Whether you travel for culture, food, the arts, or something more personal, it’s time you take a trip to Nashville.
Also known as Music City, Nashville is a vibrant hub of culture, creativity, and Southern hospitality right in the heart of Tennessee. My first time visiting the city was last year, and I was pleasantly surprised at how lively and full of character the city is. Renowned for its rich musical heritage, from country to blues, Nashville draws visitors with its lively nightlife, historic landmarks, and delicious culinary scene.
While the city is often labeled a bachelorette destination because it really is a lit place to host one, it offers so much more than just that.
Even just a weekend in the city is enough to experience a lot of what Nashville offers. Most people associate Nashville with traditional country music, but Nashville holds a deep connection to Black artists who also helped shape its music scene, contributing to genres like gospel, soul, and country. There are opportunities throughout the city to take a walk down memory lane and learn the history of how music expanded and changed the city. Nashville is also underrated for being a foodie city, even though it boasts some delicious local favorites like smoking BBQ and hot chicken.
Nashville is the type of city that can be great for a more chill solo trip or a turned-up girls' trip. This guide will showcase all the places to visit and things to do in Nashville that are Black girl-friendly. From museums to rooftops to must-eat restaurants, you’ll be able to plan the perfect trip to Music City.
Where to Stay in Nashville:
Hyatt Centric Downtown Nashville
Courtesy of the Hyatt Centric Downtown Nashville
The Hyatt Centric Downtown Nashville, newly opened in 2021, is a contemporary hotel that places you right in the heart of the action. I loved staying here because it was within walking distance of Broadway and a lot of other popular attractions, so I had less of a need for a car or taxis. The rooms were chic and modern, and the floor-to-ceiling windows offered views of the city skyline. Some of the larger suites are perfect for families or groups, and I loved that they include record players complete with a selection of music to fit your taste.
The hotel boasts a rooftop pool and bar, as well as an on-site restaurant called Ella’s, which emphasizes locally sourced ingredients. After a long day of exploring, it was nice to have a food option right in the hotel so that I could go from dinner to my pajamas in a matter of minutes. Plus, its prime location makes it easy to access major music venues, vibrant nightlife, and diverse dining options, ensuring a well-rounded Nashville experience. When you stay here, you have to try the housemade mozzarella sticks or salmon piccata at Ella’s. Absolutely delicious!
Hutton Hotel
The Hutton Hotel is another great option for anyone looking for a cozy stay that has a lot to offer. Located in the West End, the hotel was recently upgraded, and the interior gives off a blend of comfort and sophistication. The hotel has its own music venue, Analog, which hosted an R&B show while I was there and gave off sexy speakeasy vibes.
Throughout the year, they have a calendar full of other live performances and events available for both guests of the hotels and non-guests. This is a great option for anyone who doesn’t want to be directly in the mix of Broadway and Downtown, but still within a reasonable distance to the fun.
Where to Eat & Drink in Nashville
1. Hattie B’s Hot Chicken
No trip to Nashville is complete without a trip to Hattie B’s to indulge in a local staple, Hot Chicken. This popular eatery serves up crispy fried chicken in the form of wings, tenders, and sandwiches, with varying levels of heat, from mild to "shut the cluck up!" Hot Chicken’s origin in Nashville has a funny backstory that can be traced back to the 1930s when it was created as a way to spice up fried chicken for a jilted lover.
Today, Hattie B’s not only celebrates this local tradition but also highlights the contributions of Black women like Chef B, who helped put Hot Chicken on the map. Outside of chicken, Hattie B’s also serves up sides like mac n cheese, dirty fries, and fried pickles. No matter what else is on the agenda, it’s a must-try experience that encapsulates Nashville's culinary spirit.
2. Pancake Pantry
For the best start to your day, head to Pancake Pantry for a breakfast that will leave you full and satisfied. They have locations in both Downtown and Hillsboro Village, but the quality of food is consistent across locations. Famous for its fluffy pancakes that are made from scratch every morning, there’s no wonder a line wraps around the block every day.
During my visit, I tried their classic pancakes with some candied bacon on the side, and it was worth the wait. If pancakes aren’t your thing, they have a well-balanced menu with offerings for everyone, including kids.
