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Midtown is pleasantly known around Nashville for its excellent restaurant scene. If you’re looking to do a bar hop in an area primarily comprised of locals, Midtown is your best option! The neighborhood is also home to some of the most historic sites in Nashville, including Music Row.
Check out some of our favorite things to do and places to eat in this trendy Nashville neighborhood!
Midtown has some local gems known for excellent service and some of the best food in the area. Depending on the occasion, you may gravitate towards a different Midtown restaurant. To give you a taste of what the neighborhood has to offer, here are three of the most highly-rated restaurants in the area:
While most of the popular restaurants in Midtown also serve alcohol, and many have a full bar, we want to highlight the bar scene in the neighborhood with some of the most popular bars.
If you’re looking for your next favorite bar in Nashville, Midtown is a great starting place for your search! There's something for every vibe, with varying types of bars in the neighborhood. A few highly rated bars that encompass the variety you can find in Midtown include:
Midtown is located southwest of downtown Nashville and encompasses some of Nashville’s famous tourist attractions, such as Music Row, The Parthenon, and Centennial Park. Music Row is a unique attraction for country music fans as you can see where specific recording studios are located, along with some statues and tributes to outstanding artists.
Centennial Park is great for spending the day, having a picnic, running, or walking your dog. While visiting the park, you can walk to The Parthenon and see some of Nashville’s history. The Parthenon held massive rallies in favor of women's suffrage which inspired additional monuments, such as the statue of Athena inside The Parthenon.
Outside The Parthenon, you can find the Tennessee Woman Suffrage Monument, built in honor of the 100th anniversary of a woman’s right to vote in 2020.
The Gulch is one of Nashville’s trendiest neighborhoods and was the first neighborhood in the South to receive LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification! The neighborhood’s focus on walkability and public transportation makes it extremely easy to get around without a car which is ideal for many city goers.
While the neighborhood is very modern, it was the main railroad yard dating back to the Civil War. After the area was neglected around the end of World War II, it had the opportunity to revamp. The popular neighborhood is just two blocks from Music City Center and full of urban dining, eco-friendly apartment buildings, and entertainment.
The Gulch has some incredible restaurants, bars, and cafes within walking distance of apartment buildings to make the neighborhood features as accessible as possible. The neighborhood's varying options keep different budgets, food preferences, and restaurant types in mind. Some examples of great restaurants in The Gulch that greatly vary in style include:
Explore a complete list of The Gulch’s restaurants and cafes on Explore The Gulch! While the neighborhood delivers quality restaurants, there are many other fun things to do and see in the area.
The Gulch has a few must-see attractions if you’re an art lover. Nashville is full of great museums, one being the Frist Art Museum. The museum was built in the former main post office, a significant historical landmark in Nashville constructed between 1933 and 1934.
The Frist Art Museum building is recognized as one of the most remarkable architectural pieces in the region and opened in 2001. The exhibits are always unique since they feature traveling exhibits and features from around the world. No permanent exhibition stays displayed at the museum; therefore, it is a place you can frequent without ever seeing the same thing twice!
If you’re more interested in getting a feel for local artists and even buying some art, visiting Art Beat is a must. This gallery is a recent addition to the neighborhood and features local artists in their gift shop. This is a great place to buy gifts and souvenirs, all while supporting local and upcoming artists.
Nashville is full of tourist attractions, photo walls, and historical landmarks due to its deep-rooted history in country music. A day in The Gulch can offer a taste of what Nashville as a whole has to offer with some of these fun attractions:
With all these activities and more to enjoy in The Gulch, it’s no surprise that many tourists and locals enjoy spending time in the trendy neighborhood.
Just north of downtown Nashville, Germantown is a popular city known for great dining opportunities. The area was named due to the influx of German immigrants flocking to the region in the mid-nineteenth century.
Unfortunately, Germantown was affected by the 2020 tornado that came through Nashville, which destroyed many buildings and restaurants. Now, more than two years later, several establishments have been able to reopen to the public bringing back some neighborhood favorites that were temporarily unable to serve customers.
Germantown has long been known for its culinary offerings. Thanks to the city’s lineup of award-winning restaurants, locals and tourists flock to this neighborhood for dining! Some of these restaurants are credited with giving Nashville a name when it comes to dining, and with the neighborhood’s proximity to downtown, it’s incredibly accessible.
A few popular establishments in Germantown include:
These four establishments cover various offerings, ambiance, and food types to fit any budget or occasion! Of course, there are too many great restaurants and bars in Germantown to name them all; however, you can find an extensive list of Germantown favorites on Eater Nashville.
