13 Reasons to Visit Nashville (Besides the Music)

Nashville is known as Music City. And for good reason. The city’s recording studios and honky tonks have made their mark upon music history forever. But there’s much, much more to Nashville than its music scene. It’s one of the fastest growing cities in the country, with about 100 people packing up and moving there every single day.

But (of course) not all of these people are musicians. Although there’s plenty to see in Nashville surrounding the music scene — and you should definitely check it all out! — there’s a whole other side of Nashville for visitors looking for a more off-the-beaten-path experience. Whether you’re more of a foodie or a fashionista, here are 13 less-visited spots in Nashville to hit up next time you’re in town.

Stay

1. The Thompson Hotel: If you’re looking for a hotel with certified cool vibes, The Thompson in the newly certified must-see neighborhood, The Gulch, is the place to book a stay. The hotel is a study in cozy cool, with friendly staff and plenty of homey touches, including a record player in the lobby where anybody can put on their favorite LPs and get the whole hotel dancing. (Because, you know, after the party, it’s the hotel lobby…)

2. East Nashville Cottage: Just because you’re on a budget doesn’t mean you can’t score a unique place to stay while in Nashville. We love the vibes of this Airbnb (and the price tag — it’s only $80 per night) with its patio and large backyard where four chickens roam. Plus, it’s a super quick stroll over to all the hip new spots popping up in East Nashville. (Photo via Airbnb)

Drink

3. L.A. Jackson: It’s a running joke in Nashville that the city’s mascot bird is the crane. But not the actual bird — more like a construction crane. For those looking for ultra cosmopolitan vibes while down in Nashville, check out the rooftop bar and restaurant at the top of the Thompson Hotel for beautifully conjured cocktails and a shot of the city that puts any crane’s eye view to shame. (Although you’ll be able to see all the cranes peeking out of the skyline.)

4. Duke’s: If you love to travel a bit off the beaten path, we highly recommend making a trip out to East Nashville, where the cool kids hang. This divey bar hosts a perfect mix of creative types from around the city. AND to top it all off, there’s a deli counter in the back that churns out some of the best bar sandwiches in the world. Plus, like any good Nashville bar, there is live music.

5. The Back Corner: When you’re more in the mood to go dancing, head to this chic lounge that turns into a dance party as the clock approaches midnight. There’s live music, DJs, and so many yummy bar snacks to fuel your night.

Eat

6. Arnold’s: For those looking for no-fuss quality Southern cooking, Arnold’s is the place to be. If you’re looking for a classic, dive into the “meat and three.” It’s been a Nashville staple for over 30 years, and after you’ve loaded your bounty onto one of the red serving trays, you’ll know exactly why.

7. Biscuit Love: This restaurant is regularly cited as the most Instagrammed place in Nashville, and after one meal in the joint, it’s easy to see why. But a word of warning: If you go, you’re going to have to brave an hours-long line. You’ve got a few options: Either go super early in the morning right when they open, late in the afternoon before they close, or come armed with refreshments. We recommend waiting in line with a friend and picking up something at Killebrew, the coffee shop right across the street, once you’ve made it about halfway through the line.

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Getting the finer points on oysters.

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8. Henrietta Red: On the opposite end of the spectrum, step outside of Nashville for a seafood dinner. The newly opened restaurant features a must-try oyster bar and a beautiful selection of cocktails. However — because no Southern menu is truly complete without it — the restaurant also features a mouthwatering cooked chicken.

Shop

9. Imogene + Willie: We are absolute suckers for classic Americana. This Nashville brand pays homage to one true American classic, denim. Go peep a look at the cool space (inside a former gas station), and get ready to find your perfect pair of jeans that you’ll (no doubt) want to pass onto your kids.

10. Hero: High fashion in Nashville can be found here. The boutique has a cozy feel, but beneath its ceiling are some of the hottest and most chic brands on the circuit today. The shop specializes in a sort of ’70s southern bohemian glam, perfect for bulking up your wardrobe with multi-purpose, comfy, and luxurious pieces.

11. Savant: If you’re looking to take a piece of Southern history back home with you, make a point to stop by this expertly curated vintage shop in 12 South. There’s an incredible selection of blankets, denim, jackets, cowboy shirts, hats, and other perfectly selected Southern pieces available on the shelves.

See

12. The Frist: Not surprisingly, Nashville has also got a pretty cool up-and-coming art scene. We love the city’s art museum, housed in this beautiful Art Deco former post office. The museum specializes in special exhibits, so there’s a constantly changing program of art coming through the city.

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Lunch break spot 👌🏻

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13. The Nashville Parthenon: Although Nashville’s Parthenon was built in 1897, it feels like you can step back centuries earlier than that. The structure is part of the city’s Centennial Park and was created to be a near-replica of the parthenon in Athens, Greece. Be sure to check inside for a collection of paintings from the 19th and 20th century before spending the afternoon lounging on the lawn.

Are you planning a trip to Nashville? Let us know @BritandCo!

