Weekend Guide in Nashville, TN.

TN., Travel

Nashville- the music city and possibly the bachelorette capital of the country. It’s the place for food and country music, which are two of my favorite things. I’ve always loved visiting Nashville and every time I go I get more and more excited. This recent visit was to celebrate a friend’s bachelorette party and I assure you it was nothing short of fun, from the moment we arrived.

Here is a day to night guide of what to check out in Nashville.

Day One:

We started off with lunch at The Pharmacy, a burger parlor and beer garden in East Nashville.

The burgers are to die for! I’m serious. Not being a huge burger fan, I would kill for their classic Pharmacy Burger right now. This is one stop I’ve made for every visit in Nashville and it never disappoints.

731 McFerrin Ave, Nashville 37206.

Next, it was off to get pampered at The Dry House Nashville.

This place will make you feel nothing less of high class as you set back, relax, and let someone else deal with the stress of styling your hair for the night. As we entered, we were greeted with champagne and a list of hairstyles we could choose from. They had everything from high ponies and braids, to beachy waves and top knots. We also had a large party getting their hair washed and styled, but they managed to knock all 11 of us out in 2 hours. Snaps to these guys, they’re the real MVP! Oh, and at the end of our time, we managed to have a celeb sighting of Hayley Hubbard. She is the wife of Tyler Hubbard, the lead vocalist of Florida Georgia Line. We hear she’s a regular visitor.

Check out their list of hairstyles HERE.

2104 Crestmoor Road
Nashville, Tennessee 37215
(615) 678-7064

Night One

After getting our hair done, it was time to throw on our clothes, put on lipstick and head out for a night of drinks, dinner, and dancing!

We started off at LA Jackson’s, a rooftop bar in the Gulch. They have an amazing view of Nashville and a bomb frosé, my fave! If you’re looking to feel fabulous, this is the place!

401 11th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203

Then it was time for dinner at Del Frisco’s Grille. Although we ran upon this gem, it ended up being my favorite dish of the weekend! I ordered the Brick Chicken and wow was it ah-mazing! Also, I recommend the Truffled Mac & Cheese, it was the best I’ve ever tasted!

1201 Demonbreun St Suite 104, Nashville, TN 37203

Now it was time for some dancing on Broadway. A few places we enjoyed were Honky Tonk Central and The Stage.

Day Two:

Did someone say brunch? We kicked off the evening at Bartaco, a very trendy Mexican style restaurant in the 12 South area. The menu has a lot of different options but their mainly known for their taco selection. They are small tacos but this is nice because you can try different ones. I chose the beef, chicken, and fish tacos, but the beef was my fave! Guess who we spotted here…Lauren Akins! Yes, the wife of Thomas Rhett! We all freaked out and wanted a pic!

2526 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204

Then it was time to explore the 12th South area, a very popular place for the locals. There are lots of restaurants, coffee shops, and the best murals for pictures.

This is also where Reese Witherspoon’s store, Draper James, is located. You could find yourself a true southern belle shopping here. There’s big hats, bright dresses, a monogram booth, and sweet tea! That’s right, it’s only true southern hospitality to be served sweet tea as you enter the room.

Also, if you have a sweet tooth like me, you must check out Five Daughter’s Bakery. Try their famous 100 layer donut, too! They’re a mix between a croissant and a donut and it’s so great! I got the Chocolate Sea Salt and wow, it was perfect!

Draper James

2608 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204

Five Daughter’s Bakery

1110 Caruthers Ave, Nashville, TN 37204

Night Two

We ate and danced the night away all at one place, The FGL House. The 4 story restaurant had the best food and atmosphere. They had a band playing in the main section, a DJ on the rooftop bar, and a piano bar on the bottom floor. This place was so much fun, we even danced in the rain!

For dinner, I ordered the MARGHERITA flatbread, but the fan favorite was the NO JOKE MAC ‘N CHEESE.

120 3rd Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201

Day Three

This morning was the day to pack up and head back to Alabama, but we couldn’t leave without stopping by one last place, the famous Pancake Pantry. This place is a Nashville tradition for generations of families. It’s been open since 1961. The whole menu seemed delicious to me but I had to go with my girl Taylor Swift’s favorite dish, the sweet potato pancakes! Let’s just say Tayler never lets me down. They were so yummy!

1796 21st Ave S, Nashville, TN 37212

Hope you guys enjoyed this weekend guide to Nashville! Please keep me updated if you visit any of these fun places. I would love to know what y’all think!

X, ej

Top 10 Places to visit in Manhattan

Travel

1. Meatpacking District

The meatpacking district is one of my favorite places in the city. This area has some of the best shops, restaurants, and rooftops for nights out. There’s just something about walking the cobblestone streets and being right on the Hudson River that makes you feel like true New Yorker. It is also home to the Chelsea Market and Diane Von Furstenberg’s store/home.

2. The Highline

The Highline is located in the meatpacking district. It is a 1.45-mile-long urban park that was formerly used as the railroad from 1934 until 1960, when the southern section was demolished. It over looks the streets of Manhattan and the Hudson River.

3. Hudson River

The Hudson River encompasses both sides of the island. I am partial to the west side more than the east. This quickly became my favorite place to run or to sit and take in everything about this amazing city.

4. The West Village

The West Village is full of character. Be sure to keep your eyes out for the celebs in the area. Stay here too long and you just might fall in love with the charm and style of this part of Manhattan.