Germantown is full of unique local boutiques to browse. This is a great neighborhood for anyone wanting to support some local small businesses and find one-of-a-kind items. Nashville Guru ranked Germantown as one of the best neighborhoods for shopping around Nashville because of their indie retail scene.
If you’re planning an upcoming wedding, stop by White Dresses Boutique for a small-business wedding dress salon! The family-owned boutique first opened in Alabama in 2013 before opening a Nashville boutique in 2015.
The Tennessee State Museum is a beautiful outing in Germantown because of its diversity of exhibits for all age ranges. The museum has a children’s section making this a great family outing in Germantown. If you’re a museum lover, check out our Nashville museum guide.
Capitol Mall State Park, which is also commonly referred to as Bicentennial Mall, is another excellent excursion in Germantown. This urban park was established to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Tennessee’s statehood.
Nashville’s 12 South neighborhood is known for its variety of shopping, dining, and fun. Whether you’re a tourist or a city resident, 12 South is a must-see neighborhood with plenty of options for people of all backgrounds and preferences. This article will cover some of the top things to do in 12 South to guide you through your next visit!
As one of the busiest neighborhoods in the city, 12 South has an incredible variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars. These range from high-end, to Sunday brunch, to quick on-the-go eats. As a hub for food and drink, the area is also very diet-friendly, with vegetarian and gluten-free options available at many locations.
One of the most highly-rated coffee shops in the neighborhood is Frothy Monkey. This coffee shop is highly rated because of its local coffee and fresh baked goods. Another highly rated coffee house in the community is White Bison Coffee. This shop is a bit more simplistic but just as delicious.
If you’re a beer connoisseur, try Portland Brew. This brewery brings tastes from across the northwest to Nashville with some well-known labels. This is also a great spot to get work done for any work-from-homers that like a change of scenery every once in a while.
Some of the most popular restaurants in 12 South include:
There are also some great dessert spots that are incredibly unique to Nashville, including Las Paletas, a popsicle shop. This gourmet popsicle retailer is on a mission to make popsicles appealing to all ages with its wide variety of desserts! Five Daughters Bakery is known for its impressive cronuts.
The Farmers Market in 12 South is known for its high-end produce and friendly environment. The market is open from May to October every Tuesday in Sevier Park from 3:30-6:30 pm. This is the official 12 South Farmers Market, where you’ll be able to find the most vendors. In addition to locally grown produce, you can get great meals from the local food trucks parked around the market.
Additional vendors like local crafters and plant shops can be found around the market for those looking to get a little bit of local shopping done. This is an excellent location for meeting more locals and supporting small businesses.
It may seem like 12 South is mainly filled with restaurants and cafes, but there are also tons of local shops to browse! There is a lot of opportunity for shopping, from music shops like Corner Music, with a vast selection of guitars and music equipment, to vintage clothing stores like Savant.
Another popular shop in the neighborhood is the Halcyon Bike Shop. While you can buy new and used bikes there, the shop hosts local music artists for small performances and sells non-bike-related local goods.
If you’re looking for celebrity-owned shops, you don’t have to look further than 12 South, either! Reese Witherspoon recently opened her shop, Draper James, which carries women’s clothing. Music icon Hank Williams’s granddaughter also opened a shop in the neighborhood called White’s Mercantile, specializing in high-end clothing, accessories, and home goods.
If you’re looking for an affordable and trendy shop, check out Finnley’s for women’s apparel. For those who prefer shopping for natural goods, like flowers, stop by Amelia’s Flower Truck. This truck is packed with fresh bouquets and all you need to make your bouquet from scratch.
Apart from eating, drinking, and shopping, loads of other fun activities are waiting for you in 12 South. The neighborhood is full of wall art that makes for great photos, such as the famous “I Believe in Nashville” mural, which you can find next to Edley’s.
Many popular yoga studios, hair salons, and spas are located in the neighborhood, such as 12South Yoga. This studio is the only of its kind in the city certified in teaching Iyengar yoga.
If you’re new in town and want to do a little bit of everything, you can sign up for a walking tour of 12 South! This is a great way to ensure you see all the sites and learn more about the history of one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Nashville.
Downtown Nashville is rich in history, music, and highly-rated restaurants. One of the best things about visiting Nashville is that the city can appeal to all age groups. So whether you’re visiting with your young children, heading to Music City for a bachelorette party, or taking a solo trip into the city, you’ll be able to find activities to suit your interests.
This article will outline some must-see attractions and must-dine restaurants that you’ll want to keep in mind before you visit downtown Nashville.
