Best Food Spots in Tennessee

So much to do… so much to see… SO MUCH TO EAT!

What’s better than food? Burning calories to eat again! And maybe some exercise after vacation to help repeat the process.

It was four people on the trip and I’d say that’s a good amount to travel with. All the car rental, place to stay, exploring the town is so much easier. Especially if everyone wants to do something different! That’s where it gets challenging but we definitely overcome it each trip.

Cheers to Foodies in Tennessee! …and adventure.

The foodie journey is long but the burning calories part feels longer. We’re constantly walking when we travel because we know we can eat more and exercise more than we probably do at home. Terrible to think that way but it’s a start!

Hiking in Converse, aka Chucks

We started our adventure in the Short Springs State Natural Area. Man, Mother Nature is beautiful. It’s located in Coffee County, which is up to a two-hour drive from Nashville. It’s a public park and you know what the best part is? They allow dogs! The hike was recommended because there was a waterfall where everyone took their photos. Thank goodness I brought leggings and converse, also known as chucks… because I probably wouldn’t have survived otherwise. Tip: I should’ve brought sneakers but you know how I feel about traveling with closed-toed shoes… not my thing.

As a hidden gem, Short Springs was incredible. If you love the outdoors, like I do, I think it’s worth the hike… even in bleached white shoes. The area is becoming increasingly popular because of its variety of trails and waterfalls. I would say it took us about a round trip of two to three hours to hike, take photos and relax around the 420-acres.

Creative Names: Arnold Palmer Edition

I’m not sure of how many calories I lost, but time for food! We drove a little more south to explore the area and ended up in Barrel House BBQ. It was very country-like for me and the first time I was introduced to Arnold Palmer, the drink. If you thought that was a man, me too… I mean he is but back on topic. It’s a mix of sweet tea and lemonade. People are getting extra creative with naming foods and beverages nowadays.

It looked like a little shack and it was a little crowded inside. I had a grilled cheese and an ARNOLD PALMER! WOO! I have this thing that I only eat what the restaurant or area specialize in. For example: if you go to a taco place, you’re not going to eat a rib-eye steak. Or at least I wouldn’t. It was actually pretty delicious. And the fries… one of my go-to snacks. SO good!

We were so full, we needed a nap. But time for the next adventure! These houses are so cute too. Just look at the aesthetic of that photo, thanks Giselle.

Golden Hour

We walked around Bicentennial Capitol Park once we got back. There was a cute farmer’s market in town and I loved the positive messages they left on their boards. Of course, we couldn’t resist taking cute photos because we’re just young adults kids having fun.

Guess what we found!!! King of Pops!!! Yum!

Look how amazing the park’s details look during golden hour. It’s incredible that our history can shine so bright and teach us. We should be curious.

For the Taco Lovers

Of course, we’re traveling, so we always need new foods. Our taste buds are getting sensitive with the same type of meals but we’re back at it again. Next up: tacos!

Bartaco was neat and unexpected. There were SO many cheap options and I felt like eating every little taco. They were so cute and tiny but very tasty!

First thing’s first! The host sits your group down and you grab a menu sheet from the table. You gather how many of what type of foods you want and place the order. It’s similar to how we order at Cien Montaditos, a cute sandwich restaurant in Miami, Florida, if you’ve been. Be careful with some, they may be spicy!

If you order a variety like we did, you’ll have your taste buds tingling. It was also a snack for us since we would still adventure around before the day’s end.

Art in Nashville

At some points in our trip, we’d find wall art to compliment the city. It was nice being a tourist until you had to be one of those to wait in line for your picture with everyone staring at your every move. Regardless of that, you’re making memories with your friends! Explore and take all the photos you want!

The Music City

Everywhere we walked, there was some type of statue or musical instrument around. It’s what helps make Nashville the Music City and of course, Elvis Presley. The man, the myth, the legend…

The Country Music Hall of Fame Museum helped us understand a little more of the history. It has developed multiple platforms to involve all kinds of audiences from the world. As an unrivaled cultural treasure, it has made a tremendous impact on country but also the music offers from its legends. RCA Studio B has thrived in its presence and has introduced artists like Dolly Parton and Elvis Presley, just to name a few.

We walked around the museum, admiring all the artifacts and reading all about the music. So much has changed since then. Isn’t it crazy how much the physical appearance of anything music related has developed with it? From records to cd’s to everything digital. Our world is beautiful.

This guitar in particular has a little staircase behind it to explore the inside. You get to see yourself in a real life HUGE guitar. SO cool!

RCA Studio B is a part of the Hall of Fame itself. It’s where the recording artist would make their music happen. Here’s a corner of what the room looked like and some popular songs posted.

Foodies Aren’t Even Ready

Here’s a recap from some of the other places we ate at:

Acme Feed & Seed

Where the locals go!! It’s a hole in the wall with live music. We were sat on the second floor in these small picnic looking tables. It felt like a Chinese-Country vibe… quite interesting. Everything was so flavorful. We definitely need ones of these restaurants back home!

Pinewood Social

Although we weren’t able to bowl in their alley, we did eat their food. *wink wink* Pinewood Social is a space created for social gatherings or casual coffee meetings. The prices were reasonable, especially since they had more than just food to offer. Once you entered, there was a large bar island and booths surrounding it before the bowling alley. They also offered karaoke some nights. I would consider it as a mix of Earls and Root & Bone, classy but chill vibes.

Desano Pizza

Peg Leg Porker

This relatively small restaurant is 100% family owned and operated. It’s voted #1 bbq in Nashville and I completely attest to it.

The restaurant feels like it’s in an alley, or at least when we did it felt that way. We had dinner there and it was extremely dark out. Once we entered, it was a type of service like at the Publix deli– you go in, order, pick your ticket number and wait with your number to be called. But the key is looking for seats before the ordering process because it gets packed quick!!

With a glimpse of adventure and SOO much food, welcome to Nashville, Tennessee! You’re ready… or even more than ready!

XOXO, Mel