The Perfect Nashville Staycation | Blythe Cate
Staycation: A vacation in which you don’t leave town. There are times when I feel like I need a getaway, but I don’t have the time or money to travel someplace else. Taking a staycation can be the best solution.
I was born and raised in Nashville and often take the city for granted. If you’ve lived somewhere for a time, you often do. It may sound silly, but taking the time to give yourself a vacation in the place where you live can ground you and refresh you. Engaging with your home as a tourist allows you a new perspective, just as traveling to another place does.
If you find yourself restless and needing an escape, I’ve planned a whole weekend in town for you! You don’t need to do a thing but make the reservations and pack your bag. Here are my recommendations for the perfect Nashville staycation:
Photo: Award winning private cottage + Unique Urban Loft in 12South
Friday Afternoon
Leave work, grab your already-packed bag, and head to your weekend Airbnb.
Sure, you could stay in your home if you want to save money. But if you really need an escape, I would consider renting a place for the weekend—preferably away from your neighborhood. I’ve picked out some favorites for a relaxing and charming stay, steering clear of anything in the heart of downtown so that you can have some quiet! All of these allow you the whole space to yourself:
Cozy loft in 12 South – This one-bedroom loft is perfect if you’re seeking a comforting stay solo or with a partner.
Quaint cottage in Lockeland Springs – This award-winning home would be great for yourself and a couple of friends looking for charm and ease on the East side.
Bright, airy loft near 5 Points – Colorful and happy, this space suits a happy-go-lucky sort of weekend.
1920’s East Nashville Bungalow – With 5 beds, this gorgeous space is a dream if you’re gathering a larger group for the weekend.
Sunny Artist’s Cottage in Sylvan Park – This plant-filled, vibrant home would be a lovely getaway if you’re going solo or just have a few friends joining.
Photos: @thetreehousenashville + @rbqnashville
Friday Evening
After you get settled in your refuge for the weekend, head out for a fun, casual night. Stay close to home, as Friday nights can be tiring at the close of a long week.
If you’re staying on the East side, start out with a cocktail at Rosemary & Beauty Queen on Forrest Ave. Be on the lookout for an unmarked yellow house, and walk all the way to the back for drinks in the open backyard patio, covered by string lights.
Next, walk around the corner to 5 Points for dinner at Five Points Pizza, which has some of the best pizza in Nashville, according to me.
If you’re still feeling energized after dinner, grab a drink across the street at Treehouse. If the weather is nice, ensure you sit outside in the actual tree house.
Otherwise, curl up at your Airbnb with a favorite film and sleep as long as you can.
If you’re staying closer to 12 South and looking to treat yourself, head to the bar at Josephine for cocktails and appetizers. This should be enough to serve as dinner. Next, don’t skimp on Jeni’s next door.
After, head to the Belcourt Theatre for an evening show and a glass of wine before retiring to your Airbnb to sleep in.
Photos: @burgerup
Saturday
No matter where you are, treating yourself to brunch at Marche is an absolute must. If you wake up early, head there right at 9, as they don’t take reservations, and it gets quite crowded on weekends.
Afterwards, enjoy a slow morning preparing for the day at your home for the weekend. Sit outdoors with a cup of coffee, even read some of a good book. Don’t rush.
For lunch, the chopped kale salad at Burger Up (either the 12 South or East Nashville location) will have you feeling healthy and satisfied.
That afternoon, go shopping! Pangaea in Hillsboro Village is long beloved (I’ve been going there since I was little). Blush Boutique is one of my favorites for clothes and shoe shopping.
Of course, 12 South has much to offer with highlights Draper James and White’s Mercantile. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot Amelia’s Flower Truck while you’re there.
In East Nashville, visit Thrive on Fatherland for handmade goodies and High Garden for fresh afternoon tea.
When shopping feels tiresome, don’t hesitate to take an afternoon nap back at your Airbnb. Naps are good for you, and this staycation is about you getting what you need.
Photo: @rolfanddaughters
Saturday Evening
Get dressed up this evening and head to dinner at Rolf and Daughters in Germantown (one of my favorite restaurants in town). Ensure you’ve made a reservation. Try everything on the menu that you can. You won’t regret it.
After, head a few miles across town to Old Glory, an Edgehill Village hidden gem nestled behind Taco Mamacita (also a delicious place!) in an alleyway. Enjoy amazing cocktails in a dreamy, cozy space with a speakeasy feel.
Sleep.
Photo: @arringtonvineyards
Sunday
Depending on your location, wake up for coffee and crepes at Red Bicycle (Germantown and Woodbine) or tea and a bagel sandwich at Frothy Monkey (12 South, downtown, Franklin, The Nations).
Take a morning stroll in Percy Warner Park on the West side, central Centennial Park, or East Nashville’s Shelby Bottoms.
Prolong the weekend with an afternoon at Arrington Vineyards, a 25-45 minute drive, depending on where you are staying. This mini-getaway will be the perfect way to cap off your staycation. Have a wine tasting, listen to music, and decompress before you have to return to reality.
Fini! Your Nashville staycation is planned. Now all you have to do is pick a weekend and make it happen. I would love to hear how your staycation goes!
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