Unpack your baggage and then pack your bags!
There are about a million things to be grateful for in recovery. One of the most unexpected things that happened was the amazing humans that came into my life that otherwise wouldn’t have. Many, and I’m quite confident in this, are and will be friendships of a lifetime. They are my “ride or die” peeps, whether I talk to them weekly, monthly, or only every once in a while. If you’re in recovery, then you already know what I’m talking about. People in recovery speak a different language than “normal” people. Finding “your people” is a life-changing experience. Traveling with them is the frosting on top of the sober cake.
In June of 2018, a friend at work turned me on to the TV show Nashville. Coming off of a weekend Netflix binge of the show, I texted two of my sober besties and randomly asked, “Hey, what do you think about a sober girls’ trip to Nashville?” Within minutes, they both replied back yes with enthusiasm. I had already started a Pinterest board and was eyeing a pair of cowgirl boots on eBay. Not only that, but I’d also identified the perfect weekend in September when there was a deal on flights with Alaska and had started a favorites list on AirBnB. NashVegas, here we come!
Pro Tip #1:
Find a super cute Airbnb and live like a local. At the Blooming Cactus in East Nashville, you can mix mocktails at the mid-century modern drinks cabinet before playing ladder golf or cornhole outback. This roomy, welcoming 1940s residence features three bedrooms, wood and wicker accents, and inviting, colorful textiles. Upon arrival, we immediately filled the fridge with healthy snacks and a variety of flavored sparkling waters and looked for 12-step meetings that were close by. (Fun fact: I fell in love with their dining room rug and got one for my house from Wayfair the moment I got home)
Pro Tip #2:
Pack good footwear! These boots were meant for walkin’, and that’s just what you’re going to do…and a lot of it! A gal needs options, am I right? I’ll be the first to admit I’m an over-packer. As I get older, I’m getting a little bit better. Let’s just apply the infamous “progress, not perfection” quote to this challenge in my life. Some people suffer from FOMO, but I suffer from FOMMY (fear of missing my things). My dad rolls his eyes when I insist that I need two pairs of shoes per day for when I travel.
Pro Tip #3:
On our very first night in Nashville, we headed downtown in our rental car to take in all of the sights (and apparently also the smells) of downtown Nashville’s “Music Row.” There are many dining options, and depending on what time you head out, it’s probably best to make reservations ahead of time. We selected M Restaurant & Bar, and it did not disappoint. After dining, we enjoyed popping into some shops before checking out the live music at The Stage on Broadway and the Tin Roof.
Pro Tip #4:
Go hunting for street art and murals. Some people hunt animals; I hunt street art. My parents will tell you I was born with a phone in my hand. And while they’re not wrong, I’m pretty sure my other hand was holding a camera. I love taking pictures. From the mid-90s to the mid-00s, I was obsessed with scrapbooking. While I may be a very creative person, I am not artsy. Crafty, sure. Artsy, no. I wish I could draw cool illustrations or paint dope ass murals, but it’s just not a skill that comes easily to me. I will photograph the hell out of street art and at museums, though.
You will not be disappointed with Nashville’s street art and mural scene. It. Is. Everywhere. The neighborhoods you must not miss include Music Row downtown on Broadway, The Gulch, Hillsboro Village, 12 South, and East Nashville. Don’t take my word for it. Make sure to check out this article by Wayfaring Views on the 29 Murals in Nashville that will blow your mind.
Pro Tip #5:
Go shopping for treasures in 12 South. I never met a gift shop I didn’t like. I’m pretty sure I’ve mentioned in another post that if shopping was an Olympic sport, I would medal in it. My original intention for heading to the 12 South neighborhood was to check out Reese Witherspoon’s brick-and-mortar shop, Draper James. As tempting as the “What would Dolly do?” merchandise was, I left that store empty-handed. The stores that I did fall in love with included Imogine & Willie, Wags & Whiskers, and White’s Mercantile. Make sure to include a stop at Frothy Monkey if you need a caffeine pick-me-up. All that shopping is sure to work up an appetite. If you haven’t already, now would be the time to get your BBQ, and I recommend a lunch stop at Edley’s BBQ. Brisket and banana pudding for the win!
Pro Tip #6:
More shopping! Head to the Gulch! The Gulch is a dynamic community in the heart of Nashville. Conveniently located on the southwest border of Nashville’s Central Business District just two blocks from Music City Center, the vibrant urban development and redevelopment is home to the very best in urban living, office, retail, restaurant, entertainment venues, and hospitality. Some of my favorite shops in this hood included Two Old Hippies, Uncommon James (you might spot owner Kristin Cavallari if you’re lucky), Lucchese, and Carter Vintage Guitars.
Pro Tip #7:
Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame Museum. The museum seeks to collect, preserve, and interpret country music’s evolving history and traditions. Through exhibits, publications, and educational programs, the museum teaches its diverse audiences about country music’s enduring beauty and cultural importance. I promise you the costumes will be sparkly and worth the visit. Make sure to check out the Hatch Show Print letterpress shop on the main floor just down the hall from the gift shop. (because you’re going to want to check that out, too, ahem!)
Pro Tip #8:
Treat yourself to a little something sweet! Reward yourself for not drinking on your vacation. Love baked goods? I recommend Baked on the 8th, and I promise you nothing here will cause you to restart your day count. Not only is the name clever, but the variety of cakes, cookies, homemade pop tarts, and cinnamon rolls will delight your taste buds.
Hankering for a biscuit? Biscuit Love is a family business born in the South that serves breakfast, lunch, and brunch. They offer you the very best experience from the moment you wait in line until you’ve eaten every last crumb of your biscuit. And trust me, there will be a line. We hit up the location in the Gulch, but you’ll also find two more locations in downtown Franklin and Hillsboro Village (not too far from 12 South).
Pro Tip #9:
Keep on shopping! Make sure to check out East Nashville for unique art galleries, antiques, and gift shops. Marathon Village is a piece of Nashville’s history. The village has come a long way since renovations started in the late 80s, and many amazing businesses call it home, including Corsair, William Collier’s, The Bang Candy Company, and Antique Archaeology.
Pro tip #10:
One of the true highlights of this trip was booking a night at the Song Suffragettes – let the girls play! A female-only singer-songwriter showcase performs every Monday night at the Listening Room at 6 pm. It’s a $10 cover and a $15 minimum food/beverage spend. Trust me, a few diet cokes and a basket of fried pickles, and you’ll meet that minimum in no time. That night my ears and eyes were introduced for the first time to Honey Country, Gracie Schram, Sarah Darling, and Kalie Shorr and they all stole my heart.
Pro Tip #11:
You can, and you will stay sober in Nashville! Go with sober friends or peeps you trust, and make a plan. You don’t have to plan out every minute of every day. Just make sure everyone communicates an exit strategy if any environment you’re in becomes too much. Stock up on healthy snacks and flavored waters. Make sure to carry your own stainless steel water bottle and make an effort to refill it so you’re never stuck without a drink. Rest when you need to. Take lots of photos, and be sure to message me if you find a cool spot I missed that you think we should check out the next time we visit.
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