Nashville's Eastside
Nashville, aka Music City USA, one of the fastest growing cities in the American fifty states. It's become a melting pot for artists, healthcare professionals, etc. But Why? It's a small town in a big city, even if you don't like country music, its the southern charm that will suck you in. I've heard countless stories from visitors traveling to and from Nashville. The common theme, "People smile when you walk by, for that alone, I would move there in a heartbeat!" However, I am one of the lucky ones who call ourselves, Native. I've seen this city mature over the years. After moving away in Jan of 2016, the city has topped the charts in growth. The neighborhoods I recognized as a kid are totally different now, and it's incredible. As a native, we know where to find the hidden gems within our surrounding neighborhoods, such as 12South, Midtown, Sylvan Park, Germantown, The Gulch, Melrose, Edgehill, East Nashville, etc.
One of my favorites listed above is Historic East Nashville. I hope this inspires visitors to go beyond the stadium, and take a dive into the Eastside. Here are three reasons why I love this neighborhood.
The Food
East Nashville has an abundance of unique places to get some grub! There are a few places at which I like to grab a bite while visiting home. Most of Nashville's food scene is locally owned. In East Nashville you can find some great spots that have been around for years, and some new ones just entering the scene. You can find me savoring a deliciously unique croissant french toast at Marche Artisan Foods, or grabbing the Five Daughters Bakery 100 Layer Doughnut. Natives can agree happy hour is best spent sipping margaritas on the patio of the iconic Rosepepper Cantina with a plate full of tacos. East Nashville also offers one of best post-concert, late night hunger cures at Five Points Pizza. It's served by the slice at their walk-up window, for all the New York style pizza lovers out there, you can't go wrong. Whether for brunch, lunch, dinner, happy hour or late night, you can find it on the Eastside! Bon Appetite!
The Shopping
Like the food scene, East Nashville thrives on shopping local. One of my favorite things to do when traveling is experiencing the local shopping scene. Who doesn't love a good little boutique shopping experience? You know, the kind of experience you get when interacting with the shop's owner and seeing their personality reflected in the style throughout their store. I Know I Do! Some of my favorite local boutique's are located at the Shops at Porter East. Such as Lucaya Clothing Co, this little shop fuels my mermaid spirit with a gypsy twist. I was first drawn to this store because of the unique dream catchers with seashell accents hanging in the window. After brunch and a few mimosas later at Pomodoro, my girls and I walked over and stopped in, I instantly fell in love. Even on a gloomy day, walking into her coastal bohemian vibe will bring sunshine to your day. There are a few other shops I love to stroll through that are equally as amazing. You can find one of a kind, handcrafted men's and women's jewelry all designed by the owner at Doxahlogy. If you're looking for the perfect locally crafted home accent, then look no further than Apple & Oak. I am in love with her little Turkish rug room. Welcome Home, is just around the corner. It's a great boutique to grab a special gift. Last but not least, for that perfect souvenir or local flare, made famous for their "I Believe in Nashville" murals is DCXV. This shop is everything Nashville!
Cocktails & Brews
On the hunt for a great place to grab a local brew or a handcrafted cocktail? You're in the right area. East Nashville has some pretty hip bars and local breweries. While I've always savored a quality handcrafted cocktail, the craft beer scene in Denver, CO now surrounds me. My love for a good craft beer really flourished while spending over a year in the Land of Hops (Yakima, WA) learning and understanding different types of hop varietals. One of my favorite nano breweries is Southern Grist Brewing. The rotating creativity of their small batch taps really takes the cake, a Strawberry Upside Down Cake that is! If you're in the area stop by for a slice, oops, I mean a glass before its too late. If beer isn't your scene, then a delicious cocktail is waiting on you at No. 308. So head on over, pick your poison, get your groove on, and revel in the nostalgia of DJs spinning vinyl.
This is merely a dusting of unique places to dance, drink, eat, and shop in East Nashville. If you live in Nashville, or you're just visiting, then I encourage you to venture off the beaten path to take a dive in the Eastside.
