Are you heading to Nashville this weekend for the Taylor Swift Eras tour?? Wondering what to do in Nash for the Eras Tour?? As a Tennessee native and recent Nashville resident, I am finding it is DIFFICULT to get into those touristy places for this weekend. To help my fellow Swifties out, I’ve compiled a list of some food, coffee, activities, and bar options if you are like me and waited too late to make reservations. Since Taylor’s music career started in Nashville, you can expect the city to be taken over by all things Blondie all weekend long. Some highlights include checking out the open house at The Bluebird Cafe (where Taylor was discovered), grabbing tickets to the Taylor Swift Exhibit at The Country Music Hall of Fame, and walking around Centennial Park (green was the color of the grass…).
Most reservations are all booked up, so I recommend grabbing and early dinner before the concert at a food hall such as Assembly Food Hall on Broadway, or trying out the food at the Honky Tonks on Broadway (the food is actually pretty good!) For breakfast, hit up coffee shops and counter service restaurants for higher chances of getting food for a decent price. Cafes with multiple locations such as Frothy Monkey, Red Bicycle, and Hearts will provide you with a better chance to get in! If you want the full Swiftie experience, checkout Taylor’s faves such as Pancake Pantry and Fido in Hillsboro Village.
If you’re looking for a pre or post drink, I highly suggest getting to Broadway early and strolling along until you reach the stadium. Traffic will be horrific, so opting for bars on Broadway will allow you to de-stress and arrive to the concert at your leisure. Many restaurants and bars near the Pedestrian Bridge (such as Moxy) will also have Tay-themed pop-up cocktails and appetizers. If you have any energy left after the show, head back to Broadway to see the Taylor Swift themed dance parties listed here.
If you want to avoid the majority of the Taylor crowds, I suggest staying around East Nashville. You’ll have a higher chance of getting into the cocktail bars and restaurants here, and also experience a unique side to Nashville. Bars like Rosemary Beauty Queen, Attaboy, and Pearl Diver are eclectic experiences that you don’t want to miss! The restaurants on this end of town are also supreme and most don’t need reservations- may I suggest Rosepepper and Redheaded Stranger for Mexican; Van Gogh Wine Bar for apps and higher end finger foods, and Emmy Squared for Detroit-style pizza.
If you just want a casual weekend to prepare and recoup from the concert, I recommend walking around the shopping areas of 12 South, The Gulch, Hillsboro Village, and East Nashville (drive around until something peaks your interest!). Avoid the Broadway scene and stroll at your leisure.
Enjoy your Swiftie weekend Nashville!! Cannot wait to experience the Eras tour with you!!
xoxo,
Madison
