The El Camino Travel Guide to Nashville, Tennessee
Written by Kayla Doris
Welcome to Music City! Country music, rhinestones, cowboy boots, and the glow of Lower Broadway’s honky-tonks (those neon-soaked bars where the music never stops), likely spring to mind. But Nashville is changing fast. Tennessee’s capital is one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. due to an economic boom—with healthcare, tech, and entertainment industries thriving here—and a major population growth, as the post-pandemic era saw people moving for lower costs and better quality of life. The result is a growing tension between legacy and reinvention—Nashville is experiencing some of the most intense gentrification in the U.S., reshaping historically Black neighborhoods like North Nashville. But there’s also a creative boom driven by local artists, musicians, chefs, and entrepreneurs who are reimagining the city’s cultural identity in real time, making it a compelling place to visit as it unfolds. New art spaces are giving voice to local, experimental talent. A fresh generation of chefs is evolving Southern food with global and personal spins. The events scene is still musical but far more diverse than country music alone, with indie rock, R&B, ambient, soul, jazz, and folk headlining venues—plus major league sports, international film and food festivals, literary readings, design conferences, and underground theater nights. Nashville offers Southern roots with a modern vibe—it’s an accessible cool—ambitious but unpretentious—which makes it one of the most fun cities to drop into right now.
We’ve collaborated with local experts, Demi Chacón—co-owner of Now and Then, and the team from Imogene + Willie to curate a list of insider recommendations for eating, drinking, shopping, and sightseeing your way through Music City. We’ve also included recommendations from ECT Clubhouse members Anisa K., O’Shannon B., and Ana P. .
Eat
Embrace the Japanese “kissaten” café vibes at Kisser, a neighborhood spot by a husband-wife duo serving comfort food where locals can eat, drink, and hang out. “Kisser feels like a love letter to Japanese home cooking,” says Demi. “A beautiful balance of form and flavor. The plating is precise, the space is serene, and everything tastes like it came from someone who really cares. Bonus, it’s POC/woman-owned!” Named one of Bon Appétit’s best new restaurants of 2024, you can enjoy a Japanese breakfast bento, the cult-favorite chicken katsu sandwich, or spicy miso udon topped with duck confit. Find it located in East Nashville.
Also included in the guide:
The “best pizza in town, no competition”
An intimate, reservation-only gem that came highly recommended by both of our local contributors
Texas nostalgia with modern Southern flair—an unfussy spot for tacos and cheeseburgers
Image credit: Now And Then
Shop
Shop sturdy denim, tailored coats, and vintage-style tees at Nashville staple, Imogene + Willie. Located in a converted gas station in the heart of 12 South, the brand blends classic American workwear with modern craftsmanship. Their standout initiative is The Cotton Project, a fully transparent tee program using regeneratively farmed, spun, milled, and sewn cotton all within a 400-mile radius of Nashville. It means that they oversee the entire process from seed to finished garment, challenging the industry norm to create a more sustainable, community-driven alternative that retains value within the U.S. A must-visit for thoughtfully made wardrobe pieces that feel as good as they look.
Also included in the guide:
A design-lover’s dream where Japanese workwear meets Nashville craftsmanship
Women-led, ethically made wardrobe staples
A tiny vintage shop with elevated textures and a fiercely loyal following
Image credit: Kisser
Drink
Take part in the only experience of its kind in the U.S.—a high-end, fine–dining–inspired coffee tasting led by Now And Then, currently operating as a pop-up residency inside the upstairs bar at Audrey. Now And Then is the first coffee service model of its kind in the U.S., designed for intentional sipping, not takeaway or speed. There are just 10 seats, no reservations, and no to-go cups. Everything is served with the attention to detail you’d expect from a sommelier or chef's tasting menu. “Being some of the best coffees in the world, these coffees barely taste like what you’d expect. A lot of them taste more like fruit juice or tea. It’s a very eye-opening experience for folks who have never had higher-quality coffees before,” the co-owner tells us. It’s a must for coffee lovers or curious drinkers open to something new.
Also included in the guide:
A tiny, maximalist café that serves some of Nashville’s most experimental drinks (Dirty Dr Pepper with espresso fizz anyone?)
Experimental brews that go far beyond your standard IPA
The natural wine bar to go for excellent pours and small plates
Image credit: Imogene + Willie
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