Do you have a list of top 5 cities you’d love to visit? For years, Nashville has been one of mine. So, I jumped at the chance to visit when an opportunity came up to go for a conference last month. Knowing nothing about the area, I immediately went on Instagram and searched for cute bars and restaurants outside of the traditional downtown “Honky Tonk” area to get some Instagram worthy shots. Of course, I also consulted with my girl Caitlin since she’s spent a ton of time there. Because the city is known for music, I had to pack some edgy pieces like these rose gold leggings by Commando (ON SALE!) and my go-to leather jacket. Below I’m sharing a list of a few of the places I went and some Instagrammable spots in Nashville with the perfect backdrop!
Shop the Post
Top: Zara (also love this one)
Leggings: Commando (also love the snakeprint for Fall)
Jacket: Maje (similar here for less)
Sandals: Zara (old, identical here)
Bag: Chanel (more affordable option here)
The Most Instagrammable Spots in Nashville
So, as a quick disclaimer – Nashville may be the most Instagrammable location EVER (outside of NYC!?). With lots of mural walls and a few handfuls of different, trendy neighborhoods, there was no shortage of places to take a few cute pics.
Nashville has absolutely exploded as a popular travel destination the last few years. Their fashion is fun, but their murals and sightseeing take the cake! To start, they have a full scale replica of the Parthenon. A staple of the city, you can’t miss downtown Nashville. Cowboy boots are everywhere (but, so are the tourists). But, Broadway is the first stop you’ll want to make to get a quintessential pic for Insta.
Then, below are a few of the spots I visited which are all off or around 12th Ave South.
Looking Pretty, Music City Mural
One of the best things about the blogger world is that you tend to “know” someone everywhere you go. Whether you’re friends on IG already or just like each other’s pics, social media really has connected all of us. That said, I met up with Jessica Sheppard, who is an incredibly talented photographer and recently relocated to Nashville for this little shoot.
After exchanging a few DM’s about places we could go, we settled on 12 South neighborhood because of all these cute locations. First up was the Looking Pretty, Music City mural wall. This is at 2709 12th Avenue South and is just too dang cute. It totally captures the vibe of the city.
I Believe in Nashville Mural
Just up the block from the Looking Pretty, Music City mural is the I Believe in Nashville mural wall at 2700 12th Avenue South. It’s directly across from the Draper James boutique owned by Reese Witherspoon which has an equally cute exterior (you can sort of see it in the pic below) with blue and white stripes. I think country music brings out that Americana feeling of Nashville, so the I Believe in Nashville mural exemplifies that. Of course, I had to go with the rock ‘n roll vibe with my leather jacket and faux leather leggings (last seen here in black). It’s one of the most perfect photo ops!
As we were shooting, we came across this badass motorcycle in the streets. It felt appropriate to grab a quick shot with it! Can you imagine me on this beast?!
Dress: Lilly Pulitzer
Shoes: Zara (identical here and also love these)
Bag: Chanel (love this less expensive option)
Necklaces: Parpala Jewelry
Five Daughters Bakery in Nashville
Our last spot of the morning actually serves up two or three different Instagrammable spots in Nashville. Five Daughters Bakery is equally cute inside and out, with delicious donuts to boot. It’s located at 1110 Caruthers Ave. No trip to Nashville is complete without a trip here!
Since I’m a sweets freak, I had to buy a handful of donuts that also doubled as the cutest props! In the shot above, I’m right by the cash register where their neon sign hangs. To get this shot, get there early! It was nice and quiet at 8 a.m. (which conveniently is also when the donuts are freshest!).
Then, the donuts themselves make for a cute shot on the ‘Gram! Lastly, the outside sitting area has two different walls that provide cute backdrops. The I Love Donuts mural wall is probably one of the most Instagrammable spots in Nashville! But, there’s also a picket fence with donuts painted on it too that’s adorable. My lilac dress from Lilly Pulitzer perfectly matched the pastels. And, I finally got to take my new beige Chanel out for a spin!
Aside from these spots, I’d also recommend the below locations.
Broadway
Basically the equivalent of Times Square in NYC in downtown Nashville! It’s definitely a tourist trap, but if you go – head over to Jason Aldean’s bar (my personal fav).
Liberty Common
Go for brunch! It’s a French-inspired menu and is so chic inside. Outside they have cute high-top bistro chairs that also make for a cute shot!
Pinewood Social
Awesome bar and has an old school bowling alley in the back!
East Nashville
I didn’t make it here, but Caitlin loves the neighborhood.
Not only are each of these locales Gram worthy, but the restaurants are also yummy and the bars are great hangout spots. It’s just a bonus that you’ll get a great Instagram photo!
Lastly, right near Pinewood Social and the Cumberland River is the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge which offers another Instagram worthy photo op.
Enjoy! Let me know where you’ve ventured to in the comments below. As always, follow along on Instagram!
