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nashville hot spots to visit

Travel

August 27, 2021

Nashville native coming your way today… I know it’s like I am a true unicorn [and my entire family actually] when it comes to being a born and bred Nashvillian. Seems like our quaint little town has transformed itself almost overnight–or so it seems- but I can’t blame you. It’s the happiest city filled with family fun, lots of activities for you younger friends, with endless possibilities because of the corporate growth that’s taken over downtown the past few years. That being said, I have the best Nashville hot spots for y’all today!

Nashville Hot Spots by popular Nashville travel blog, Hello Happiness: image of Natasha Stoneking wearing a orange sunglower dress, white strap espadrilles, and holding a macrame hand bag while standing next to a white flowering bush.
sunglower dress

It seems that many of you are headed to visit our booming Music City over the next few weeks and months and I’m here to tell you that fall is my favorite season here in Nashville = it is incredible!

As always, my inbox and DMs are constantly filled with requests for my favorite hotspots and places not to miss, so I thought I’d post a proper update here on the blog [just be sure to bookmark for future reference]:

Nashville Hot Spots by popular Nashville travel blog, Hello Happiness: image of a pretzel and a salad.

Nashville Hot Spots

Restaurants

Pinewood Social | A Nashville staple, this spot offers a bowling alley, swimming pool, coffee bar, and a great menu + cocktails all in one place.

Sixty Vines | A California vineyard brought straight to downtown Nashville, here you can enjoy over 60 different wines on tap + a farm to table menu.

Assembly Food Hall | In addition to housing Sixty Vines, this part of Fifth + Broadway offers over 30 different eateries all in one place. From Nashville staples like Hattie B’s to lesser known favorites, there’s something for everyone here!

Superica | Tex-Mex in Tennessee can be found at this hidden gem in The Gulch. You’ll feel like you’re in the Old West while sipping delicious margaritas.

The Optimist |If you’re looking for seafood in Music City, this is the place. Offering the perfect mix of the south + the sea through their menu and craft cocktails.

Urban Grub | Another hidden gem that locals love, this restaurant is right in the middle of the popular 12th South neighborhood and offers mix of menu items from fresh fish to savory meats and vegetables.

Bartaco |Also located in the 12th South neighborhood, this Mexican spot welcomes you into a coastal environment where you’ll find fresh flavors and some of the best margaritas in town.

O-Ku | Sushi lovers will find a new favorite in O-Ku. Tucked away in the Germantown neighborhood you can find the best sushi and a great happy hour.

Adeles| A bright and airy Cali inspired bistro with creative cocktails and seasonal farm to table menu offerings. They also host a great brunch buffet every Sunday.


Nashville Hot Spots by popular Nashville travel blog, Hello Happiness: image of Natasha Stoneking wearing a blue eyelet babydoll dress and holding a pink YSL handbag.
blue eyelet dress

Rooftops + Cocktails

LA Jackson | Indoor/outdoor rooftop with a swanky feel and picturesque views of The Gulch.

Rarebird | Atop the Noelle Hotel, this colorful rooftop spot overlooks downtown Nashville while serving up handcrafted cocktails and bites.

White Limozeen | Take in the Nashville skyline and perfectly pink décor while paying homage to Dolly Parton. Features indoor/outdoor seating and a wading pool.

Zeppelin | You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a stress free zone where you can enjoy great views, craft cocktails, and an Italian inspired menu.

The Hampton Social | Enjoy indoor/outdoor seating options with unobstructed views of downtown Nashville while simultaneously feeling like you’re relaxing seaside sipping coastal inspired cocktails and bites.

The Bobby | The perfect rooftop experience for any person and any time of year, this spot changes their décor with the seasons so you’ll never experience it the same way twice!

Old Glory | Truly a hidden gem, this spot doesn’t have a sign so it’s easy to miss. An old boiler room turned bar, you’ll definitely want to experience their craft cocktails and unique aesthetics.

Patterson House | If you like an intimate + customized experience this is where you will find it. A local favorite with talented mixologists pouring up handcrafted cocktails and offering a menu of elevated bar food staples.

Pins Mechanical | A unique night out can be found at Pins where you can sip yummy cocktails while trying your hand at old arcade games, duckpin bowling, and playing some classic favorites like Jenga and Connect Four.

LouNa | The Grand Hyatt hotel hosts this glamorous rooftop gem. Creative cocktails, shareable snacks, live music, and stellar views, there’s no reason not to try this new hot spot.


Nashville Hot Spots by popular Nashville travel blog, Hello Happiness: image of Natasha Stoneking wearing a black mini dress and brown strap platform espadrilles.

Experiences + Culture

Cheekwood Botanical Gardens | 55 acres of breathtaking gardens and history rich buildings you’ll never want to leave. Make sure to lookout for their seasonal events too!

Frist Center for the Arts | A non-profit art museum located in downtown Nashville that hosts various exhibits from around the world.

Adventure Science Center | A truly hands on experience perfect for the whole family. This museum offers learning activities and exhibits on biology, physics, space, earth, and so much more.

The Listening Room | Hear from some of Nashville’s best storytellers at this restaurant + music venue in one. You’ll get to see performances from some of Nashville’s best songwriters from the up and coming to the very best in the business.

