Sometimes getting out is all you need. Enjoying Bowling Green is what we love to see people do but sometimes you need to just get out of town. Sure, we travel all over the USA but we have one of the great cities in our own backyard, Nashville. We don’t enjoy the party wagons/trailers/buses or whatever those hoards are on driving through lower Broadway. So, we preface this is as our way to spend a great day experiencing Nashville locally but with a tourism twist.
Entertainment
Obviously, a concert is amazing in Music City. That said, we have experienced our best shows at places not named Bridgestone Arena. Go see a show, if you haven’t, at The Ryman or Schermerhorn Symphony Center. It’s a perfect way to enjoy the music. These cathedrals for music are a must do once in your life. Also, experience Mercy Lounge, Marathon Music Works, The Station Inn, 3rd and Lindsley, The Basement or The Bluebird Cafe.
Another family favorite is the trips to Cheekwood. No matter what time of year there is something always beautiful. You can’t beat a nice 2 to three-mile stroll to see the flowers, special exhibits (right now Legos and recently Chihuly glass).
Always, visit the Frist. Once a quarter. There is always something new and beautiful to see at The Frist Art Museum. The world’s best artists have been featured. Recently Picasso and pre-pandemic their best exhibit for us, Frida Kahlo.
Shopping
Being so close a must-do pre-pandemic was shopping at 4 to 5 shops that we adore. You will see some of the best gifts by heading over to The Gift Horse in East Nashville. Owner, Jess, has curated some of the best options for gifts to any person who is in love with Nashville, the history of Tennessee or something fun with the culture.
Also, we adore a nice local bookstore and there aren’t many as cool as spending an hour or two hanging out at Parnassus over in the Greenhills area of Nashville. Near the Bluebird Cafe it’s a perfect way to enjoy an evening to pre-game the show with a little book browsing.
We love shopping for grocery items at the Nashville Farmers Market to see what local producers are making for the kitchen. We also have a favorite French Grocery store (2 locations) called Little Gourmand. We all know there is something delicious from the French chefs of the world but it all starts with their ingredients and Little Gourmand delivers.
For those looking for clothing, we send you off to our Four choices. First off, is Black Shag Vintage. “Tommy Daley grew up in Buffalo, NY and has always had a passion and an eye for all things vintage. He has lived in LA and NYC before putting some roots down in Nashville. After spending over a decade in the Record Business and half a decade in the Music Business as an Artist and a Guitarist for Hire, he decided to start his own business and Black Shag Vintage was born. He now owns and buys exclusively for BSV in addition to being a Stylist for customers who want the Badass Vintage Black Shag Rock N Roll Vibe. He lives in East Nashville with his truck and Motorcycle. He is a Libra and lives for Rock N Roll.”
Goodbuy Girls is another great stop on your search for the perfect outfit. “
Established in 2010, Goodbuy Girls has become internationally known for its well-curated selection of vintage cowgirl boots, being recognized in publications such as Southern Living, Vogue, Glamour, Nylon, Condé Nest, V Mag, Paste, New York Mag, The Washington Post, etc. Today, Goodbuy Girls is a mix of vintage and new with a focus on small batch artisinal goods hand selected by owner, Tanya Montana Coe, a Nashville Native.
Lana Del Rey, Lady Gaga, Maren Morris, Miranda Lambert, Kacey Musgraves and Jewel are some of the celebrities who have shopped at or been styled by Goodbuy Girls.”
High Class Hillbilly is another great spot! “Vintage finds for all kinds. We’ve searched high and low for your reward. These items are hand-picked from our travels across the US. Based in Nashville, TN, and curated by singer-songwriter Nikki Lane, High Class Hillbilly is a vintage boutique stuffed to the brim with vintage boots, hats, leather goods, and fun fashion pieces. If you’re visiting Music City, be sure to drop by, and if you have a request, let us know. We’re always on the lookout!”
Emerson Grace Nashville is another fantastic shop for finding clothing from a local shop. “Opened in 2013, Emerson Grace helps women look and feel their best. Owner and buyer Kimberly Lewis strives to provide a top shopping destination for women’s contemporary fashion with an elevated casual approach. In addition to an impressive list of designers and brands of clothing, jewelry, footwear, and accessories, Emerson Grace features “The Local Focus” an ongoing initiative that spotlights regional brands. The store prides itself on carrying local brands and seeing them grow and develop.”
So, we have hit the best places to watch a brilliant show, enjoy some shopping for groceries, books, clothing and gifts. Also, how to have a wonderful time in nature and immersed in art. Next week, the agenda is food!
