6 Reasons You’ll Want to Visit “Top Destination of the Year” Nashville

Toying with the idea of a trip to Nashville? Get ready to stir up some serious wow:Nashvegas beckons, y’all. This southern beaut offers countless attractions, events and activities for every kind of traveler (and did we mention concerts?). Whether fashion, fabled landmarks or flirting at the bar with a southern drawl is your cuppa (sweet) tea, this city’s got it. Ready to call it quits for the night? Probably not, but from boutique hotels to an Airbnb that’s actually a sleek tour bus, this Tennessee gem doesn’t disappoint. Recently voted Travel + Leisure’s Reader’s Choice for Top Destination of the Year, here’s why you should grab your favorite boots and giddy on up!

1. The food will leave you vowing to pack your bags and sign a lease. This southern sweetheart isn’t just for hot chicken enthusiasts (though they’ve got a hot chicken shack with a James Beard under their belt!). From shared plates to backyard-to-table offerings, you’ll find endless tantalizing choices to fulfill your wildest culinary fantasies. Some new and noteworthy spots that are must-adds to your wish list: Le Sel, Butcher & Bee, 5th & Taylor, Fifty First Kitchen & Bar, Little Octopus and Biscuit Love. Brunchavores: Bring your A-game and an insatiable appetite for bloody marys with more accoutrements than an interior designer has throw pillows. (Photos via Biscuit Love)

2. The fashion will blow you away. They’re as fiercely proud of their clothing designers, handbag and shoe maestros and jewelry whizzes as they are their musicians — and with good reason. Nashville is home to a burgeoning group of creative class acts. Swing by Ceri Hoover for bags that will make you swoon, Two Son to put clothing addicts in a happiness coma and Judith Bright for bold, streamlined geometric jewelry that will make you feel hall-of-fame-ready. (Photo via Judith Bright)

3. Your (air) guitar will gently weep at the exorbitantly vibrant music scene. From multi-day festivals to curbside performances that will have you tweeting with certainty that you just met the next Ms. Swift (The city holds no grudges that the city’s darling moved to NYC. In fact, locals will proudly direct you to swing by the Taylor Swift Education Center on your visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame), there’s no shortage of incredible musical sounds to soak up in, well, Music City.

Don’t miss the city’s famed honky-tonks that offer the charm of your favorite gritty dive’s subtle anonymity muddled with Hart of Dixie Rammer Jammer’s small-town hominess. Spotting that special someone across the bar and penning your name in eyeliner on a salvaged napkin from your double-whiskey coke? That’s the kinda stuff dreams are made of in this playful, flirtatious town. (Photo via Getty)

4. There’s a slew of awesome festivals. For sure, Music City works hard, but it also gets that whole work-life balance thing and knows how to play equally hard. From undiscovered talent crushing it in basement music dens for Tin Pan South, a festival celebrating songwriters, to sold-out arenas, you don’t even have to be a country music fan to find a dizzying array of beats you can get behind. Also, did we mention this year’s Antiques and Garden Show will feature none other than Goop queen, Gwyneth Paltrow, herself? P.S. If you’re missing the CMA Music Festival, well, you’re doing it wrong. (Photo via Music City Food + Wine Festival)

5. They have their own “Brooklyn.” The real BK? Pfffft. So 2015. Nashville’s own hub of free-spirited, hipster, creative-dreamland? Game on for the new year. Enter: East Nashville. Stop by Bar Luca, which strikes the perfect balance of classy meets approachable for a happy hour libation (the charcuterie boards and cheese plates will lure you in for a second round) or mosey around the walkable neighborhood filled with tucked-away shopping gems and epicurean havens. From vintage jewelry and furniture to small-batch chocolate, with eclectic galleries, eco-friendly shopping and vegan-friendly restaurants also in the mix, that lease-hunting may just get pushed up higher on your to-do list. (Photo via Andrea Behrends for Bar Luca)

6. Because Sam Hunt. Yep, he’s enough of a reason. He has played free, ears-still-ringing-the-next-day street concerts here. Thanks to Nashville’s small town and friendly vibe, you don’t need Carrie Bradshaw-status luck to wind up bumping into him at a local bar after his gig and capping your night with a phone brimming with selfies of you and the football player turned music dreamboat. (Photo via Rick Diamond/Getty)

Share with us: What will be your first stop in Nashville? Tweet us @BritandCo!

