Nashville Travel Guide

Looking for a quick trip to a stylish musical town full of energy and life? Look no further then Nashville! Its a fun-filled town with of so many great music venues featuring live music, great restaurants, hotels, bars, history and places to shop! You honestly cant go wrong with so much to choose from …but here were all my favorites!

Where To Stay: Kimpton Aertson Hotel

You already know I am a HUGE Kimpton fan! So as soon as they opened their new spot in Nashville I had it on my bucket list of places to visit and stay! After our stay I was once again reminded why I do LOVE Kimpton Hotels! The staff was amazing, rooms were amazingly hip and they of course had all the amenities you could ever need! (hotel spa, great restaurant and Bar, gym, wine hour, coffee and hot cocoa in the morning and valet)

What To Do:

Nashville is full of so many fun things to do and music to see everywhere!! These are the things we enjoyed the most and would do again one day and highly recommend if you’re planning a trip here soon! I am listing them in order of what we liked the most incase you don’t have time to do it all and have to prioritize.

THE GRAND OLE OPRY

I loved going to the famous historic Opry venue on night one so much that we decided to go again on the last night we were in Nashville for a benefit concert! If you are a short girl like me who normally hates going to concerts because everyone is taller then you then this is the type of concert venue you want. Everyone sits for pretty much the whole concert, enjoys the music and it seems so much more intimate then huge sports venues. I also love that so many talented musicians that may or may not be household names yet are nightly regulars there and they often have hit new songs you’ve on the radio!

THE LISTENING ROOM

Another great experience was the listening room. Its an extremely intimate venue with food and drinks and most everyone is so close that they are literally be right next to the stage. Here you are listening to lesser known but totally talented artists or songwriters who are sharing their music. Could be a number one hit, something they just wrote today or a song you’ll hear on the radio in a few years. They have different artists every night and its a fun setting that really gets you to experience the music. We had the pleasure of seeing 3 different singers sharing the stage and taking turns playing their songs and incorporating their musical and life journey along the way with the crowd.

VISITING THE SUBURB OF FRANKLIN

If you are up for a day trip I 100% recommend heading to the quaint town of Franklin about 20 minutes outside of Nashville. Its an adorable little historic town with the cutest shopping, great restaurants, coffee shops and so much charm! We met the nicest people working in the downtown stores and had the nicest conversations with them. We decided to eat breakfast at Biscuit Love here and after shopping around town we headed just to the edge of town and got to do one of our favorite vacation activities with some wine tasting at the beautiful winery Arrington Vineyards.

GOO GOO CLUSTERS

If you want the original American candy makers this is the spot. Goo Goo Clusters was the first candy making company to actually put more than 1 other ingredient into their chocolate candies. Everything was delicious and they have an area in the back of the factory where you can create your own goo goo candies and listen to some great goo goo history which makes it a family fun stop right next to Broadway!

RYMAN AUDITORIUM

You can see artists perform at this famous historic venue or just simply do a daily tour. We decided to just do the tour being the shows didn’t fit into our schedule. The tour was so cool and the building is so beautiful. It’s a great way to spend a couple hours also happens to be right next to Broadway.

THE PARTHENON

This was a mile from our hotel so we decided to do as a morning walk with coffee to explore more of the city. Once you arrive at the Parthenon they have a QR code on the ground you can scan to have a guided online free tour and learn more about the structures history. Beautiful to see and inside of a the gorgeous Centennial Park.

THE PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE

This was another morning walk for us to get some exercise and the best way to see the city downtown skyline views from across the bridge and across the river leading to their NFL team football stadium. If you are at all like my husband then seeing any pro stadium within reach of any trip we take is a must! There are multiple bridges to see along a flowing river that leads to some beautiful views

BROADWAY STREET

Probably the most popular thing to do in Nashville! It is a must do but at the bottom of my list just because one day of the partying was enough for me. I highly recommend bar hopping all the famous bars like Tootsie’s. I’m sure if you are here for a bachelorette party or with friends Broadway would be where everyone spends most of their time! Every bar had a different vibe and there was lots of live music at every one. I suggest just popping into them all and seeing if you like the crowd and ordering a drink if you do. If you don’t go to the next one, you are sure to find a spot you love! I don’t really recommend eating anywhere near Broadway but I’ll share all my favorite places to eat below!

Where To Eat:

The real reason I love going on vacation AND can totally make or break a trip for me.. just ask my husband how my mood can change with a great meal! The first day of Nashville I was pretty sad we hadn’t had anything that delicious, but come day 2 I was a much happier traveler! Here are my favorites from the trip listed in order of my favorites!

BARCELONA WINE BAR

Amazingly delicious Spanish tapas! Every single thing we got was delicious, fresh and was one of my favorite meals!! I would recommend a reservation here but you will mostly likely be okay getting in with a small wait. We went mid week and it was PACKED. We got a small bite and wine at the bar for our 30 min wait and it was perfect!

