oh nashville! it’s one of my absolute favorite cities. i’ve been traveling there from chicago for as long as i can remember; we always had to visit our cousins + grandparents during summer + christmas breaks! the combination of childhood nostalgia plus southern charm plus its rise in popularity makes it a city that forever holds memories + a part of my heart!

over the course of the many years + trips we’ve taken south, my family + i have gathered a big list of favorites which i’m so excited to share with you in this post! after compiling, i realized that much of it is food, so maybe i should rename this the nashville food guide, haha! the city sure isn’t short on good comfort food, that’s for sure! take a scroll on through this post, at the bottom there’s a link to a google map with all my favorite spots pinned! alright, let’s dive in y’all!!

EATS

Parson’s Chicken + Fish

ohhhhh, people. this place. i almost have no words, except for maybe these: the most BOMB chicken [+ hot chicken] sandwich. they’ve got locations in chicago too, so we’re no stranger to parson’s. when i first had their sandwich, i was going to modify it, ask for no pickles, etc. when the waitress stared me down + told me to trust the process. i’m passing on the same message to you — trust the process! you’d bee glad you did, it’s damn good. they’ve also got yummy fries, drinks, + sides with LOTS of sauces.

Cafe Roze

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okay, confession. i’ve actually never been here, but it’s suuuuper high on my list for the next time i return! i’ve heard only great things about this place, + the photos i’ve seen are stunning. this one above is from lisa diederich’s instagram — they’ve got most gorgeous lattes, stunning crossaints, + more!

Franklin Juice Co.

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if you’re looking for pressed juice, smoothies, or acaí bowls, franklin juice is your place! i visited for the first time last christmas with my sister + cousin katie + we loved it! they’ve got great toppings for the bowls as you can see above, i’m such a sucker for peanut or other nut butter drizzles! there’s also a location in the factory in franklin, another great spot as well located outside the city.

Proper Bagel

i was first introduced to proper bagel my senior year of high school when i was touring belmont university! it’s right across from the campus, so after grabbing a bagel + latte, you can walk around the gorgeous campus. they’re originally from new york, so you KNOW the bagels are good. plus, they’re made fresh daily!

Biscuit Love

this one’s all in the name. biscuits, you’ll LOVE. plain + simple. but actually not that plain + not that simple. biscuit love takes it to the next level with sandwiches, brunch plates, + sweet appetizers to share, all revolving around the yummiest unique biscuits. if you’re looking for elevated comfort food, this is your place. not to mention, the franklin location [pictured above] is an old, victorian-style house renovated into a cutie restaurant, + they started out of a food truck!

The Grilled Cheeserie

ohhhhoho baby, get your cheese-loving heart ready. this one is a rec from my aunt, a native of nashville for more than 15 years + a mom of three. she mentioned that her family loves this place, + after checking them out i knew i had to include them! click on over to their website for incredible mac + cheese sandwiches, cheese covered tater tots, artisan milkshakes, + all the specialty melty grilled cheeses you can dream of. they’ve got a food truck, too!

Loveless Cafe

loveless is such a classic! my family has gone here for breakfast many times, + their biscuits are the best! such classic breakfasts, great all around! there’s only one location + it’s a little outside the city, but it’s still a favorite + worth adding to the guide.

SWEETS

The Frothy Monkey

this isn’t a sweet as much as it is a fantastic coffee shop! lattes are sweet sometimes, so… it’s fine this is my guide! this shop had been mentioned to me multiple times before i actually tried it out, + once i did i knew why! they’ve got the most creative craft lattes, i got one with peanut butter in it last time i was there! there are multiple locations around nashville + in franklin + they serve some food as well [which i haven’t been able to try yet] making it the perfect stop for a quick brunch or light lunch!

Jeni’s Ice Cream

a fave. a faaaaave!! i was first introduced to jeni’s in the early days of instagram + first got to try it in 2014! i remember being so excited when my aunt suggested we try out “this new place my friend told me about”. for the past five years it’s been a true favorite, + personally i believe that their flavors only get better + better! i love jeni’s so much i almost worked there, haha! thankfully, jeni’s is located elsewhere [including chicago, bless the lord!] so once you’re addicted, you’ve got options.

Five Daughter’s Bakery

this place is home to some gorgeous donuts, + famously, the cronut made of 100 layers! i was introduced to five daughters through instagram + was able to try them out in real life last holiday season! their donuts are truly gram-worthy, + they’ve got delicious vegan/paleo options as well! they’ve even got a live donut cam where you can watch the pastries being sold in real time!

Las Paletas

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if you’re looking for something sweet, light, + cool, this cute popsicle stop is for you! nash summers can get super hot, + cooling off with flavored ice pops is always a good idea. you can also get a chocolate dip, because hellooo! last time i went i got a mango chili flavor + a lime flavor, both delicious! it’s also located on 12th ave, so while you’re shopping at the stores listed below + finished with your frothy monkey latte, a popsicle is your next stop!

SHOPS

Imogene + Willie

this store is so unique! i first visited it in 2016 but had been following along for even longer! stunning industrial-esque clothing for both men + women, + the most gorgeous jeans! their exterior is so cute, too! it’s in a great location, 12th ave, near lots of other great spots, too.

White’s Mercantile

same with i+w, i love white’s mercantile! there’s no shortage of beautiful, meaningful gifts here. they also sell beautiful hats, home decor, + clothing for women, men, + babes. think anthro but with local, southern charm! there’s a location in downtown nashville + franklin as well, so where ever you go, you’ve got one nearby!

there you have it! some of my absolute favorite nashville city spots, all in one place. for the entire compilation, click HERE!! i’ve added all of these places listed above onto google maps so you can access their addresses + directions straight from your phone or computer! i hope your 2019 is coming to a lovely close + wish you well as we enter the new decade! when you’re thinking of 2020 travel destinations, keep nashville [+ this guide] in mind! let me know if you try anything out, i’d love to see! happy holidays, friends!

post + images by molly garvin

this post is not sponsored, + all opinions are my own! nashville rocks, y’all!