Country music’s Lady A, the multiplatinum Grammy-winning country crossover formerly known as Lady Antebellum, has made Nashville, Tennessee their home for the better part of two decades. They’ve played all over town and know their way around everything from Music City’s best bars, foodie joints, hotels, and yes, even the best water park. Here, the trio—Hillary Scott, Charles Kelley, and Dave Haywood, give us the local low-down of all their favorite haunts.
WEATHER
July is the hottest month with an average low temperature of 69.5°F average high of 88.7°F.
January is the coldest month with an average low of 27.9°F and a high of 45.6°F.
Fall and Spring seasons tend to stay around the low 70’s.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Summer is the busiest time of year as well as the hottest. Fall and Spring are the best times to visit Nashville, the days are warm and the nights are cool with little humidity.
LAY OF THE LAND
Downtown Nashville AKA “The District”: unique, classic Nashville experience but can be touristy. Walking distance to hip, upscale, walkable The Gulch. Close to: Germantown, an older area full of German cultural aspect like cobblestone streets and “Nashville Oktoberfest.”
East Nashville: inhabited by artists and musicians. An exciting, relaxed neighborhood, full of life and culture, restaurants, and shops.
West End: centrally located, known for Nashville’s biggest park—Centennial Park, making it a staple location for active residents. Has some of the city’s best hotels. Close to: family-friendly Hillsboro Village, full of dining staples; and cool, laid-back 12 South with its row of shops & hip restaurants.
Midtown: great for bar hopping. Over 20 local bars and restaurants walking distance from each other. Less touristy, more relaxed, and local.
The Nations: one of the oldest areas in Nashville. Formerly industrial, but recently became a great area for interesting restaurants and shopping.
Green Hills: south of Downtown; everything you could need from dining to high-end shopping.
HOTELS
The Thompson Nashville
Luxury boutique hotel in hip Downtown neighborhood, The Gulch.
401 11th Ave S / The Gulch / 615.262.6000
Noelle Hotel Nashville
Historic Art Deco Hotel housed in one of the city’s first luxury hotels dating back to 1930.
“A boutique hotel option with a cool rooftop bar.”
201 8th Ave S / Downtown / 615.291.8600
JW Marriott
Contemporary high-rise hotel just minutes from the Country Music Hall of Fame.
“A great downtown location that is just enough out of the mad rush to feel serene, with a great spa and steakhouse on the 23rd floor with epic views over the city.”
201 8th Ave S / Downtown / 615.262.6000
RESTAURANTS
Kayne Prime
Creative fusion of a chef-chic boutique restaurant with a great American steakhouse.
103 McGavock St / The Gulch / 615.259.0050
Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint
Roadhouse-style eatery with whole-hog pit-fired BBQ with chicken, tacos, and burgers.
410 4th Ave S / Nashville + multiple locations / 615.288.0880
Rolf & Daughters
Long time local favorite with an industrial vibe, communal tables, and a great garden patio serving innovative shared plates with interesting cocktails.
700 Taylor St / Germantown / 615.866.9897
Mas Tacos Por Favor
Cool, hole-in-the-wall joint, serving the best tacos in town.
732 McFerrin Ave / East Nashville / 615.543.6271
Nicky’s Coal Fired
Authentic housemade pastas and pizzas in a lively setting with Italian craft cocktails.
5026 Centennial Blvd / The Nations / 615.678.4289
The Loveless Cafe
A Nashville landmark off the beaten path; a true southern cafe with down-home comfort food.
8400 TN-100 / Nashville / 615.646.9700
Burger Up
Delicious burgers made from locally-sourced ingredients & large cocktails in a warm, group-friendly environment.
2901 12th Ave S / 12 South / 615.279.3767
Bourbon Steak
Breathtaking views from the 34th floor of the JW Marriott Hotel. Nashville’s first Michael Mina restaurant serves the finest cuts of American beef with a selection of over 500 wines.
201 8th Ave S, 34th floor / The Gulch / 629.208.8440
5th & Taylor
Modern American entrees in generous portions from Chef Daniel Lindley in a spacious warehouse space. Great for larger dinner parties.
1411 5th Ave N / Germantown / 615.242.4747
Etch
Beloved Nashville Chef Deb Paquette serves globally inspired, inventive versions of comfort food with an extensive wine list, high gravity local beers, and hand-crafted signature cocktails. Don’t skip out on Pastry Chef Megan William’s artful desserts.
303 Demonbreun St / Rutledge Hill / 615.522.0685
Sperry’s Restaurant
Old English heritage meets the Old South in a warm and comforting ambiance.
“An old school Nashville staple tucked away in Belle Meade with great martinis, tableside bananas foster, and a roaring fire during the winter.”
5109 Harding Pike / Belle Meade+ 2 other locations / 615.353.0809
Henrietta Red
Julia Sullivan and Allie Poindexter’s airy, chic spot for oysters and elevated seafood with a cool cocktail bar.
