Couple’s Getaway to Nashville: A Blend of Urban Cool and Southern Charm
We love traveling—with the kids and without!! Short trips or long ones. Typically, the two of us try to get away every three months or so. We got the perfect opportunity to escape for a couple’s getaway to Nashville to connect, talk business, eat delicious food, and take in a show at my husband’s favorite concert hall.
Bradford Flats: A Perfect Host for our Couple’s Getaway to Nashville
Our home base in Nashville was a stylish one-bedroom flat in a renovated commercial office complex. The Bradford Flats is Nashville’s up-and-coming condo community, located less than five miles from downtown. The industrial-chic space featured polished concrete floors, exposed metal rafters, and ductwork, creating a unique urban atmosphere.
Modern amenities like a fully stocked kitchen, a bed that was sooo comfy, an in-unit washer and dryer, and a tiled shower stocked with body wash, shampoo, and conditioner made us feel right at home. The quiet commercial area provided a peaceful retreat from the bustling city center.
Centennial Park and the Parthenon
A visit to Centennial Park was a highlight of our trip. The park’s crown jewel is the full-scale replica of the Parthenon. WOW. That is all I could say. This architectural marvel, originally built for Tennessee’s 1897 Centennial Exposition, now serves as an art museum.
Unfortunately, we were running a little behind for the day and didn’t get to the park until dark, so we didn’t get to tour the art museum. However, we did spend time exploring the park’s lush grounds, admiring the Parthenon’s imposing presence, and soaking in the local atmosphere as families and friends finished their picnics, recreation, and live music.
Capitol Building Tour
Our tour of the Tennessee State Capitol offered an amazing glimpse into the state’s political history. The Greek Revival building sitting atop a hill in downtown Nashville has stunning architecture and beautiful city views.
We learned intriguing facts about the building’s construction, the state’s governance, and notable figures in Tennessee’s political landscape. This building was built in 1859. How in the world was something so amazing built so long ago without today’s technology? It was amazing to see where our State Representatives and Senators negotiate bills, eventually conduct business, and vote. My favorite was the Legislative Lounge, where the details behind many laws are hammered out. What couple’s getaway to Nashville would be complete without super nerdy homeschool stuff? lol!
Ryman Auditorium
No trip to Nashville is complete without experiencing the legendary Ryman Auditorium. Known as the “Mother Church of Country Music,” this historic venue NEVER disappoints.
We were fortunate to catch a live event here, and the acoustics, I’m told, are simply phenomenal. I really don’t understand any of that. lol! My husband is in awe of the building (every time we visit) and the sounds that come out of it. The Ryman’s intimate setting and storied past, starting as a church and hosting countless music legends, created an unforgettable night that totally describes Nashville’s musical soul. Ryman…we will be back in two months to visit again. lol.
Nashville Farmers Market
We had the chance to drop by the Nashville Farmers Market. It was a weekday and around lunch, so unfortunately, most of the booths were already closed. We did strike gold with one of the veggie and fruit stands—peaches and blackberries!! The food court is amazing and has a fantastic variety of foods. The garden center is amazing. My hubby is a landscaping and plant nerd. He was like a kid in a toy store.
Nashville’s Food Scene on Out Couple’s Getaway
Nashville’s food scene absolutely never lets us down. The city offers a perfect mix of Southern comfort and innovative cuisine. We tend to enjoy traditional Southern food more than the trendy, innovative food scene.
Loveless Cafe
We indulged in classic Southern hospitality at the historic Loveless Cafe, famous for its flaky biscuits, homemade jams, veggies, and fried chicken. Between the two of us, we had fried chicken, fried okra, green beans, creamed corn, and smashed potatoes.
Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint
Martin’s BBQ, one of the most popular BBQ restaurants in Nashville, satisfied our craving for authentic Tennessee barbecue with its smoky, tender meats and delicious sides. We split a sampler meal that feeds “one,” and there was more than enough food for both of us. The pork and brisket had great flavor. Fresh French fries and green beans were also great.
The BBQ sauce was not my favorite. It is a West TN vinegar-based sauce. Most BBQ restaurants I’ve eaten at have offered several types of sauce, but Martin’s is locked in on the vinegar sauce. All-in-all, it was a good experience. It has a really cool vibe, with an indoor and a huge outdoor area for eating.
Country Cafe
Y’all, this was a find!! Tiny and tucked away a few minutes from downtown Nashville is The Country Cafe, which met our taste for a home-style breakfast. Picture a hometown Waffle House that is family-owned and run. The staff was great, and the food—OH MY! My hubby had a sausage and cheese omelet, and I had a ham, egg, and cheese biscuit. This place hit the spot!
Till Five Pizza
After our night at the Ryman, we were definitely hungry, but there were very few things open that late. We could have walked to Broadway for a late dinner, but that is really not our scene. We opted for a late-night pizza place. Till Five Pizza is, well, open until 5 AM. So, this food really qualifies as food that would be served to folks who would be eating pizza at the same time most of us are waking up. It’s not the worst, but definitely not the best!! Pizza was better than the staff.
Wrap Up
Our Nashville couple’s getaway offered a perfect blend of history, music, nature, and mouthwatering food. We really got the best of both worlds on this trip. Our trendy, quiet flat was the perfect spot to relax after a day of exploring. There’s just something about Nashville that hooks you. It holds a special place in our hearts since this is where we renewed our wedding vows a few years ago.
The city has this really cool vibe where cowboy boots meet hipster coffee shops. We’re just homeschool parents with kids from elementary school to college, so we kind of end up right in the middle—not too cowboy and definitely not too hipster. lol. We barely scratched the surface, and I’m already itching to go back. There’s so much more to see and do in this town. Make time to visit Nashville. I promise it’s a city you’ll grow so fond of.
Check out some of our other travel reviews:
Mt Rushmore KOA Review: Tons of Family Fun
A Senior Trip to Seaside Florida
Hiawassee River Retreat: A Couple’s Getaway
Selah Ridge: The Epic Lookout Tower
Pigeon Forge Snow: Indoor Snow Tubing
