Looking for a weekend getaway? An escape to Nashville is the answer! It’s only a 4 1/2 to 5 hour straight shot on I-40 West from Asheville. Four of us – two couples – did just that in mid-December.
We found the perfect AirBnB in The Gulch, for a three night stay. It’s quieter than staying downtown near all the action on Broadway, yet has lots of excellent restaurants, shops, and a Hop On – Off Old Town Trolley stop, all within easy walking distance. Of course, sometimes you want to be where the action is. Just not this time.
Just south of downtown lies this once-abandoned industrial area that’s undergone an urban revitalization in recent years sparking an intoxicating new energy. The exceedingly walkable LEED-certified community is teeming with boutique hotels, high-rise condos, instagrammable murals, shops, live music venues, breweries, and diverse culinary offerings spanning everything from biscuits and Nashville Hot Chicken to Detroit-style pizza, traditional ramen, and Indian food. VisitMusicCity.com
An overview and image galleries (see captions) of our favorite places to Eat, Play, and Stay in Nashville’s Gulch and beyond are below the map. Use the Open/Close Icon 
top left for flyout map location details.
Our weekend getaway was full of great food, drinks, and entertainment.
If you’re new to Nashville, definitely get a one-day ticket for the Hop On – Hop Off Old Town Trolley. That way you can get a good overview, making note of where you want to go back to and explore more thoroughly.
We took in the Christmas Show at the Grand Ole Opry. None of us had been before and thoroughly enjoyed it. Even the one of, who shall remain nameless, that isn’t a country music fan, had a good time.
The Musician’s Hall of Fame and Museum was amazing. Displays that included country musicians, as well as others like Jimi Hendrix and Elvis, sound equipment, instruments, and costumes worn during iconic performences went on and on. Live music and private events are also held here.
Finally, don’t miss the live music, neon, and partying on Lower Broadway, the city’s main drag, also known as Honky Tonk Highway downtown, and Printers Alley. I’d recommend going to both during the day, and again at night for the full effect.
MILK & HONEY – The Gulch
We try to go to Milk and Honey whenever we’re in town, especially for breakfast and espresso. There’s a light, fun vibe, which may or may not involve the energetic full bar. A long wait isn’t uncommon in peak season, so plan ahead and get there early if it’s breakfast you’re after.
THE PUB – The Gulch
Good food! Good drinks! If you’re looking for excellent execution of traditional British dishes, order Scotch Eggs and Fish & Chips. Check out their whiskey and beer offerings, also. Cozy atmosphere, which was ramped way up with holiday decorations, and nice, attentive staff.
BISCUIT LOVE – The Gulch
Best biscuit I’ve had to date. Crisp/crunchy outside – light, fluffy inside. Not embarassed to say I could easily make of meal of their biscuits with jam. If I did that, I’d mis out of the very tasty sausage gravy, though. Feeling adventurous? Check out their “Brunch favorites with a twist”. They serve up very good espresso drinks and take the time to top them off with a rosetta.
PEG LEG PORKER – The Gulch
Open since 2013, serving up award winning BBQ. They “cook fresh every day and serve until items run out.” Everything was very good, but we were especially impressed with the juiciness of the 1/2 rack of dry rubbed ribs! Expect a line, but don’t worry, they move everyone through pretty quickly.
ADELE’S – The Gulch
Adele’s – not the singer – was our choice for our final dinner in Nashville. We wanted to wrap up our weekend getaway with a special evening and excellent food. We experienced elevated, as opposed to fine (although it was fine), dining. They refer to their dishes as “comfort food”, which I’d definitely agree with. We were seated with a good view of where the magic happens – their very open kitchen. Prep, plating, garnishing, a wood-fired oven, and a wood-fired grill. Our meal and evening were deliciously perfect. Note that they change their menu regularly, so items here may not be available when you go to Adele’s.
Love that the building used to be a garage and that they’ve kept just enough of that “feel” to make it fun.
Visited Nashville in 2022 & really enjoyed our meal at The Pub. So much to do in that area. We’re looking forward to going back!
That’s good to hear! Nice to get a confirmation on our take on The Pub.
Laura, the next time you’re in Nashville try some Old timer favorite’s (maybe you have already) Arnold’s Country Kitchen, one of Nashville’s original “meat and three’s”. Many of Nashville’s most well-known “meat and three” purveyors graduated from Vanderbilt with English and history degree’s. Pancake Pantry is a favorite for breakfast as well as Loveless Cafe.
Hi Dean,
I really like to go to “old timer’s” places! They’re still around for a reason. Arnold’s Country Kitchen and Pancake Pantry were both on my “want to try” restaurant list, but we ran out of time. Missed Loveless Cafe!
Here are my Restaurant and Bar lists. Let me know if there are any that you think would be better to leave off the list. 🙂
RESTAURANTS
Biscuit Love: https://www.biscuitlove.com/menu
Two Hands: https://www.twohandshospitality.com/location/Nashville/
Adel’s: https://www.twohandshospitality.com/location/Nashville/
Pancake Pantry: https://thepancakepantry.com/
Milk & Honey Nashville: https://www.milkandhoneynashville.com/
Arnold’s County Kitchen: https://www.arnoldscountrykitchen.com/
Pinewood: https://www.pinewoodsocial.com/
Pastaria: https://eatpastaria.com/nashville/
Hathorne: https://www.hathornenashville.com
Big Al’s: https://www.bigalsdeliandcatering.com/
The Hart: https://thehartnashville.com/
Peg Leg Porker: https://peglegporker.com/
ETC. – https://etc.restaurant/
Dozen Bakery: https://www.dozen-nashville.com/
BARS
Hidden Bar at Noelle: https://www.noelle-nashville.com/experiences/hidden-bar/
Old Glory: https://oldglorynashville.com/
Gertie’s Bar (Old Fashioned’s): https://www.gertieswhiskeybar.com/location/gerties-whiskey-bar-nashville/
Geist Nashville (Cool Bar, Good View at Night, they also serve Brunch) https://www.geistnashville.com/home
Attaboy: http://attaboy.us/nashville/