[ THE ] CITY GUIDE: NASHVILLE

We travel as much as we organize, which is why we want to introduce a new theme to blog... CITY GUIDES!

Every month, we'll be highlighting our favorite places to eat, shop, stay, and hang in the cities we love.

To kick it off, let's start where it all began: Nashville. Even though Joanna and I aren't originally from here, we are more than happy to call this Southern gem our new home.

PLACES TO HANG-

#1 Pinewood Social: 

33 Peabody St, Downtown

This past year, we held our holiday party at Pinewood Social. It has everything you could ever want: Bowling, bocce ball, swimming pools, cocktails, CHAMPAGNE, coffee, small plates, and WiFi that never lets you down. Honestly, I'd set up our corporate office there if they let us.

#2 Kuchina and Keller: 

1300 3rd Ave N, Germantown

An Eastern European-inspired Nashville favorite. The menu is inspired by Chef Aaron Clemins German and Polish roots. If you want cold beer, a great selection of meat and cheese, and the best hot fudge sundae of your life, this is your spot.

#3 Patterson House: 

1711 Division St

Think prohibition-era speakeasy, but without the paranoia of getting busted by the cops. Patterson House is intimate (only seats 80 people) and sophisticated with mixologists who really know what they're doing. Trust me, you need to experience it.

I should also mention they have HOUSE RULES. Nothing crazy. Just things like "you must be seated to order a drink." I'm the daughter of my mother, so I feel right at home #Roberta.

#4 Ryman Auditorium

16 5th Ave N

Historic Nashville at it's best! Ryman Auditorium is where the Grand Ole Opry began, where Johnny Cash met June Carter, and where you'll experience the best live music and comedy acts around.

#5 Station Inn

402 12th Ave S

Station Inn has a reputation for being one of the best bluegrass venues in the country. The inside looks like what you'd expect...and that's the best part.

PLACES TO EAT-

#1 Cafe Roze

1115 Porter Rd

This is where you'll find the most Instagram-worthy avocado toast. To give you an idea of how ABSOLUTELY AMAZING this place is, the owner also a consulting chef at NYC's Jack's Wife Freda. Go there for a weekend brunch!

#2 Henrietta Red

1200 4th Ave N

If you love oysters, book a reservation here. However you like them, they have it: Fried, raw, wood-roasted, in a stew, in a sandwich, you get the point.

Dishes like braised pork and farro risotto are also popular on the menu.

#3 City House

1222 4th Ave N

At City House, you'll find classic Southern dishes like fried chicken and brisket. Or if you're into Italian food, their wood-burning oven serves up some SERIOUSLY delicious pizza. If you've ever referred to yourself as a "foodie," add this spot to your list.

#4 Rolf & Daughters

700 Taylor St,

We love this place. It's communal table seating is perfect if you're dining with a large group. Every dish is made completely from scratch and the pasta is worth the carb intake and/or pilates class the next day.

#5 Caviar and Bananas

2031 Broadway

Think of Caviar and Bananas as Nashville's "Joan's On Third" (an LA favorite!) Here, you'll find small plates, salads, sandwiches, charcuterie, pastries, coffee, and items you can grab-and-go. Also, craft beer and wine!

#6 The Mockingbird

121A 12th Ave N

If you're looking for a unique place to eat/drink, Mockingbird is the place. The menu offers a blend of Korean, Mexican, and French food with fun names like "Japancake" (topped with shredded savory cabbage, aioli and jalapeno) and "Bird Is The Word" (fried chicken with chorizo white gravy, salsa verde and mashed potato). Oh, and they have boozy milkshakes...because who doesn't need one of those?

PLACES TO SHOP-

#1 Wilder

1212 4th Ave N

Honestly, I'd buy the entire store.The selection of woven ROYGBIV baskets is absurd. GO THERE.

#2 Hero

2306 12th Ave South

Hero is owned by Claudia Robertson Fowler, the stylist to Miranda Lambert, Trisha Yearwood, and Martina McBride. (And inadvertently, Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin.)

#3 H. Audrey

027 Hillsboro Pike

Believe it or not, we own more than just "THE" merch and black leggings that we try to pass off like dress pants. And most likely, we bought the rest of our wardrobe at H. Audrey. Here you'll find designer brands like Rag & Bone and Loeffler Randall.

#4 Lemon Laine

1900 Eastland Ave #102

The place in Nashville to pick up the latest in clean, non-toxic beauty. Lemon Laine even offers an oil bar where you can mix your own skincare, depending on your needs. Yeah, it's safe to say we found a new place to "shame spiral" in.

#5 Apple & Oak

717 Porter Rd

The eclectic vintage shop that makes dreams come true...like my dream of owning a one-of-a-kind Turkish boho rug for my entryway.

#6 White's Mercantile

2908 12th Ave South

If it's any consolation, I purchased my "HOWDY" doormat here. From that point on, I see White's Mercantile less as a store, and more like a treasure trove where dreams come true.

#7 Draper James  

2608 12th Ave S,

When Reese Witherspoon does ANYTHING, we're all in. Her Draper James storefront is the perfect spot to find all your Southern-inspired clothing and entertaining accessories.

PLACES TO STAY-

#1 The Thompson

401 11th Ave S

This luxury hotel overlooks The Gulch and Downtown Nashville, and it’s HAND’S DOWN our favorite place in the city. Sometimes Joanna and I stay there on a week night just to escape our families. When we check-in, the front desk says, “where are you traveling in from?” - and we say, “from 15 minutes away and not sorry about it.”

#2 Urban Cowboy B&B

1603 Woodland St

From the outside, this unique bed & breakfast looks like an old Victorian home. But on the inside, it's a Western rustic paradise. Urban Cowboy houses 8 suites with the same cozy feel.

#3 The Hutton

1808 West End Ave

This hotel is located right in the heart of Music Row. Plus, we've heard that Gwyneth Paltrow stayed here and loved it. NEED WE SAY MORE?

PLACES FOR KIDS-

#1 Cheekwood Botanical Garden

1200 Forrest Park Dr

It's not just pretty scenery, y'all. The botanical garden offers activities for kids year round, from special exhibits to art classes.

#2 Adventure Science Center

800 Fort Negley Blvd

I promise if you take your kids here, you'll win "Best Mom Award" (for at least the day.) The entire building is devoted to child-size activities like a three-story soft jungle gym, a spaceship that simulates zero gravity, firetrucks, and what we're actually here for: LEARNING.

#3 Sevier Park

12th Ave S Kirkwood Ave

For those moments when you need a break and your kids need a playground.

#4 Nashville Farmers' Market

900 Rosa L. Parks Blvd.

Every third Friday of the month, Nashville Farmer's Market hosts a Night Market featuring guest artisans, live music, and family friendly activities. Plus, all proceeds a local non-profit or organization in the Nashville community!

Are we missing any Nashville favorites? Let us know! 

Xo Clea + Joanna