City Profile: Nashville

The city is synonymous with country music, but this is no one-note town. Its musical culture harmonizes with the city’s growing performing and visual arts scene, boom of residential high-rises, and distinct dining and shopping to create a one-of-a-kind destination. Designer Mary Spalding, floral designer Joe Smith, event planner Elizabeth James, and architect Bobby McAlpine share with us their top picks in town.

Hotels & Restaurants
Top picks for Nashville accommodations tend to fall within two sectors of the city: Downtown (convenient to the capitol building, Frist Center for the Visual Arts, and Ryman Auditorium) and West End/Hillsboro Village (near Vanderbilt University). We’re fond of The Hermitage Hotel, which first opened in 1910 and underwent a $17 million renovation a few years ago. The lobby of this Beaux Arts–style hotel is grand, and its restaurant, Capitol Grille, is the place for a special dinner. Nashville’s restaurant scene runs the gamut, from Italian at Caffe Nonna to Southern cooking at Loveless Cafe to Slow Food movement champions, such as Eastland Cafe.

 

WHERE TO STAY

The Hermitage Hotel
“A lovely hotel because it’s so historic,” says Joe Smith. “Ask for a view of the capitol.” 231 Sixth Ave. N, 888/888-9414, www.thehermitagehotel.com.

Loews Vanderbilt Hotel
Conveniently located across from Vanderbilt University. 2100 West End Ave., 615/320-1700, www.loewshotels.com.

Union Station Hotel
This boutique hotel is housed in Nashville’s turn-of-the-century Romanesque train station. 1001 Broadway, 615/726-1001, www.unionstationhotelnashville.com.

 

WHERE TO EAT

Bread & Company
“Try the Steeplechase sandwich with apples and turkey,” suggests Mary Spalding. 4105 Hillsboro Pike, 615/292-7323, www.breadandcompany.com.

Caffe Nonna
“A tiny Italian place that my husband and I sometimes just crave,” says Spalding. “He gets the capellini and meatballs, and I order pizza.” 4427 Murphy Rd., 615/463-0133, www.caffenonna.com.

Capitol Grille
After your meal, excuse yourself to check out the Art Deco men’s room. Seriously. (But knock first.) 231 Sixth Ave. N, 615/345-7116, www.thehermitagehotel.com.

Corrieri’s Formaggeria
This gourmet market with a large selection of international cheeses is a good spot for lunch. Order the seafood bisque, served at least once a week. 1110 Caruthers Ave., 615/385-9272, www.cfcheese.com.

Dessert Designs
“They make a caramel cake to lie down and die over,” says Smith. 850 Hillwood Blvd., 615/354-9555, www.dessertdesignsbyleland.com.

Eastland Cafe
“I love the neighborhood atmosphere,” says Elizabeth James. 97 Chapel Ave., 615/627-1088, www.eastlandcafe.com.

F. Scott’s Restaurant and Jazz Bar
“The best wines in town,” says Spalding. 2210 Crestmoor Rd., 615/269-5861, www.fscotts.com.

Goldie’s Deli
“I order the same thing every time I go: smoked turkey and Muenster cheese on egg bread,” says Spalding. 4501 Murphy Rd., 615/292-3589.

Lime
“A Latin-fusion restaurant that’s new, beautiful, and edgy,” says Bobby McAlpine. 1904 Broadway, 615/340-0762.

Loveless Cafe
“A Nashville tradition since 1951, with its famous fried chicken, country ham, biscuits, and preserves,” says James. 8400 Hwy. 100, 615/646-9700, www.lovelesscafe.com.

Marché Artisan Foods
“The best brunch,” says McAlpine. 1000 Main St., 615/262-1111, www.marcheartisanfoods.com.

Margot Café & Bar
“Chef Margot McCormack’s menu is influenced by her love of rustic French and Italian cuisines,” says James. 1017 Woodland St., 615/227-4668, www.margotcafe.com.

Martha’s at the Plantation
“The Green BLT cannot be beat,” says James. “Made with bacon, fried green tomato, and basil.” 5025 Harding Rd., 615/353-2828, www.marthasattheplantation.com.

Midtown Café
“One of my favorite spots for dinner,” says Smith. 102 19th Ave. S, 615/320-7176, www.midtowncafe.com.

Noshville
For a good breakfast, McAlpine suggests this New York-style delicatessen. 1918 Broadway, 615/329-6674, or 4014 Hillsboro Cir., 615/269-3535; www.noshville.com.

Pancake Pantry
“The best pancakes in town,” says Spalding. “People line up around the block to have breakfast here.” 1796 21st Ave. S, 615/383-9333.

Park Cafe
McAlpine recommends eating at the bar at this neighborhood restaurant where artists and musicians dine. 4403 Murphy Rd., 615/383-4409, www.parkcafenashville.com.

PM
“It has a really terrific vibe,” says McAlpine of this contemporary Asian restaurant. 2017 Belmont Blvd., 615/297-2070, www.pmnashville.com.

Portland Brew
A perfect spot to warm up. They know how to make an espresso. 3431 Murphy Rd., 615/292-9010. Other locations: www.portlandbrewcoffee.com.

Provence Breads & Café
“An authentic French bakery with the best breads in town,” says James. 1705 21st Ave. S, 615/386-0363. Other locations: www.provencebreads.com.

Radius10
“Chic cuisine and great martinis,” says Smith. 1103 McGavock St., 615/259-5105, www.radius10.com.

Sambuca
Contemporary fare with live music nightly. 601 12th Ave. S, 615/248-2888, www.sambucarestaurant.com.

Sperry’s Restaurant
“The wood-topped bar, low ceilings, tables built from the hatch covers of World War II Liberty ships, and stone fireplace create a cozy atmosphere that has kept guests coming back for nearly 35 years,” says James. Order Prince William’s Blue Cheese Stuffed Filet, named for the prince, who once dined there. 5109 Harding Rd., 615/353-0809, www.sperrys.com.

Sunset Grill
“A great neighborhood restaurant that’s consistently good,” says Smith. 2001 Belcourt Ave., 615/386-3663, www.sunsetgrill.com.

Watermark Restaurant
“Their lamb is the best I’ve ever had,” says Smith. 507 12th Ave. S, 615/254-2000, www.watermark-restaurant.com.