Travel: Nashville
What can I say? Nashville truly filled my soul in ways I never anticipated. I’d spent the entire summer debating the merits of this trip. In the end, I’m genuinely glad I was able to figure everything out. Nashville offered me nourishment for the soul (and, of course, for my belly too!).
The vibrant people, delectable food, and captivating live music — it all fed my soul in ways that are difficult to articulate. After having a rough year, and while I did travel to various places, those journeys often felt more about fulfilling obligations rather than personal enjoyment. But this time, I arrived here with no real plan or expectations.
I had to set aside my usual organizing instincts and embrace the spontaneity of going with the flow. This new approach led my feet to wander all over the vibrant streets of Nashville. What an unforgettable experience. I'll cherish those memories forever. Let me take you through my unforgettable weekend in Nashville, starting with a little boot shopping that sets the tone for an amazing adventure.
Night One:
Wow. What an incredible sensory overload, but in the coolest and most exciting way imaginable. I arrived in Nashville at 7 pm, filled with anticipation for the adventures ahead. After checking into my hotel, I wasted no time and headed straight to The Gulch area to enjoy some delicious food before venturing out to Broadway for a night packed with fun and excitement.
I must admit, I am feeling quite tired now, but I am also well-fed and elated after falling in love with a stunning pair of boots. The very next day, I couldn't resist purchasing those boots, and as I type this, I’m happily wearing them around my cozy house in Harlem. I'm in the process of breaking them in for my next outing, although I have no specific destination in mind just yet; wherever I go, it will be with these beautiful boots.
The entire culture surrounding cowboy boots in Nashville captivated me—wow! People sport them everywhere, especially the ladies, and I love it. I can't wait to fully break in my new girls. I've even decided to name this pair Faith. I’m just a city girl who took a trip to Nashville and found myself utterly enamored by the experience. How could it be anything less than perfect, right? A huge shoutout to @boot_barn_official—the entire staff there was just fantastic!
Day Two:
I had an absolutely wonderful time in Nashville! I listened to incredible live music that filled the air with energy, enjoyed delicious hot chicken from a local restaurant, and had the pleasure of meeting some truly amazing people along the way.
I even got rained on twice during my adventures, but that didn't put a damper on my enjoyment. In fact, running around in the rain felt very liberating, and I quickly dried off my clothes and put my hair in a neat ponytail before heading to a lively honky tonk to continue my night.
Day Three:
My last full day in Nashville was packed!
I was initially afraid because of the holiday, Labor Day, that maybe some businesses and attractions would be closed, but thankfully, NOPE! It turned out to be a wonderfully fun day, packed with a plethora of Uber and Lyft rides to various parts of Nashville that I had no clue about before this adventure. I loved discovering SCL, which is the cutest store imaginable and, believe it or not, HUGE! You know me well—if I’m in a city that boasts a Stoney Clover Lane, you can bet your bottom dollar that I’m going in! This shop is indeed enormous! It even features a stage for live performances, which adds to its charm. The staff were lovely, as always, making my visit even more enjoyable. I picked up some adorable patches to remember Nashville by, and I plan on applying them to a mini pouch very soon. Should I make it my mission to visit every Stoney Clover location possible? Because honestly, I feel like that may be my new exciting mission!
Now, on to White Limozeen—a place that was an absolute blast! White Limozeen is a fabulous rooftop bar and restaurant perched atop Graduate Nashville. It transports its guests to an over-the-top, indoor-outdoor rooftop experience that is simply unforgettable. It’s excessive in all the best ways imaginable! The color scheme of white and pink adorns almost the entire space, creating a vibrant and cheerful atmosphere.
The decor is bold and demands attention, begging for countless photos for your Instagram page! Named in honor of country music icon and original Backwoods Barbie, Dolly Parton, this place truly screams “It's the finer things in life” and showcases this theme beautifully. The menu was quite impressive as well, especially the eclectic cocktail selection. Among the offerings, I had a drink named “Anti-Hero,” which was delightfully strawberry-flavored and incredibly refreshing! The food menu featured a fantastic array of easy-to-eat party foods too.
I indulged in a flourless chocolate cake that was simply divine. I ate it so slowly because I didn’t want to finish it too quickly; it was just that good. I came away with another deep tan, which my skin will surely thank me for later (or maybe not, but it was worth it!).
I learned so much about American history during my travels. I discovered even more about the rich and vibrant world of country music. I delved into the fascinating life and legacy of my boy Johnny Cash. I just learned, absorbed, and reflected on my journey.
I learned about myself (and I continue to do so). While there, I figured out a lot of things that I hadn't quite grasped before. I took it all with me back to the bustling streets of NYC. If you've never experienced this place, I highly encourage you to go at least once.
Party with the locals. Put on some stylish boots. Go grab a refreshing beer at a local bar. Savor some mouthwatering hot chicken that will leave you craving more. Experience life from a different perspective for a little while. It really is just a vibe that you must immerse yourself in completely for a few days to truly understand it. I can't wait to get back and soak it all in again.
Check out my Nashville gallery for more photos!