BAR TACO

We love bar taco! They have them all over the East Coast and I highly recommend going if you are ever near one! We have loved every variety of taco we’ve eaten, and their side dishes and guac and chips is amazing. Also the drinks (margs) are always so fresh! If we both had to pick one thing you must get it’s the Glazed Pork Belly tacos for sure! We both said we could eat them every single day and not get tired of them! I kind of want one right now..

BISCUIT LOVE

This was a top pick on all the blogs I read and I can see why! Biscuits galore and drinks were also amazing! Everyone said to get the Bonuts so we did and they were a delicious desert to add to our breakfast! They have several locations all over Nashville and one in Franklin. We went to the one in Franklin during our day exploring and loved the charming house they redid.

FIVE DAUGHTERS BAKERY

The most delicious donuts you will eat! They are also all over town so you honestly cant miss it! I highly recommend the maple bacon donut! DELISH!

HENLEY

Perfect location because it was at our hotel! However, almost every single Kimpton hotel we have been to has had the most delicious restaurants. I always love to order room service at least one day on vacation because that means I get to sleep in! HAHA! Loved the brunch we had. Delicious avocado toast!

THE PHARMACY

Great burgers and beer garden featuring some unique European beers. All the burgers are delicious and make sure you get the tots YOU WONT regret it! Loved that they had spiked milkshakes also, so fun and delicious!

THE WHITE LIMOZEEN

We only had drinks here so I can only speak to that but they were YUM! The atmosphere was also worth even just going for a cocktail! Super cute for a girls night! Recommend reservations they book out quick and start only 2 weeks ahead of the date.

HATTIE B’S

This is a MUST if you visit because HOT CHICKEN. Everything was super delicious and when I say everything.. we ordered pretty much the whole menu. We had this first night when we arrived and hadn’t eaten all day. So our eyes were totally bigger then our stomach but we loved getting to try it all!

Charleston, South Carolina City Guide

We just got back from our southern style vacation and I quickly already find myself looking up real estate prices in Charleston! Its definitely a new favorite for me and Scotty with all its history, classic charm, and amazing eats! So lets break down where we stayed, ate, and show you all the fun activities we did! I hope when you visit you fall in love with this place just as much as we did!

Where we stayed:

Hotel Emeline

The cutest boutique hotel perfectly positioned in the middle of downtown Charleston. This great stay added to the love I have for this city. It had the classic architecture, the cutest rooms, lobby, coffee shop and restaurant! This hotel had everything you need and MORE! Highly recommend staying here for the great location alone. We walked everywhere downtown and didn’t need our car until we went to dinner at Sullivan’s Island and toured the town’s plantations. Be sure when you book this place you also get a reservation at their own restaurant Frannie and the Fox !(i'‘ll share more in restaurants recs!!) To book your stay head over to their website -here-.

Where to eat: (in order of how we ate it)

Leon’s Oyster Shop - This renovated old gas station was the most requested place to eat in all my online research. Also a great hangout place to grab a drink on a Sunday Fun day! If you love many different types of oysters, then this is your place! We don’t eat oysters often but had them because its the #1 food item recommended..and when in Rome?? What we ordered: Char-Grilled Oysters, Fried Chicken and Smoked Mahi Dip.

The Obstinate Daughter - A must when you cross the bridge into Sullivan’s Island jut outside of Charleston. We made the pretty drive over the water after our photos on night one! Was also highly recommended on my research and was one of our photographers favorites. Highly recommend getting a reservation before because this place gets packed. Being this was a last minute trip I was a little late but checked the day before to see if they had cancellations and was lucky enough to be able to get in. What we ordered: Roasted Beets (AMAZING!), Ricotta Gnocchi (best Gnocchi I have had with short ribs on top!), Five Fathom Hole Pizza.

Callie’s Hot Little Biscuits - Perfect place to grab a quick breakfast! We got them from the downtown location by our hotel after our morning walk around town. So many options and all made fresh in house! We ordered one of almost every biscuit with different jams and the classic southern pimento cheese spread (which was my favorite!)

For 15% off your order at Callie’s Hot Little Biscuits online use code “AMANDA15”

5Church Charleston - WOW! This location is beyond gorgeous (on Market street). It’s literally a completely renovated beautiful old Church with so much gorgeous detail. HIGHLY recommend getting reservations here it was packed! Brunch, Lunch and Dinner are all offered here with a full bar! What we ordered: Daily Charcuterie, Spring Salad, Handmade Braided Ravioli (SO DARN GOOD!), 9oz Filet, and Cronuts (YUM!). Not sure they have anything bad on the menu after this spread.. it was all so good!!

Frannie and the Fox - this was our hotel restaurant and a top pick online too! If you are looking for somewhere to have breakfast… do yourself a favor and get the pancakes.. not sure if its overly dramatic to say but these were the best pancakes I had ever had! So good that I was telling Scotty the next day I wanted to stop trying other places and just have pancakes again!!

Millers All Day - Last but certainly not least! Such an adorable place to grab breakfast or lunch and oh so delicious!! Highly recommend making reservations! A perfect place to go when shopping up and down the famous King Street! What we ate: pimento cheese plate, millers smash burger (must get!!), Club, homefries, and of course coconut cream pie!

