Loews Hotel Magazine Spring/Summer 2015 | Page 25

Country Dreaming

Nashville’s on the radar for travelers searching for culinary stars, hip boutiques
and, of course, top tunes.
Rolf and Daughters

Loews Vanderbilt Hotel

Imogene + Willie

Loews Vanderbilt Hotel
Country dreams meet reality in this spectacular city where Southern hospitality turns
visitors into friends and friends into family. While choosing to visit Nashville is easy,
all the outstanding options for how to spend your time in the city can be overwhelming. Fortunately, Emily Sledge, VIP and concierge manager at Loews Vanderbilt
Hotel, has plenty of recommendations and insider knowledge of Music City.

ROLF AND DAUGHTERS PHOTO BY ANDREA BEHRENDS;
RUCKER PHOTO BY CHRIS HOLLO, ©2014 GRAND OLE OPRY

Darius Rucker performing at the
Grand Ole Opry House

Eat: From haute cuisine to hometown favorites, Nashville’s food scene is
a diverse culinary adventure. “Our food
scene is blowing up,” Sledge says. “There
are so many amazing choices and we love
to send our guests to the places we love to
go to as locals.”
For an authentic taste of Nashville,
Sledge suggests a trip to Hattie B’s.
“Lots of people think of barbecue when
they think of Nashville, but that’s more
of a Memphis meal,” she explains. “In
Nashville, if you want to eat like a local
you have to try the hot chicken—and
Hattie B’s is the best.”
Another favorite with residents and
tourists alike is Rolf and Daughters,
famous for its collection of Italian
specialties served up with a little
Southern flair. “It can be difficult to
get a table there,” Sledge says of the

popular restaurant, named one of
the country’s best by Bon Appétit in
2013. “Luckily, we have a great rapport with them so we can help make
sure our guests are accommodated.”
Shop: Traditionally known for its
world-famous music scene and hearty
Southern cuisine, Nashville also has some
of the coolest shopping in the region. The
city’s 12 South neighborhood is ahead
of trends with its charming boutiques,
cafes and restaurants. Here, you’ll find
White’s Mercantile, which Sledge says
is essentially a modern-day general store
filled with everything from hostess gifts
to baby items to jewelry, with one room
devoted to locally made products. “Also,
the aesthetics are incredible—it resides in
an old gas station turned boutique,” she
describes. Plus, the parking lot is a popular stop for food trucks.

Also in the 12 South neighborhood is
Imogene + Willie, specializing in handcrafted denim. “They also sell the amazing Warby Parker sunglasses line in the
same boutique,” Sledge adds.
Just a short drive south in the Green
Hills area of Nashville, Hill Center is a
great choice for one-stop shopping, with
big brands alongside local boutiques.
“Each of the local stores carry various
brands and the products are the perfect
go-to for a date night, girls night out or a
special occasion,” Sledge says.
Play: Nashville’s venues for great
music are seemingly endless. This year,
the Grand Ole Opry celebrates its 90th
anniversary with a nine-month celebration that concludes with a big birthday
bash in October. The Grand Ole Opry
House has remained a frequent stop on
both local musicians and industry superstars for decades. Sledge reminds guests,
“There are lots of music bars and cafes
in Nashville where you can drop in to
hear a set. In some cases, though, like the
Bluebird Café, first-come, first-served
seating fills up quickly so you may prefer
to have us help you make a reservation.” L

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