Outfit Details: Jumpsuit {so comfortable and flattering and comes in red!} // Handbag // Sandals
Howdy folks! As many of you know, I went to Nashville for Pencil and Paper Co.’s Creative Camp. One of the BEST experiences I’ve had to date. Several of you asked where I stayed, what I ate and what I did, so here are the EXACT details.
Why Nashville
First off, Nashville is HOT right now. And I’m not talking temperature! I was blown away by how trendy and forward thinking this city is. Not only are they building a crazy amount of hotels, the restaurant, creative and arts scene is flourishing. So if you haven’t been, put it on the list! Not to mention it’s only a 1.5 hour flight from Chicago.
I’ve been to Nashville for a bachelorette party and wedding, but this was my first time experiencing the city like a local. So if you want a more trendy experience of Music City, this list is for you. If you’re looking for the whole bachelorette, party scene (which is SO fun too), you may want to look for other reviews on or around Broadway. So let’s do this!
No matter where you go, I believe your ‘home base’ can make or break your trip. It’s also the differentiating factor between a great vacation and a FABULOUS one. As you know, I absolutely LOVE the Loews {I’ve stayed at their San Diego, Miami and O’Hare location too!}. I know when I stay at any of their properties, it will be in a top-notch location, have stunning decor, specialized amenities, five star services, dream worthy beds and more.
Talking about the ends and outs of a hotel can sound counter productive (because we want to know where to go and what to eat!) but I wanted you guys to fully understand how a hotel can enhance your experience no matter where you travel!
5 Perks You Get at the Loews Vanderbilt Hotel
First off, the Loews’ decor always matches the vibe of their respective city. Versus chains that feel the same all over the country. So when you walk in the lobby after a long flight, you FEEL like you’re emerged in the culture right away! For the Loews Vanderbilt, they incorporate lots of rich leathers, warm fabrics and country music vibes throughout the property. It’s so tongue and cheek they weave this theme throughout the hotel rooms all the way down to the menu at their restaurants.
Secondly, their centralized location is just a few minutes aways from all the cool pockets and neighborhoods that make up Nashville. It’s right across from Vanderbilt University {which is beautiful!}, and off the tourist path, which I personally love! If you are in for trying the more trendy spots {where all the locals/celebs go}, the Loews is perfect! They also provide a FREE shuttle that took me to EVERY dinner reservation. Doesn’t get better than that!
The Flavor Program may be my favorite Loews perk. Since I had limited free time to explore the city, I got to try some of the “local hot spots” without even leaving the hotel! Each of the Loews properties teams up with the local restaurants and vendors so guests can sample the best of the city right where they’re staying! Which gave me time to visit other spots I’ve been dying to try. The Loews sent a full sampling of the Frothy Monkey, Yazoo Brewery and Pennington Distillery to our room. But you can also get any and all of these goodies in their lobby bistro. We ordered their coffee from the Frothy Monkey {dubbed the BEST coffee in Nashville} twice! Since I’m not drinking I didn’t get to take advantage of the booze. But just so you know, Yazoo is Nashville’s most famous brewery. LOVED it last time I was there!
We stayed on the Club Level {which is well worth it!} so we took advantage of the Concierge Lounge! It includes complimentary breakfast and evening appetizers, wine & beer. Even the breakfast menu matched Nashville’s Southern hospitality – complete with grits! Since all our dinner reservations were early {I can’t stay up late anymore!} we didn’t get to check out the happy hour. But if I wasn’t pregnant I would have been there with bells on! The food was seriously DELICIOUS and allowed us to just pop over for a quick, fresh breakfast then head out for the day!
Concierge. So this was the FIRST time a hotel concierge has pulled through for me. BIG TIME. I tried three times to score a reservation at the James Beard awarded restaurant, The City House but came up short. Not to mention it was a Saturday night. But Shannon, the concierge, some how pulled some magic strings and got us a primetime table! It was by far the best place we ate and the perfect way to end our trip!
Where To Eat In Nashville
Okay, now that you understand my undying love for the Loews, here are my reviews on the four places we ate. Don’t let this short list fool you! After a TON of research, I had to narrow it down given my limited free time. So this is truly the best of the best – with the exception of one. Which I’ll jump right into now.
The food here is your quintessential southern biscuits, grits, eggs and bacon. Last time I was in Nashville, there was a THREE hour line wrapped around this brunch spot {which is pretty standard for this spot}! So I was determined to get in this time. I woke up early and got lucky with a twenty-minute wait. While the food is delicious, I’d recommend going if the wait is less than 30 minutes. Given there are so many other spots that are even tastier, put that hour or more you’d wait in line to better use. I am glad I got to go but I had several people tell me Tavern for brunch or lunch is where it’s AT.
We had a friend of a friend {who is a country star manager} tell us “Margo Cafe is hands down the best restaurant for dinner. Reservations are a must!” This spot is a hidden gem and WAY off the beaten path. It’s funny because it’s a french restaurant but with a cool country vibe. Simple ingredients and beautifully executed. AND we learned that the chef of City House {the first James Beard awarded chef in Nashville} actually trained under Margot – the chef and owner of Margot Cafe! Absolutely get here.
We stopped here for a perfectly curated cheese platter mid-day! Nestled inside the Loews Hotel, it’s a fabulous spot for drinks, dinner and light bites before and/or after your long day exploring Nashville.
You absolutely have to go to this speakeasy for a drink! Be sure to sit at the bar and enjoy the best cocktail you’ll ever have. Hands down the best mocktail I’ve EVER had too! If you want to beat the crowds and wait, the best time to go is a Wednesday or Thursday night {it’s VERY popular}. But we got there right when it opened {5 PM} Friday evening and scored a seat no problem. Order the donuts! Trust. Me. By the time we left, the place was SLAMMED.
This is such a cool spot! It feels as if you are walking into someone’s home and the chef is the first Nashville chef to bring home a James Beard Award. Despite this prestigious award, it’s surprisingly casual and not expensive at all. Everyone we meet told us to order the pizza. Despite not feeling pizza at ALL, we ordered it anyway. AND THANK THE LORD WE DID. It may be the best pizza I’ve EVER had. We kicked off our meal with the okra and I’m telling you it will blow your mind. The table next to us ordered it too. 100% go here but be sure to make a reservation way in advance. Shannon, we cannot thank you enough for getting us in here!
Have you ever been to Nashville? If so, what are your favorite spots? I already can’t wait to go back! And don’t forget, there’s a whole other day {AKA Creative Camp} I’m waiting to share next week. It will include a full tour of Gen’s house and all the “it” shopping spots. Oh! And I’m spilling the tea on her BEST interior design tricks – which will blow your mind.
A huge thanks to the Loews for hosting us two of the nights gratis! It’s seriously one of the best hotels out there and highly recommend!
