A Guide to Nashville's 12 South neighborhood

When I lived in Nashville, Tennessee one of my go-to way to spend a lazy Sunday was to drive to the 12 South neighborhood and explore. 

My first stop on 12th avenue was always the same: coffee at Frothy Monkey. If I had time or it wasn’t too crowded (which is rare on a weekend) I’d sit down for a bagel or other brunch item. I’d head out, iced latte in hand, to explore the stores I knew I couldn’t afford. Window shopping is one of my favorite ways to “get in my steps” so why not pretend to be a tourist while I was at it? My favorite shops to pop in were Draper James and White’s Mercantile. After I finished listening to my podcast and counting bachelorette parties, I made my way back home filled with a little more of that Music City magic. 

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If a trip to Nashville is on your horizon, make sure to pencil in a day in 12 South. Below are my recommendations of what to see, eat and shop! Have fun! 

Where to eat 

• BBQ at Edley’s 

• Brunch at The Buttermilk Ranch

• Cereal at Wanna Spoon Cereal Bar

• Donuts at Five Daughters Bakery

• Ice cream at Jenni’s 

• Mix of everything at The Henry

• Tacos at LadyBird Taco

…and drink

• Have a coffee from Frothy Monkey 

• Grab a beer at 12 South Taproom 

• Sit down for wine and snacks at Postino Wine Cafe

Where to shop for clothing

• For the classic queen - Jenni Kayne

• For the boutique chic - Molly Green

• For the guys - Buck Mason

• For the Southern Belle - Draper James

…and more!

• For home goods - White’s Mercantile 

• For locally made items - Made in TN

• For Nashville themed memorabilia - Finleys

• For travel accessories - Stoney Clover 

• For unique trinkets - Serendipity

• For vintage finds - Savant Vintage

Where to take a photo

• Blue and White Stripes - on the side of Draper James

• I Believe in Nashville - across from the Blue and White Stripes 

• Nashville Looks Good on You - behind Frothy Monkey 

• Looking Pretty Music City - on the side of Madewell 

• Flower Wall - on the side of UAL

• Make Music not War - across from flower mural 

What to do

• Custom jewelry at Judith Bright 

• Floral arranging with Amelia’s Flower Truck   

• Take a picnic or book to Sevier Park 

For more details on what to do in Nashville, check out my Google Map under the "Maps" tab for all the hot spots and the directions to get you there!