Downtown Nashville is a hub for great bars, pubs, and restaurants. Due to the high traffic of tourists in the downtown corridor, you can find fun places to eat and drink on almost every corner. Some of the most highly-rated restaurants in downtown Nashville are:
Music City has no shortage of bars and pubs for those looking for a lighter bite with unique cocktail options. Some of the most highly rated and visited establishments in downtown Nashville worth visiting include:
Downtown Nashville has tons of activities for tourists and locals alike. With many museums and historic buildings, downtown is a haven for entertainment. The heart of Nashville has activities for all seasons and all interests. While spending time in the downtown corridor, be sure to hit some of these ten attractions:
Hockey fans can head to Bridgestone Arena to watch Nashville’s NHL team, the Nashville Predators, play teams from across North America. For other sporting events and concerts, take a trip to Nissan Stadium. This is the home stadium for the Tennessee Titans and the Tigers of Tennessee State University.
Downtown Nashville has several tour companies that book exciting and historic city tours. Whether you’re a city local or celebrating a weekend away with friends, there are tours that will suit your Nashville agenda. Many Music City tours combine visiting historical sites, locations with musical significance, and some of the best local food and drinks. For those looking to get a good sense of the city in a short period, doing a tour is one of the best ways to do so!
Some of the best tour companies that are located in the downtown core include:
South Nashville is a popular tourist destination for those who enjoy history, just as it’s a fun region of the city for residents to explore local restaurants and small businesses. With endless opportunities to explore restaurants, take city tours, and visit local landmarks, it can be challenging to narrow down an itinerary for a weekend in the city.
To guide your next visit or upcoming move to the city, we’ve outlined the best of South Nashville! Explore some of the most highly rated local restaurants, things to see, and the most exciting city tours to sign up for.
Nashville is known for good food and great music. South Nashville is no exception to the great food and drinks throughout Music City! Whether you’re a regular or it’s your first time visiting Nashville, check out some of these top seven local restaurants.
Review our complete guide to Nashville restaurants to explore more of Nashville’s best eateries. This guide covers top-rated restaurants in the city that feature delivery, outdoor seating, local cuisine, and vegan food. To stay mindful of budget and occasion, the guide also includes top-rated high-end and top-rated budget-friendly restaurants in Music City!
South Nashville is rich in culture and history. From an old Civil War Fort to one of the most impressive car collections in the country, there is no shortage of unique sites to see in the area. For first-timers in South Nashville, be sure to hit some of these popular locations:
If you’re more comfortable taking guided tours than meandering around the city on your own, check out some of South Nashville’s tour companies.
Consider one of these South Nashville tours to familiarize yourself with the region and historic locations in the neighborhood. If none of these tours fit your agenda, contact one of our agents, and we will create a tour package that hits all of your desired locations!
East Nashville is well known for being home to the Grand Ole Opry and the surrounding attractions affiliated. However, there are so many incredible restaurants, tours, and things to do in the region that don’t get as much hype. If you’ve been skipping over East Nashville when planning days in the city, you’ve missed out on some unique Music City experiences.
This mini-guide to East Nashville will outline the best of food, drink, outings, and tours in the eastern Nashville neighborhoods to influence your next outing!
East Nashville has great variety in its restaurants. You’re sure to find what you’re craving, from plant-based options to authentic Southern comfort food! Whether you’re planning your first trip to East Nashville or you’re looking to try something new, these restaurants are some local favorites worth checking out:
Now that you have the perfect restaurant picked out for your outing in East Nashville, complete your itinerary by seeing some of the iconic sites in the area!
East Nashville often gets overlooked due to all the incredible landmarks in downtown Nashville. However, many of the region’s museums and historic sites can be found east of the central city. If you’re looking to explore beyond the downtown corridor, check out some of these East Nashville excursions:
Many of the iconic tourist destinations in East Nashville can be accessed on guided tours. This can be a great way to learn more about the history of the location you’re touring, thanks to having an experienced guide talking you through all that you’re seeing. If you prefer guided tours, these are some of the city tours to consider when traveling through East Nashville:
For more personalized tips on navigating Music City, book a city consultation with one of our city experts! All of our Nashville Apartment Locators® agents are locals and know the ins and outs of each neighborhood. If you need more customized advice based on your exact location in the city, an area you want to move to, or how to plan the perfect weekend trip to Nashville, we can help.
Before your consultation, our agents will research the answers to your questions to deliver the most thorough responses to help guide you through Music City. We love Nashville and hope that after our consultation, you’ll see all the city can offer you, too!