Planning trips this summer, but trying to stay on a budget and not sure where to go? If an out-of-country vacation isn’t in the cards right now, sometimes a quick three day trip to another city is all you need to refresh your soul and reset. May I suggest Denver to Nashville? This city is only a 2-hour flight away but has such a different energy to offer.
This city is home to live music, public art and friendly faces. Everyone is willing to talk and mingle, drinks are cheap, and the food is fantastic. There are several art districts, tons of thrift stores and cool bars that fit the taste for every personality in your group. In a city inundated with leather and cigarettes, boots and beers, you can start the perfect start to summer by coming down from the Mile High to get a taste of the South.
Upon arriving, make sure to check out the best taco spot in town, Mas Tacos. It’s an eclectic South American aesthetic with the best tasting tacos and appetizers you’ve ever had. After you’ve eaten, it’s time to check out the different neighborhoods of Nashville, especially East Nashville. This suburb is home to an art district filled with murals and alternative bars, providing a laid back feel with plenty of popular options for the best food and coolest bars in the city. Five Points, another art district with similar energy, lives right next door and these two hoods make up the more alternative, punk and hip-hop zones of the [country] music city.
As for shopping in Nashville, typically home to boots and leathers, can also be a good spot for plenty of thrift options. You can find over 10+ great locations (mostly in East Nashville) for thrifting, or check out the trendy area of the West End for a more upscale, outdoor shopping experience that serves unique fashion options; plus more murals!
Downtown Nashville and the strip of Broadway is a must-see while in the city. Although it’s the most touristy part, it’s hard not to enjoy the feel of high energy that comes from the inundation of live music at every door and the flood of fresh faces. Take your group out for at least one night on Broadway to roam the rooftop bars, enjoy cheap drinks, and if you’re brave enough, take part in karaoke or riding the mechanical bull. When in cowboy country...
Ok so you’ve gone shopping, drinking, had some good eats, and now you need to crash. SoBro Guest House, an excellent option for affordable and stylish vacation-ing, is like a fresh mix between a hostel and an Airbnb. The Guest House is known for its cleanliness, fun colors, themed rooms and high quality of appliances and furniture. The check-in and all guest communication are done through a very innovative text system, including a text-code to enter the building, rooms and for all FAQs. The beds are comfy, there are high-quality shampoo and conditioner by CO Bigelow, and the cutest kitchen backsplash; all in a great location that sits in the heart of downtown.
If you want to explore a new city and get out of our comfort zone, Nashville is an excellent option for an affordable long weekend. Although Nashville is only a toot, scoot and boogie away from Denver; it can be a refreshing experience of different U.S. culture while getting in touch with the cowboy (or cowgirl) inside all of us.
Art to See: Murals in West End and East Nashville
Where to Stay: SoBro Guest House (vs. Hotel or Airbnb)
Where to Go: East Nashville, Five Points, West End, Downtown, Midtown
Where to Eat: Pharmacy Burger, Mas Tacos, Martin’s BBQ, The Crying Wolf
Night Out: 3 Crow Bar, Pearl Diver, Rosemary & Beauty Queen Bar, The Walden
Caffeinate & Annebriate: Frothy Monkey, Rooftop Bar at The Thompson Hotel, Urban Cowboy
How long to stay: 2-3 days
How to get around: Rent a car! Lyft can get expensive since the city is not walkable, nor has public transportation.