3. The Cupcake Collection
There’s always room for dessert, which means a stop at The Cupcake Collection, a Black-owned bakery that specializes in gourmet cupcakes and other treats. Founded by a mother who turned her passion into a business, this shop features a rotating selection of flavors made with love and quality ingredients.
From classic vanilla to unique creations like sweet potato and peach cobbler, grab a couple of different ones to satisfy your sweet tooth. The sweet potato cupcake came highly recommended and was likely the best cupcake I’ve ever had in my life. You don’t want to skip this place!
4. Suite Twelve25
No trip of mine is complete without a stop for brunch and mimosas, and Suite Twelve25 brought not only good food but the vibes as well. This is definitely the kinda spot that you go to with the girls to start off Sunday Funday correctly. They have a menu that features brunch faves like chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, and breakfast tacos.
A DJ spins tunes throughout, and we heard everything from hip-hop to reggae to R&B throwbacks. The inside is Instagrammable so come dressed to impress for the content. And if you really want to get the party started, opt for one of their mimosa towers and get ready to turn up Nashville style!
5. White Limozeen
Nashville has the rooftop game on lock, and White Limozeen is an absolute must-visit for everyone. Located on top of The Graduate by Hilton Nashville, this Dolly Parton-themed rooftop is a whole vibe. The aesthetic and decor are largely pink, giving it a stylish and quirky feel. You can go to enjoy a meal or just pop up to the rooftop for drinks and a view. They have unique and girly cocktails to try out, and the champagne Jell-O shots are too cute to pass up.
There’s limited outdoor seating, so a reservation is a must. Before you leave, make sure that you get a picture with the large Dolly Parton head figurine.
Things to Do in Nashville
1. National Museum of African American Music
The National Museum of African American Music is a must-see for anyone interested in the rich musical legacy of African Americans. This museum showcases the profound impact of Black artists across various genres, including jazz, blues, R&B, and hip-hop. It was inspiring to see the trajectory of the relationship between Black people and music across time and genres. I learned a lot about prominent figures in music that I was unfamiliar with, as well as the history of some of the musical icons that we all know.
This is an interactive museum, so expect exhibits and engaging storytelling, but also opportunities to create your own music beats and even practice recording in a pretend studio. It’s an enlightening experience that highlights the cultural contributions of Black musicians and their influence on the music we love today.
Courtesy of Robin D. Thomas
2. Nearest Green Distillery
A visit to the Uncle Nearest Distillery is essential for whiskey enthusiasts. This is located outside of Nashville, in Shelbyville, but is 100% worth the drive. This historic distillery pays tribute to Nearest Green, the first known African-American master distiller, who taught Jack Daniel the art of whiskey-making. It was inspiring to learn about the legacy of Mr. Green, who was born into slavery, especially considering the barriers in an industry that was largely unwelcoming to Black individuals.
The distillery offers guided tours that delve into Green's life and contributions, educating guests about the historical significance of Black distillers in America and also curated tastings so that visitors can sample their award-winning spirits. If you get hungry, on-site is a BBQ spot that has the most amazing brisket grilled cheese and collard greens, plus some other BBQ favorites. Also on the property is the Humble Baron, a bar that currently holds the Guinness World Record for being the longest-continuous bar in the world. It boasts a 514-foot-long bar and also has live music at certain times.
3. Hit Up Broadway
No visit to Nashville is complete without experiencing the lively atmosphere of Broadway’s honky-tonk bars. This iconic strip is home to numerous bars featuring live music, dancing, and vibrant nightlife. This is where you’ll see all the bachelorette parties and even locals just looking to have a fun night out.
The street is typically closed to traffic, so at night, you can stroll down the strip, popping in and out of different bars and taking in the true Nashville music scene. With each bar offering a different vibe, it’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in Nashville's renowned music scene.
4. Live Music at Historic Venues
Nashville’s music scene is legendary, and experiencing live music at some of its historic venues really encapsulates the full Nashville experience. Some of the most well-known venues include Ryman Auditorium and the Grand Ole Opry, but throughout the city, you can also catch shows at smaller spaces. No matter what genre is your favorite, you’re likely to be able to find a show that fits your interests. These venues not only offer great music but also rich histories that tell the story of Nashville’s musical evolution.
