I spent a week with my friend Bri (of The Broke Girl Fashionista) taking on a new city and celebrating her birthday! Nashville greeted us with open arms, charming accents, and sweltering heat. With awesome vintage shopping, devouring eats and the most kindhearted and warm people, there was nothing denying us of a good time. I found a new appreciation of music, starting with Bonnaroo music festival in Manchester, TN.
Day 1
Highlights included dancing to Chvrches with our new friend Kipp, ingesting pizza while J.Cole and guest Chance the Rapper got down on stage, silent discoing like no one was watching, and slowly burning out while Chainsmokers and Tame Impala closed our night.
Day 2:
Highlights included revisiting two of my favorite bands from high school:Band of Horses and Death Cab for Cutie, singing along to Post Malone’s Iverson while grubbing on perhaps the best tacos a festival could have, watching Macklemore and being evacuated due to a lightning storm half way through his set, so the entire festival was postponed for 3 hours… Highlight because we met some amazing people who took us into their tent until we were allowed back in. Resumed the night hoola-hooping to Elie Golding and dancing to legendary Pearl Jam.
Day 3
Highlights included finding the gem that is Mamie Ruth, the cutest festival shop that ever was, belting out to Third Eye Blind’s “Jumper” and discovering artists I heard for the first time like Dead & Company and Marren Morris.
Don’t miss all the fun in action here:
It was my first ‘roo and an unforgettable one at that. I would recommend camping because its literally out in the middle of no where. Locals call it “The Farm.” Hotels are hard to come by and even if you stay in a hotel nearby, you need a car to drive to the actual festival gates. Uber does not exist and even taxis are hard to come by. We found the ride situation to be most challenging but we ended up finding a trustee taxi that came through for us each time. (Thank god for nice, trust worthy people). If I return I would def. get a big group together and set up camp!
Also catch Bri’s video of our experience HERE!
As I mentioned we didn’t stay on the campgrounds at Bonnaroo, instead we booked an AirBNB, and it was gorgeous. Out in the middle of nowhere we found a sense of tranquility and more of a simple life. Jenna the owner, was thee sweetest person going above and beyond I think anyone I’ve ever met. I would happily do a weekend getaway here again. Here is the listing: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/9834241
After Bonnaroo was over we headed to Nashville. Here is a quick guide of some of my favorite things we encountered.
What to do in Nashville:
Visit this artwork. Apparently its in the show Nashville… (I’m not a fan but my friend Bri told me all about it!) Also this sign is around a super cute shopping neighborhood which includes Reese Witherspoon’s store Draper James.
The Bluebird Cafe. An iconic music hub for songwriters. We luckily came on grammy night and got to hear from amazing songwriters who have all won grammys through their work with artists like Little Big Town, Kelly Clarkson, Taylor Swift, Eli Young Band and soooo many others. They sat around in a circle and performed several songs they have written. It gave me a new perspective on music and a new found respect for song writers; overall an amazing experience.
For the 21+ crowd a definite must is heading to the bars in the Honky Tonk section of Nashville on Broadway aka Nashvegas, baby!
Iconic spots like Tootsies, Legends Corner, The Stage and others.. You’ll find them all lined up on the same block. You’re guaranteed a good time and a good show as they all play live music. You can pop in and out throughout the night to visit them all. A locals tip was don’t pay cover charges because there are too many good ones that don’t charge.
The Johnny Cash museum is extremely well curated. No words. It was so beautiful!
The Batman building
Walk around the city and take in the beautiful views. There is an air about this town where you know there is so much history and its nice to soak it all up.
Where to Shop:
The style in Nashville I would describe as free-spirited with a hint of rocker edge and old soul. Lots of great vintage finds here.
Its like a treasure chest of a store. So many things everywhere that you can spend a while in here. Really great home and gift items and has a good range of low and mid priced clothing.
Brands like Free people, For Love and Lemons, One Teaspoon… you get the vibe. 
Best vintage store I came across. Amazing boots and accessories. Its also doubles as a hair salon that carries Oribe (score!)
Everything in this store I wanted for my room. Its the aesthetic I dream in. Really great gift items and feminine/delicate clothing.
What to Eat in Nashville:
Pinewood Social: The cutest place to dine or grab a drink in Nashville! Its an instagramers dream.
Burger Up: Yummiest salmon burger that I EVER had. You can’t go wrong here.
Recommended by Nashville dweller, and our new friend Zach. Hot chicken is a must in Nashville but apparently this is the place to go! (NOT overhyped Hattie B’s) Although it was the only place I tried hot chicken, being a spice fiend I can say my tastebuds were VERY pleased.
Every uber driver we had (and we had lots) and local would recommend this Nashville staple. The hot item: Sweet Potato pancakes.
The Frothy Monkey is the perfect spot to grab a coffee. Pictured is the iced Turtle Mocha and Rosemary Honey Latte w/ a side of vintage Mickey (purchased on this trip from Local Honey)
Nashville definitely stole my heart. Its a city unlike any other filled with the friendliest souls and any music lovers paradise <3
Nutella
1 Dec 2016Inspired by your blog 🌵❤️