The Eras Tour is the gift that keeps on giving. Taylor Swift has been on tour since March 2023, giving us surprise songs, friendship bracelet opportunities, and a plethora of celebrity guests, and we were hoping she'd extend her concert schedule even farther. I have personally been wondering if we’ll live in Eras Tour Land until we get TS12 (after all, there IS enough space on the merch for one more era) and Taylor herself just weighed in on the rumors.

Here's everything you need to know about the end of the Eras Tour — and when we'll see Taylor Swift on tour again.

Is the Eras tour going into 2025?

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

It looks like we won't be getting a third summer of girlhood because Taylor Swift announced on June 13 that the Eras Tour will officially end in December 2024.

"This is the very first time I’ve ever acknowledged to myself and admitted that this tour is going to end in December," Taylor said before her 10-minute performance of "All Too Well" (via USA Today). "This tour has really become my entire life, it's taken over everything, like I think I once had hobbies. All I do when I'm not on stage is sit at home and try to think of clever acoustic song mashups and think about what you might want to hear."

"You have done so much to be with us," she continues. "You've made plans so far in advance. You planned what you were going to wear. You memorized lyrics. You got yourself here. You figured out parking. You figured out transportation, and I want spend the 100th show just thinking about that and living in that moment and being here with you, and just know I appreciate every single ounce of effort that you put in to be with us when this show reaches triple digits in shows. So thank you!"

Will Taylor Swift ever tour again?

Haley Sprankle/Brit + Co

But good news for concert lovers! Taylor is reportedly already ready to do a new concert tour. “She had such a great experience on Eras. She really wants to do it again,” a source tells Us Weekly. “She loves being with all her fans; it inspires her." But, "things can change. A lot of it hinges on what happens over the next year with Travis. She’s told her team to give her one year to see how things go in her personal life.”

I'm always down to go to a new Taylor Swift concert!

What cities is Taylor Swift bringing the Eras Tour to?

Haley Sprankle/Brit + Co

I'd love to see her visit Charlotte, North Carolina, Washington, D.C., and all the other cities she hasn't visited yet! Maybe on the next tour :').

Is The Eras Tour ending with TS12?

Taylor Swift/UMG

My personal theory is that Taylor Swift might just announce TS12 this weekend when the tour ends. The Tortured Poets Department and her supposed upcoming album seem to be part of a countdown, and since there's space on the Eras Tour merch for one more era after TTPD, I feel like we could get ANOTHER new album and set before Taylor's tour ends.

Where do you want Taylor Swift to bring the Eras Tour? Check out The Eras Tour Concert Film Is Now Streaming! to see how to watch the concert from the comfort of your couch.

This post has been updated.

After several Christmases, I have fully assumed the role of charcuterie-maker in my family. I geek out over arranging everything to be as perfect as possible – I’m talkin’ meats, cheeses, olives, nuts, peppers, dips, breads, and of course, crackers.

As a self-proclaimed pro, the signature mark of a great charcuterie spread is having plenty of unique flavor combos – and Trader Joe’s latest limited-edition innovation is just the thing I’ve been searching for to complete my snacky plans!

Trader Joe's

Trader Joe’s Stollen Crisps have the people going crazy. While you’d normally assume crackers to be a savory treat, these crispy bites boast raisins, orange and lemon peels, and a “dusting” of powdered sugar.

The Stollen Crisps mimic the grocery chain’s famous Fig & Olive Crisps (which also inspired the late seasonal Raisin & Rosemary Crisps and Strawberry & Jalapeño Crisps) by combining unexpected sweet notes with a savory-leaning base. Every bite will leave your Christmas dinner guests reeling!

TJ’s fanatic @traderjoeslist recently reviewed the Trader Joe’s Stollen Crisps on their Instagram account, and plenty of shoppers chimed in to share their thoughts on them – including some epic snacking combinations.

“Those are soooo good!!” one person said enthusiastically. “I [took] the lemon ricotta and blended it with some heavy cream and a pinch of sugar. OMG. Sooooo good!!!!”

“I’ve been enjoying them with brie!” another commenter wrote.

