Live Music, Milkshakes & Murals: A Nashville Travel Diary
Nashville Road Trip: Fried Pickles, Honky Tonks & a Little Swiftie Magic
We packed up the car in Florida, put on our best road trip playlist, and made the long (and let’s be honest, slightly torturous) overnight drive to Nashville. Flights were crazy expensive, and we wanted the freedom to explore at our own pace, so we powered through the dark roads, fueled by snacks, coffee, and adrenaline. And honestly? It was all worth it.
Day 1: Murals, Fried Pickles & Bluebird Café Dreams
We hit the ground running with a morning stroll through 12South, one of Nashville’s most charming neighborhoods. It felt like stepping into a little village of boutique shops, adorable cafés, and live music around every corner. We wandered into cute stores, listened to up-and-coming artists playing in stores, it truly felt like our own private concert.
For lunch, we lined up at Edley’s BBQ, determined to try that famous Nashville ‘cue. I even had fried pickles for the first time (salty, crispy perfection). The meal was everything we hoped for, and the area is packed with colorful murals, perfect for photos and stretching your legs between bites.
Later, we made our way to the Gaylord Opryland Hotel. Yes, parking was $$$, but we were curious and wow, it’s like stepping into a jungle greenhouse. Waterfalls, bridges, tropical plants, and even a boat ride INSIDE the hotel. It’s a whole world of its own.
Afterward, we treated ourselves to Jeni’s Ice Cream, followed immediately (zero regrets) by a donut from Five Daughters Bakery right next door. Then came a huge surprise—we managed to snag tickets to a show at the iconic Bluebird Café. It was cozy, intimate, and everything we hoped for. My daughter, a proud Swiftie, was thrilled to see Taylor’s chair. We saw a round-table performance with three singer-songwriters sharing stories and songs. Truly magical.
Day 2: Trolleys, Hot Chicken & the Swiftie Tour
We started the day with a trolley tour, yes, super touristy, but also such a fun way to see the city. It rolled us through downtown, past Broadway, through parks and music landmarks. We hopped off at an automobile museum that had a sweet (and free!) exhibit of vintage cars.
Back on Broadway, we wandered into bars with open windows where live music spilled into the street. Eventually, we ended up at the Assembly Food Hall, a must-visit if you’re hungry and indecisive. We were on a mission to settle the hot chicken debate, so we sampled both Prince’s and Hattie B’s. Verdict? They’re both amazing. Spicy, messy, delicious. After all that, we had to cool off with a crazy good milkshake from Legendairy Milkshake Bar (yes, the hype is real).
We strolled back down Broadway, popped into a few boot stores, and somehow got lucky again: we made it into Bluebird Café for a second night in a row! This time, it was a lineup of seven different singer-songwriters, each sharing a few songs. We were blown away. Our favorite of the night? Katelyn Myers what a voice.
Day 3: The Gulch, Donuts & Broadway by Night
On Day 3, we finally made our way to The Gulch. This trendy little district is full of photo ops, from the iconic “Wings” mural to boutique shops and cafés. We stopped into Uncommon James, explored a few local spots, and then did a little mural-hopping around the city, perfect way to soak in the vibe and get some fresh air.
For lunch, we hit up the Nashville Farmers Market, which had a ton of local food options, something for everyone. That evening, we returned to Broadway to experience it after dark, and let’s just say it did not disappoint. We danced our way through Jason Aldean’s rooftop bar, where the open-air vibe and views were unbeatable, and popped into Kid Rock’s, where live singers and dancers lit up the stage (and the bar!).
Day 4: Southern Comfort & a Grand Finale
Our last day started with a true southern experience: brunch at Monell’s. You sit family-style with strangers and pass around heaping plates of country classics, biscuits, fried chicken, casseroles, the works. It was such a fun, community-focused experience, and the food was next-level.
We walked around downtown one last time before wrapping up our trip with a show at the legendary Grand Ole Opry. It was the perfect finale - live music, rich history, and the kind of energy that makes you want to clap and cry all at the same time.
Final Thoughts
Nashville totally lived up to the hype. It’s a city that feels alive in every corner, whether it’s street performers in 12South or the smell of BBQ floating down Broadway, or the quiet, sacred hush inside the Bluebird Café. We laughed, sang, ate way too much, and made memories we’ll never forget.
If you’re thinking about visiting, do it. Just maybe pack stretchy pants and bring an extra phone charger, for all the photos, of course.
Comments
Post a Comment