Get ready to pack your bags for a quick getaway or girls' trip to Nashville because I'm about to share everything my mom and I did during our recent visit. With just three full days to explore Music City, we made the most of our time and had an unforgettable adventure. Keep reading to find out all the details.
How We Got There
Growing up in my family, road trips were always a fun and exciting adventure. We would make the annual drive from Houston to Michigan, and I personally drove 8 hours to college each year, so a 10-hour drive to Nashville was nothing for my mom and me. However, if long car rides aren't your thing, there's no need to worry. Nashville, just 1 hour and 30 minutes from Houston, is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway.
Where We Stayed
During our stay at Nashville's Graduate Hotel, we were absolutely smitten with every aspect of it. For those who aren't aware, the entire hotel is adorned in a feminine aesthetic and pays homage to the legendary Dolly Parton. The hotel's rooftop bar, White Limozeen, is even inspired by the country music icon herself.
The hotel rooms are equally impressive, with each one uniquely decorated and furnished with cozy beds and plush pillows. The attention to detail in every room is impressive, with vintage art, old-fashioned phones, and retro decor adding to the overall charm of the space.
In addition to the stunning decor, the hotel's location is perfect for exploring the city. It's just a short Uber away from some of Nashville's top attractions, including the Country Music Hall of Fame and Broadway.
Night & Day 1
We rolled into Nashville Saturday evening, and we arrived in town just in time for our performance at The Grand Ole Opry. It was truly an unforgettable experience, even though I only knew one person who was singing that night. Overall, it was a mesmerizing show that I highly recommend to anyone. The Opry provides an experience that is truly one-of-a-kind.
Our first full day in Nashville was a memorable one, packed with activities. We kicked off the day with brunch at The White Limozeen, which turned out to be the highlight of the entire trip. Normally, I avoid trendy restaurants because I expect them to be overpriced and underwhelming. However, this was not the case at White Limozeen. The portions were generous, and the drinks were incredible. For breakfast, I recommend trying the Le Grande-Pere and pairing it with an espresso martini. It was an amazing experience! Although I was anxious about securing a reservation, it was a breeze as long as you book 14 days in advance. For those who want to snap some cute photos, I suggest going for brunch. It was relatively empty in the morning, which gave us plenty of opportunity to take photos without anyone around.
Our next stop was the Gulch. As a resident of a larger city, I was unsure of what to expect. Unfortunately, it was quite underwhelming, and I would recommend skipping it if you live in a similar area. The only noteworthy location was Kittenish, which was charming but not a must-see. However, I must say that The Pub was exceptional, and we enjoyed a late lunch or early dinner there. Their beer-battered fish and chips were the highlight of our visit, and I still reminisce about that meal to this day. Despite the underwhelming experience, I would go back to the Gulch just to dine at The Pub.
Before heading to Nashville, there were a few places I was eager to visit, and to my delight, I stumbled upon Amelia's Flower Truck parked right outside our hotel. Their delightful blooms make for the perfect photo-op, and we couldn't resist creating a small bouquet to brighten up our hotel room. If you're planning a girls' trip, this would be a fun activity to add to your itinerary. Just be sure to check their schedule in advance, as they are not available during the off-season.
Day 2
Monday, we decided to spend our morning exploring the Country Music Hall of Fame. If you're a country music lover, this museum is a must-visit. We opted for the listening tour, which was incredibly informative and engaging, and provided insight into the origins of country music and the iconic musicians that helped shape it. For Taylor Swift fans, there was even a chance to explore her tour bus. Visiting on a Monday morning was ideal, as the crowds were minimal and we had the perfect amount of time to fully enjoy the experience.
One of the must-see places on my Nashville bucket list was Hampton Social. Fortunately, it's just a short walk from the Country Music Hall of Fame. What caught me by surprise was how Nashville's trendy, cute restaurants were actually quite delicious. I couldn't resist trying their signature frosé, and I was not disappointed! For our meal, I ordered the Four Cheese Pizza while my mom had the clam chowder, and both dishes were fantastic.
After our lunch, my mom and I decided to take a stroll down Broadway, although it wasn't exactly what we had in mind for our mother-daughter trip. Nevertheless, I'm already looking forward to revisiting Broadway with my girlfriends in the near future. During our walk, we stumbled upon Mattheessen's and were blown away by the gigantic cookies they had. They were absolutely delicious and I would highly recommend Mattheessen's as a perfect spot for an afternoon snack.
The perfect way to end our day was by exploring Fifth and Broadway, which we enjoyed a lot more than the Gulch. Along with your typical stores like Sephora, they had some really cute shops worth checking out. Although the crowds were out and about, we still had a blast and would definitely return on our next trip.
Day 3
On our final day in Nashville before returning home, we made a stop at Five Daughters Bakery – a must-visit spot according to any Nashville guide. Their signature croissant-style donuts were absolutely delicious! We even tried their gluten-free donuts and were pleasantly surprised by their taste. Across the street, we spotted a charming eatery called Wanna Spoon. It's a cereal bar, which is perfect for families with kids or anyone who loves cereal. Although we didn't get to visit this time around, it's definitely on our list for our next trip to Nashville.
Our day trip in Nashville concluded with a visit to Hillsboro Village, a charming neighborhood that boasts picturesque photo opportunities and unique boutiques. I recommend visiting this area over the Gulch. For dinner, we indulged in a delightful meal at the luxurious Restoration Hardware. Despite its distance from other Nashville attractions, the ambiance and exceptional cuisine made it a perfect choice.
Overall, we had the best trip, and I cannot wait to go back!