As I mentioned earlier, I spent the past weekend indulging with my Southern lover. I’m a firm believer that change is the best medicine–whether its routine, habit…or even skyline.

Nashville photo diary below. If any of you ever make the trip, check out my top 5 old haunts, and top 5 new favorites. Happy, happy Friday, ya’ll.

Old Haunts:

• For a honky-tonkin’ good time: Rippy’s Bar & Grill
• For impeccable drinks and a trendy atmosphere: The Patterson House
• For a daily rotating, locally sourced menu in one of my favorite neighborhoods: Margot Cafe
• For the best meat + three in town: Arnold’s Country Kitchen
• For Southern brunch and a plantation tour: Harding House @ The Belle Meade Plantation

New (to me!) Faves:

• For an adult Chuck E. Cheese (think Brooklyn Bowl, in the South): Pinewood Social
• For killer Italian food: City House
• For a chic take on Southern/American classics: Lockeland Table
• For live jazz while you dine: F.Scott’s
• For burgers al fresco: The Pharmacy

Skyline from across the Cumberland River

Bloody Marys at The Southern

Chocolate chip pancakes at Rumours East Food + Wine

Under the bridge

Nashville’s version of a bottomless brunch: all you can eat crawfish & beer

Perfectly juicy steak at Lockeland Table