HAYES street bLOG

Music City is the place for lovers any time of year, with special places to see, great restaurants offering fine dining, live music like nowhere else on earth, and luxury accommodations for you to enjoy. If you’re planning a romantic Nashville getaway weekend with your favorite person, we have some great suggestions on things to do to make the most of your time here.
 
Things to do

1. Take a Romantic Downtown Carriage Ride. Climb up into a classic carriage and enjoy seeing Downtown Nashville’s famous spots in comfort. A horse-drawn carriage ride is a wonderful, romantic way of sightseeing with your special one. Your driver will take you through Downtown Nashville, where you will pass by popular iconic Nashville spots such as the Wild Horse Saloon, Riverfront Park, and the Country Music Hall of Fame. Your romantic carriage ride will last approximately 20 minutes, leaving you and your sweetheart plenty of time to enjoy the rest of the day with your loved one. 
2. Go Line Dancing. Do you love live music and dancing? Nashville’s Honky Tonk Highway located on Lower Broadway is a row of honky tonks that pump live music into the city streets from 10am to 3am. While these venues don’t have cover charges, it’s a good idea to bring some cash to tip the musicians when you enjoy their performances. Some of the most popular honky tonks include Tootsie's Orchid Lounge, Robert's Western World, and Legends Corner. Some venues offer free dance lessons every evening, so you can hop on up and polish your best country dancing moves with your partner. 
3. Enjoy a Picnic at Love Circle. Take in the beautiful panoramic views of Nashville from the top of Love Circle, a hilltop landscape about a mile north of Centennial Park. Rising up to 745 feet above sea level, Love Circle is one of the highest vantage points in Nashville. Couples often gather at Love Circle to enjoy romantic evenings and the unique hilltop view of Music City together. 
4. Soar Above Music City on a Hot Air Balloon Ride. Soar high above Tennessee in a hot air balloon and see the countryside and the city from a totally unique perspective. Take in the amazing view of beautiful middle Tennessee and the Cumberland River with your partner. These balloon flights typically reach altitudes between 500ft and 3,000ft above sea level (bring a jacket!), offering you and your sweetheart an eagle eye view of the rolling landscape. At the end of your special airborne tour, you will enjoy a special champagne toast to finish off your romantic adventure. 

Where to Eat

1. Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse. This iconic Nashville steakhouse is a favorite for both locals and visitors alike, with a menu that will make your mouth water just reading it! Located at 300 4th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219-1611, call 615-434-4300 for reservations. Enjoy excellent American fare that will satisfy your every craving with sizzling steaks, a fresh seafood bar, vegetarian and gluten free options, and more. With live nightly entertainment to accompany you while you enjoy an impeccable dining experience and “excellence personified,” you can’t go wrong at Jeff Ruby’s, voted the best steakhouse in Nashville for good reason!
2. Margot Cafe & Bar. Located at 1017 Woodland St, Five Points/East Nashville, Nashville, TN 37206-2814, call 615-227-4668 for your special seat at the table. This quaint European style café serves up excellent food in ample portions, along with a comfortable ambiance. Fresh, flavorful food from a menu that changes daily and excellent customer service help make this charming, unpretentious café and bar a hit with lovers everywhere. Celebrate the two of you at Margot!
3. The Standard. Located at 167 Rosa L Parks Blvd, Nashville, TN 37203-3731 this classic restaurant offers everything from rack of lamb to Caesar salad, and serves every dish with a smile. Standing strong since it was built in 1840, this restaurant offers you a trip back in time, when life was simpler, and people took time to gaze into each other’s eyes. Street parking, valet parking, and wheelchair accessibility means there are no barriers to overcome to enjoy a night of wonderful food, outstanding live entertainment, and attentive, thoughtful service. Call 615-254-1277 for reservations and enjoy a special evening for an anniversary, Valentine’s Day, or just a celebration of your love for each other in this elegant Southern home.
4. Old Hickory Steakhouse. Located at 2800 Opryland Dr Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, Nashville, TN 37214-1200, call 615-458-6848 for your reservation. From sumptuous starters like fresh sea scallops to mouthwatering filet mignon, your taste buds are in for a real treat when you dine at Old Hickory Steakhouse. Enjoy wine and cheese pairings and excellent fare that will satisfy and delight. When weather permits, enjoy a welcome reprieve from the hustle and bustle on the generous atrium patio, where you’ll forget everyone else as you relax in your own quiet cocoon.
5. Virago. If you’re looking for Asian cuisine at its finest, you’ll find it at Virago. Located at 1126 McGavock St, Nashville, TN 37203-3106 just about a half mile from downtown, you and your significant other will find vegetarian friendly fare, vegan and gluten free options on a menu that never fails to inspire. Call 615-254-1902 for a reservation and enjoy starters like Ninja Bacon and Blackened Ahi that will prepare your palate for crazy-good food like the famous Godzilla Roll. Belly up to the sushi bar and dig in!

