to decadent desserts while learning about Nashville's rich food history.
Bluebird Cafe — A memorable experience, intimate setting, and exceptional live music showcasing both established and emerging songwriters. Enjoy a cozy atmosphere while savoring delicious food and drinks, all while being treated to heartfelt performances in one of the most iconic venues in the country music scene.
Nashville Zoo — A family-friendly destination that spans 188 acres and features a diverse array of animals from around the world, including exotic species and native wildlife. With interactive exhibits, a petting zoo, and beautiful gardens, it offers an engaging experience focused on conservation and education.
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Nashville's shopping areas offer a mix of boutiques, antique shops, and major retailers. From the trendy shops in the Midtown and 12 South neighborhoods to the unique finds at the Historic Arcade and Hillsboro Village, you can explore everything from fashion and home goods to handmade crafts and local art. Some favorites include:
Clothing + Beauty
H Audrey
Emerson Grace
Lemon Laine Cosmetics
Private Edition
Uncommon James
Goodbuy Girls
Draper James
Thunder Moon Collective
AriatBooks + Music
Parnassus Books
Third Man RecordsArt + Home
Sewing Down South
The Good Fill
Hatch Print Show
White's Mercantile
Retro Gear shop
Tennessee, where Southern Charm Meets Music, Mountains, and History
franklin
A charming town just south of Nashville, known for its well-preserved historic downtown (rich in Civil War history) and Southern hospitality.
It also offers a vibrant mix of local boutiques, restaurants, and scenic parks, making it a favorite for both history buffs and those seeking a picturesque, small-town atmosphere. The town’s blend of history, culture, and community creates a welcoming, laid-back environment.
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Southall — A serene, luxury retreat set on a sprawling farm, offering guests a peaceful escape in nature. With elegant accommodations, farm-to-table dining, and activities like hiking and wellness experiences, it blends rustic charm with modern comfort for a rejuvenating stay.
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Biscuit Love — A beloved Southern eatery located in a cool old house, known for its fresh, homemade biscuits and creative twists on classic comfort food. Popular for breakfast and brunch, it offers a warm, casual atmosphere where you can enjoy signature dishes like "Bonuts" and hot chicken on biscuits.
Cork + Cow — An upscale steakhouse renowned for its high-quality cuts of meat and a thoughtfully curated wine selection. The restaurant features a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere, perfect for enjoying classic dishes like dry-aged steaks and creative appetizers.
The Coffee House at Second & Bridge —A cozy, welcoming café housed in a charming historic building, offering a relaxing space to enjoy specialty coffees and homemade baked goods. Comfortable seating, local art, and outdoor patio, offer a perfect spot for catching up with friends or enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of coffee.
GRAY’S on Main — A stylish restaurant and bar with eclectic decor. Featuring a menu that blends classic Southern comfort food with innovative culinary twists, it offers a unique dining experience complemented by an extensive selection of craft cocktails and live music events.
January + Sojourner —Farm-to-table experiences that highlight seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, many of which are grown on the estate itself. The menus offer a refined take on Southern cuisine, with dishes thoughtfully crafted to showcase the freshest flavors, providing guests with a truly authentic and sustainable culinary journey.
The Factory at Franklin — A vibrant, historic complex housed in a former manufacturing plant, now home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and creative spaces. With its unique industrial charm and diverse offerings, it’s a popular destination for shopping, dining, and enjoying local events, all in a lively, community-centered environment.
Mellow Mushroom — A fun, laid-back pizzeria known for its creative and delicious pizzas, made with fresh ingredients and unique flavor combinations. With a quirky, art-filled atmosphere, it offers a diverse menu that includes gluten-free options, salads, and craft beer.
Sweethaven — A charming bakery and dessert shop offering a wide selection of handcrafted sweets, from decadent cakes and cookies to gourmet chocolates. Known for its cozy atmosphere and attention to detail, it’s a favorite spot for indulging in beautifully made treats.
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Southall — Immerse yourself in a wide range of activities designed for relaxation and adventure. Explore scenic hiking and biking trails, horseback riding, fly fishing in nearby streams and the thrilling aerial zip line course. Wellness is prioritized with yoga sessions and spa treatments and guided nature walks. Additionally, the inn's gardens offer a peaceful space for reflection, providing a versatile destination for both relaxation and recreation.
Downtown Franklin — A charming and historic district that features beautifully preserved 19th-century architecture, boutique shops, and a vibrant dining scene. With its lively atmosphere, local art galleries, and regular community events, it offers a delightful blend of small-town charm and cultural experiences.
Shopping — a charming blend of trendy boutiques, antique shops, and unique art galleries, all housed in historic buildings that date back to the 18th century. The area, recognized as a Great American Main Street, provides a delightful experience with a variety of locally made goods and specialty items. Some favorites include: White's Mercantile, Finnleys, Rooted from Yarrow Acres, Evereve, Emmaline, Hester & Cook, Molly Green, The Iron Gate and The Green Room.
Farmstead Roots — A cozy, farm-to-table restaurant with a warm atmosphere and a focus on sustainable practices. You can also enjoy wine tasting events featuring carefully selected local and regional wines, perfectly pairing with their meals and enhancing the overall culinary journey.
Fox & Locke — A trendy, upscale bar and restaurant in the heart of Leiper's Fork, known for its rustic charm and inviting ambiance. Offering a menu that features seasonal ingredients and a curated selection of craft cocktails along with a relaxed setting for enjoying live music and a taste of Southern hospitality.
Lieper’s Fork — Famous for its rich artistic community, charming rural setting, and historic significance, often attracting music legends and artists. This picturesque village is also known for its vibrant music scene, local eateries, and events like the Leiper's Fork Music Festival.
Battle of Franklin Trust Tour — An exploration and guided tour of the significant Civil War battle, historic sites and landmarks. Gain insights into the battle's impact on the region and its soldiers, with opportunities to hear powerful stories and see well-preserved sites like the Carter House and Carnton Plantation.
