Lovers + Friends Fairy Dress / Tecova Jamie Boot / Daniel Wellington Bristol Watch
This past weekend I got to throw the bachelorette party for my baby sister, Anna! I can not believe she is actually getting married, it feels like just yesterday we were running around playing, but now it’s time for her to GET MARRIED (well in December at least). I have never been a Maid or Matron of Honor and so I was super nervous and excited to plan this get together with some of her closest friends! I hope this post helps! Let’s start with FOOD!
Restaurants:
Lunch on Thursday was at Acme Feed & Seed (don’t let the name fool you this is not a farm supply store)- this restaurant is located on Broadway (the main drag of bars at the end)
- Acme Feed & Seed
Chicken & Waffles:
The best chicken and waffles I have EVER had!!! My sister was indecisive and thankfully because she ordered this dish and I ate half of it! The chicken was moist and crispy with the perfect amount of breading and the waffle was so fluffy and buttery… this mixture was SINFUL!! I can still taste the fluffy waffle and CRAVE IT!!
Hot Chicken
Hot chicken is apparently a Nashville thing, even being from the south I had never heard of it… I was super skeptical to order this dish because I am not a fan of spicy food (even mild salsa gets me hahah), however, when a local says it is a MUST TRY I like to try it out and this dish was beyond PERFECT!! It tied with the chicken and waffles if I have to score them and that means it was HIGH on the list! This was a breaded and perfectly fried chicken breast with a tiny bit of spice with just added to the juicy flavor and was covered in cheese and had ranch potato salad on it! The potato salad threw me off too, but my goodness was it YUMMMY!! You all have to try this!
Craft Beer
We ate here after landing in Nashville so I did not have a beverage, but there was a bar full of craft beer that was local, so I would suggest trying those 🙂
2. Bakersfield – located off Broadway
Bakersfield was an amazing, chill environment for tacos, tequila and beer! The night we arrived some ladies were still not there and had taken later flights so I wanted to eat somewhere fun, affordable and happening! Bakersfield had wonderful margaritas and sangria (like any mexican restaurant). There was a wonderful special where you could get a salad, split one of each taco have chips, guacamole and queso for all around $15/person! It was a steal! The tacos were amazing! I had the fried fish taco and it melted in my mouth!
3. Merchants – also located off Broadway
Merchants was one everyone’s top list for fine dining dinner and I don’t know why, but I did not photograph my food this night because it was DELISH!!! I started off with a little Cabernet and then ordered the Gem Lettuces Salad and can I just say this dressing was so WONDERFUL and different! I also got the filet (which was up there on my list of best steaks ever) it was juicy and cooked so tender and the outside was slightly charred with a little crunch! The side that I ordered and everyone LOVED the MOST was the “Twice Baked” Potato Gratin! These potatoes where creamy squares of goodness! The cheese was so melted and creamy! The cheese was a white cheese, I honestly don’t even know what kind, but it was WONDERFUL!!! We did not save room for dessert, but I’m certain it was wonderful!
4. Tin Roof – on Broadway
Tin roof was a spur of the moment decision because we were starving and I am so glad we happened upon this restaurant, it was the perfect lunch spot to hold us over! As I mentioned with Acme, the hot chicken was so good, I HAD to get it again here! It was delicious, a little more spicy, but still wonderful! The BEST THING was the FRENCH FRIES! I would like to think of myself as a french fry connoisseur I LOVE them! Quick story, when I met my husband I would never order french fries (watching my weight) so he always assumed I did not like them, but really I was the one sneaking his every time! About 4 years ago I decided to break down and start ordering my OWN fries (p.s. the calories still count if you don’t order them), but FRIES are worth the splurge! These fries are so salty, cooked to perfection and hand-cut!! They were a taste of “HEAVEN.”
5. Sambuca Chophouse – Dinner & LIVE MUSIC
Sambuca is an awesome place to go for a bachelorette because they cater to large groups and make it easy! Whenever you have a large party, separate checks can be an issue, but not with them! Sambuca will give you 5 3-course options to chose from for the budget you are trying to meet and each combo has an alternative for everyone! I chose the most afforadable menu which was $38/ person. I had a cesar salad, flank steak and mashed potatoes, green beans and then a dessert trio with bit sized desserts that were just enough! To drink I had the peach martini and it was DELICIOUS!! Sambuca has LIVE blues music and it transports you back in time and is so fun and inviting! This is a GREAT dinner spot!
6. The Pharmacy – BEST BURGER EVER
The Pharmacy IS A CHEESEBURGER from HEAVEN and they have the BEST side in the world, TATER TOTS (or hand-cut fries 😉 ) The last bachelorette trip I came to Nashville we ate at this wonderful lunch find and so it was on the top of my list this time! You won’t find a better, juicier burger anywhere!! The buns will melt in your mouth and are handmade and soft! There is a burger for ANY palette! I ordered a chili cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, havarti cheese and ketchup and I could have eaten two (I feel I also need to say, I am not a big beef person). I choked down this burger with a freshly made creamsicle drink that is one you MUST TRY if you go! This is the only place I order a specialty drink, but the root beer, floats and creamsicles are WONDERFUL!