5. Bleeker St

This is one of my favorite streets in the West Village. Bleeker is full of adorable buildings, fun shops, and home to the original Magnolia Bakery (which is located on Bleeker and 11^th St.).

6. Washington Square Park

Washington Square Park, located right in the heart of the NYU campus, is one of the most beautiful places to see. It’s known for the incredible Washington Square Arch and the fountain.

7. Soho

Soho is my favorite place to shop in the city. Some might say 5^th avenue, but not me. The streets of SoHo are home to unique boutiques, trendy chain stores, such as Zara and Top Shop, and upscale chains, like Louis Vuitton and Chanel.

8. Bethesda Fountain

This Fountain is found near Loeb’s boating house in Central Park. Although Central Park has tons of beautiful places, this fountain is by far my favorite. Maybe it’s all the beautiful features or maybe it’s the ducks and rowboats in the background. Either way, it’s absolutely stunning. For you Gossip Girl lovers, this is where Chuck and Blair tied the knot.

9. Bryant Park

This park is a hidden gem. I believe it gets overlooked when it comes to “must see places in the city.” In the winter the park serves as an ice-skating rink and in the summer it serves as grounds for lawn movies. The lawn is overlooked by the New York Library. It’s also known for the Le Carrousel and The Josephine Shaw Lowell Memorial Fountain.

10. Top of the Empire State Building

As a little girl, I dreamed of moving to New York City and doing an internship in fashion. I grew up in a very small town in Alabama. When I dreamed of NYC, I dreamt of seeing all the lights at night, being on a rooftop and looking across all of Manhattan. I wish more than anything someone could have got a picture of my face the first time my eyes glanced across that skyline, 102 floors up on the top of the Empire State Building. I was amazed. It was everything I thought it would be. That, my friends, is how I fell in love with the city.

X, ej

Favorite Eats in New York City

Travel

1. Polo Bar

This restaurant is owned by Ralph Lauren. You are greeted by his signature style of navy + green plaid and polo gear, as soon as you walk in the front door. I have tried the polo bar crab cakes and roasted chicken, but the prime filet mignon was no doubt the best.

1 E 55th St, New York, NY 10022.

(212) 207-8562

2. Dos Caminos

I stumbled upon this restaurant while out exploring one afternoon. Dos Caminos offers anything from bottomless drinks & mexican style food at brunch. This restaurant has 5 different locations throughout Manhattan.

475 W Broadway, New York, NY 10012 (Soho)

(212) 277-4300

3. Loeb’s Boathouse

If you want brunch with a view, then Loeb’s Boathouse is your place. It’s hands down my favorite place for brunch. Located on a lake in Central Park. The atmosphere here is one of the best in the city. Also, several movies and TV shows have been filmed here– Sex and the City, When Harry Met Sally, and 27 Dresses, just to name of a few.

E 72nd St, New York, NY 10021

(212) 517-2233

4. Black Tap Craft Burgers and Beers

From shakes topped with cotton candy, huge cookies, and pieces of cake, they do it all. The shakes aren’t the only amazing item on the menu either, the burgers aren’t too shabby. Lucky us, Black Tap has locations in Soho, Meatpacking, and Midtown. Although there was a wait, I think it was well worth it.

529 Broome St, New York, NY 10013 (Soho)

(917) 639-3089

5. Donut Pub

Another one of my favorite sweet shops is the Donut Pub, located in the West Village. My roomie and I actually stumbled upon this shop one night and we immediately fell in love. The Donut Pub offers tons of flavored donuts, with their signature flavor being the chocolate dipper. My favorites were the Oreo and chocolate glazed with sprinkles. My roomie’s was the French cruller. Since the pub was only a block away from our apartment and stayed open 24 hours, we became quite the frequent visitors. This is a must have while in the city.

203 W 14th St, New York, NY 10011

(212) 929-0126

6. Crispin’s

If you’re a sucker for some good Italian, this is the place. My favorite dish is the lobster ravioli. YUM! This restaurant is located in Hell’s Kitchen in Manhattan.

764 10th Ave, New York, NY 10019

(212) 586-0888

7. Serendipity 3

Serendipity, a tourist favorite, is known for their frozen hot chocolate. And trust me, it does not disappoint. While they are largely known for their desserts, be sure to take a look at the selection of entrees they have to offer. This restaurant was also featured in the movie, Serendipity.

225 E 60th St, New York, NY 10022

212) 838-3531

8. Bubby’s Highline

Being from the south, Bubby’s hit the spot for brunch. Their menu features southern favorites such as grits, eggs, pancakes, and fried chicken. It is located in the meatpacking district.

73 Gansevoort St, New York, NY 10014

(212) 206-6200

9. Cornelia Street Café

This cute and quaint café is located in Greenwich Village. It is full of character and serves some amazing food. The night my friend Randa & I went the special was steak. It was amazing! We both cleaned our plates! In addition to their amazing menu, they also have an underground room where people read poems, sing, and offer open mic nights.

29 Cornelia St, New York, NY 10014

(212) 989-9319

10. Shu Han Ju

Of course I had to save my favorite place for last. Ask any of my close friends, I talk about this place all the time. I’ve often said, “I will fly to NYC, eat at Shu Han Ju and fly back if I could.” Located in the West Village, you must try this restaurant if you’re a fan of Chinese food. Make sure to try out my personal favorite, the general tso’s chicken and pork steamed dumplings.

465 6th Ave New York, NY 10011

(212) 428-8800

X, ej