A Day in The Nations
Blink, and you almost won't recognize the Nations. The new revitalized area whose lifeline is 51st Avenue, is now home to a bevy of new stores, coffee shops, bars and restaurants. The area still has a desolation about it, not in a bad way, just in a sleepy, undiscovered way, which we love.
The day we found Three Corners Coffee (not to be confused with Three Brothers Coffee on West End), was super cold, and we were more than happy to discover this gem, warm with bulky vintage tables for sitting and sipping and without the hubbub of waiting lines and frenetic activity. It's a sister store to Wierd Stuff Cool things on Charlotte Pike (the store with the life-size Elvis on the sidewalk), and has the same great vibe. And, they carry cinnamon rolls, croissants and brioche from Brightside Bake Shop. Heaven.
There is no shortage of coffee in The Nations--up a couple blocks situated predominantly at the end of 51st Avenue is the newest Frothy Monkey, gorgeous and inviting, with a full menu of breakfast and lunch items. At just over 3500 Sq ft, it is about twice the size of the 12 South Frothy and has 150 seats. The space has a mix of seating including tables, booths, bar stools, community tables, and private dining. And there's a bar for night time. Something for everyone.
Then, practically under the nose of Lee Estes, you'll find White Bison Coffee. The specalty coffee shop and cafe centers around its name sake, the Native American symbol signifying something rare and unique, abundance, fortitude, and longevity.
Just across the street from White Bison, you will find Nashville's favorite late night bites, Daddy's Dogs. With several hot dog carts around town, serving late nights on the weekend (9 PM to 2:30 AM), Daddy's Dogs new location in the Nations brings the same great taste to the west side seven days a week. Easy to distinguish, the bright yellow renovated vintage gas station has a classic sort of drive-in feel.
Around the corner is the 51 Street Market and Deli, which offers great tacos and burritos, but also sandwiches such as the Beta Feta, a breakfast sandwich with egg, avocado, tomato, feta cheese on a bagel. Unbelievably good! It used to be the old Savemore Super Market but has been remade into an inviting market with its ethnic and working class roots intact. It has the feel of a taqueria, a deli, and a convenience store all at once. If you're in a rush for lunch or need to pick up some chips and a drink, this is your place. Across the street from the market is ModMan Guitars, which repairs and sells guitars, and after all who in Nashville isn't a musician or knows a musician. If you want a custom guitar check them out.
Up closer to Charlotte Pike on 51st is Tinwings, one of our favorite take-out food shops and one of the original Nations occupant (going on 3 years now). Their motto is, "we cook so you don't have to." Their pimeiento cheese and fresh baked bread are second to none and if you havent tried their bacon jam, you must. Zip in, pull something (chicken enchilada casserole maybe) from the cooler, and bam you have dinner.
Next to them in the newly completed building is the adorable and cozy Host Us House, next door to 51st North Taproom. It was recently opened by two friends, Caitlin O'Connell and Trina Estepp. Their intimate shop carries everything from herbs, to pottery to candles to jewelry, in other words something for everyone. They focus on local products and items with an affordable price point. They day we went in, Caitlin, son Joseph, and family friend, Amy, were huddled behind the register and super enthusiastic and accommodating about everything in the store.
51st North Taproom has a surprisingly varied menu qualifying it as a real restaurant. And in a town known for local brews, their draught selection is worldly and unexpected, which is a bit refreshing.
Not to be confused with 51st North Taproom, 51st Kitchen & Bar is just down the street. American dining with southern roots, 51st kitchen is a place to gather with family and celebrate. For 51st Kitchen, the term "family" extends to the whole neighborhood, including the four-legged members (their expanded outdoor bar is dog friendly).
For those in the neighborhood looking to change up their lunch routine, Foodtruck City hosts rotating foodtrucks for lunch Tuesday - Thursday and lunch through dinner Friday - Sunday. The food options in this area are endless.
After you've eaten and shopped yourself to death, it's time to sweat it off at Studio 51st, a fitness studio where you can do yoga, pilates, spinning or dance. Also located on 51st avenue, obviously its a full service studio with a great vibe.
Whooo! What a day. After a venture through this lively neighborhood, you're surely ready for some R&R. Let us introduce you to Tiffany of Pennington's on 51st. Aveda trained stylist and blonde specalist, Tiffany welcomes all to come as a guest and leave as a friend. This salon offers the Nations neighboorhood a real treat. A first class experience right in the heart of the Nations. Tiffany serves complimentary spirits and coffee to accompany a wide range of services geard towards leavign their new found friends refreshed and relaxed.
Now that you've ate, drank, shopped, exercised, and your hair looks fantastic, what more could you possibly want out of a day in the Nations? Let's be crafty. Craft Love DIY Workshop has added a Nations location (they are also in Franklin and Chattanooga). It is essentially sip and paint with powertools. Join one of their instructor-led classes tackling anything from wood art wall signs to cornhole boards, to pillows and more! Or, you can host your own party. The possibilites are endless.
As aforementioned, the coffee options in the Nations abound. But that isn't all. You don't have to travel to Lynchburg to visit a distillery. Pennington Distilling Co, produces essential Nashville spirits such as Whisper Creek, Tennessee Sipping Cream, Pickers Vodka, Pennington’s Flavored Rye Whiskeys, Crafted Cordials, Davidson Reserve Fine Whiskey, and others. And just up the street, visit Fat Bottom Brewing. Taste the beer that makes the drinkin' world go round at Fat Bottom's bier garden and restaurant, Hop Yard. Or take a tour of the brewery. They also have an event space, The Reserve, available for private events. And be on the lookout for their latest addition, The Nations' Tiniest Beer Store.
Where coffee and beer flow like milk and honey, it's no wonder the Nations is home to several neighborhood bars like The Centennial and The Nations Bar and Grill. The Centennial proudly proclaims itself as "an upscale dive bar." Easily recognizable with its mural of Patrick Swayze from the movie Point Break, the restaurant features trivia nights, Thursday night sliders, and taco Tuesdays––a good place to meet up with your buddies and watch a game. Visit The Nations Bar and Grill for some wild shooters and gumbo that will have you eating by the bucketful. Both make for excelent after-work hangouts.
The common denominator of all the places in The Nations is their commitment to neighborhood. They're in line to be the new Cheers, where everyone knows your name. We'll drink to that.
