Your Guide To: A Day in Downtown Nashville

by LeeAnn Carlen, Puckett’s Events Coordinator

Nashville is hot right now…. I mean, REALLY hot. Journalists are coming from all over the great United States–and really, the world–to talk about our fair city, and write about all of the hot new places to go.

These stories are fantastic and they often give great suggestions–but have you ever thought of what the locals do in downtown Nashville before a show at, say, the Ryman?

Let’s assume we have a glorious Saturday free–or heck, you have in-laws in town and need to busy them–and we want to spend this rare day in downtown Nashville–here are some of my recommendations…..

BREAKFAST

Muletown Coffee at Puckett's

Of course we have to make one of our stops Puckett’s 5th & Church and one of my very favorite meals there is breakfast. You absolutely have to get a cup of joe–it comes from Muletown Coffee in my hometown of Columbia and it is delish! We are proud to carry it at all of our Puckett’s locations and support a fellow local business. You can even take some home with you!

Currently, my favorite breakfast dish is Andy’s Skinny Omelet with a side of fruit (trying to keep it healthy with the holidays coming up)! But if you are looking for a treat, I HIGHLY recommend The Kings French Toast. It is soooo good.

Grab some great Southern gifts on your way out–we have a great tea towel for Mom, a grill spatula for Dad, and a variety of spices and BBQ Sauces you can pick up.

SHOPPING

Manuel

After breakfast, take a walk around downtown and visit some of the great shops. 

  • Manuel is such a Nashville staple and represents how Traditional Nashville and New Nashville are blissfully marrying. Try one a rhinestone jacket, post on your socials and tag us @puckettsgrocery #puckettssuggests!
  • Tatyana’s is newer to the Broadway scene but was a much welcomed addition. It’s a great place for the ladies to get a super chic, retro inspired outfit. Something for New Year’s Eve, perhaps?
  • Fire Finch is a great little boutique down the road from Puckett’s that has everything your gifting heart desires. Candles, jewelry, clothing, oh my!

LUNCH

ACME Feed & Seed

After all that shopping, you have surely worked up an appetite. Head to one of Nashville’s new favorites with some of the best views of the river in town: Acme Feed and Seed!

It’s Saturday, and we’re downtown, so we are obviously starting this lunch with a drink. I’m a big fan of the Sunset Grove, but they also have tons of other local beers that you should try.

Lunch is going to be a hard decision. You guys, the food is so good. I have an internal struggle each time I go as to whether I should order the burger (please douse your fries in the Texas Ketchup) or the Hatchery. I have dreams at night about the Hatchery. 

WONDERINGS AROUND

Country Music Hall of Fame

The absolute best place to spend a few hours in downtown Nashville is the Country Music Hall of Fame. I grew up just outside of Nashville and have been relatively indifferent to most country music for my entire life, but let me assure you–that doesn’t matter. This place is like living history.

It is such a treasure and Nashville is so very lucky to have it. Catch the Bakersfield Sound exhibit before it closes December 31st and carve out some time to visit Hatch Show Print! They have lots of vintage posters on site; see if you can find a Puckett’s one and hit us up on our socials–@puckettsgrocery #puckettssuggests.

COFFEE BREAK

Frothy Monkey

Now it’s time to rest those barking dogs and start fueling yourself for a night on the town. Head back north to the Frothy Monkey coffee shop. They have a variety of beverages to choose from (even wine and cocktails in the downtown location), but one of my favorites is a classic almond milk latte. If you end up have a few extra minutes, pop into a few of the art galleries that surround it. They are full of beautiful, local art!

HONKY TONK HIGHWAY

Robert's Western World

In this local’s opinion, there is only one Honky Tonk that is even worth spending time on and that is Robert’s Western World! Robert’s is an absolute classic and the place I choose to spend my Downtown Nashville nights. I prefer the balcony bar and always try to make room for a cheeseburger and crinkle cut fries- and maybe a shot of Fireball too, if you’re feeling fun. Robert’s is home to to BrazilBilly, their house band, and it is honestly some of the best music that you will find in Downtown.

If you feel like moseying onward, stick with the classics… Tootsies, The Stage and Layla’s!

DINNER

Merchant's in Nashville

Originally a hotel, Merchant’s Restaurant has been a staple in downtown Nashville for a number of years now. They did some revamping a few years ago and it is now equally as chic as it is delicious.

Drop everything you are doing and immediately order the Duck Fat Tator Tots. Ok, order 2–they will go FAST. I’m a really big fan of their classic cobb salad, but you also can’t go wrong with the mac ‘n’ cheese (never a bad choice), steak frites or the sweet tea pork loin.

AFTER THE SHOW

pub5

One of my favorite spots in downtown is not exactly a secret, but it is kind of tucked away and slightly off the beaten Broadway path. Pub5 opened across from Bridgestone Arena a little over a year ago and it is your perfect nightcap location. I’ve given your bellies a workout today, but if you have room, you must try the Poutine. Now, I’ll admit, I’ve never been to Canada and had traditional poutine, but this is one of the best American versions that I’ve ever had. Wash it down with a Jackalope Thunder Ann and call it a night!

And there you have it y’all! Enjoy your action packed day in Downtown Nashville…. don’t forget to come back and tag us at #puckettssuggests. Have a good one y’all! 

LeeAnn Carlen, Events Coordinator
Being born in Texas and growing up just south of Nashville in Columbia, TN made our Nashville Coordinator a true, well-rounded Southerner. After getting her Music Business degree from Belmont University, LeeAnn worked in Artist Management on Music Row for a number of years and it was there that her love for events grew. She started branching out and planning weddings on the side in her “free time” and jumped at the chance to work at Puckett’s when it appeared. She currently facilitates all catering and events in the Nashville area and would love to hear from you! Email her at leeann@puckettsevents.com.