Okay so, this isn’t my ideal way to travel. I normally like to spend at minimum three days in one location to get a proper feel for the place, but when I was invited to the House Beautiful concept house in Nashville and could only spare a day out of my schedule, I figured I’d make the most of my time there! If you’re planning a trip to Nashville, this is a 24 hour Nashville Travel Guide for the downtown dweller.
From my first impression, it seems that Downtown is more “touristy” where East Nashville seems like a more local experience. We only had time to explore Downtown so this is where that guide is going to focus.
24 Hour Nashville Travel Guide
Where to Stay:
Noelle Nashville
This hotel is incredible and if you’re a Marriot Rewards member, you can use your points to stay here. The rooms are spacious and very luxe with marble bathrooms, updated fixtures, custom furniture in each room and every floor has its own water station with still, sparkling and cold water for your drinking pleasure. The branding for this hotel is amazing, and it has three restaurants/ bars in it so you don’t really need to leave here.
Where to Eat & Drink:
Mockingbird Nashville
The interiors are highly instagrammable with wallpaper and art deco touches everywhere. There’s even a rooftop bar if you’re there for happy hour. We came for lunch and I had the best delicata squash salad here.
Liberty Common
Truthfully I came for the Instagram photo of the interiors but this place is more than just that. We went on a Monday and they had a champagne and fried chicken special which I was happy to indulge in. There was a three-piece band serenading us as we dined and the service was fantastic. I highly recommend putting this on your list. You can easily walk here from the Noelle Nashville.
Drug Store Coffee
This coffee shop greets you as you walk into the Noelle Nashville. The coffee offerings are simple but delicious. Take some time to lounge in the sitting area just outside of the shop toward the lobby. You may catch a glimpse of an up and coming country celebrity walking out of the hotel as we did.
Rare Bird Rooftop Bar
This bar has such an incredible view. Even though it was a bit chilly that evening, every couch was occupied by the time we got up there for happy hour. I highly recommend starting your night here so you can catch the sunset over the AT&T building before heading on.
Where to Shop:
12 South District
If you live in Atlanta, I’d liken this area to Virginia Highlands but with more shops and restaurants. It’s a quaint neighborhood esque street where pedestrians have first right for crossing the street. They have plenty of shops to explore and my favorites to pop into were Marine Layer, Finnleys, Draper James, SC Home, Goopstore, Whites Mercantile, and you may even see Amelia’s Flower Truck setting up shop in front of Imogene & Willie’s.
If you’re into antiques, make sure to stop in 8th Avenue Antique Hall, Preservation Station, Gas Lamp Antiques and Pre 2 Post Modern.
Things to Do:
Walk Down Broadway
If you’re going to be in Nashville for one day you have to check out the legendary Broadway where singers like Dierks Bentley and Jason Aldean cut their teeth in these honky-tonk bars. There’s great people-watching and a few entertainers who will play on the corners.
Drive Around the Belle Meade Neighborhood
If you’re into looking at beautiful homes, take a quick jaunt around the Belle Meade Neighborhood (where the House Beautiful concept home was). The homes are all stately with well-manicured lawns on sprawling acreage. The Belle Meade Plantation is nearby and I’ve heard it’s equally as gorgeous.
There you have it, a 24 hour Nashville Travel Guide for anyone staying downtown and looking for an elevated experience. I loved the soul that the city has and can’t wait to go back. It was a quick 4 hours from Atlanta on a beautiful scenic highway so I expect to be back very soon!
