This month we took a road trip from Atlanta to Nashville with Chevy to check out CMA Fest. I was absolutely giddy.
Country Music reminds me of college.
My friend Lauren and I had some of our best college memories driving to Cowboys in Orlando, grabbing dinner at the hot dog cart, and then going mudding {in heels}.
You heard right. Mudding.
WHO WAS I?
Fun AF.
That’s who I was.
So…
You can imagine how THRILLED I was when Chevy said howdy with an invitation to CMA Fest! I couldn’t wait to drive across the South in style and check out some of my favorite artists on stage.
Nashville has incredible food, is a top destination for Bachelorette parties, and has enough soul to fill an entire country. Now, I’m sharing my favorite stops in Nashville with all of you.
Insiders Guide to a Nashville Road Trip
Outfit Details
Must See In Nashville
Aside from the fun spots along Broadway, there are two stops outside the downtown area that are a definite must see.
Grand Ole Opry
The Opry is an American icon and the “home of American music.” My favorite part about this venue is that there are murals of country music legends around the perimeter – making for awesome photos. Also, the Grand Ole Opry showcases a mix of country legends and the contemporary chart-toppers. The best way to enjoy the Opy is by catching a show, so make sure you check out the schedule prior to your trip.
Centennial Park
Nashville is full of lush green gardens, and the most iconic is Centennial Park. Located just off the Vanderbilt campus, Centennial Park houses a replica of the Parthenon. It’s definitely a must-see and if the weather is nice, pack a picnic basket to enjoy lunch in the gardens.
Outfit Details
Where to Stay in Nashville
With historic bones and an unrivaled location steps from Broadway, Holston House Nashville mixes art deco fixtures and sliding barn doors with inviting Nashvillian touches. The Holston House has samples of the best local whiskey on the rooftop bar, TENN on Top, which has incredible city views.
The best part about the Holston House is that it is steps away from the vibrant lights of Broadway.
It’s an all inclusive location featuring honest, local fare at their signature restaurant – TENN and local mixologists sling drinks at Bar TENN.
Oh and it’s Zoey friendly, so you can bring your best furry friend along on your trip!
Outfit Details
Where to Eat in Nashville
FlipSide
The Flipside is a 12 South Nashville neighborhood restaurant that features retro-chic diner stylings with cherry red fridges and ’50s TV memorabilia. The restaurant has impeccable lighting which makes or incredible photos!
Just saying’ #bloggerthings.
It’s a diner styled to be comfortable and chic, and the food is perfectly American.
Cool off from the Nashville heat with a Strawberry Shake – you won’t regret it!
Etch
I’ve been waiting to try Etch for years ever since I wrote about it for The Club the official British Airways Magazine. We decided to head over after popping around Broadway before the Carrie Underwood concert. It was also probably our most decadent meal.
And trust me it was worth the wait. The food is divine!
Here are my suggested dishes:
- Roasted Cauliflower with truffled pea pesto, salted almonds, feta crema, red bell essence.
- Octopus and Shrimp Bruschetta topped with bacon, arugula, fennel, roasted tomato, capers, garlic oil, sunflower seed hummus, manchego
Husk
The first night of our arrival the Chevy team invited us to dinner at Husk. This was my favorite night of the trip because we were able to meet the entire group participating in the Chevy trip.
At Husk there are some rules about what can go on the plate – if it doesn’t come from the South, it’s not coming through the door! The menu frequently changes with what the region’s producers provide daily
The food was impeccable. And we dined in the old barn which was a very cool experience.
Here are my suggested dishes:
- Grilled NC Catfish with Delta Belle Rice, Napa Cabbage, Peach Mostarda, Shiso
- Bear Creek Farm Pork Prime Rib served with Radish, Kale, Bacon Jam, Benne
Biscuit Love
In an epic search for the next Hot Chicken in Nashville, a.k.a eating everything in sight, we went to a few spots that sold the famous dish. And we stumbled upon Biscuit Love in the Gulch. I didn’t order the Hot Chicken dish because the East Nasty caught my eye. This is absolutely the best traditional fried chicken and biscuit dish I ate during my trip.
Just look at all that GRAVY!!
We also shared the Chronic Bacon which is a sweet and spicy slab of bacon.
It’s no wonder I gained 6 lbs during this trip.
But diet starts tomorrow right?!
Outfit Details
Best Vehicle for a Road Trip
When we arrived to Atlanta we were greeted by the Chevy team, and the CUTEST-Perfect-For-Miami Chevy Equinox. The 2018 Chevy Equinox is so comfortable. The seats hug you in and the front of the car is spacious with enough plugs for a few phones.
During our drive from Atlanta to Nashville we pulled over a few times to take photos from the massive sunroof in the Chevy Equinox. I loved having the sunroof open during our drive and soaking in the warm southern sun.
What I loved most about the Equinox had WIFI (YES WIFI!!) and we were able to get work done while we road-tripped.
The Chevy team hooked up our phones and the Equinox immediately connected with our contacts, text messages, and Spotify. Luckily, I created an awesome Honky-Tonk Playlist for us to listen to along the way. The Bose Premium 7-speaker system was perfect for creating a concert vibe.
Babe was in awe of my superior singing skills on our drive to Nashville.
I sound like Faith Hill.
He’s very lucky.
Once we were in the city the Chevy Equinox proved to be the ideal car. We got lost a few times, so we used the On-Star system to guide us to nearby restaurants. The surround vision in the Equinox also helped with parking in the small spaces. Why they make tiny parking spots in Nashville is an elusive mystery to me.
The best part about this trip was driving across the South.
Road trips provide a great escape from the city and forces you to relax on the road. It also makes for quirky stops along the way.
For your convenience I linked my outfit details below!
+ See more Insider Guides
+ And check out my Favorite Travel Essentials
XO
EV
SaveSave
As one of Miami’s top bloggers, Evelyn Torres has become one of the leading voices in fitness, fashion, and Miami. Brickellista started as a Twitter alias in 2009 and has expanded to become a lifestyle blog capturing a Miami girl’s perspective. Evelyn is a businesswoman, entrepreneur, brand ambassador and on the pulse of the Miami social scene.
Today as founder and Managing Director of BrickellistaFiles.com, Evelyn is not only the face of BrickellistaFiles, but oversees the strategy and direction. She is the driving force behind the brand and has built the go-to site for everything Miami.