Nashville’s blend of rich history, culture, and culinary delights makes it a fantastic destination for those looking to explore somewhere new. Once known as mostly a party city, Nashville has been expanding and rebranding as a place that offers so much more. There’s so much you can do during a solo adventure or a curated girls' trip.
Whether you’re sipping whiskey at Uncle Nearest or indulging in delicious hot chicken, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Music City.
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Anyway, I personally think that the less shallow folks out here may contemplate calling things “quits” or they at least distance themselves a bit from their partner (and what I’m referring to is serious relationships) due to all of the stress and strain that oftentimes comes with the holidays whether it be financial, familial, due to their tight schedules or something else.
Listen, I would hate for you and your man to miss the fun and happiness of experiencing this time of year, all because you are so overwhelmed or irritated that you can’t really enjoy it. That’s why I have a few practical tips for how to avoid allowing the typical holiday season stress from INFECTING your relationship.
Manage Your Expectations
GiphyUnmanaged expectations. If there is a main reason why the holiday season tends to be so stress-filled for so many people, I’d bet good money that this is the cause. And when you’re in a long-term relationship, expectations can manifest themselves in all sorts of cryptic and/or unexpected ways. You might have relatives who assume that you are going to be with them for Thanksgiving or Christmas when you have other plans in mind. You might be thinking that you are going to spend one amount for presents while your man is thinking something totally different. When it comes to scheduling, your signals may be crossed.
And you know what? To all of these scenarios, this is where clear and consistent communication come in. Don’t assume anything. Don’t dictate anything either. From now until New Year’s, mutually decide to check in once a week, just to make sure that you are both on the same page as it relates to the holidays and what you both are thinking will come along with it. The less blindsided you both feel, the less stressed out you will be. Trust me on this.
Set (and Keep) a Budget
GiphyOkay, so I read that last year, 36 percent of Americans incurred some type of holiday-related debt. Hmph. Last year, there was still some sense of normalcy in this country, chile, so I can only imagine what finances are gonna look like over the next several weeks. That said, since I don’t know a lot of people who don’t find being broke stressful, make sure that you and your bae set a budget and then stick to it this year — no ifs, ands or buts.
Because really, y’all — it doesn’t make sense to deplete savings and/or max out credit cards for a few days of giggles only to be damn near losing your mind because you don’t know how to make ends meet come Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
And by the way, this tip doesn’t just speak to things like food and gifts; I also mean travel. If it doesn’t make a ton of sense (or cents) to be all over the place this year — DON’T BE.
Keep Matthew 5:37 at the Forefront
GiphyIf off the top of your head, you don’t know what Matthew 5:37 says, no worries, here ya go: “But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.” That verse right there? Oh, it’s a boundaries lifesaver! I say that because do you see “maybe” or “I’ll think about it” in there? Nope. LOL. It says that you should tell people “yes” or “no” and leave it at that — and that complements Anne Lamott’s quote, “’No’ is a complete sentence” impeccably well. Yeah, you’ve got to remember that anything beyond a yes or no to a request is privileged information; you don’t owe anyone details or an explanation.
Besides, if you are really honest with yourself, when someone asks you something and you give a “Umm, let me think about it” kind of reply, more times than not, you already know what your answer is going to be — so why not let you both off of the hook? Give your response. Commit to that. And let everyone (including yourself) get on with their lives and schedules.
I promise you that when it comes to those holiday parties, you are pissing more folks off by not RSVP’ing or doing so and not showing up than just saying, “Thank you but not this year” off the rip.
Remember That Your Personal Space Is Privilege Not a Right
GiphyA friend of mine recently bought a new house and invited me over to come see it. He’s a single man with no children, so as I was taking in all of the space that he had, especially as I walked through his finished basement, I joked about relatives coming to live with him. “Hell no” and “absolutely not” were pretty much his immediate responses as he went on to say that some folks even had the nerve to be offended when he told them that he had no intentions on taking DNA in.
Ain’t it wild how people think that your stuff is their right? And yes, that brings me to my next point. Your home is your sanctuary space. If you want to host folks this year — cool. If not, ALSO COOL. Please don’t let folks (family included) guilt you into how they want you to act or even into what they would do if the shoe was on the other foot. You are not them — and as one of my favorite quotes states, “If two people were exactly alike, one of them would be unnecessary.” (A man by the name Larry Dixon said that.)
