Did you know Nashville goes by Nashvegas?

Nashville’s Broadway is akin to the Las Vegas Strip! I was shocked to see how rowdy Nashville was. In the last few years, tourism has spiked in Nashville, particularly attracting young people eager to celebrate their bachelor and bachelorette parties to the maximum. Anne Helen Petersen from Buzzfeed writes in a 2018 article how “this new type of tourism, centered on Instagram-friendly experiences..means it’s touching more areas of the city, and accelerating the already rapid transformation of a sleepy, artsy Southern town into a cluster of ‘destinations.'”

As you walk through the streets on the outskirts of Broadway, you will notice construction projects on every corner. We encountered a few locals who grumbled about the rapid growth of Nashville due to the influx of newcomers from California and how in addition to that, its overrun by party-lovers.

I knew the Southern city was filled with country music and celebrity sightings, but I was not expecting party buses and rowdiness until the late hours of the night. Does this mean I’m getting older?

I don’t want to scare you! I still enjoyed exploring Nashville, but I wouldn’t go back unless it was for a celebration. Anyways, here are all my recommendations on what to do, where to eat, and more!

WHERE TO EXPLORE

The Gulch

Walk around this urban neighborhood and take some cute Instagram photos by murals. Peak into some of the trendy stores like e.Allen Boutique and Kittenish, a store founded by platinum singer-songwriter, television personality, and author, Jessie James Decker. Grab a coffee at Frothy Monkey* and stroll the streets until you get tired!

there’s so many Instagrammable spots in this city! this was inside Kittenish.

*Sacramento spoiled me with coffee and sadly Nashville did not have high quality coffee! However, Frothy Monkey was the best option.

Centennial Park

See the park where Taylor Swift used to read! Marvel at the Parthenon replica, sit at its steps and people-watch, since this park is filled with Vanderbilt students.

Hillsboro Village

See where all the cool university kids hang out. Explore this little indie neighborhood and check out some more street art!

Coach purse, RE/DONE jeans, Broken English tee, Reebok sneakers

Rudy’s Jazz Room

End your day of exploring the city at this intimate lounge. Sip on a tasty cocktail and watch jazz musicians rock out on stage.

WHERE TO PARTY

Broadway

Out of most of the bars and clubs we visited on Broadway, I quickly learned the first floor only plays country music (usually a live band performs), the second floor plays rock, and the third floor plays the latest top hits. Sadly, reggaeton was non-existent. I’d recommend dancing at Tootsies Orchid Lounge, The Valentine, and Jason Aldean’s.

Honky Tonk

Party buses are all over the city! The good news is, you don’t have to be celebrating something to get on one of these. We bought public Honky Tonk Party Express tickets and luckily got on a party bus with a Bachelor party. The vibes were so fun! Bring your own booze, request your own tunes, and party through the city of Nashville!

WHERE TO EAT

Rolf and Daughters

Eat some delicious New American food at this chic restaurant. Book a reservation in advance or show up right when they open because a line forms quickly!

Milk and Honey

This was my favorite brunch spot! Here you’ll find classic items like mimosas and Eggs Benedict.

Hattie B’s

Hattie B’s is worth the hype! Eat some yummy chicken tenders, but be careful! Their spice levels are on point, so if you can’t handle spicy, just get the Southern version of everything.

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Hope this guide was helpful! Let me know in the comments if you’ve been to Nashville! Would you want to go?