(Featured photo via Biscuit Love)

Emily in Paris season 4 was the buzziest season yet, and for good reason. Emily's in Rome, Camille was never pregnant, and Gabriel's hair went from très hot to tragique. In addition to the viral response to Gabriel's new hair, season 4 left me pretty sad because after four years of waiting for Emily and Gabriel to get together, they almost immediately break up — and actor Lucas Bravo is just as confused as we are.

Carole Bethuel/Netflix

“The ‘sexy chef’ was very much part of me in Season 1 and we grew apart season after season because of the choices he makes and because of the direction they make him take,” Lucas Bravo told IndieWire while promoting Mélanie Laurent’s Freedom. “As they made him kind of unaware of his surroundings, of the dynamic, always victimizing and always being completely lost in translation and oblivious to anything that is happening around him and being manipulated by everyone, it kind of became not fun for me to shoot or to see a character I love so much and brought me so much, being slowly turned into guacamole. I really grew apart from him.”

Honestly it makes me really sad that a character we all love so much is becoming unrecognizable. But at the same time, it makes me feel a little bit better, because we're not the only ones who feel like Gabriel has changed. And while Lucas has done what he can to bring those early-series aspects of Gabriel back, he says "there is only so much I can do in the limits of a script.”

Netflix

“I tried for seasons to bring nuances but we don’t have much liberty on set," he continues. “It makes me question if I want to be part of Season 5…because my contract ends at Season 4. I really want to see if Gabriel gets back to his fun, cheeky, playful, alive self. Because three seasons playing melancholic, sad, depressed, and lost is not fun anymore. It’s a comedy, everybody is having fun around me, everybody is jumping around, and I’m just slowly sinking into god knows what.”

Say what now?! If Lucas Bravo leaves Emily in Paris, I truly don't know what I'd do. Gabriel is my favorite character on the show! (Or at least, early Gabriel was.) Seeing him move from 30, flirty, and thriving to someone who's consistently in the middle of an existential crisis doesn't make sense within the world of the show. And even though Lucas thinks the show has a "lack of risk," he still loves everyone involved.

“I love the show. It started everything for me. I love the show and the people in it," he says. "With saying that, I feel like I am not being nice or grateful, but when you love something you want it to be…you want the best version of it. I’m not going to lie, I’ve been frustrated with the direction by character is taking. But we’ll see where it goes. The show is not over.”

Just like the show's iconic costumes are all about expression and fun, here's hoping Emily in Paris is able to bring some life back into our favorite chef. Because if not, it sounds like we could be nearing the end of the show's most popular would-they-won't-they relationship. Fix this Netflix, I beg you!

What do you think of Lucas Bravo's dilemma? Do you miss season 1 Gabriel? Let us know in the comments and check out the latest Emily in Paris season 5 news.

Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie created reality TV gold when The Simple Life debuted in 2003. Their antics were outlandish, but we couldn't help repeating their iconic phrases like "That's hot" or "Sanasa" during random moments in our own lives.

It's no secret the two didn't really act that way, but their 'characters' left a huge mark on a generation of millennials. "I knew what I was doing but the whole world didn’t, so it was kind of frustrating to me to be perceived in that way because it’s not who I am at all," Paris told People.

Even though she may have felt judged, it seems that Paris Hilton realizes how many people actually loved The Simple Life because she and Nicole Richie are teaming up to film a reunion special that'll debut on Peacock as we speak! Here's everything we know so far!

When did speculations about 'The Simple Life' reboot begin?

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Peacock first shared a video clip on Instagram that hinted something special involving Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie is coming in May. A nostalgic TV set with a black and white screen can be seen while our favorite duo's voices can be hearing saying, "Sanasa, Sanasa."

Peacock captioned the post, "New Era. Same Besties. Coming soon to Peacock," and fans could barely contain their excitement. Even celebs like Naomi Campbell and Katy Perry commented on these hot vibes.

Bravo

Then Paris Hilton took to her own Instagram to share more about what fans could expect. She said, "As some of you may know, we are doing a reunion special to celebrate 20 years of our show The Simple Life and it's been so much fun."

Actress Selma Blair shared how much she's looking forward to this by commenting that she's "living for this."

So are we!

What was 'The Simple Life' about?

The Simple Life/20th Century Fox

The Simple Life showed Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie as they basically traded their wealthy lifestyles for 'everyday' living. Cameras followed them from fast food jobs to dealing with getting out of sticky situations they'd supposedly never experienced. Needless to say, it was hilarious, iconic, and instant reality TV gold.

How long was 'The Simple Life' on air?

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The Simple Life was on air from 2003 to 2007 with five successful seasons. It seemed like it wasn't going to be hit at first, but it defied expectations. By how much you ask?

According to reporting from The Cut, somewhere around 13 million viewers tuned in to watch Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie's oddball take on daily life. That's a pretty huge deal if you ask us!

When will 'Paris & Nicole: The Encore' debut?

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Paris & Nicole: The Encore will premiere on Peacock December 12! The two were previously seen at a Sonic drive-thru yesterday so it can be assumed filming is underway (via People)!

