Murals and munchies in Nashville

Nashville is for lovers… mural lovers that is. Who doesn’t love an opportunity to get dolled up and take photos in front of larger than life art?! On a long weekend we made our way up north and my friend Sam made her way down south. It was the perfect spot for a girls weekend. We rented an Airbnb right in the heart of downtown that included a parking garage. It was a cute, comfy little place that also allowed us to do laundry and keep leftovers if necessary.

We arrived just in time for lunch near Centennial park. Donut + dog is in a restored little house with a walkway painted up with colorful donuts. You can’t miss it! The menu is both sweet and savory. We ordered the Nashville hot chicken on a donut, the Korean hot dog and pretzel bites with cheesy dip. If I can offer one piece of advice…GET THE PRETZELS! Oh, and if you want donuts go early.

Since we were already in the area we took a stroll around centennial park. You can take as long as you’d like since parking is free. This is a duck filled lake with a nice 1 mile path, lots of flowers and loads of beautiful green space. But the highlight is the Parthenon building.

Now for the real reason we came to Nashville. The murals. It had begun to rain so we donned our rain jackets and made a splash at the Drippy Lips wall. Then we ran around the town snapping up photos. From the Kindness is mural to a colorful mosaic block located across from Legendairy milkshake. Of course, we made a bee line for the shakes. The don’t just bring all the boys to the yard.

The milkshakes here are over the top, but they aren’t just for a great insta shot. These suckers are super yummy. I chose the breakfast shake complete with a warm Belgian waffle with sugar pearls, bacon and cornflakes on the rim. Sam got the sweet and salty cheesecake with a caramel cheesecake rimmed in potato chips. They also have some cute photo ops.

Next up is Honky Tonk central otherwise known as Broadway. This is where Nashville gets the nickname Nashvegas. From Tootsies lounge to Jason Aldean’s rooftop bar, you can find all sorts of music and drinks along this strip. And if you want some pretty rocking sushi. Head to the rooftop bar at Jason Aldean’s.

There is more to Nashville than bars though. If you head toward the river there’s a beautiful view from the pedestrian bridge, and further down you’ll find an original wood fort. Fort Nashborough was built to defend the riverfront. It is free and a nice, quiet spot.

The downtown area is home to the country music hall of fame and the Ryman auditorium where so many famous country stars have shined. You can take the tour AND pose on stage.

On to more of those fabulous murals.

It’s time to talk donuts now. Nash has no shortage of unique and delicious options and most come with a mural of their own. Like 5 daughters donuts. Their 100 layer filled cronuts are out of this world.

Our next donut stop is the Donut Distillery in East Nashville. This drive through donut shop not only offers a variety of mini donuts but also offers take out bourbon donut shakes that are a solid choice. With enough bourbon to taste it over the rich chocolate flavor.

The best part is it’s located close to some other very different murals. Including this hot air balloon and a wall of water drops.

Lunch time reservations for Pinewood social were just for food, but with a really neat retro bowling alley, fully stocked 360 bar and outdoor areas to die for it is a must visit. The outdoor patio includes several pools, lawn games and a restored airstream trailer.

Besides a hand crafted cocktail; I hear the Bloody Mary rivals anything out there, you have to order the Club Sandwich. Really, any sandwich is amazing but this club is what you’ll dream about for days to come. Piled high with meat, a thick stack of avocados and layers of toasted multigrain bread.

I’m an avid runner and luckily so is Sam. We woke bright and early to go for a run, stopping to catch more snapshots of murals in the Gulch area. The what lifts you wing mural is iconic of Nashville murals and should be on the top of your mural stops. Why?

Because right around the corner is Biscuit Love and the best flaky biscuit you’ll ever taste. While you have a choice you just can’t beat the peach jam. This is a flaky, but not so traditional biscuit.

If you need a coffee to wash it down head over to Milk & Honey for a delicious horchata latte.

These biscuits will make you jump for joy!

However, if you like the good old fashioned dense biscuits that scream for gravy, hop in your car and go for a drive. Loveless cafe is where you’re headed.

Back to Broadway. This time we checked out the Goo goo clusters factory. You can choose from single or boxes of traditional flavors or you can have a custom made cluster.

If you don’t giggle like an adolescent you’re more mature than me

Since we had headed back downtown we stopped by Matheson’s cookies. This family came to Tennessee from Key West and if you have a hankering for a massive chocolate chip cookie they have your back. Look for the larger than life ice cream cone to guide your path.

So many sweet treats call for a savory balance. Dinner our final night was with a local friend who met up with us at Peg Leg Porker. They have ample indoor and outdoor seating and serve heaps of tender BBQ and a variety of delicious sides.