7. Jeni’s IceCream
Here is the link to Jeni’s FLAVORS
This Ice Cream was UNLIKE ANY I have every had! I was creamy, rich and had REAL whole ingredients! When you walk in this shop, the smell of cake batter fills the air where they are making homemade waffle cones! The smell is tantalizing and you immediately want ALL the flavors! I got the brown butter almond brittle (per the worker’s suggestion) and it was AMAZING!!! All of the flavors were amazing! There was one with sweet biscuits in it and it was MESMERIZING!!
8. Cupcake ATM – beside Draper James in the Gulch area
I have been wanting to try these since I saw where there was one in Dallas, TX! This is the cutest little machine, you place your cupcake order there and it comes out, just like an ATM! this is a GREAT spot for photos! We did not actually try a cupcake because each time we passed it we were full, but you should totally check it out! It’s so FUN!
Photo-ops:
“I Believe in Nashville” Wall – located On 12th Avenue South beside Draper James Store
2. Draper James – Iconic Blue and White Stripe Wall
Not only is the wall amazing, but Draper James store is one you don’t want to miss! If you have never heard of it, it is Reese Witherspoon’s line of clothing and everything says SOUTHERN to the max! I fell in LOVE with this LEMON dress and it has been selling out, so check it out now!
Things to DO:
- Go to Broadway and travel from bar to bar!
You really don’t have to have a plan in Nashville, the streets are filled with LIVE bands EVERYWHERE and always something going on! Some of my favorite bars for the day time are Tootsies and Tin Roof! For the night time HONKY TONK CENTRAL is awesome! There are three levels with a different band on each level and you won’t get tired of being here! The top floor is a roof top bar where you can overlook the entire strip! The Stage is GREAT as well and the bands are always wonderful! There is a piano bar on Broadway that we heard GREAT things about, but never made it there, so I would check that one out as well!
2. Nashville Pedal Tavern – A MUST!
At this point, I think many of you have heard about those crazy pedal taverns or at least seen about 14 people pedaling what looks like a movable bar on wheels! IF you have not had a chance to experience this, you have no idea what you are missing! Disclaimer: YOU REALLY PEDAL AND YOU WILL MOST LIKELY SWEAT (but that’s why it is so fun!) In Nashville the BEST pedal tavern is the Nashville Pedal Tavern. I have had the opportunity to ride on this one twice and both times had a blast! Basically you pedal along with an instructor who will serve you beer and be your DJ as you travel through some of the hot spots in Nashville jamming out and having the time of your life! The ride will take you to a few iconic bars in Nashville where you will get off, enjoy a few rounds, get back on and head on to the next one! The tour takes 2 hours and you won’t want it to end! I do recommend this activity during the day in the summer because you will sweat and probably won’t want to go out afterwards before a quick freshen-up! If you are going to Nashville, BOOK NOW!! This tour is so popular and will book up months in advance! If you go, ask for CLOUD!! He was sooo awesome!
3. Blow-Outs for EVERYONE at The Dry House Nashville
After you get ALL hot and sweaty on the Pedal Tavern, it is now time to pamper yourself! I love blow-outs because they cut getting ready time and you all know, with 4 girls to a room that can be a challenge! This way, you spend less time, get to hang out and drink some champagne and rest up for the long night ahead! Our group had the best time at the BEST BLOW-BAR in NASHVILLE; The Dry House Nashville! Stars like Miranda Lambert, Jake, Owen, Thomas Rhett, Dierks Bentley and the list goes on get their hair done here while in town and the stylists will give you ALL the dish as you let them transform you into a rockstar! We all felt so pretty that night and guess what?!?!? The blow out lasted all the way through SUNDAY!!! I was not gentle on kine either, I slept hard, went out, sweated and my hair still looked amazing with a little dry shampoo added ( I LOVEEEE this one).
Where Did We Stay?
We stayed at the Hilton Downtown Nashville that is only about a year old and we could Uber, golf cart (offered by the hotel) or walk anywhere we wanted to go! The hotel was SUPER centrally located and the rooms were very nice! I highly recommend the breakfast on site as well! There were fresh omelettes, pastries, hot bar and any drink you could imagine! It’s a GREAT LOCATION!
There really are no plans necessary for Nashville, it is one of the MOST AMAZING places I have ever been! There is ALWAYS something going on, music at every step and a great time all around! There are so many more places I want to visit there, so hopefully I can go back soon! I would love to know if you have been and if so where you went! I am going to link all the clothes you see in these photos below as well! Thanks so much for stopping by! Don’t forget the Nordstrom SALE is still Early Access with amazing buys for credit/debit card holders and its open to EVERYONE FRIDAY!!! Shop my tab on the top of my site for my PICKS!!
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All you ladies are gorgeous!! I’ve been wanting to go to Nashville so bad and seeing that picture of the fried chicken solidifies I need to go tomorrow! 😉 Thanks for sharing!!
xox Tess | Sequins are the New Black
What a fun recap! I am dying to get to Nashville & the hot chicken is the first thing on my list to try! Love all the looks that you wore and the fun places you took pictures! xo, Champagne&Suburbs