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Natasha Lee
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13 Ideas for Your Next Girls Getaway to Nashville
While Nashville has garnered quite a reputation for its honky tonk and hot chicken, the recent revitalization of downtown and its surrounding neighborhoods has this lively destination now brimming with hip hotel stays, artisanal boutiques...
While Nashville has garnered quite a reputation for its honky tonk and hot chicken, the recent revitalization of downtown and its surrounding neighborhoods has this lively destination now brimming with hip hotel stays, artisanal boutiques and a thriving culinary scene thats been consistently gaining national attention. Known officially as “Music City,” Nashville’s proximity to the east and west coasts make it the perfect stop for a sophisticated girls weekend (bachelorette not required), filled with entertainment, eats and craft cocktails.
Reporter: Natasha Lee | Venue: Fairlane Hotel
Reporter: Natasha Lee | Venue: Fairlane Hotel
Just a short flight from both the east coast and west coast, Nashville is the perfect meeting point for a bicoastal friends getaway. Upon landing at BNA airport, downtown is a short 15 minute car ride away. If you plan on exploring more of the outskirts of Nashville, a car rental is recommended, but if staying downtown, parking expenses can add up, so ridesharing is the ideal way to get around. Walkable neighborhoods like Germantown, East Nashville and 12 South are all just a 15 minute ride away. While the southern summers tend to be a bit of a scorcher (not to mention the humidity), spring and fall are ideal times to enjoy the lush greenery that envelopes the city.
Immerse yourself in mid-century modern chic at the newly launched Fairlane Hotel, housed in a former bank building in the heart of downtown Nashville. Soak in the timeless elegance of the impeccably designed lobby with rich mustard and mahogany tones reminiscent of 70s glamour, and make the luxe rooms your light-filled sanctuary after exploring, imbibing and shopping.
Nisolo’s bright, airy showroom in North Nashville’s Buchanan Arts District is stocked with ethically produced leather goods made mostly in Peru, where shoemaking is an art form that has been passed down from generations. From timeless footwear to utilitarian totes and purses, each item is reasonably priced and beautifully hand crafted.
Just a 20 minute drive out of town brings you to the Cheekwood Estate and Garden, a sprawling southern estate with immaculate botanical gardens, lakes and a lavishly restored mansion. Home to the founders of iconic Maxwell House Coffee before opening its doors to the public in 1960, Cheekwood now offers a rotating calendar of events, from visiting artist installations to Moon Viewing from the Japanese Garden.
There’s nothing like sipping one of the best martinis in town enveloped in luxe retro-modern decor to kick off a decadent meal reminiscent of the 60s and 70s. With craft cocktails such as 'The Governor,' made with Belle Meade sour mash, amaro arancia, chicory and creole bitters, and a solid menu with a distinctly southern take on American classics like pork chops with bourbon smoked peaches and picked deviled eggs with apple bacon jam, Ellington’s Mid Way Bar & Grill embodies the best of then and now.
For a more independent stay, check into Sobro Guest House using their mobile system. Formerly an apartment building, each suite comes with a full kitchen and walk in bedroom. Loaded with a record player and a hand-picked collection of rock and country classics, its easy to dive right into the Music City vibe. Bring snacks and cocktails for a DIY happy hour on the striking green patio before heading out for an evening of live music and cocktails, all within walking distance.
A bustling gathering place for creatives during the week, Pinewood Social is home to an all-day restaurant, vintage bowling alley, bocce ball court and Airstream adjacent to a pool patio. Join Nashvillians in the know and spend the afternoon in this friendly all-day hangout that serves millennial favorites like avocado toast (topped with citrus crème fraîche and chili oil) and customizable grain bowls, alongside a full bar with rotating seasonal cocktails.
Perched on the 12th floor of the eloquent new Hotel Noelle, Rare Bird is dapper rooftop bar with sweeping views of Nashville’s skyline and the Cumberland River. With a bites menu that includes happy hour staples like oysters, crudo, and charcuterie in addition to a full bar with frose and friesling options, its the best viewpoint to take in a sunset over the city.
Housed in an former gas station in the bustling 12 South neighborhood, Imogene + Willie is the undisputed king of heritage denim. Named after the owners maternal grandparents, the cozy shop is stocked with carefully crafted denim styles for both men and women, each named after a family member.
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Start your day with Montreal classics by way of Brooklyn. Fuel up with the aptly named 'Appetizing Platter' fully loaded with house-smoked salmon,hand rolled Montreal-style bagels caviar, spicy tuna salad, egg salad, cream cheese, tomato, onion and pickles in a revived diner-style setting in the lobby of the Fairlane Hotel.
For a quintessential southern experience, make a stop along the Tennessee Whiskey Trail at Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery, the 5th officially licensed distillery in the state prior to prohibition. Revived by descendants of Charles Nelson, who made the original Tennessee whiskey back in the 1900s, the entertaining distillery tour culminates in a festive tasting of Nelson’s award-winning bourbons.
The Frist Art Museum’s distinct art deco architecture is eye-catching from the street exterior but even more remarkable once inside. With exhibitions rotating every 6-8 weeks, a wide variety of featured artists span the range from regional talents to international names. It also happens to double as an venue if your event calls for an opulent art deco setting with a rich history.
While strolling along 12 South, stop at White's Mercantile to grab a few gifts before heading home. From locally-made Olive & Sinclair chocolates to a hand drawn coloring books featuring Nashville’s iconic sights and neighborhoods, there’s something novel and memorable for each person on your list, or yourself.
Head out to Germantown, home to an array of light-filled restaurants, cool coffee houses, and colorful street art. Start at Barista Parlor, where the baristas double as DJs and sip your brew while listening to a constant rotation of vinyl classics like Billie Holiday and Frank Sinatra as you await your order of biscuits with fresh peach jam.
