Girls Trip to Nashville: Best Weekend Ever

When my girlfriends and I decided on a Nashville trip, I knew we were in for a good time—but I didn’t realize just how much this city would steal my heart again. This was my 4th trip there in 2 years. Each trip I discovered something new. Between the live music, rooftop bars, southern food, and all the cowboy-boot energy, it was the perfect backdrop for a girl’s getaway. Here’s the scoop from our recent trip—where we stayed, what we did, and what I’ll definitely pack (and wear!) next time.

Where We Stayed

We went back and forth on VRBO vs. hotel—the great debate. I’ve done both and they were both great ways to stay.  With a group of us we stayed at a VRBO short term rental because we could hang out having coffee in the morning at the kitchen table and gather around the fire pit outside at the end of the night. The price per person was reasonable when you split the cost of a VRBO property. This property was in Franklin and just a 20 minute drive from Broadway (Honky Tonk Central). It also came with a black car option to pick us up from the airport and drive us around. The best part was it was nestled in the woods and the deer came for a visit every night. A nice mix of country charm and we explored the town of Franklin as well as Nashville. We all fell in love immediately with the small town feel and beautiful houses. Here is the Instagram page of where we stayed and tell Sherral Monica from Instigator of Fun referred you. You can also book on VRBO. https://www.instagram.com/deerridge_lodge_airbnb?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

When there are only a few people in your group or there are multiple couples wanting their privacy that a hotel room can provide: a hotel downtown may be a better pick.  I’ve also stayed downtown, and a downtown hotel will allow you to stumble home from Broadway without waiting for an Uber. The money you spend on ride shares adds up and needs to be considered when you are making your decision as where to stay. 

If you’re with a big crew and want more hangout space, a VRBO is awesome. But if you’re all about location and convenience, stay downtown—you’ll thank yourself later. Contact me here at this link and I can help you book the perfect stay at either a VRBO property or a hotel smack down in the middle of Broadway. Contact | Instigator of Fun

The Bars We Loved

Let’s be real—Nashville nightlife was the main event. Broadway is basically one big block party with live music spilling out of every door. Our favorites:

  • Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge – Classic Nashville vibes, and yes, it’s purple.
  • Morgan Wallen’s – We danced under the stars, and it felt like a movie.
  • The Twelve Thirty Club – Chic and upscale, perfect for a fancier night out or Sunday brunch.
  • Kid Rock’s– A rock and roll stage show has high energy and can be viewed from several floors.
  • Printer’s Alley– a literal alley between 3rd and 4th st a few streets over from Broadway with small bars with live music with a speak easy/ basement pub/ New Orleans vibe. 
  • Loosers and Riley Green’s The Duck Blind on Division Street. Here you will find a mix of college students from Vanderbilt University and the locals on the weekend. There is a cool vibe with great music from the up-and-coming artists on the Nashville scene. My favorite artist at Loosers is still @chrisamusicofficial  https://www.instagram.com/chrisamusicofficial?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==Chris Andreucci ��check out his original music here. ��  https://open.spotify.com/artist/4LZi4A4tswPptC1qZ9FA1q?si=fkn9qmZ2Rdu2PyrHs9aUaw       @Loosersmidtown                      https://www.losersmidtown.com/?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwMaZs5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp4tMh-gdgG6yPror-pL5XEsds-6zjKMQa1tQlwJOfI2IPnWeRkrfwcdzwfhn_aem_u8-CxRSFm34LP1FRBQnr7g  I discovered him on trip #2 and fell in love with his Scottish accent and ability to sing 90’s country better than the original recording artist. You never know who the next artist will be to make it big out of Nashville. This dive bar is the spot that famous artists like to stop by and play. It is not uncommon for a music star to drop in from Snoop Dog to Morgan Wallen. 

Pro tip: Pace yourself. Broadway has a way of sneaking up on you.

More Than Just Bars

I’ll admit—we thought we’d spend all our time barhopping, but there’s so much more to Nashville.

It was the perfect balance to all the Broadway madness.

What We Wore

Packing for Nashville was half the fun. During the day, we kept it simple—flowy dresses, denim shorts, cute tops and rompers. At night? Out came the sparkle. Sequins, fringe jackets, and boots everywhere.

Here are some ideas of what to wear while you are in Nashville. These links are from my store front on Amazon. If you don’t see exactly what matches your style you can shop on Amazon once you click the link. But I do dare you to wear something outside of your comfort zone. I promise you will fit right in with the Nashville scene with any of my recommendations.

Hat box link on Amazon is a must when you are bringing more than 1 hat. https://a.co/d/hknDUYq

Flowy shorts https://a.co/d/7fWNjQY

Denim romper https://a.co/d/5cEaIfD

Denim romper https://a.co/d/67eZfob

Tan boots https://a.co/d/fmIsspn

Straw cowboy hat https://a.co/d/fRQMRV9Jewelry

Jewelry Nashville https://amzn.to/4lB3W7e

Nash Trucker hat https://a.co/d/8nGQkJN

Concho belt https://a.co/d/4TFrJ0w

Not my first rodeo tank top https://a.co/d/flcpIjP

Halter top  https://a.co/d/ggoZhMa

Faux suede leather jacket https://a.co/d/cgu1vWR

Denim fringe jacket https://a.co/d/dGQxQ7S

And let me tell you—boots are basically the Nashville uniform. I wore mine every night, and not only did they look cute, they saved my feet from the cobblestone sidewalks. Highly recommend.

What I’ll Always Pack for a Girls’ Trip

A few things saved us (and our sanity): Shop here on my Amazon Store Front.

  • Portable phone chargers (we used them every night). Here is a link for a small charger that will fit in a tiny bag.  https://a.co/d/bf6TsUp
  • Cross body bags are a must. You need a place to keep your phone, charger, lip gloss and wallet. https://a.co/d/eRIZ1es
  • Boot Wallet So many girls had these little wallets that clipped inside their boot. Skip the hassle of carrying a purse. https://a.co/d/bq3dhpX
  • Blister Band-Aids (boots are cute, but they don’t play nice after hours of dancing). you will be everyone’s hero when you whip one of these out of your purse. https://a.co/d/fGP07IH
  • Electrolyte packets (life-saving in the morning). https://a.co/d/89E6B8k

Final Thoughts

Our Nashville trip was everything I wanted in a girls’ getaway—late nights, too much laughter, good food, and stories we’ll be telling for years. Whether you’re hopping between honky-tonks, eating a late night corndog of the Skeet Skeet food cart, or just strutting down Broadway in your sequin fringe boots, Nashville has a way of making you feel like the main character.

And honestly? I’m already planning my next trip back. If you need help planning your next trip there.. Please let me know. I would be happy to help. 

-Monica 

The Instigator of Fun