Welcome to Nashville, y'all.
As a 4-year Nashville local (still working on that hot chicken threshold), when I want to explore the town, I like to find places that maybe aren't the craziest tourist attractions. Ya know, because lines and people. As a college student, I also like to explore on a budget. (Fabric and Adobe subscriptions don't buy themselves!) Keeping these two things in mind, I've planned an incredible GDO (girls day out!) that takes advantage of what makes Nashville Nashville and (mostly) skips the crowds, traffic, and price tag.
The fashion major in me doesn't allow me to arrive anywhere without looking at least seemingly put together. If your outfit is a gift, then accessories are the bow on top. (Sometimes literally. Get it? Bows?) And, of course, my favorite accessories are from Banded! With so many beautiful products in the new Spring collections (hello, Golden Gingko Diamond Bandana) it's probably impossible to choose what your staycation (or destination vacation) staples would be. See some of mine below!
First on the agenda is coffee and brunch at Liberty Common, located on 1st Avenue. Talk about starting at square one! This little spot is delicious, aesthetic, and most importantly, extremely Instagrammable. The beautiful tiled and wallpapered walls and Parisian patio style seating are a combination to be admired. Not to mention, it boasts the cutest little turquoise patio bar. As for ordering, I suggest the mocha latte and fried chicken biscuit (I told y'all, keeping it Nashville). As for styling, I suggest going for a more chic and put together look. Here are a couple of ways I styled my oversized blazer look using the Tokyo Time Fabric Headband, Leopard Noir Scrunchie Bandana, and Cuban Candy Stud Embellished Tie:
With your latte in tow, let's go take a stroll over the Pedestrian Bridge! (Or more formally, the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge or Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge.) This very long bridge spans the Cumberland River and connects 2nd Avenue to LP field. This bridge easily harbors some of the best views of the city, and you get bonus points if you go at night; the lights are beautiful! The Cumberland is a view in its own, and if it's a pretty day, you'll see an array of barges and tourist boats. For this windy walk, I wanted to go for a more casual outfit: light wash jeans, an unassuming white tee, and my favorite Golden Gingko Diamond Bandana. The diamond bandana can be styled SO many different ways, (think: headband, hair scarf, ponytail, belt, etc!) and here are just a couple of ways it can be worn best to pick up that subtle wind on the Cumberland:
After your midday walk, it's time to do a little more walking (seriously, Nashville will whip you into shape) at the Nashville Farmers' Market, located at 900 Rosa L Parks Blvd, Nashville, TN 37208. This cute spot is a mixture of fresh produce, a foodcourt/food trucks, local handmade goods, thrifted items, and a gardening center. There truly is something for everyone at the Farmers' Market! They even host Night Market on the third Friday of each month featuring live music and cocktails. (We see a GNO in our future!) Grab a quick bite while you're here, (I hear the pizza is simply the best) and slow down and smell the roses (literally!) at the garden center, heavenly named the Gardens of Babylon. For a trip over to check out the foliage, I opted for a more comfortable look, sporting denim, an oversized button up (more denim, *cue Demi Lovato's 'Sorry Not Sorry'*), my trusty Adidas, and the Havana Nights Diamond Bandana. This bandana worn as a headband seriously gave me the green thumb vote of confidence I needed to peruse the palms, succulents, and mini pineapples as if I belonged there. And, how much more on-trend can you get than the Toucan Tango Scrunchie Pack that exactly matches those cute little cacti?
Our last stop is one that really is all-inclusive. It's the great, the vast, the infamous: 12th Avenue South. A whole avenue? Really? Well, you must not be from around these parts. We have lots of 'must sees' that are entire streets, avenues, and boulevards! (Honky Tonk highway, anyone?) 12th South is home to some of the cutest storefronts, best bites, sweetest deserts, and most Instagram-worthy wall murals. For dinner, we opted for a quick bite (or maybe not-so-quick depending on the time of day; it's a local favorite) at Bartaco. This is a unique little taco spot sporting South American-Mexican fusion food. The patio is absolutely perfect for people (and pup!) watching. See below: the exuberance of spotting a *baby voice* verygoodlittlesweetbabypuppy. (Wearing Monaco Umbrellas Twist Headwrap, Disco Darlin' Bow Embellished Tie, and Tropic Like It's Hot Narrow Hair Tie)
A lot of store fronts on 12th Avenue cater to pets by providing water bowls along the entrance (Bartaco included!) so bring that verygoodlittlesweetbabypuppy, because they deserve a GDO, too!
Favorites from the menu include the portobello taco and grilled corn, but seriously, I would've eaten anything. It's all that good. For our 12th South foray, I knew I would need to throw my hair up for maximum taco enjoyment, so I stacked on some scrunchies. Is there actually a better combination than scrunchies and tacos, though? (#ScrunchieTaco, trademark pending). Pictured is the Chunari Craze Scrunchie Pack.
After you've fueled up on street corn, stroll the avenue to find favorite boutiques like Draper James and Imogene + Willie. For dessert, check out Five Daughters Bakery and Jenni's Splendid Ice Creams (you can't go wrong with the pistachio and honey). Both are sure to satisfy that craving for sugar and bring out your inner Instagram foodie. There are plenty of photo ops to be had including the Draper James striped wall (wearing Monte Carlo Bobby Pins and Disco Darlin' Bow Embellished Tie):
Other wall murals on 12th you can find are the (one of several) "I Believe in Nashville" wall (opposite of Draper James's wall!), the Nashville at Heart Rainbow mural, the Flowers mural on the side of Green Pea Salon, and the Make Music Not War mural on the side of Epice, across from Green Pea. This area truly is a whole afternoon's worth of on-foot adventure, so wear comfy shoes (again, shout-out to Adidas).
So, what are your go-to locations to visit for a day in Music City? And what about your go-to Banded accessories?? We'd love to see how you style your pieces! Tag us on Instagram and use the hashtag #banded2gether to show us your perfect GDO in Nashville!
Happy Exploring!
Amanda, The Intern