“I had these last year and couldn’t wait for them to come back,” someone else commented. “Excellent with cheese - cuts the sweetness.”

Trader Joe's

The Trader Joe’s Stollen Crisps currently go for $4.29 for 5.3 ounces worth of crunchy crackers. They have the perfect balance of sweet and savory, qualifying them as the ideal cracker to add to your Christmas plans this year. Even if you normally don’t opt for out-there flavors like this, you’re definitely going to change your mind after a bite with brie.

You’ve gotta be quick, though – this Trader Joe’s marvel is only on shelves for a limited time. Though there’s not a concrete end date for this snack, it’ll likely be gone right after the holidays. Time to stock up!

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Taylor Swift fans everywhere were shocked to discover The Tortured Poets Department wasn't exclusively about Joe Alwyn — it actually featured a ton of songs that seem to be about Matty Healy, from "The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived" to "loml" and "Guilty As Sin?" Despite the fact the ex-couple met in 2014, and Taylor even wore 1975 merch during her 1989 era, they've never actually been featured on each other's albums (aside from one Midnights song that got scrapped). But it looks like that could all change because one anonymous source claims Taylor Swift will actually be on Matty's new album!

Here's everything you need to know about those Taylor Swift & Matty Healy album rumors.

  • Taylor Swift & Matty Healy have talked about each other since 2014, but were romantically linked over the summer of 2023.
  • Multiple songs on The Tortured Poets Department appear to be about The 1975 frontman, who says he doesn't want to write music about "casual" relationships.
  • However one DeuxMoi source says we could be seeing a Taylor Swift feature soon.

Is Taylor Swift on Matty Healy's new album?

Fans immediately went into a spiral when Matty shared "Downtown Lights" by Annie Lennox on his Instagram story. After all, that's the song Taylor Swift mentions in "Guilty as Sin?", one of the songs that appear to be about The 1975 front man. In the song, Taylor sings about feeling trapped in a relationship, while another person sends her Annie's song.

"Drowning in the Blue Nile / He sent me 'Downtown Lights' / I hadn't heard it in a while / My boredom's bone deep / This cage was once just fine / Am I allowed to cry?"

One source told DeuxMoi that they'd seen Matty's new tracklist, and the song choice was an Easter egg for Taylor's feature! Consider me gagged.

Will Matty Healy's new album feature songs about Taylor?

No, it looks like Matty won't write songs about his relationship Taylor Swift after he told People he didn't want to write about "casual" relationships. "I think that a lot of artists, they become very interested in their lore, or they become interested in the things that have happened outside of their art that people know about, and they want to address that," he says.

But Matty doesn't want to write about his relationships just because they're getting attention from the public. "I would kind of just be lying if I made a record about, I don’t know, all the stuff that was said about me or my casual romantic liaisons or whatever it may be that I’ve kind of become known for, just because I was famous," he says.

"The idea of making a record about something that personally happened to me," he continues, "that by the time I put it out is gonna be like two years old, I see people doing that as well, and it’s not interesting." Yikes.

But we could see songs about his fiancée Gabbriette Bechtel, and I'm hoping we do!

Is there a new 1975 album coming?

Yes, Matty Healy revealed during a performance that we're getting a new album soon! “We’re working on a new record now,” he said while sitting at the piano. He shared a snippet from a new song before telling the audience, "It’s a line actually, what is it…‘I take a minute when I think I won’t die from stopping.’”

“And that’s really how I’ve felt for a long time,” he continues. “We really appreciate you guys and thank you so much. We’re going to go away and hopefully make you a good new album. I just don’t know what to do in the meantime, really.”

Is Taylor Swift releasing a new album?

While a second source claims Taylor is releasing a new album December 6 and record stores have been notified, another user says the opposite, commenting, "As someone with multiple very close record store connections, I assure you, record stores have not be alerted of anything." December 6 kicks off the final Eras Tour weekend, so we'll have to see what kinds of tricks Taylor has up her sleeve!

What do you think about this Taylor Swift & Matty Healy rumors? Would you want to see them collab? Let us know in the comments and read up on The Taylor Swift Boyfriends You Love & The Ones You Didn't Know She Dated.

