Where: Nashville
When: July 21-24, 2018
Weather: mid 70’s-mid 80’s (humid, T Storms)
I must say, Nashville was not on my travel list but because my friends moved out there for music, I knew I’d have to visit them at some point. I’ve been to Durham, Charleston, and Savannah so I’ve experienced a little Southern hospitality before, but Nashville’s hospitality was extra charming. A quick 2 minute trip to the grocery store can easily turn into a 10 minute conversation about an upcoming tomato festival.
This was surprising because coming from New York, we are used to not being acknowledged while shopping around. If we’re lucky, we might get a cashier to look up when entering the store. The first 2 interactions in Nashville, I nudged my friends asking them, “Do they always greet you this way?!” and they proudly would say, “Yes! Isn’t this amazing!”. It felt weird at first, but after, it felt...welcoming.
I stayed in East Nashville (about 15 minutes away from downtown) and here are the local spots we hit up:
Sinema - an old movie theater turned into a poppin' brunch spot
Five Points Crossing - tons of neighborhood bars around
Nashville Biscuit House - for a traditional Southern breakfast
Antique shopping on Woodland (Idea Hatchery) - there are a ton of these cute little shops!
Broadway - some live music and people watching
High Garden Tea - an eclectic tea and herbs shop, kombucha bar with Lord of the Ring’s feel
Hattie B’s Chicken - Nashville is known for their hot chicken (and you must get their banana pudding!)
I wanted to pack light since I only had a my Tumi packable tote as a carry on, so this is what I brought to stay at my friend's apartment:
- 4 Summer outfits, includes linen top, dress - the humidity is REAL
- 1 North Face windbreaker
- Small umbrella
- 1 pair of sandals that goes with all my outfits
- Hat + Sunglasses
- Undergarments for 4 days
- House slippers
- Face wash
- Body wash
- Shampoo/Conditioner
- Deodorant
- Sunscreen/Moisturizer
- Light makeup
- Razor
- Makeup remover wipes
- Lip balm
- Face masks
- Tums
- Allergy meds
- Toothbrush, toothpaste
- Bug spray/balm
- Rose facial spray* a must for the Summer heat
- Scarf for the plane
- Essential oils
What I wish I brought:
- Body wipes - for a quick refresher from the heat and humidity
Have you been to Nashville? Or are you planning a trip? Let me know below!