A trip to Nashville needs no introduction. A wonderful location for food lovers, music fanatics, or anyone looking to have fun and get away from their daily grind of a life. Downtown Nashville is less than 10miles from BNA, the international airport, that serves the area. Depending on when you arrive, you can be in some serious traffic with rush hour. The purpose of this trip was basically good times, relaxation, and good food. I was successful at all that. So let's jump right in shall we?
So as my first meal when I arrived, it was late so didn't want to go too far, was a local pizza place a block from my hotel. Gino's East Pizza. It is a Chicago based company known for their deep dish pizzas with locations throughout the United States. Now being from NY, deep dish isn't my thing. So I just ordered a thin crust pizza with peppers and sausage. Looked good on the menu. When it arrived, it looked even better. Actually it smelt amazing.
It is about 12" across so it isn't tiny nor is it a large pizza. Good enough for 1-2 people, if one of those people aren't me. The pizza was good, I cannot lie. However, my biggest complaint would have to be the way they cut it. Just cut it across a few times then flipped it and cut it again a few times. Not traditional cuts, literally made square pieces out of a circle. Like they were confused, cut it like a Sicilian pie even though its round. Needless to say there were some tiny edge pieces. Other than that, I can't complain. It was good. This particular Gino's also had a comedy club attached. I decided to watch a show on my last night in Nashville. It was ok. Like all shows, some comedians were really good and some weren't.
For lunch the next day I was lucky enough to get me some Hot Chicken from one of the (if not the original) founding businesses of Nashville Hot Chicken, Prince's Hot Chicken. When in Nashville, its just called hot chicken.
I got 4 tenders, 3 hot flavored and 1 tender extra hot. The extra hot was a darker color than the others. It was very noticeable. The hot chicken was hot. It definitely hits you, but the extra hot was incredible. It was flavorful, juicy, but it was HOT!! It slides in and just takes all feelings away. There were a few moments where I began tearing up. Not because I was emotional, but because it cleared my sinuses and removed any bacteria in my mouth. Honestly removed some feeling as well. It was tasty. Would I do it again? Absolutely. Its worth it if you get the chance to visit Nashville. Best part is to help alleviate any discomfort, grab yourself a milk shake from Hattie Jane's creamery. So good and it helped.
So after all the heat and the milk shake, when dinner time rolled around, I decided to treat myself. It was my birthday after all. I got me a table for one at The Hampton Social a relaxed, yet nicer eating establishment than most places I choose. Like I said, it was my birthday. I'll just let them tell you
"The Hampton Social - Nashville is the perfect place to imbibe and enjoy the feeling of summer days. Located just minutes from the bustling Broadway street, The Hampton Social is ready to celebrate the everyday in the Music City. Our 3-story restaurant features a first-floor "Rosé All Day" lounge, second-floor dining with a private dining space and our brand new rooftop terrace with indoor and outdoor seating. Known for our lively dining experiences featuring exceptional coastal-inspired food, cocktails and live music in a beautifully designed atmosphere."
I ordered myself the braised short rib. It is in a citrus braise with charred corn, carrots, roasted sweet potatoes, corn mousse, and au jus. It was delicious. The meat melted in your mouth. The vegetables and potatoes added a wonderful contrast to the soft, delicate meat. All flavors blended so well together that I didn't know where the meat started or the accompaniments ended. It was just the right amount of food. I was eating on the second floor with good views of parks and a local bridge. I highly recommend The Hampton Social.
Like I said in the beginning, I was in Nashville for good times, relaxation and good food. There is a brand new food hall that opened this past year. It has a plethora of food options to satisfy a variety of taste buds. This Assembly Food Hall was where I got Prince's hot chicken and the milk shake btw. About 30 different places to eat and drink. Everything from tacos, steamed buns from Steam Boys, sushi, Italian food, cocktails, to cakes, donuts, and sweet desserts. It was difficult to choose. Luckily I landed in front of Steam Boys and got some soup buns and a steamed pork bun. It was like I was in China town (or Flushing if from NY).
So tasty.
Now I didn't just witness food when I was there. Nashville has something that I have not seen anywhere else in my travels. I mean it could exist elsewhere, I just haven't seen it yet. Diagonal cross walks. Yes you heard me. No more walking across the street then waiting to go across the other street. In Nashville, you can go from one corner to the other with no issues. It is so cool, and I was so excited to do it the first time I was in Nashville.
 |
| Thats also the Assembly Food Hall - Top left. |
Other than really cool crosswalks, I did happen to notice a really nice street -
There is a street in Downtown Nashville named after Rep. John Lewis who passed away in 2020. Rep Lewis was a pioneer in civil rights, marched at Selma and dedicated is life to helping those in need. Born in Alabama, he went to college in Nashville. Was part of many civil rights movements while attending college. He is honored there now. Respect.
If you are lucky enough to stay in downtown Nashville, you will find that everything is very close. It may seem like there is this vast area that is to be explored when in fact it is a mere 5 blocks away. Certain hotels put you right in the mix of everything. Want food, walk there. Want drinks, you can walk. Want touristy things, you can walk to see a lot of them. I'm not talking about walking miles. A few blocks in any direction and you found yourself somewhere on your visitors bucket list.
Nashville is a great place for singles, couples, families, and everything in between. It is a destination for bachelor/bachelorette parties as well as conventions and conferences. My latest visit also showed me the future expansion of Nashville. Construction. New buildings, new places to see and stay. Nashville is just getting started. I can't wait to go back!