FacebookTaylor Swift's Eras Tour may have officially come to a close, but she only just revealed one of the biggest mysteries of the $2 billion cultural phenomenon: her cleaning cart. If you're confused, let me break it down for you really quickly. Every night of the tour, Taylor Swift had to sneak onstage before the show, and fans predicted very early on that she hid in a cleaning cart that crossed the grounds shortly before everything started. It quickly became tradition for concert-goers to cheer every time the cart made its nightly pilgrimage to the stage, applauding for what they assumed to be their favorite singer taking her place backstage.

While she confirmed her makeshift vehicle in the "I Can Do It With A Broken Heart" music video, she's finally giving us a peek behind the curtain — or rather, the cleaning cart. Here's what she posted!

Scroll to see what the inside of Taylor Swift's Eras Tour cleaning cart actually looks like!

Instagram/TaylorSwift

Taylor looks totally adorable, posing in her opening set body suit while sitting on a black chair in the cleaning cart. While understanding how the "August" singer got around in the cart would have been enough for me, there's plenty more inside to unpack, too. Here's everything I noticed in the cart:

  • A floral cat illustration: Such classic cat-lover behavior.
  • Printed out "Animals of the Day" flyer featuring Olivia, Meredith, and Benjamin: She's such a proud cat mom!
  • A painting of a waterside town: Fans pointed out all over social media that this is potentially Cardiff, one of her many stops on the tour.
  • More hanging and taped-up decor: I'm dying to know what else Taylor wants to see before she hits the stage!
  • A little gold and red trinket on a ledge: Is Taylor a trinket girl?!
  • A little fan in the corner: And thank goodness, because you know that girl puts in hard work on that stage!
Is there anything I missed? Let me know in the comments!

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Desserts make Christmas go around, but it can be hard to find time to bake with countless holiday parties to attend. If you're feeling a little oven-shy or wonder why those cookie recipes you try to bake come out looking gooey, maybe it's time for a different approach.

Because we've been there before, we put together a list of 35 stellar “no-bake" recipes that will satisfy everyone's preferences and dietary restrictions! If you're still craving something sweet after reading about these delectable treats try making our No-Bake Peanut Butter and Jelly Pie or our adorable No-Bake Grammy Bon Bons!

Half Baked Harvest

No Bake Mixed Berry Custard Tart

It's hard to believe this stunning dessert is no bake! Buttery Ritz crackers are the secret with homemade vanilla custard, mixed berries, and sweet honey. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Clean Cuisine

No Bake Key Lime Pie

Love the little something green on your holiday dessert table and this healthy twist on traditional key limes is sure to please! (via Clean Cuisine)

Vikalinka

No Bake Strawberry Meringue Cheesecake

It's all in the name and it's all absolutely delicious. (via Vikalinka)

Averie Cooks

No Bake Tiramisu

Not a lot of time? This no-bake dessert infused with espresso, Kahlua, a luscious creamy filling is decadent and so easy! (via Averie Cooks)

Hello Little Home

No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake

Give your cheesecake a taste of fall with this delightful holiday dessert. (via Hello Little Home)

Kathryn's Kitchen

No Bake Chocolate Peppermint Graham Crackers

These no bake bars are a crowd pleaser and make great last-minute gifts! (via Kathryn's Kitchen)

Woman Scribbles

No Bake Coffee Swirl Cheesecake

Add a hint of coffee flavor to your cheesecake dessert. (via Woman Scribbles)

Chocolate No-Bake Holiday Desserts

Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

A staple around the holidays, these cookies require one pot and a stove top. These cookies contain dangerously delicious amounts of peanut butter and chocolate, and for a different texture, try making them with Crunchy peanut butter. (via Foodista)

The Real Food Dietitians

Vegan No Bake Brownies

Whip up these egg-free brownies in only 20 minutes! (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Vanilla and Bean

Chocolate Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies

These bite-size desserts are gluten free and incredible delicious. Bet you can't eat just one! (via Vanilla and Bean)

Completely Delicious

Chocolate Oreo Parfaits

This three-ingredient dessert is so simple and requires no oven! (via Completely Delicious)

Scotcheroo Bar

This classic from Buns in My Ovenis always welcome at large gatherings. Added bonus, you can make a whole pan of these treats in one batch making it a low stress contribution. (via Buns in My Oven)

Triple Chocolate Brownies

The name alone makes us hungry. Anything with that much chocolate has to be delicious. (via Food 52)