 
We hope our list of things to do and great places to dine for lovers has helped convince you to plan a romantic getaway to Music City soon and book a stay with us here at The Hayes Street Hotel, one of the most unique boutique hotels in Nashville. We are right in the heart of Downtown Nashville, offering couples private suites, a beautiful lobby bar, and special romance packages. We look forward to making your special getaway weekend even more special and memorable when you stay with us. Don’t forget to take advantage of our direct booking service to enjoy the lowest rates.

Are you planning a visit to Nashville soon? You’ll need to know the best places to find a good meal while you’re in town, so we’ve put together a list based on what the locals love that’s sure to leave your tummy full and your taste buds in heaven. Check out these top Nashville restaurants to help fuel your next adventures in Music City:

1. The Catbird Seat. This Nashville eatery reopened with two new chefs at the end of 2018 and there are lots of new and exciting changes! New dishes include bay scallop with rambutan and horseradish, duck tartare prepared with cashew and rose, a quince fritter, and dark roux ice cream for dessert. Located at 1711 Division St, Nashville, TN 37203, you’ll need to make a reservation by calling (615) 810-8200. They can accommodate food allergies and other dietary restrictions including vegetarian and vegan and offer both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage pairings. Read more in this article from Food and Wine featuring the popular hot spot earlier this year.
   
   
2. Husk. Located in Rutledge Hill at 37 Rutledge Street, just a few blocks south of Historic Broadway in the heart of Downtown, top Nashville restaurant Husk offers delicious dishes comprised of southern ingredients in an atmosphere that oozes southern charm. Join them for a meal of ingredient-driven cuisine from a menu that changes frequently, based on what the region’s producers provide daily. Husk has a rule about their food: If it doesn’t come from the South, it’s not coming through the door. The result is delicious regional food sourced from local growers. Give them a call at (615) 256-6565 to see what’s cooking today. Husk serves lunch from 11 am to 2 pm Monday through Friday, offers Happy Hour at the bar Monday – Wednesday from 4:00 to 6:00 pm, and begins serving dinner at 5 pm seven days a week. Enjoy a sumptuous weekend brunch from 10 am to 2 pm every Saturday and Sunday.
   
   
3. Marché Artisan Foods. Located in the heart of Historic East Nashville at 1000 Main St, Nashville, TN 37206, this European-style cafe and marketplace serves brunch featuring seasonal cuisine from East Nashville farm-to-table pioneer Margot McCormick all day long. The elegantly rustic setting and fresh cuisine combine to create the perfect ambiance for any occasion. On Saturday and Sunday they only accept groups of 8 people or less, and they do not take reservations. Stop in and see why Bon Appetit said, “Marché Artisan Foods: the most popular brunch in town.”
   
   
4. Etch. You’ll find this amazing top Nashville restaurant at 303 Demonbreun Street, Nashville, TN 37201. Etch’s diverse menu incorporates innovative dishes from award winning Chef Deb Paquette, inspired by her favorite regions of the world and designed to leave a lasting impression, or etch, on every diner. Chef Deb is the first woman in Tennessee to qualify as a certified executive chef and locals flock to Etch to experience her mouthwatering culinary creations. Come discover her signature cooking style Monday through Friday from 11 am to 2 pm daily. Etch accepts reservations for parties of all sizes and has two private rooms available for booking. Call them at (615) 522-0685 to reserve your spot.  You’ll be glad you did!
   
   
5. The Original Monell’s in Germantown. Located at 1235 6th Ave. North, Nashville, TN 37208, Monell’s is open Monday through Saturday starting at 8 am to offer diners everything from a hearty southern breakfast to dinner and dessert just to the north of downtown Nashville. Children under 3 years of age eat free, and those aged 4 to 12 enjoy reduced pricing, making this one of the top Nashville restaurants for families of all sizes. Nestled in one of Nashville’s most architecturally beautiful neighborhoods, Monell’s original restaurant location was built in 1905 as a Victorian style home and retains such architectural features as transom windows and fireplaces. Sign up for their VIP list and receive special offers and free coupons! If you’re visiting Nashville in October, be sure to enjoy the local Oktoberfest celebration.
   
