At the end of January we took a short trip to Tennessee and Texas, taking in the music, the Southern food (far too much of that) and many a cultural unit at the museums before heading out to sup a Bud Light and listen to the pretty sublime country and blues musicians in bars down Broadway and Beale Street. People asked, why here? But as soon as you arrive in Nashville the warm courtesy and chat of the locals, coupled with the new and thriving businesses that are openin,g made it a great choice. Tie that in with the historic Grand Ole Opry and the International Blues Challenge and you’re set.
First, here’s our view on Nashville.
SHOPPING
/ Imogene + Willie, we can’t remember how we heard about this company two years back, but after mentioning it to family on their USA road trip they came back proclaiming it their favourite shop. ’nuff said. Almost, one half is a third generation jean-maker and met the other half at her grand-father’s denim house so it’s safe to say they know their beans. Ladies, they have four styles and thanks to their awesome customer service, our gal Debbie found the perfect fit, cropped to perfection. (area 6th Av. South)
/ Grimeys made us smile, aside from the incredible selection of vinyl and new cds plus our forever favourite detail – a wall of staff recommended picks that led us to this band – they rep’ local artisans Olive and Sinclair too. In short, chocolate and records – woo! (area 6th Av. South)
/ Third Man Records Jack White’s record store extends from his studio into this optical assault of white, black and yellow walls lined with his label’s records, The White Stripes paraphernalia and gig posters. Oh, and he has his own photo booth with Third Man tokens. Sweet! (area 7th Av. South)
/ Hatch Show Print is the home of letterpress. From the first posters for Hank Williams concerts to the hella good value reprints today, it’s the perfect print shop brimming with posters and huge printing presses labouring away at the back in full view. Tip: buy your postcards here. (area Broadway)
/ Fox’s Donut Den Deigned to be the best donut in the area and luckily the perfect place to perch when waiting for your taxi. (area Hillsboro Pike)
/ Parnassus Books is one of the few independent book stores and home to the Wildsam’s field guide to Nashville – an absolute gem of a book plus it houses a wonderful arts section. (area Hillsboro Pike)
EAT
/ Hattie B’s Hot Chicken, the latest hot chicken shop is home to some superb fried chicken, d-licious beans (ask for ‘hot’ at your peril, don’t be a hero!) and super friendly staff. Keeping it craft with their draft beers to boot. (area nr Hutton Hotel)
/ Edley’s BBQ for us was a the best bbq joint with brisket, pulled pork and probably 15 types of bbq and hot sauce available and a French Bun that was almost candy-floss like in its interior. Dreamy. (area 6th Av. South)
/ Silly Goose when the brisket frenzy overwhelms this is the place to hit for local food and an open kitchen. (area Eastland Ave, East Nashville)
/ City House was quite simply recommended by everyone. (area 4th Av. North)
(also recommended Catbird Seat restaurant and Rolf & Daughters)
DRINK
/ The Tavern a nice way to start the evening with a cocktail and some fried chicken skins if you are brave enough. (area nr Hutton Hotel)
/ The Whiskey Kitchen a good crowd and lovely staff make this a treat in The Gulch area. (area The Gulch)
/ Merchants eases you into Broadway with cocktails, shrimp salads and sweet potato fries. (area Broadway)
/ Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge is where everyone starts both for drinking and to see the photos of the many luminaries that have played. Personal favourite? Dolly Parton, of course. (area Broadway)
/ Robert’s Western World had a more country folk vibe, great musicians but a little more chilled out. (area Broadway)
/ The Stage was our favourite with it’s country rock acts and lively banter! (area Broadway)
/ The Patterson House is quite simply the go-to cocktail bar and home to the Bacon Old Fashioned. (area 1711 Division St)
/ The Stone Fox has music, great food and local ales. (area 51st Av. North)
STAY
/ Hutton Hotel is a must if you can make it (the Union Hotel looked pretty sweet too) thanks to the awesome level of service by all staff, from breakfast in bed to the concierge desk and the complimentary car service it really was awesome. Plus it’s only a skip to Hattie B’s Hot Chicken. Watcha waiting for? In fact, did we mention the complimentary cider from 5pm? (area West End Ave)