What we did:

Photoshoot - This probably wont be the top of your list.. but as a blogger content photos are important, plus its just so fun to have photos taken when your in a new town that you can use for Christmas cards and to look back on! I highly recommend Rebecca see her work -here-. Having an amazing photographer is also a great way to learn more about the city and little spots you may never normally see. She was basically the best tour guide and photographer.

Plantations - Highly recommend doing multiple plantations on your visit! The important history of plantations is so interesting and of course unique to the South and in particular this part of the country. These amazing properties are quite the thing to see. The plantations are all outside of the downtown area so you’re going to be in your car driving, so we also went to..

Magnolia plantation and gardens - lots of greenery and garden areas to walk around and see.

Middleton place - a large running farm with animals and areas with people working and ready to talk to you about their craft and the plantation/history itself.

Boone Hall Plantation - Large area, you can go into the main house, they have a restaurant and lots of information/videos going to learn more about it history.

Mcleod Plantation - A last minute plantation visit out of town. Lots of area to walk and see but not much else. Would recommend this only if you are looking for more to do. The top 3 are our favorites.

Morning Walks - The best part of vacations is exploring! We did this in our morning walks and saw the town before the tourists were up and all around. We walked to the pineapple fountain, rainbow row, waterfront park and high battery park.

Thank you for tagging along and exploring the world with us! We love sharing our travels and hope to help you experience the world more beautifully. Let me know if you go to any of our recommendations and how you enjoyed them!

XoXo, Amanda

Savannah, Georgia City Guide

We were so excited we got the chance to visit Savannah on our recent trip to Georgia! Driving up the coastline from Charleston made Savannah our 3rd stop on our getaway but the 1st stop in the Peach state! There was more than enough charm, history, culture, and live music to see but we took it pretty easy here and enjoyed the beauty of our hotel along the river front area! Here’s where we stayed, ate and played in the 48 hrs we were in Savannah!

Where we stayed:

River Street Inn - a 200 year hotel located on River Street. Its been remodeled and updated but still has all the beauty and charm that the long history has provided it with! The building was originally constructed to serve the needs of the cotton industry and gives you access to both sides of River Street. River street makes for a perfect waterfront stroll with great views of the towns famous Ferry boats along with massive cargo ships and recreational boats. Along with the great views the street walk is full of great restaurants, shopping, nightlife, and live music.

Where we ate:

Little Duck Diner - A cute spot right in the heart in the heart of downtown serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. What we ordered: Little Duck in Paris (French toast meal), Chicken and Waffles, Lavender Bubble Bath Bellini (so delicious and comes with a rubber ducky perfect for a cute pic!)

The Olde Pink House - Far and away the #1 recommended place online to eat and for good reason! It was an amazing experience with great food and beauty! HIGHLY recommend getting a reservation over 2 months ahead of time! We planned this trip 2 weeks before and couldn’t get one. However if you arrive at 4:45 they can put you on a wait list to eat in the Tavern or Bar. We arrived at 4:20 because I reallllly wanted to make sure we could get in. We wanted to eat in the Tavern basement because it gives you more of an experience. They only let the first 8 people in line in and then you wait on a list for openings the rest of the night. Luckily we were #3 and #4 so we got in at 5 and had a lovely meal! After we ate we got to walk upstairs to see the rest of the renovated old mansion where you needed reservations for and in my opinion the Tavern basement was even better then upstairs inside! They did have seating at tables too in the Tavern so if you make a reservation maybe recommend the Tavern. What we ordered: Pink Lady, Mac & Cheese Jalapeno Poppers, “BLT” Salad (One of the best salads and featured on tv show The best thing I ever ate), Caramelized Vidalia Onion & Sweet Potato Ravioli, Grilled Port Tenderloin, and of course dessert the basket (which was AMAZING and you have to order and send me a picture because OMG!!!)

Collins Quarter - 2 locations in Savannah with one downtown and one in the middle of the famous Forsyth park that is gorgeous! We ate at the park location and took in the views on a great walk after brunch. What we ate: Pork Belly Beni, Park Brisket Burger (another great burger!), Duchess of Cambridge (yummy cocktail!)

Savannah’s Candy Kitchen -

they have a location on River street! So many goodies but do not forget to get the gopher! It’s so good that we even brought some home to enjoy!

What we did:

Savannah is a little more spread out so if you are wanting to see more of the historical sites I would suggest doing a hop on hop off city tour or having a car to see more.

Savannah Banana’s - A local minor league baseball team that is all over ESPN and YouTube for the comical show they put on while playing ball! Legends such as Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Hank Aaron, Ty Cobb and Jackie Robinson all played on this field in their early days!

Cathedral Basilica of St. John The Baptist - The first building in Georgia of brick and 81 stained glass windows and. Constructed in 1834 it is absolutely beautiful and open to the public. They do have daily Mass and the schedule is on their website.

River Street - Walking down river street is an experience! Lots of shops, restaurants and places to grab a drink while you walk (because you can drink in public on the streets in Savannah!).

Thanks for tagging along on our Savannah adventure. Let us know below where we should head to next!

Xo, Amanda