Sporting partial Sonic uniforms, Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie added accent pieces that match their signature flairs. Paris wore a pair of reflective sunglasses, silver sequin heels, and added a pink flip phone to front of her blue apron. Nicole wore gold hoops and a pair of slingback pumps alongside her hotdog mascot costume. That's hot (dog).

How does Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie feel about reuniting for a reunion special?

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Paris Hilton has expressed how much she loves to be sharing the screen with Nicole Richie again. "I'm so excited to be doing this with Nicole on Peacock. Nicole has been my best friend since we're 2 years old, every memory that I have is with her," (via E! News).

Nicole also posted a few throwback moments from The Simple Life on her Instagram, but the most notable one is the video mashup of them singing "Sanasa, Sanasa" over and over. "20 years ago, not only did we become television stars… we became song writers. Happy Anniversary Sill @parishilton#TheSimpleLife#sannnasaaaaa" she wrote in the caption.

What have Paris and Nicole said about their reunion special?

Peacock

Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie sat down with W Magazine to let the world know the Paris & Nicole: The Encore show is on its way! Not only that, but fans can expect to see an Opera version of the show they fell in love with two decades ago. Paris said, "The idea of the opera was unexpected" while Nicole chimed in with, "What people need, even though they don't know it yet, is for 'Sanasa' to be an opera.'"

The two besties came up with the idea via a series of texts that started off as ideas between them. Nicole said everything "came up organically" for the two and we can only imagine the memories this brought up for them. OG influencer Paris even talked about how The Simple Life was an "important show in pop culture history" and we couldn't agree more!

Nicole truly wants people to enjoy themselves while watching Paris & Nicole: The Encore and "find the same joy" she had while filming it. According to Paris, she feels what they have is "magic" because "there's just so much history behind it."

It's not every day that you can get to have fun with your best friend while coming up with long-lasting memories that contribute to pop culture, but Paris and Nicole have always danced to the beat of their own drums. Now we'll get to see them in action again!

Watch The Trailer For 'Paris & Nicole: The Encore'

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Friendsgiving season is coming folks! And if you have one on the books, but have no idea what to cook, we have you covered. From deliciously cheesy veggies to a healthy take on everyone's favorite spuds, we're rounding-up easy recipes to make that won't weigh heavy on your pocketbook. Take a look through to see the yummy ensembles you should be whipping up!

Brit + Co

Drop Biscuits

Because everyone needs a carb to soup all those juicy drippings on your plate. This 'The Final Table' winning recipe does the job.

Brit + Co

Smashed Brussel Sprouts

Not crazy about veggies? These greens will change your mind. Topped with cheese, chives, and a nice crisp topping, they're extra yummy (and keto-friendly!)

Brit + Co

Cacio e Pepe Chickpeas

Sure this one is a bit non-traditional, but your vegetarian friends will love it. Plus they make the perfect topping to nearly any dish (who needs croutons when you have these anyways?!).

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Roasted Broccoli

Puts some greens on your plate with this holy-grail recipe. Trust us: It's sooo easy!

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Instant Pot Butternut Squash Polenta

Dust off the ole' Instant Pot will this delectable fall polenta. Filled with butternut squash and lots of parmesan you (and your besties!) will quickly fall in *love*.

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Roasted Sweet Potato

Just when you thought you knew how to roast sweet potatoes, this recipe came along. And boy are we taking notes!

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Slow Cooker Mulled Wine

Be the friend that brings the booze. This autumn-themed mulled wine drink will warm everyone's spirits.

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Fall Quinoa Salad

If you're designated salad duty, take a twist on it by packing it full-on quinia, pomegranate, and a tangy dressing. Yum!

Brit + Co

Cheesy Pasta Bake

When the temperatures drop, your friends will be extra thankful for this soul-warming, cheesy pasta.

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Spinach + Mushroom Gnocchi Casserole

No time? No worries! This freezer-friendly pasta bake complete with pillowy gnocchi, creamy mushrooms and spinach is super easy to create ahead of time, without taking away from any day-of deliciousness.

Brit + Co

Cheddar, Jalapeno, and Chive Biscuits

Upgrade your biscuits with "addicting" flavors of cheddar, chives, and jalapeños. Pro tip: Double the batch to ensure you have more than one for everyone!

Brit + Co

Keto Cheese Ball

Your hostess will thank you extra for showing up with an app to tide guests over until the main meal is served. Packed with yummy baked potato fixings, it's got an extra "kick" to make it comparable to store bought options. Plus it's keto-friendly... you can't go wrong with that!

Brit + Co

Cheesy Keto Asparagus

Keep the keto ideas coming, am I right?! Make this popular Pinterest vegetable dish loaded with garlic and extra cheese. Yes please!

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Yogurt Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes

Pack a 'lil extra protein into your mashed spuds (with the bonus of making them extra creamy!). Who knew yogurt would soon become your go-to secret ingredient?

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Pumpkin Spice Toffee

And let's not forget about the sweets! Make a batch of this pumpkin spice-flavored treat as a great take-home option for overstuffed guests! (Just be sure to save some extra for yourself!)

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This post has been updated.