“A vegetable-forward menu with epic oysters and a great happy hour.”
1200 4th Ave N / Germantown / 615.490.8042
Josephine
Chef Andrew Little’s Pennsylvania Dutch roots meets Tennessee for this American Farmhouse cuisine in a warm, living room-like decor.
“A neighborhood bistro for date night dinners and a great weekend brunch spot.”
2316 12th Ave S / 12 South / 615.292.7766
O-KU
Traditional Japanese cuisine with a menu that focuses on unique ingredients and sophisticated presentations.
“Best sushi in Nashville with awesome ambiance and great cocktails.”
81 Van Buren Street / East Germantown / 629.900.0021
Santo
Modern mediterranean cuisine from Chicago Chef Jason Heiman. Reservations recommended.
“Mediterranean and middle eastern fusion, chic interiors, and an awesome curated wine list.”
3998 Hillsboro Pike / Duncanwood / 615.336.3426
BARS & PUBS
The Patterson House
This Music Row speakeasy has long been a must-go-to in Nashville. Strict no-phone rules and limited entry creates an intimate, old-school vibe.
“Craft cocktails and elevated bar food in a dimly-lit, old-school ambiance.”
1711 Division St / Midtown / 615.598.2484
Attaboy
An offshoot of the famed NYC speakeasy that helped create the modern craft-cocktail movement. No menu. Every drink is personalized. Parties of six or smaller only.
8 Mcferrin Ave / Edgefield / 615.490.6502
Bastion
Chef Josh Habiger partnered with Strategic Personality (the team behind Pinewood Social and Patterson House) for this cool watering hole that serves inventive cocktails in a hip, kitschy setting.
434 Houston St, Suite 110 / Wedgewood Houston / 615.490.8434
Santa’s Pub
Lively dive bar, located in a holiday-themed double wide, with karaoke and cheap drinks.
2225 Bransford Ave / 615.593.1872
E3 Chophouse
Ranch to restaurant chophouse owned by the families of Adam LaRoche, Jason Aldean, and Luke Bryan.
“Smoked cocktail menu.”
1628 21st Ave S / Hillsboro Village / 615.301.1818
McCabe Pub, Inc
A family-owned warm spot with exposed brick interior and a garden patio serving all-American comfort food.
“An old-school Nashville spot with great wings and cold beer.”
4410 Murphy Rd / Sylvan Heights / 615.269.9406
SHOPS
Oak Hall
Opened in 1859, this is one of the first ready-to-wear menswear stores in the country and one of the oldest family-owned businesses in the nation. Brands include: Barbour, Rag & Bone, Billy Reid, Filson, Ferragamo shoes, and Common Projects.
4017 Hillsboro Pike #303 / Green Hills / 615.454.6497
Haymakers & CO.
One-stop-shop men’s clothing boutique with a full-service barber shop and tailor bar.
3307 West End Ave / West End / 615.810.9442
White’s Mercantile
This brainchild of Holly Williams (singer-songwriter and granddaughter of Hank) boasts an impeccably curated selection of apparel, home goods, cookbooks, and more in an iconic old gas station.
“A modern general store that is a go-to for gifts.”
2908 12th Ave South / 12 South + Multiple locations / 615.750.5379
Harvest Wine Market
Family-owned spirit store.
“Great selection of curated french wine, natural wine, and rosé owned by the nicest couple.”
6043 TN-100 / Belle Meade / 615.750.3476
BOOK & RECORD SHOPS
Grimey’s New & Preloved Music
A must-stop for music lovers, this legendary music shop specializes in vintage records.
“One of the last places in town to browse records with a selection of current albums as well as classic vinyl.”
1060 E Trinity Ln / East Nashville / 615.226.3811
Parnassus Books
Like a Cheers for book lovers. Bring your kids and bring your dog to this indie bookshop with an extensive collection in any genre, signed-first editions, and personal recs by in-the-know, chatty staff.
“Ann Patchett’s amazing bookshop that has weekly storytime for kids and a great selection of local authors.”
3900 Hillsboro Pike #14 / Greenbriar Village / 615.953.2243
TAILORS
Loretta at Oak Hall
Loretta is known for servicing music city’s biggest names for award shows and tours but is as low-key, friendly, and unpretentious as they come.
4017 Hillsboro Pike #303 / Green Hills / 615.454.6497
Stitch-It
Quick turnaround, very helpful staff, and great pricing.
“For custom suiting and great tailoring.”
4101 Hillsboro Cir / Green Hills / 615.292.3008
Maggie at Nordstrom
When shopping at The Malls at Green Hills’ Nordstrom, request Maggie for any tailoring needs.
2130 Abbott Martin Rd, Suite A / Green Hills / 615.850.6635
MUSEUMS
The Frist Art Museum
Rotating exhibits and children’s educational programs in a classic Art Deco building.