   
6. Arnold’s Country Kitchen. If you know what a “meat and three” is, you’ll know why the locals love Arnold’s. They’ve been serving up home cooked meals to locals and visitors alike for over 30 years Monday through Friday from 10:30 am to 2:45 pm at 605 8th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37203. Don’t let the building’s small size fool you, there’s a whole lot of deliciousness going on inside those brick walls! This family run restaurant features biscuits made from scratch, southern fried chicken, and desserts that rival anything grandma can make. Locals call this place “special”, and one bite will show you why this top Nashville restaurant stays busy. Unpretentious good home cooking and a mix of clientele that might include a country star, construction worker, businessman, or local judge on any given day. For a truly unique and satisfying southern dining experience, don’t miss out on sharing the love of food served up on every plate at this hidden gem the next time you’re in Nashville. They say “You ain’t had Southern food until you’ve had Arnold’s”, and we agree wholeheartedly.
   
   
7. Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint. If barbeque is what you’re craving, head on down to Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint for “whole hog” barbeque served up at several locations around Nashville. With a goal of running out of food every single day so that everything served is 100% fresh, Martin’s doesn’t even own a freezer or a microwave, ensuring every item is cooked when its ordered, with nothing ever precooked or reheated. Now that’s commitment to quality with no apologies! This top Nashville restaurant has been featured on the Cooking Channel, Food Network, Travel Channel, and The Today Show, and talked about in publications such as Bon Appetit, Conde Nast Traveler, Esquire, and Men’s Journal. Seats are available on a first come, first served basis and they do not take reservations. If your next trip to Nashville involves a special event like a destination wedding, family or class reunion, or corporate event, consider having Martin’s catering department handle the food for a lip-smacking experience that just might go down in history. Call (615) 454-9677 for catering information.
8. The Southern Steak and Oyster. Located in the heart of downtown Nashville on the ground floor of the Pinnacle at Symphony Place at 150 3rd Ave South, Nashville TN, 37203, this top Nashville restaurant is a unique dining venue that offers a state of the art oyster bar, locally grown produce, deliciously tender meats including local beef, and directly sourced, sustainable seafood prepared on a real wood fired grill. Spend some time in the New Orleans-style oyster circle, enjoy the coziness and intimacy of a high-backed booth, or grab a bar stool and socialize with other patrons. There’s not a bad seat in the house at The Southern. Owner Tom Morales honed his culinary skills running TomKats, internationally known for its premier movie catering services. You can sign up for their newsletter, make reservations online, or give them a call at (615) 724-1762.
   
   
9. Pinewood. You’ll find this urban oasis at 33 Peabody St, Nashville, TN 37210. Open Monday through Friday from 7 am to 1 am, and Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 1 am, you can make reservations by calling (615) 751-8111. Pinewood is the place to be morning, noon, or night, with breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner options designed to please every palate. Beverages include all standard coffee and espresso drinks, a selection of teas, and custom Pinewood creations. Beer, wine, and cocktails are available, with special poolside menus and beverages from the outdoor bar. Grab a scone for breakfast, enjoy a fresh salad and soup of the day combo for lunch, dip into some chipotle shrimp cocktail for a late afternoon snack, or chow down on some beef stroganoff or pan fried pork chops for dinner. Enjoy free “dive in” movies by the pool May through September with free popcorn and themed frozen drinks from the bar. A truly unique Nashville experience.
   
   
10. Kayne Prime. Beef lovers, rejoice! This top Nashville restaurant has been featured on Forbes’ “what to eat in Nashville” list, made Thrillist’s list of the best steakhouses in America, was named as one of the 19 best restaurants in Nashville by Conde Nast Traveler, and earned kudos for the best service and best steakhouse from the Nashville Scene. We’re sensing a theme here…You can find all this list-making goodness at 1103 McGavock Street, Nashville, TN 37203, (615) 259-0050. Open Sunday through Thursdays from 4:45 pm to10 pm, with the bar staying open until 11 pm. On Fridays and Saturdays, hours are 4:45 pm to 11 pm, with the bar remaining open until midnight. Reservations are recommended and requested for parties of 9 or more, although walk ins are welcome. Private event dining is also available for groups of 12-100+ in five private dining rooms suited for intimate gatherings and large affairs alike.