Peanut Butter Bar

Another large group friendly recipe, these Peanut Butter Bars from Our Best Bitesare sure to please even the pickiest of eaters, think a giant Reese’s cup. (via Our Best Bites)

Vegan Peanut Butter Cacao Fudge Bars

Yes these amazing looking fudge bars are vegan! That means none of your friends and family have to miss out on the holiday goodies. (via Lunch Box Bunch)

Oreo Truffles

How do dense and delicious little Oreo truffles sound to you? We’re certainly excited about this finger friendly truffle. (via Bakerella)

Chocolate Mousse

No no-bake list would be complete without a mention of mousse. So here is a fabulous chocolate mousse for your palate’s pleasure. (via Food Network)

Homemade Tootsie Rolls

Looking for a sweet gift for that candy lover in your life or maybe just trying to find an easy item to contribute to that holiday party? Look no further! (via Sprinkle Bakes)

Peppermint Fudge

This super simple fudge has color in all the right places. Not to mention the sweet crushed candy cane on top that makes this dessert undeniably festive. (via Shugary Sweets)

Girl Scout No-Bake Holiday Desserts

Thin Mint Cookies

Dreaming about Girl Scout Cookies? Satisfy your crunchy, minty craving by making your own thin mints and if you’re feeling generous, give some as gifts! (via Everyday Reading )

Thin Mint Puppy Chow

What makes the delectable powdered sugary goodness of puppy chow (or muddy buddies) even better? Some mint! (via Shugary Sweets)

Samoa Bars

Okay maybe we’re a little Girl Scout focused but if Thin Mints aren’t your thing why not make Samoa Bars! (via Babble)

No-Bake Holiday Cheesecakes

White Chocolate No-Bake Cheesecake

These very red and white little cheesecakes would add the perfect festive touch to any meal and will wow friends and family! (via Sprinkle Bakes)

Easy No-Bake Cheesecake

Ready to wow the folks at your Holiday table? Knock their socks off with this stunning and simple Cheesecake! (via Just a Taste)

Gingerbread Oreo No Bake Mini Cheesecakes

Oreos, cheesecake, and gingerbread all in one? I think I just died and went to no-bake dessert heaven. (via My Baking Addiction)

No-Bake Holiday Pies

No Bake Mini Grasshopper Pies

We can’t get over how sweet these little desserts are, both visually and to eat! These individual desserts would be a perfect addition to a small dinner party. (Image via A Pretty Life in the Suburbs)

S’More Pie

If you tried our S’More pie and loved it, you’ll love this version as well! It does take longer to make but maybe you could whip up both and have a blind tasting… (via Brown Eyed Baker)

Orange and Cream Pie

To satisfy, dare we say it, the non-chocoholics in the room. This classy pie will be refreshing and sweet. (via Joy the Baker)

Peanut Butter Pie

And the peanut butter just keeps coming! This light and fluffy peanut butter pie will keep Grandpa coming back for seconds. (via One Ordinary Day)

Vegan Walnut Pumpkin Pie

A vegan take on a Holiday classic. This pie is the best of both worlds! (via Lunch Box Bunch)

Miscellaneous No-Bake Holiday Desserts

Vanilla Panna Cotta and Pomegranate Jelly

This elegant dessert requires absolutely no oven and looks amazing in a delicate glass. Make sure the glasses allow easy access for large spoons! (via Inspired Edibles)

Candy Cane Bark

Chaos is key to a gorgeous candy cane bark. Throw everything together and voila! A dessert that’s ready to be gifted. (via Babble)

Oreo Layer Dessert

Cool whip and chocolate pudding, nothings better! This low maintenance dessert is perfect for the dessert maker that prefers to keep things simple. (via Brown Eyed Baker)

Banana Pudding with Homemade Salted Caramel

Just in case you’re looking for something a tiny bit old fashioned for a family dinner, give these a try! They are a delicious new take on a sweet classic. (via Just a Taste )

Peanut Butter Banana Granola Bites

If massive amounts of sugar and butter make you squirm, there’s no need to miss out on all the dessert fun. Try these slightly sweet and healthy granola bites! (via Joy the Baker)

Which no-bake holiday dessert recipe will you try before the end of 2024?

Lead image via My Baking Addiction