Hell, my friends? They know that I am good for sending them random things that they need or even want all throughout the year. Coming over to hang out at my pace, though. Uh-uh. Chalk it up to being a card-carrying member of the ambivert club yet I like keeping my living space personal — and I sleep like a baby, each and every night, for feeling that way.
Always remember that your space, your time, your resources, your energy and shoot, yourself period (including your relationship), are all things that are your own. You get to choose how, when and why you want to share them. The holiday season is certainly no exception.
Cultivate Some “You Two Only” Traditions
GiphyIt’s not uncommon for some couples to hit me up after the holiday season to “detox.” Sometimes it’s due to the financial drama (and sometimes trauma) that they experienced. Sometimes it’s because they allowed their relatives (especially in-laws) to get more into their personal business than they should’ve. More than anything, though, it tends to be because they didn’t get enough quality time together and so ended up feeling “disconnected.”
Please don’t let that happen. Listen, I’m not even a holidays kind of woman and yet, I will absolutely sit myself down with some hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies to enjoy a Hallmark holiday film or two. Aside from the fact that most of them are lighthearted and sweet, I also like that they usually focus on couples loving on each other amidst all of the holiday beauty and ambiance — which is something that all couples should set aside some time to do.
Maybe it’s a vacation. Maybe it’s a staycation. Or maybe it’s my personal favorite, A SEXCATION. Whether it’s for a few days, the weekend or even overnight — don’t you let the holidays go by without setting aside time for you and your man to celebrate one another. Don’t you dare (check out “Are You Ready To Have Some Very Merry 'Christmas Sex'?”).
GET. SOME. REST.
GiphyI once read that 8 out of 10 people get stressed out over the holidays and 3 out of 10 lose sleep during to it — and when you’re stress-filled and sleep-deprived, that can absolutely lead to hypersensitivity, making mountains out of molehills and even not being in the mood for sex.
Your relationship can’t afford to go through any of this, so definitely make sure to prioritize rest. I don’t care how unrealistic it might seem during this time, sleep should never be seen as a luxury; it will always and forever be a great necessity.
That said, try to get no less than six hours of shut-eye in (check out “6 Fascinating Ways Sex And Sleep Definitely Go Hand In Hand”) and even ask your bae to take a nap with you sometimes (check out “Wanna Have Some Next-Level Sex? Take A Nap, Sis.”). Not only will sleep help to restore your mind, body and spirit but, when it’s with your partner, it’s an act of intimacy that can make you both feel super connected, even in the midst of what might feel like chaos.
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Holiday season stress is real. Still, never give it the permission or power to throw your relationship off. Put you and your man first and let the holidays be what they are gonna be, chile.
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If, while on your continual journey to get the best out of your own tresses, you’d like to learn how to get them healthier than it’s ever been, I’ve got seven acids that are typically known for skin use that can be just as beneficial to your hair as well.
1. Salicylic Acid
When it comes to your skin, salicylic acid is beta-hydroxy acid that is great for your skin if you’re looking for something that will exfoliate it, clear out your pores and dissolve dead skin cells. In fact, this is why it’s an acid that is quite popular when it comes to treating acne.
Your hair will enjoy salicylic acid because, if you’re looking to remove product build-up, you want to soothe an itchy or irritated scalp or you’ve got some dandruff flakes that are totally driving you up the wall, salicylic acid has the ability to treat all of this. Either purchasing a shampoo that contains this ingredient or adding it to your favorite scalp scrub is probably the most effective way to get the most out of it.
Just make sure that if your scalp is sensitive or dry that you approach with caution. In these instances, it could end up irritating your scalp more than helping it out, so use a very little bit in the beginning to make sure that it vibes with you.
2. Lactic Acid
Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that can help to even out your skin tone as well as slow down the signs of aging. The properties in it help to do this by reducing hyperpigmentation and boosting collagen production in your skin as well as keeping it hydrated.
Why is it great for your locks? For one thing, lactic acid is considered to be a humectant. This means that it pulls water from the air so that your hair is able to remain moisturized.
