What. A. Week.
Last week I headed to honky tonk central for a work trip. Mind you, this was the first time I was meeting my coworkers of almost a year outside the 1×1 inch squares of Zoom. Not only was I so excited to finally meet them all in person, but this was also my first time in Nashville. That being said, I made sure to strategically book my flights to allow me enough time to venture throughout the streets of Broadway and Downtown Nashville. After three eventful days, I can confidently say I was able to experience all that the Music City has to offer. From the vibrant bars and restaurants, to the crazy cute boutiques, I was able to experience it all (and my bank account can certainly speak for that LOL).
As fun as the week was getting to spend time with my coworkers, it wouldn’t be a complete trip without some sort of disaster, right? With some vicious storms back up north, many cancelled flights, delays, and layovers later, I ended up staying in Music City far too long, not getting back to PHL until 1:00am. Shoutout to the boyfriend for picking me up, you are the best:)
Besides the chaos of traveling back home, the trip has made me fall in love with Nashville and I am already planning my next trip there with some girlfriends. Lucky for them, I now have some recommendations on where we should go, and where the hottest spots on Broadway are.
Where We Stayed
We stayed at the Hilton in Downtown Nashville. The location was perfect, literally less than a block from Broadway. My room was directly across from the Bridgestone Arena and had a view of some of the bars on the strip- definitely a fun spot for people watching.
Where We Ate
The Hampton Social
Let me just say, Nashville has some of the BEST food and drinks. The first night in town, we had our team dinner at The Hampton Social. I feel like this is the place to go if you are on a girls trip to Nash- so many picture opportunities and cute cocktails. I was honestly expecting this place to be a bit overrated but I have to say everything was so delicious and everyone who worked there was super friendly and attentive. Their cocktails were also delicious… I am still dreaming of their Frose <3 Will definitely go back here with my friends!
The Chef & I
Our final night we did a more interactive dinner at The Chef and I, which began with a mixology course, right into a four course dinner. The mixology course was so fun and was considered out team building activity before we wined and dined. The food was literally insane and some of us actually took the menus for the cocktails because they were so good we needed to make sure we remembered the recipes. This restaurant was a bit outside of Downtown so an Uber or Bird would be needed. Also a bit pricier, but when in Rome am I right?
417 Union & Frothy Monkey
The last day, a coworker and I grabbed some brunch at 417 Union, which was a few blocks away from my hotel. SOLID bloody mary and the food was perfect after a night of excessive drinking. What’s even better is that this was on the same street as Frothy Monkey, which was the cutest cafe and had one of the most delicious coffees I have ever had. They make their own custom syrups and have really unique flavor combos. If you go, I recommend the Hummingbird iced coffee… it was actually insane. They also do have a brunch menu and cocktails, so could definitely be another brunch option!
Where I shopped:
VICI
I have been following Vici on Instagram for a while now, so once I learned there was a store a mile from my hotel, you bet your bottom dollar that was the first place I I waked to after I checked into my room. Pro tip of the day: beware that the GPS may accidentally take you through an active construction zone and you may be judged and questioned by the workers. Needless to say I got some looks in my little Athleta skirt and crop top walking through, but this chick was on a mission. I did finally make it and boy was it worth it! The store was adorable and had so much to choose from. While I wanted to buy out the entire store, I stuck with getting one dress for my upcoming vacation (pics to come). I know a few of my coworkers also ventured out to Vici (I think they were smarter and took an Uber though lol). They wore their dresses they got on the last night and they were so cute… success at Vici across the board!
SVM
SVM was right across the street from Vici and I actually found them through Tik Tok. They have the sickest custom denim jackets that I almost splurged on (you can order online as well!), but instead I opted for a white oversized studded denim jacket, a linen dress, and a Nash Collection hat for my mom. The girls working here were SO SWEET and were always asking if I needed anything while I was trying on, or even suggesting some of their favorite items.
The Nash Collection.
I didn’t know this was the “it” store in Nash, but if you didn’t buy something from here, did you really take on Music City? I ended up getting quite a bit from this store, two oversized crewnecks that had “Nashville” embroidered on the front, and then a hat for boyfriend (he thinks its crazy I haven’t said his name yet so I’m going to refer to him as boyfriend for the foreseeable future HAHA). The hat I got for my mom at SVM was also the Nash Collection, and I learned from a worker at the store that about 25 stores around the city stock the brand, so definitely check them out.
Where We Went Out
Tootsie’s
After the first night out, we kept it a bit low-key and went to Tootsie’s. It was only a Tuesday night so not crazy crowded which I appreciated. The band playing was good and overall a solid vibe for night one. Tip of the century- never order a shot of tequila Tootsie’s unless you are expecting half a cup of rubbing alcohol… enough said.
Kid Rock’s Honky Tonk
So after learning half of the team’s flights got cancelled, the meeting on the final day was also bagged. This, in my mind, meant that we were to hit the city hard on the final night. After the Chef & I, we ventured to Kid Rock’s bar and holy sh*t, it was so dang fun. The band playing was so talented and they kept switching between performing country and rock songs. Literally the best vibes were at Kid Rock and I definitely want to go back there when I revisit the city. This was also the night where I learned how cool my coworkers are- I am the youngest on the team and they kept me young LOL.
While this was a business trip, I am so happy we had the time and opportunity to explore the city and get to bond as a team. So grateful to work with such amazing people and finally be able to meet them in person. Nashville certainly has not seen the last of me. Talk soon xoxo! – Kelly
