My first visit to the South was full of live music, exquisite fried chicken, and being addressed as ma'am 🤠 In July of 2018, I visited the vibrant city of Nashville, Tennessee for my friend Courtney's birthday. We enjoyed a girls weekend dancing at Honky Tonks on Broadway and spending quality time together while being immersed in Southern culture. The weather in mid July was warm and humid, so make sure to pack summer clothes for your trip here during a similar season.
Pictured from left to right, here is the wonderful group of ladies I had the fun privilege to travel with: Jade, Shannon, Tori, me, Ashlie, Courtney, Willow, Elida, and Allie.
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The Airbnb:
We stayed in a cozy 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom house located fairly close by to the downtown of Broadway on 2nd Avenue South. Ordering Ubers to the central location was under a 5 minute ride. The house was furnished with chic furniture and decorations to really make us feel like we were in the country state.
![No longer listed on Airbnb - image credit](https://www.notion.so/image/https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Flilliansblog%2Fimage%2Ffetch%2Fc_fit%2Cq_auto%2Cdpr_auto%2Cf_auto%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Flilliansamra.com%2Fcontent%2Fimages%2F2020%2F08%2Fimage-83.png?table=block&id=771955a6-76e3-43b3-9cd6-a21625abbda0&cache=v2)
The Itinerary
Biscuit Love
This food stop is well known for their brunch served with a side of biscuit. We visited the location on Gulch, as a famous mural was located around the corner. The interior of the restaurant was colorful and inviting, which made for a unique dining experience.
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We enjoyed their house famous lemonade, biscuits, fried chicken, and donuts sprinkled with powdered sugar and blueberry drizzle 🤩
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What Lifts You Wings
There are several iconic murals that are decorated around the city. The first one we visited was the What Lifts You Wings, by Kelsey Montague. You can find this art work located in an area called The Gulch and this mural was right around the corner from Biscuit Love, so make sure you are photo ready ✌🏼 Additionally, be prepared to wait in line for a chance to pose with the wings as it's a hot tourist spot.
![Address: 230 11th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203](https://www.notion.so/image/https%3A%2F%2Fs3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2Fsecure.notion-static.com%2Fd837c0ba-ece4-4a95-b2b2-826c2d67bdae%2F134BD7B8-2016-435F-B436-24D778DD0BBD.jpeg?table=block&id=ebe7a0b5-5ef8-4b99-a333-228295370fb0&cache=v2)
I Believe in Nashville
This mural is one of the city's most recognized pieces of street art and was created by Adrian Saporiti. There are actually 3 of these murals sprinkled around the city, but the one painted on Howell's Alley building on 12th Avenue is the original. This spot is a great opportunity to take home a photograph souvenir.
![Address: 2702 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204](https://www.notion.so/image/https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Flilliansblog%2Fimage%2Ffetch%2Fc_fit%2Cq_auto%2Cdpr_auto%2Cf_auto%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Flilliansamra.com%2Fcontent%2Fimages%2F2020%2F08%2Fimage-69.png?table=block&id=bbaf3d64-afb2-406f-a6cb-7f691f76f7ab&cache=v2)
Broadway
The epicenter of entertainment, this is where all of the fun is located! The downtown offers honky tonks, live country music, and shopping. We had a great time visiting Broadway in the day and evening 🎶
![Captured photo: Random tourists with cowboy hats on Broadway.](https://www.notion.so/image/https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Flilliansblog%2Fimage%2Ffetch%2Fc_fit%2Cq_auto%2Cdpr_auto%2Cf_auto%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Flilliansamra.com%2Fcontent%2Fimages%2F2020%2F08%2Fimage-70.png?table=block&id=4beda389-34f7-4149-a9ba-3f9336bd53e1&cache=v2)
Honky Tonk Central
Located on Broadway, this 3 stor building is filled with live music on each floor. It's a non stop party that features very talented musicians playing saxophone and guitar while singing their hearts out.
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We enjoyed coming here in the evening, as the live music and city lights really brought to life the spirit of Nashville.
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Taco Mamacita
This restaurant offers Southern styled tacos that will want you ordering some to take back home 🌮 We enjoyed a scrumptious lunch here while sipping on margaritas.
![Photo credit: Taco Mamacita](https://www.notion.so/image/https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Flilliansblog%2Fimage%2Ffetch%2Fc_fit%2Cq_auto%2Cdpr_auto%2Cf_auto%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Flilliansamra.com%2Fcontent%2Fimages%2F2020%2F08%2FIMG_3463.jpg?table=block&id=405278b4-9dde-4a11-882e-56389f5267da&cache=v2)
The Westin Nashville
Although we weren't guests at this hotel, The Westin has a great rooftop with a pool and shaded seating area that overlooks the city. Pool access is for guests only, but that didn't stop us from enjoying the view from above
![](https://www.notion.so/image/https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Flilliansblog%2Fimage%2Ffetch%2Fc_fit%2Cq_auto%2Cdpr_auto%2Cf_auto%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Flilliansamra.com%2Fcontent%2Fimages%2F2020%2F08%2Fimage-74.png?table=block&id=81e4d760-8688-41c3-a466-6a099fa192ea&cache=v2)
Cumberland River Pedestrian Bridge
This river runs through the city of Nashville, expanding for 700 miles. There is a bridge that allows for people to walk along and experience the city skyscraper and vast river.
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Bar Bike
A fun themed party bike for adults, this activity was a highlight of the trip. We booked in advance through Sprocket Rocket, so be sure to do the same to ensure you don't miss out on this experience. The ride includes a driver, who also acts as your DJ, bartender, and tour guide. We rode around Broadway with lights flashing and music blasting.
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After the Bar Bike, we were dropped off at lower Broadway, where we spent the rest of the evening dancing and listening to live music during our last night in Nashville.
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Hattie B's Hot Chicken
This was the best last meal to close out our girls trip in the South. I ordered the chicken and waffles which were superb. The baked beans and crimped french fries added to the zest of the cajun flavored chicken 🤤
![](https://www.notion.so/image/https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Flilliansblog%2Fimage%2Ffetch%2Fc_fit%2Cq_auto%2Cdpr_auto%2Cf_auto%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Flilliansamra.com%2Fcontent%2Fimages%2F2020%2F08%2Fimage-79.png?table=block&id=fc01c6e6-3d0c-46b9-b699-b9fc540b47de&cache=v2)
Five Daughters Bakery
The sweet treats offered here are well known for their array of colorful donuts. Make sure to stop here for the best donuts in town 🍩
![Check out their](https://www.notion.so/image/https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Flilliansblog%2Fimage%2Ffetch%2Fc_fit%2Cq_auto%2Cdpr_auto%2Cf_auto%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Flilliansamra.com%2Fcontent%2Fimages%2F2020%2F08%2Fimage-82.png?table=block&id=d0713a6b-557b-4dd6-9f08-81f65f78a9fe&cache=v2)
Nashville is the perfect destination for any occasion: birthdays, bachelor/bachelorette parties, or just a fun weekend trip with your friends. The Southern roots are embedded in this lively city through Country genre musicians, food menus featuring fried chicken and biscuits, and street art that gives character to the energetic city.