you have 48 hours in nashville: go!

This spring has been full of travel for me. To new places, like Birmingham for Valentine's Day and Mississippi for two upcoming weddings, and familiar places like Chicago for St. Patrick's Day and Virginia for Lily's birthday.

Each time I head into one of these weekends, I find myself frantically Googling at the last minute...

cool things to do in Birmingham 

hidden restaurants in Chicago

the best of Jackson, Mississippi...

Last night I was talking to Jordan and, realizing we're all in the same place - constantly traveling to weddings here, and bachelorette parties there, and showers in Rome - why not help people out?

So with that, I'm starting a new series focused on what to do when you have 48 hours in a city. Beginning with Nashville! It's not far from Atlanta and, between my brothers and a few friends, we quickly compiled a best of in our opinion.

Bear in mind: this is not for the tourist in you. This is what to do if you want to get a feel for the city, drink like the locals and find hidden gems.

So here you have it: What to do with 48 Hours in Nashville....

Eat

Mas Tacos Por Favor - Tacos, gluten free options and a once-was partnership with Imogene + Willie for supper + song. Need I say more?

Barista Parlor - Great for brunch or coffee. The Cast Iron Blueberry Skillet Cake made with cornmeal will certainly be on my to try list.

Rosepepper - Mexican Tequila bar that says they have the spirit of old Mexico in the heart of new Nashville. I'll take it. 

Copper Kettle - Great for Sunday brunch - they have a buffet. Unlimited waffles, my friends. 

Husk - Farm to table southern eats. I've been on a real deviled egg kick lately and Husk's are calling my name. 

Bobbie's Dairy Dip - It's an ice cream parlor. What else can I say? Totally my style.
City House - Creative cocktails and dishes (octopus is supposed to be on point). Cozy, open kicthen and wood oven.
Rolf and Daughters - Italian-Mediterranean fusion food made with Southern ingredients. Communal tables that are filled on a first come-first served basis. 

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Caffeinate

Frothy Monkey - Sit and stay a while. They've got juice, beer, wine and coffee. Basically a beverage for every time of day.

Fido - My favorite cozy spot to sit and sip for a looong time. Not to mention their food is on point. 

Drink

The Patterson House - Cocktail bar with speakeasy/prohibition vibe.

Santa's Pub - In a trailer, this cash-only bar offers live music and karaoke every night and beers starting at $2. Are you intrigued yet? You should be.

Robert's - OK this one is really touristy. But, they have fried bologna sandwiches late night on Saturdays and a church service onsite on Sundays. That's funny! It has to be on the list. 

12 South Taproom - Neighborhood atmosphere with drink options out the wazoo. 

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Play

Imogene + Willie - Known for their denim but notable for everything, even their candles, I&W is the type of shop you just want to hang out in. You want to sit and stay and watch people try on their custom denim in the shop, which used to be a gas station, for hours. I'm jonesin for the Kontex Nuno Scarf.

Percey Warner Park - great place to trail run and bike. Especially after all this eating and drinking I just suggested (looking at you, fried bologna).
12 South Neighborhood - Perfect for parks, shopping, farmers' markets and exploring.
B-cycle - What better way to explore the city than to bike it? With checkpoints all over the city you can hope on in one location and drop it off in another. 

Listen

The Basement - Cozy place for live music. Word on the street is Tuesday nights are New Face Nights and offer up to nine different acts, without cover.

Grimeys - Buy new and used records because live music at The Basement can't go on forever. 

Belcourt Theatre - This is for watching more than it is listening. Old and independent movies, that is.

Exit/In - Known for having legends and nobodies, another great spot for live music

The 5 Spot - Apparently Tuesdays are where it's at in Nashville. Live music and $2 everything on Tuesdays - cover, pints and hot dogs. So if you didn't get enough questionable meat at Robert's, you got another option waiting.
3rd and Lindsley - More good jams, like Wood Brother's (playing tonight!). Every Monday night, they've got the Time Jumpers, a big country band.

And now, I am officially planning a trip to Nashville! Happy trails!

PS: Nashville friends, what am I missing?