There are so many reasons to love Nashville. The BBQ. The vintage. The music. And Dannijo co-founder Danielle Snyder actually lived in the city while she was at college, so knows it inside-out. Here, she shares her indispensable guide. 

 

 

SLEEP

 

There are plenty of chain hotels in Music City, but it's the more boutique-style residences that really sing. 

 

The Kimpton Aertson Hotel is well-located on Broadway in Midtown - we love the Midcentury furniture and the rooftop pool. The upscale Hutton Hotel has its own music club, and the Thompson in Gulch wins points for its decor and amazing views across the city.

 

The 404 Hotel (left) and the Urban Cowboy B&B (right) 

 

Luxe B&Bs are also a great option. Check out The Urban Cowboy B&B, the Germantown Inn and the 404 Hotel for smaller properties that pack a serious punch in terms of design and experience. 

 

EAT

 

Martin's BBQ Joint is a must. Go upstairs, sit at the bar, order the pulled pork sandwich and cover it in BBQ sauce. Chase with a beer and you'll be on cloud nine.

 

The restaurant part of Bastion serves delicious food, move across to the Big Bar after dinner for cocktails. For modern American fare, visit Geist, which occupies one of the oldest buildings in Nashville, while 5th & Taylor is an homage to the American family meal.

 

From left: Pizza at Nicky's Coal Fired; the Egg Bowl at Cafe Roze; Martin's BBQ Joint. 

 

Cafe Roze is a gorgeous all-day cafe lead by a former chef from our NYC fave Jacks's Wife Freda - we love the Egg Bowl and the Hard-Boiled BLT. Feast on fancy Indian food at Chauhan, and Italian at City House, and for the best pizza in Nashville, go to Nikki's Coal Fired or Folk.

 

Head to Rolf and Daughters for a date - the kitchen-facing counter at the Catbird Seat is also great for couples and the tasting menu is sublime.

 

DRINK

 

Roberts was always my favorite when I lived in Nashville and still is. It's the ultimate Nashville experience with live music, beer and country vibes. For live bluegrass, head to Station Inn, and Hemingway's Bar & Hideaway is worth a visit for the daiquiris alone. 

 

 From left: Roberts; a tequila cocktail at Hemingway's; Old Glory.

 

The Red Door Saloon is a classic dive, and Rosemary & Beauty Queen is in an old house decorated with the most enviable vintage finds. Head to Henrietta Red's Bar Room for oysters, while Old Glory is a bar and lounge in the cavernous boiler room of a former steam cleaning facility.

 

Flamingo is an old church transformed into a bar, while Pinewood Social and Bar Sovereign are great for cocktails. Check out Attaboy too - it's the East Nashville sister to the NYC speakeasy of the same name. Tootsie's is a historic recording venue-turned-bar - its walls are covered with memorabilia.

 

DO

Nashville is a vintage lover's dream. Imogene + Willie has the best tees and best decor hands down. I could live in that shop. The staff also know all the best local digs.

 

Danielle at Black Shag Vintage.

 

Tommy, the owner of Black Shag Vintage, is a gem and the beat up vintage belt assortment is incredible. Head to Anaconda Vintage for the best priced vintage in Nashville, The Hip Zipper for 70s polyester, and Two Son for denim.

 

Goodbuy Girls is a great spot for cowboy boots and Pre to Post Modern is good for pretty much everything vintage. Old Made Good sells naughty needlepoint artworks among its beautifully curated treasures.

 

Denim at Two Son (left) and tees at Imogene + Willie (right).

 

For independent designers and emerging brands, head to Goodwin - we love the sundresses. Wilder is a one-stop-shop for contemporary homewares, while the 8th Avenue Antique Mall is great for Midcentury furniture and other vintage finds.

 

GLAM

 

Local Honey is where the best tresses in Nashville are tended.