Rachael Zarda

Madewell top | Joe’s Jeans | Vans slip-ons | Madewell tote

In March, my sister and I ventured to Nashville as a last hurrah of her college days. Sadly, spring break doesn’t come around anymore when you’re living that adult life (can we bring that back, plz?) so we took full advantage of the long weekend trip together.

We lucked out with the most amazing weather and walked instead of drove when we could. I like to think we covered a good amount of the city! I’d been to Nashville before, and Natalie isn’t a country music fan, so we skipped on some of the typical Nashville tourist destinations. I’ve curated a list of the places we visited and loved below!

[one_half][/one_half] [one_half_last][/one_half_last] EAT
If there’s one thing we did right on this trip, it’s that we ate really well. One of my favorite ways to explore a city is to experience it’s local cuisine. We asked every Lyft driver what their favorite local spots were and had a good running list that we couldn’t possibly finish in the amount of time we had, but we gave it a good college try.
The Pharmacy: Best burgers ever. I go back each time I’m in Nashville and I’m never disappointed. Natalie and I spent a few hours drinking grapefruit beers and enjoying the sunshine (and sweet potato fries) on the patio.
Biscuit Love: Three words: biscuit french toast.
Hattie B’s: It was a real controversy with the locals whether our first authentic hot chicken experience should come from Hattie B’s or Prince’s. We decided to go to Hattie B’s because it was closer to what we had planned for the day. The line was long, but it was well worth the wait.
Five Daughter’s Bakery
Mas Tacos

VISIT
Belle Meade: We hadn’t originally planned to make the trip out there, but a few people recommended Belle Meade Plantation if we wanted a chill afternoon away from the city. We took a tour of the Civil War era home that ended with a wine tasting. We browsed the gardens (where the picture above was taken) and sat out on the lit patio until it was time to grab dinner. Really beautiful stop and unexpected stop!
FLWR Shop: This charming shop had just opened not long before we stumbled upon the storefront, the foyer of a home in a the Five Points neighborhood – so much character!
Riverfront Park

[one_half][/one_half] [one_half_last][/one_half_last] WORK
Crema: They have an almond/coconut milk blend that makes the best lattes!
Barista Parlor: A great place to set up shop for working in the morning. Natalie and I both got iced coffees and breakfast sammies (so good) and chilled for a few perfect hours before exploring the rest of East Nashville.

EXPLORE
We spent nearly an entire day browsing 12 South, chock full of cute shops, great restaurants, bustling parks, a neighborhood that looked straight out of Southern Homes, and the nicest people. It was my favorite area in Nashville. I could completely see myself living there.
White’s Mercantile
Burger Up
Imogene & Willie
Las Paletas
Jeni’s Ice Cream

Have you been to Nashville? I’d love to hear your favorite places to go when you’re there. Reflecting on our trip is making me want to go back!