“Curated exhibits from all over the world and awesome Summer programming with weekly concerts on the lawn and kids’ activities.”
919 Broadway / The Gulch / 615.244.3340
Country Music Hall of Fame
One of the largest museums and research centers dedicated to the preservation of American music. Chartered in 1964, it has amassed one of the world’s most extensive musical collections.
222 5th Ave S / The Gulch / 615.416.2001
Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum
Exhibits the history of American recorded music in all genres.
“Grammy gallery is there.”
401 Gay St / Downtown / 615.244.3263
EXPERIENCES
3rd and Lindsley Bar & Grill
Live music venue with nightly performances and an eclectic roster also serving food and a great selection of wines and cocktails to a bustling, date-night crowd.
“This is where we got our record deal.”
818 3rd Ave S / Downtown / 615.259.9891
The Belcourt Theatre
This non-profit film center & restored art cinema is a long-time Nashville treasure. Screens new indies, docs, foreign, and classic films.
2102 Belcourt Ave / Hillsboro Village / 615.846.3150
The Station Inn
Intimate venue with first come, first served seating with live Bluegrass shows every night.
402 12th Ave S / The Gulch / 615.255.3307
Pinewood Social
This longtime favorite has great food with a killer bar, as well as a popular bowling alley, dipping pools, and tiny private karaoke room where some of Music City’s biggest names have been spotted. You can also text to reserve a table, lane, or pool at 615.637.3269.
33 Peabody St / 615.751.8111
Topgolf
Sprawling entertainment venue with competitive golf games for all ages, climate-controlled playing “bays”, full-service restaurant and bar, private spaces for groups, and TVs to watch the big game.
500 Cowan St / East Bank / 615.777.3007
Hiking in Percy Warner Park
A Nashville institution and historic hiking park featuring six trails and three trailheads with stunning views of the city’s skyline, equestrian trails, bike routes, and athletic fields.
50 Vaughn Rd / 615.862.8555
Golf Club of Tennessee
Widely-acclaimed as one of the best golf courses in the US, the 18-hole course features 6,844 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 71.
“For world-class golf.”
1000 Golf Club Dr / Kingston Springs / 615.952.2020
Musicians Corner
Free concert series for all ages in Centennial Park with food trucks, craft beer, and wine.
2500 West End Ave / Midtown / musicianscornernashville.com
Robert’s Western World for Sunday morning gospel service
“A honky-tonk and church in one. Nashville’s undisputed home of traditional country music.”
416 Broadway B / North Gulch / 615.244.9552
KIDS ACTIVITIES
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
55-acre botanical garden and historic estate featuring art galleries and seasonal festivals.
“A tucked away GEM with stunning seasonal gardens, tons of kids’ activities, and our favorite place to see Christmas lights in winter.”
1200 Forrest Park Dr / 615.356.8000
SoundWaves at Gaylord Opryland
An upscale waterpark attraction with 11 slides, a wave pool, rapid and lazy rivers, adults-only pool and bar, private cabanas, and kids areas.
Editor’s Note: access to SoundWaves is usually exclusive to hotel guests or private parties but is currently selling packages for locals.
2800 Opryland Dr / Lockeland Springs / 615.889.1000
Nashville Zoo at Grassmere
This zoological garden (and historic plantation farmhouse) is the 9th largest in the country. Explore immersive animal habitats as well as the Soaring Eagle Zip Line, Wild Animal Carousel, animal shows, and the largest community-built jungle gym playground in the US. Advance tickets required.
3777 Nolensville Pike / 615.833.1534
Gentry Farms
Family-owned farm for over 165 years, with a pick-your-own-pumpkin patch and a fun summer day camp for children.
1974 New Hwy 96 W / Franklin / 615.794.4368
GYMS & PERSONAL TRAINERS
Klug Fitness
Elite team of trainers who will come to you.
“Mobile training by Kevin Klug who comes to your house or the location of your choice and gives you an athlete-worthy workout.”
507.450.6870
SHED Group Fitness
Offers group classes along with private training. Every workout is different and offers an array of classes for every level of fitness.
4538 Harding Road / Multiple locations / 615.840.6137
FLORISTS
FLWR Shop
Boutique florist specializing in unique, same-day flowers that source from the best—from local family farms to all the way from Japan. Environmentally friendly focus on natural, non-modified, non-industrially grown flowers.
“Organic blooms that make the most beautiful arrangements.”
123 S 11th St / East End / 615.401.9124
Tulip Tree
One-of-a-kind design studio specializing in daily arrangements and large-scale special events (i.e., big with the wedding crowd). Also carries cachepots and containers for home design.
95 White Bridge Rd # 102 / Hillwood / 615.352.1466
Editor’s Note: Some of the activities, hotels, and restaurants listed on our website may be currently closed due to Covid health restrictions. We urge you to check before visiting and to exercise caution and follow CDC guidelines if traveling or visiting any of our recommendations.