Another thing that makes it a winner is the fact that lactic acid breaks down dead skin cells on your scalp (so that your hair follicles are able to flourish), it can help to soften and detangle your hair (making it a helpful addition on your wash days) and it also helps to protect your tresses from heat styling tools and UV damage. Applying a hair rinse that’s made up of part lactic acid and part water can work wonderfully (so long as you apply it once a month, tops; more than that might be too “intense” for your hair strands).
3. Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is a water-soluble alpha hydroxy acid that is actually made from sugar. Your skin will adore it because it smooths the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improves the texture of your skin, gently exfoliates, clears your pores and brightens up your complexion overall.
The reasons why you should consider this acid for your hair is because it helps to keep your scalp youthful (and yes, there is such a thing; check out “Your Scalp Ages Six Times Faster Than Your Face. Why It Matters.”), removes excess sebum (that could be clogging up your hair follicles) and it helps to keep your hair moisturized. Your best bet here is to make it a part of your pre-shampooing ritual.
4. Succinic Acid
Succinic acid is an acid that is made from sugar cane and contains antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Although it doesn’t exactly exfoliate (like many of these other acids do), it can still be beneficial to your skin when it comes to reducing the kind of irritation that is associated with eczema, decreasing the bacteria that leads to breakouts and keeping your skin pretty hydrated.
As far as your hair goes, this is an acid that is worth trying out because it helps to balance the sebum that is on your scalp, remove dead skin and product build-up that can irritate your scalp and clog your hair follicles and, succinic acid is also beneficial when it comes to reducing dandruff and helping to prevent hair loss. Most people tend to apply this as a serum.
5. Hyaluronic Acid
I’ve officially sung the praises of hyaluronic acid on this platform before. One example is via the article, “Why Your Skin, Hair, And Nails Need Hyaluronic Acid Like...Yesterday.” On the skin tip, hyaluronic acid is great because it deeply hydrates your skin, contains anti-aging properties and can even bring relief to vaginal (including vulvar) dryness.
Your hair will adore this particular acid because it aids moisture to it (including your hair follicles), will help to improve your hair’s texture and it also soothes scalp dryness, nurtures the cuticles of your tresses and decreases frizz. Using a serum rich in this acid as a pre-poo or as a leave-in conditioner is recommended.
6. Azelaic Acid
If you’ve never heard of azelaic acid before, this is your lucky day. It’s a dicarboxylic acid that, when it comes to skincare (and hair care) products, is usually synthetic. Anyway, if you are looking for a way to reduce inflammation, even skin tone after a breakout or if you want to use an exfoliant that will improve the texture of your skin overtime, you might want to give this acid a shot.
This one makes the list as far as your hair is concerned because, if achieving more inches is your current focus, azelaic acid might come in handy. That’s because it is able to strengthen your hair, thicken your strands and also stimulate hair growth from within your hair follicles.
7. Glutamic Acid
Glutamic acid is actually a type of amino acid. Skin-wise, it’s great for deeply hydrating your skin as well as protecting it from pollutants and damaging UV rays. Also, if you’re looking for an acid that treats skin dryness or “tightness,” this could be the answer to your prayers.
Since glutamic acid is also considered to be a humectant, it’s another acid that can moisturize your hair. As a result, it can decrease breakage while helping your hair to feel smooth and look shiny.
BONUS: Amino Acids
Speaking of amino acids and hair, please try to keep some amino acids in your diet at all times. The reason why is because, since your hair is made up of mostly protein (keratin, to be exact), amino acids are pretty darn effective when it comes to helping you to maintain the overall health and well-being of your hair.
Ones to prioritize include proline (it boosts collagen so that your hair strands can maintain flexibility); arginine (it increases blood flow to your hair follicles so that they can receive the nutrients that they need); cysteine (it helps to keep your hair follicles healthy); alanine (it helps your system to produce more collagen), and isoleucine (it strengthens the tissues that help to make up your hair strands). All of these are available in supplement form or you can use Google to see which foods contain them.
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Although it might initially seem odd to apply acid to your hair, as you can see, certain ones will work miracles for it. So, test them out to see which one tickles your fancy.
Hell, since they work for your skin as well — it’s a two-for-one deal that is worth every penny!
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