5 Things: A Local’s Guide to Nashville

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In “5 Things,” I’ll ask locals from cities all over the world to share insider travel tips on where to eat, shop, stay, and play in their neighborhoods (plus, what to pack to make the adventure complete). This week, two stylists, Lacey Kincheloe and Stephanie McKellar, show us the sights in Nashville, Tennessee.

5 Things: Nashville

by Lacey Kincheloe, photos by Stephanie McKellar

My husband, Josh, and I just celebrated our second wedding anniversary, as well as our second year living in Nashville. In our short time here we’ve developed a few favorite places around the city, although it’s growing so quickly it can be hard to keep up! If you’re heading to Nashville for a weekend trip or an extended vacation, here are some of my go-tos.

EAT

Nashville is becoming quite the foodie’s paradise. There are so many amazing places to eat around here, but these are some of the spots Josh and I frequently visit.

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Marche Artisan Foods is my favorite for Sunday brunch. It’s like taking a step into the sweetest little Parisian café. It’s located in Historic East Nashville, so afterwards you can head over to walk around all of the cute locally owned businesses and grab a Barista Parlor coffee. I recommend Marche’s bread basket and the savory crepes.

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If you come to Nashville and don’t stop by Mas Tacos, it’s practically a sin. Mas Tacos is a local and Instagram favorite. Their fried avocado taco and Mexican elote is to die for. It’s a little rough around the edges from the outside, but the line wrapped around the corner will reassure you that it’s so worth it.

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Josh and I bring every out of towner to Burger Up to grab the most delicious burgers. We frequent the 12 South location, because it’s smack dab in the middle of amazing retails spots, Jeni’s Ice Cream, and the local park. Burger Up boasts delicious meals featuring locally-sourced patties. It’s veggie-friendly too with an out of this world black bean burger.

PLAY

You really can’t come to Nashville and not experience the Broadway strip. It’s full of all the famous honky-tonks and is the renowned entertainment district for country music. I’m not going to lie though; it can be a lot to handle. If you want to step away from the crowds for a bit then I recommend these spots.

Sevier Park is a family friendly park attached to the tail end of 12 South. You’ll likely catch the 12 South Farmers Market here, or some local music in the summer and fall. You can walk across the street to grab a gourmet popsicle from Las Paletas, and then stroll down through all of the nearby shops.

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Old Glory is a watering hole is located in a converted boiler room in Edgehill. It’s home to my favorite Moscow Mule, and is a stunner with 60-foot ceilings and the original smokestack left as an interior focal point. I love to head here for a night out with friends and then try to convince the owners to let me move in. It’s that gorgeous.

If you’re up for the trip, Cummins Falls is a beautiful waterfall tucked into a luscious state park. It’s located a short drive outside of the city and is a hotspot during the summer. It’s perfect for if you’re looking to go hiking, and take in the most stunning rolling hills and scenic views that middle Tennessee has to offer.

SHOP

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Inside of an old converted gas station is housed the popular Imogine + Willie. It’s located in the popular 12 South District and showcases some of the best American-made denim that you can find.

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White’s Mercantile is another 12 South hot spot, owned by none other than Hank Williams, Jr.’s daughter. It doesn’t get much more country than that. A fair warning for those of you obsessed with home décor like I am: you’ll be tempted to spend your day here.

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Two Son is a newer spot in Nashville that was recently featured in Vogue as a trailblazer of Nashville’s fashion market. It houses an in-store design studio and a custom photo unit where you can document your visit!

STAY

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Airbnb is definitely the go-to for a true Nashville experience. There are so many gorgeous homes available to kick up your boots in. One of our favorites is our sweet friend Andi’s humble abode, Everything’s Coming Up Rosemary. It’s the located in the middle of basically everything Nashville has to offer, plus she’s sugar sweet and will ensure that you experience true southern hospitality. 

PACK

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Nashville’s weather can be bananas, much like a lot of other cities. Alongside your phone and some proper SPF, I’d recommend having a lightweight blanket in hand. This will be beneficial during an impromptu picnic in a park, a place to sit during many of the live outdoor concerts that may be happening, or even an extra layer of warmth when the temperature drops at night. You can pick up a cute Falsa blanket from a couple of Nashville locals over at 1767 Designs.

Thank you so much, Lacey and Stephanie. I’ve wanted to visit for ages. Saving this for a (hopefully soon) trip to Tennessee. 

[All images by Stephanie McKellar, with exception: Falsa Blanket]

P.S. See the entire 5 Things Series.

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