Nashville's 12South neighborhood has emerged as a trendy destination for food, drink, shopping and nightlife. Once blighted, it is now home to beautifully restored historic homes and a variety of boutique shops, cafes and restaurants serving local fare. The neighborhood offers an eclectic mix of experiences within walking distance, from gourmet ice cream and barbecue to craft cocktails and live music.

1. Nashville is one of the fastest-growing
cities in the US, expanding far beyond just
a destination for country music lovers.
These days it’s gaining a reputation
among the most elite of foodies, with daily
announcementsofcoolnewdevelopments
and accolades handed to its hottest
restaurants.Allofthisprogresshasbrought
resurgence — and leading the charge is the
trendy 12South neighbourhood.
Just a few years ago a blighted part of
town that locals avoided, 12South has now
emerged as one of the places to be seen in
Nashville. Beautifully restored homes,
chic boutiques and a wide array of dining
options are all within walking distance
and allow for afternoons filled with a
plethora of possibilities — making it truly
the perfect one-stop destination to live,
eat, drink, shop and play.
EAT
Nashville residents pride themselves on
supporting local business, so you
absolutely won’t see any familiar chains
in this neighbourhood. Start your day by
grabbing an icicle treat at Las Paletas,
a gourmet popsicle shop. Opt for an
adventurous flavour such as its famous
Hot Chocolate — a combination of creamy
chocolate with a kick of chilli.
For lunch, try Edley’s Bar-B-Que for an
authentic southern meal complete with
all the ‘fixins’ — homemade sides such as
baked beans, slaw, mac and cheese, and
cornbread. In particular, don’t miss the
barbeque nachos with brisket and fried
pickles, and the smoked wings.
Dinner reservations are a necessity at
Josephine, one of Nashville’s newest
hotspots. Pioneered by local restaurateur
Miranda Whitcomb Pontes of Burger Up
fame (her well-revered burger restaurant
just down the street), Josephine’s new-
American cuisine, hip atmosphere and top-
notch service have already elevated it to
every local foodie’s favourite list. A must-
try is the skillet of pretzel rolls with mustard
butter, and you can’t go wrong with any one
of its inventive vegetable sides or main
dishes. Its cocktails are pretty good, too.
You won’t have to go far for dessert — just
walk next door to Jeni’s Splendid Ice
Creams.Remarkableflavoursincludegoat’s
cheese with cherry, and brown-butter
almond brittle. Even its classic ‘Milkiest
Chocolate in the World’ is exceptional.
DRINK
One can’t visit Nashville without trying a
Bushwacker. This alcoholic milkshake-like
beverage can be found at various spots
throughout the city, but is particularly good
(and strong) at previously mentioned
Edley’s Bar-B-Que. Mosey across the street
to Frothy Monkey, and there’s a good
chance you will bump shoulders with a
famous musician while enjoying one of the
best lattes in town. Hit Mafioza’s Pizzeria
and Neighborhood Pub to indulge in a ▶
Swing by Cadeau, a fun antique, vintage and accessory store to
pick up a Nashville-made 12South candle — a favourite among
locals and the perfect way to commemorate your visit.
Take a souvenir
NashvilleTraditionally the home of country music, Nashville’s
latest hit is its 12South district — where you’re
just as likely to find a gourmet meal as a guitar.
ON THE RADAR: 12south
The interior
of Josephine
restaurant,
one of the best
places to eat
in Nashville.
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{nashville} TRAVEL

2. drink (note the two-for-one drinks and
pizza offer on Tuesday night). A little
further down 12th Avenue South sits 12
South Taproom and Grill, a charming bar
where you can grab a chair on the patio,
relax with friends and enjoy a variety of
beer via its extensive list. Looking for a bit
more beer to cap off the night? The Filling
Station carries 24 options on tap and you
can even grab a growler to go. Be sure to
sample refreshing creations from local
breweries including Yazoo, Jackalope,
TennesseeBrewWorksandTurtleAnarchy.
SHOP
Options are plentiful when it comes to
shopping in 12South. White’s Mercantile is
a recently opened boutique and the latest
venture of singer Holly Williams (daughter
of musician Hank Williams Jr). It’s located
in an old gas station at the southern-most
end of the district. Williams showcases
regional purveyors and offers a variety of
items that span from olive oils and lotions
to hand-picked antiques, linen and glasses.
Imogene and Willie, Nashville’s go-to
spot for jeans, offers denim custom-fitted
to your specifications — a must-purchase
for any fashionista, including a few
celebrities. The shop creates hand cuts
and alters all of its designs in Nashville.
Finally, a visit to Nashville isn’t complete
without a trip to the music store: stop at
Corner Music and strum a few guitars,
tickle some ivories and ensure you are
ready to hit the stage. To suit up for your
performance visit Katy K Designs, which
offers western threads, including suits from
Manuel — the ‘tailor to the stars’ credited as
being responsible for making Johnny Cash
the iconic man in black.
Getting There Virgin Australia
operates direct flights to Los Angeles,
with connections to Memphis with its
partner, Delta Air Lines. To book, visit
www.virginaustralia.com or simply call
13 67 89 (in Australia).
12 South Taproom and Grill
www.12southtaproom.com
Cadeau www.cadeaugifts.com
Corner Music www.cornermusic.com
Edley’s Bar-B-Que
www.edleysbbq.com
Frothy Monkey
www.frothymonkey.com
Imogene and Willie
www.imogeneandwillie.com
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
www.jenis.com
Josephine www.josephineon12th.com
Katy K Designs www.katyk.com
Las Paletas +1 615 386 2101
Mafioza’s Pizzeria and Neighborhood
Pub www.mafiaozas.com
The Filling Station www.brewstogo.com
White’s Mercantile
www.whitesmercantile.com
Little
BLACK BOOK
(clockwise from left)
Imogene and Willie’s
custom-fit jeans;
Imogene and Willie
storefront; goats
cheese and red
cherry ice-cream at
Jeni’s Splendid Ice
Creams; vintage
clothes at Katy K
Designs; Josephine’s
brussels sprout
with charred orange.
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TRAVEL {nashville}
MAY 2014
Words:MattNiehoff.Photography:AndreaBehrends
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