Nashville has always been known for its honky-tonk vibe. As one of the top destinations for bridal parties, Broadway is still pumping with boozy laughter and shenanigans, but there is a new scene taking over.
Since the television show, Nashville, this city has seen tremendous growth. The latest to pop up is the influx of boutique hotels, including Dream, a luxury boutique brand based in New York City.
Feathers and hues of blue, inspire a setting for luxurious sleep — Bravo for a job well done on design and atmosphere. The vibe of blues and country meet elegance is the lastest energy into improving the health of the city.
Nashville is home to some significant healthcare companies and has been dedicated to improving overall wellness within its community. For the past few years, Nashville Health, an initiative started to overcome poor health in this thriving community. As the shift to a more conscious and wellness-minded society expands in the United States, are travel trends changing? In Nashville is there a higher demand for wellness and improved, less hitting places such as Big Shotz and Robert’s?
Experience has been the travel trend, but now there is a higher demand for culture, wellness, and relaxation. Boozy vacations to let loose and turn off normal every day living are moving towards getaways to feel rejuvenated and special. Hence the rise of luxury in downtown Nashville. From hotels to culinary options, to new rooftop experiences and an improved music scene, is this city setting a pace for a surge in wellness travel trends?
Awareness of what is happening is evident with the farm-to-table movement continuing to explode. The desire for more conscious food has opened the door for healthier options and Epicurious artistry in both culinary and beverage consumption. Today’s travel is all about vibrancy. What does that mean? It means we all want to feel better, to feel different, and to feel energized.
Vacations begin and end with where we choose to sleep and rise to greet the morning. Then moves towards what we fuel our bodies with, and how we spend our days alone or with the people we love.
Nashville is still not an ideal visit for young families, yet great for couples, friends, and groups. So where should you spend your precious time while in the city that made Country Music famous?
Adele’s
Named after James Beard Award-Winning Chef Jonathan Waxman’s late mother, this Nashville dining establishment is the perfect place to sip a cocktail by the outdoor fire. Located in the here and now Urban Gulch area (South-west fringe of downtown), restaurant-goers rave about the Kale Salad ($12) Meatballs ($11), and the service (something in common among all of Waxman’s restaurants). With a focus on seasonal, accessible comfort food sourced from local farms and purveyors, food lovers will not be disappointed. Offering an excellent whiskey selection at the white quarter-sawn oak bar, Adele’s stands out in Nashville. My favorite dish is JW’s wood-fired chicken.
Stateside Kitchen
Located inside the Dream Hotel, you will be greeted by the sky through its glass rooftop atrium running the length of the bar. As one of Nashville’s newest eateries, Executive Chef Michael Kopfman and his collective of Hillstone Restaurant Group alumni focus on a seasonal menu and a selection of sushi favorites. Fans rave about The Chop (44), a 22oz Kurobuta bone-in pork chop accompanied with green apple chutney, black-eyed peas, and collard greens. It is the perfect Instagram portrait. My personal favorite was the Sixty South Salmon ($32) pan-seared with herb butter, served with grilled jumbo asparagus and Yukon smashed potatoes. Stateside offers impeccable service and attention to detail in a relaxed setting.
The Lookout
Enjoy the spirit of Broadway in a quieter, cleaner, and more elegant style at The Lookout, Blake Shelton’s rooftop bar at Ole Red. With bubbles on the menu and an excellent craft cocktail selection, you know the bar has stepped up its game on the street of neon lights and cheap booze. Live music, Broadway views, and heart-and-soul put into the ambiance and marketing, make this a must-stop if you have to see the street Nashville is known for. We tried the High-Class Trash Nachos, which come served in a giant stack of corn tortillas rounds and filled with smoked chicken, white queso, yellow tomato salsa, refried beans, and guacamole.
Beyond Downtown Nashville
- Visit The Gulch for boutique shopping, brunch at Saint Anejo, or getting your picture made at the famous Angel Wing Mural known as “What Lifts You.” The wings are located at 302 11th Ave S.
- Visit Germantown to experience a yoga session at Steadfast & True Yoga, or walk through the Nashville Farmer’s Market. Rolf and Daughters stands among dining gems in the area, and reservations are highly recommended. This area is typically shut down by 10:00 pm.
- East Nashville is the up and coming scene. Revitalization has been the key to growth, and abundance in this laid-back community. Restaurants, shops, and locals adorn the area. Transportation is advised as it is not walkable to other areas.
Rooftop Bars
- L27 at The Westin Nashville
- The Rooftop Lounge at Bobby Hotel
- The Lookout
