Hey y’all! I thought it would be a fun idea to create a neighborhood specific itinerary, that involves both coffee shops, bites to eat, and other fun things. If you are looking for a laid-back way to spend a day in Nashville, 12th Ave South is one of my most favorite spots. This neighborhood is packed with charming shops, great restaurants, and a fun, super safe and walkable vibe.
The best way to start your day on 12th Ave South is by getting a morning coffee and strolling. Start your day off at Frothy Monkey, one of Nashville’s favorite coffee spots. Frothy Monkey is super cozy and has both amazing coffee drinks and food. Whether you’re in the mood for something light like an avocado toast or a more filling breakfast sandwich, they offer a great selection of breakfast options. Grab a latte, settle in, and soak up the busy street’s energy, or get a coffee to go and begin your stroll.
After breakfast, take a walk down 12th Ave and pop into the amazing local and big name boutique it has to offer. Some of these include:
- White’s Mercantile
- Serendipity
- Made in TN
- Draper James
- LoveShackFancy
- Finnleys
- Vinnie Louise
- Hero Boutique
- Emerson Grace
- Imogene + Willie
- Stoney Clover
- Alice + Olivia
- Jenny Kane
- And so many more!!!
Personally, I believe White Mercantile is a must-visit. It is a beautifully curated general store with a little bit of everything from candles to clothing, to home goods, and even stylish baby gifts. If you love unique fashion finds, stop by Draper James, Reese Witherspoon’s southern inspired boutique. Even if you do not plan on shopping, the store’s signature blue and white building makes for a great Instagram photo op.
Not only does 12th Ave have good clothes and nick knacks, but they also have an amazing selection of jewelry shops. I absolutely love HART, which is a jewelry bar where you can custom create your own jewelry with their charms. Some of its other awesome jewelry stores include:
- Judith Bright
- Bullets and Pearls
- Gorjana
- Mejuri
No trip to 12th Ave is complete without stopping by some of the iconic murals. The “I Believe in Nashville” mural right next to Draper James is a classic. Behind Frothy Monkey is the iconic “Nashville Looks Good on You”, and if you walk a little further, you’ll find the “Looking Pretty, Music City” mural, which is another fun stop. At Wanna Spoon, you will also find a fun and sweet “Spooned in Nashville” mural.
Once you have snapped a few photos, it is time for a little sweet treat. Five Daughters Bakery is famous for its 100-layer doughnuts, which are basically a mix between a croissant and a doughnut, and they are absolutely amazing. If you are more of a cookie person instead of doughnuts, swing by Christie Cookie Co. and grab one of their signature chocolate chip cookies.
For lunch or if you visit around lunch time, you’ve got plenty of solid options depending on what you’re in the mood for. My personal favorite is Urban Grub, but the options are endless. If you are craving tacos, Bartaco is always a great pick with its fresh flavors and fun atmosphere. If you want something a little more class, Burger Up is a local favorite with amazing burgers and truffle fries. They have great vegetarian options too if that is more your style. If you need another coffee as an afternoon pick me up, stop by Fast Times, located in the beautiful Buck Mason store.
After lunch, take your time wondering around a little more and do some more shopping. If it is a nice day, head down to Sevier Park and sit and enjoy the beautiful weather and the beautiful scenery. If you have time, you could even stop into the famous Fahrenheit Yoga and take a class. Or if you’d rather get a drink and just socialize, Ember’s Ski Lodge is a super fun and tacky bar, full of both tourists and locals.
As the sun starts to go down, it is time to think about dinner. If you want something a little laid back, Edley’s Bar-B-Que is a solid pick for classic southern barbeque. Their brisket and mac and cheese are top notch, and they have great local beers on tap. The Henry and Postino are also two new restaurants have also made their way to the street that are must try spots! If that wasn’t enough and you weren’t ready to leave the neighborhood yet, head to The Filling Station, a great lowkey spot to get a beer to finish such a great day.
12th Ave South is one of those places where you can take things at your own pace. Whether you are here to shop, eat, or juts soak up the atmosphere, it is the perfect place for a relaxed and special Nashville day.