Country Music Hall of Fame | A must visit for all country music fans. This museum houses over 2.5 million artifacts that take you through the history of country music. Plus, it is one of the largest museums in the world.

Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage |Visit the home of president Andrew Jackson and tour the museum and grounds of over 1000 beautiful acres.

Grand Ole Opry | A must see in Nashville, the famous Grand Ole Opry stage is open for tours daily and hosts shows every single night.

Gaylord Opryland | While in the area to visit the Grand Ole Opry, you’ll want to make a stop at the Gaylord Opryland hotel to see their massive indoor garden atrium and brand new waterpark, SoundWaves.

Ryman Auditorium | The original Grand Ole Opry, this is a music venue and museum all in one. Holding so much history, beautiful architecture, and incredible performances, you will definitely want to visit the “Mother Church” of Nashville.

Fifth + Broadway | The newest addition to the city’s most famous street, here you will find endless entertainment and dining options plus shopping, museums, live music, and more.


Nashville Hot Spots by popular Nashville travel blog, Hello Happiness: image of Natasha Stoneking wearing a cream knit sweater while sitting at a table.

All the Shopping

12th South | Walkable sidewalks filled with boutiques and restaurants. Here you’ll find favorites of locals + tourist alike such as Draper James, Whites Mercantile, Emerson Grace.

The Gulch | With a great mix of small boutiques and your fave bigger names, this area has all the shopping and great restaurants. You’ll find Kittenish, Uncommon James, E. Allen, and more!

Green Hills | Between the Green Hills Mall and Hill Center, there’s no store you can’t find in this neighborhood. You can also find some local favorite boutiques like The Mill and Ever Alice.

L&L Marketplace | A one stop shop for dining, shopping, and everything in between. You can stop in The Barefoot Cottage and then grab a milkshake at Gracie’s Milkshake Bar.

Alexis & Bolt | A gem in the Germantown neighborhood with uniquely curated pieces in a home turned storefront.

ABLE | More than just great goods, this local boutique has a great purpose. They offer quality products and a mission to create opportunities for women.

Nashville Hot Spots by popular Nashville travel blog, Hello Happiness: image of Natasha Stoneking wearing a peach color top, light wash jeans, and brown boots while holding able shopping bags.

Hillsboro Village | A popular neighborhood in Nashville that is filled with big and small shops alike + great bites. Here you can shop The Impeccable Pig, Altar’d State, and others.

Nashville Farmers Market | This is not your average farmers market, it is open daily + year-round and offers a variety of vendors for food, clothes, accessories, crafts, and more.

Downtown Franklin | If you’re willing to venture just 20 miles outside of Nashville, you will find the historic town of downtown Franklin which holds 16 blocks of shopping + dining favorites from Anthropologie to Audree P. Boutqiue.


Nashville Hot Spots by popular Nashville travel blog, Hello Happiness: image of Natasha Stoneking sitting on a bed with white bedding and reading The Line.

The Proper Accommodations

The Graduate | The place to stay if you’re looking to experience Nashville the Dolly Parton way. Full of southern flair, lots of florals, and rooms inspired by your favorite ladies in country music.

The Dream | Art deco finds it home in Nashville within the walls of the Dream Hotel. It offers 6 dining and nightlife options and is situated on Printer’s Alley, right in the middle of all the downtown action.

Noelle | Located downtown and home to some great restaurants and rooftops (Rare Bird, Makeready) this hotel provides a uniquely Nashville experience that highlights local art, design, and events.

The Thompson | Perfectly situated in the heart of the Gulch neighborhood, this is the place to stay for a chic, boutique experience. You’ll find tons of shops and restaurants right outside the doors and it’s just a short walk/drive to downtown.

JW Marriott | Southern elegance shows off at the JW Marriott. Located downtown, you’ll experience nothing but luxury from the spa, to the pool, to the rooftop restaurant/bar.

Russell | Possibly one of the most unique stays in Nashville, The Russell is a historic church turned hotel within the East Nashville neighborhood. Their slogan is “Stay Here, Change Lives” because by booking a room, you’ll be helping local homeless ministries.

Virgin Hotel | One of Nashville’s newest additions, you’ll find modern accommodations with a southern twist right on Music Row. Central to Midtown, Downtown, and the Gulch and walkable to tons of great restaurants.

The Joseph | Southern sophistication is what you can expect from a stay at The Joseph. Housed in the SoBro district of downtown, you’ll be immersed in art and culture from the lobby to the rooftop bar.

Union Station | A Nashville staple that never goes out of style, this hotel brings a modern touch to a historic location. Once a train station built in the 1900s, it is now a one of a kind experience for locals and visitors alike.

Nashville Hot Spots by popular Nashville travel blog, Hello Happiness: image of Natasha Stoneking wearing a red t-shirt and red and white floral print pants while sitting on a bed.

Which of these Nashville hot spots would you like to try? Let me know in a comment below!

  1. Addison says:

    This is so helpful!!! I am dying to get to Nashville. I am a die hard country music fan!

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2024 favs

where I shop

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colorful life + style blogger | native nashvillian | wife and mom to two darling little ladies | bringing you all the happy you can handle

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