 
We hope our list of the top Nashville restaurants has helped to convince you to visit our city soon and book a stay with us here at The Hayes Street Hotel, one of the most unique boutique hotels in Nashville, conveniently located in the heart of Downtown. Don’t forget to take advantage of our direct booking service to get the lowest rates. 

If you’re traveling to Nashville soon, we’d like to encourage you to look beyond the typical tourist attractions and visit some Nashville neighborhoods when you’re making up your list of things to do in Nashville. For unique products from local artisans, visit the Fatherland District in East Nashville and stop in at the Shoppes on Fatherland, where you’ll find a retail start-up community featuring an eclectic mix of 20+ local businesses. From hand-blended teas, to chocolate and other delicious confections to home decor, antiques, clothing, and many other unique gift items. The perfect spot for those one of a kind Nashville souvenirs and gifts you won’t find anywhere else. When you’re done shopping, stop by Marche Artisan Foods for a tasty way to refill, refresh, and re-energize. This European-style cafe and marketplace serves seasonal cuisine and brunch all day long, so there’s never a wrong time to pull up a chair and dive in.
 
While you’re exploring Nashville, if adult beverages are what you seek Santa’s Pub at 2225 Bransford Avenue (near the Tennessee State Fairgrounds) is a great place to meet friends, have a beer, and be a star. Santa’s is happy to accommodate you and yours with cold beer and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that will make you feel right at home. Enjoy beer that starts at just $2 a glass, and a house band that plays live music every Sunday night from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. If you’ve been wanting to grab a microphone and belt out a country classic, you can do that too, with karaoke that begins at 7:00 Monday through Saturday, and 9:00 on Sundays. There’s plenty of opportunity to be seen and heard at Santa’s Pub, open until 2:30 a.m. seven nights a week.
 
Are you ready to let your light shine? Bring a friend and visit the Paddywax Candle Bar, where you’ll enjoy a glass of champagne and a truly unique experience. Choose a vessel, your favorite fragrance, and spend time making your own custom candle creation for yourself or to give as a gift. A great way to laugh, connect with friends, spend a date night, or treat yourself. You can pour your candle at either of two Nashville locations, in Berry Hill at 2934 Sidco Dr. #140 or in East Nashville at 901 Woodland St. (alley-side).
 
For a fun place to visit and shop for music while you’re exploring Nashville, pop on in to Grimey’s Record Store, a Nashville staple for 20 years now. Shop for new and “pre-loved” music and books and enjoy an atmosphere of creativity and music appreciation at 1060 East Trinity Lane. Check out Grimey’s events page for a list of free in-store events you won’t want to miss.
 
For a lively twist try Plaza Mariachi Music City, “A gathering place for all ages and all backgrounds to experience and participate in the beauty of international expressions.” The Tennessean calls Plaza Mariachi “a feast for the senses” and you’ll understand why once you visit. Shop, dine, enjoy art, live music and entertainment at this unique venue located at 3955 Nolensville Pike in Nashville, only 10 minutes from downtown. Plaza Mariachi offers visitors a unique blend of culture, art, music, entertainment, food, services and retail in one location.
 
A favorite thing to do in Nashville for locals and travelers alike is to visit the Nashville Zoo,  conveniently located at 3777 Nolensville Pike. Check out Tiger Crossroads, enjoy Zoolumination (celebration of the Chinese Festival of Lights) through February 2020, or grab a backstage pass and get a behind the scenes look of what goes on with the animals. The Nashville Zoo has worked diligently to offer fun gift items that increase awareness and educate guests on the importance of conservation, renewable materials and repurposing. Shop for gifts that keep on giving!
 
For a thrift store like never before, you have to check out Music City Thrift at 3780 Nolensville Pike on your tour of Nashville neighborhoods. With an energy unlike any other secondhand store you’ve ever seen, this place offers you the chance to find your own piece of genuine Nashville culture. From vintage clothing to retro furniture to jewelry and hats that might have graced the stage at the Grand Ole Opry or Ryman Auditorium, you never know what treasures await you in the aisles of this iconic Nashville shop.
 
No matter where your travels ultimately take you, we hope you come on down soon and book a stay with us here at The Hayes Street Hotel. We’d love to share our own special brand of southern hospitality with you at one of the most unique boutique hotels in Nashville. Don’t forget to take advantage of our direct booking service to get the lowest rates.