The Nashville Native...Tidbits and Things To Do

I am frequently getting emails from readers and friends about my favorite city, Nashville, Tennessee {and yes, I am partial}. It seems like my beloved Music City is quite a fun little destination for weekend adventures and short holidays. With that, I thought I would devote a post to anything and everything Nashville to help you plan your getaway--things not to miss, great eats for amazing food, must see attractions and such, and of course the most important thing, the shopping. We may not be New York or LA, but we're moving on up in the retail ladder I tell you. Here is a brief synopsis of some of my favorites:

{Local Attractions}

• Arrington Vineyards-- perfect place for wine tastings, evening picnics, and live music
• Frist Center for the Visual Arts--museum featuring all types of fascinating exhibits
• Country Music Hall of Fame--devoted to all things country and the evolution of the genre of music
• Grand Ole Opry--sit back and sing away for weekly concerts featuring some of country's best and brightest stars
• Opryland Hotel and Convention Center--hotel, inside attraction with boatrides, restaurants, shopping, and gardens...a great place for a fun date!
• Cheekwood-- botanical gardens, lush landscapes, the famous Pineapple Room Restaurant, and seasonal attractions
• Bicentennial Mall/Farmer's Market-- outdoor mall celebrating Tennessee's history; fountains for the kids to play in, and a fabulous local farmer's market open daily

{The Favorite Food Locales}

• Margot--best restaurant in Nashville; great atmosphere, ever-changing menu, perfect for a romantic date night, infamous chef, you won't be disappointed
• Boundry--bar/restaurant in Midtown; great ambiance, incredible food, and fun for a group get together
• Loveless Cafe--the epitomy of Nashville fare; famous biscuits and country cooking
• Germantown Cafe--in the heart of quaint little Germantown, a perfect setting to get together for simple, but gourmet meal; brunch and dinner are tasty treats!
• Tin Angel--my place to brunch! a local favorite, so be sure to get there early
• Virago--hands down, best sushi; just relocated and even trendier than before; you walk in and think you've ventured to NYC; fun night to dress up! they make my favorite cocktail as well--the Lychee Martini
• Mafiaoza's--if you're craving pizza, this is the place to go; don't forget to get the fried ravioli sticks as an appetizer, too
• Taco Mamacita--tex-mex; gourmet tacos and great for girl's night or an evening drink on the patio
• Other recent favorites include Silo, Kayne Prime, Lockeland Table, Urban Grub, and Holland House

{Honky Tonks and Must See Nightly Activities}

• The Bluebird Cafe--local hangout for aspiring songwriters and such; never know who you may run into in this local dive
• Broadway...Tootsie's, Paradise Park, Legend's, Big Bang--if you're looking for authentic Music City fun--and total tourist bars--look no further, these are the best; located right on Broadway for the epitomy of everything Nashville has to offer
• Midtown...Loser's, Red Door, Winner's, Corner Pub, Broadway Brewhouse--need cocktails with laid back fun? these are all places we love to go and mingle!! never a dull moment ;)

{Saved the Best for Last...The Shopping}

• Hill Center...Whole Foods, Anthropologie, H Audrey, Posh, Francesca's, Monkee's, Vineyard Vines, Paper Source, West Elm, Lulu Lemon, Hemline
• Green Hills Mall...Nordstrom, Dillards, Z Gallerie, Macy's, Tory Burch, Michael Kors, BCBG, Kate Spade, JCrew, David Yurman, Gap, Sephora, Restoration Hardware, Tiffany & Co
• 21st Avenue/Hillsboro Village: Posh, Social Graces, Pangaea, Cosmetic Market
• Blush Boutique
• Muse

As always, feel free to shoot me an email for other suggestions and such... there are so many places, favorites, and fun things to keep yourself occupied that I didn't include if you're trying to think of trying other outings! I promise, Nashville has so much to offer and you won't be disappointed.