Kara & Blake
Things To Do
Picasso Bistro & Pizzeria
Great wood-fired oven pizza made to order in Jackson, 5 minutes from the hotel.
Takos Borukas
Kara's favorite tacos outside of TX! 5 minutes from the hotel.
Chicken Salad Chick
For something on the lighter side, grab a soup, sandwich, or salad at Chicken Salad Chick. Right down the road from the hotel.
Five Guys
For something quick, there's a Five Guys Burgers right next to the hotel.
Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid
Take in a view of the Mississippi River from the top of the Bass Pro Pyramid.
Corky's Ribs & BBQ
Memphis is known for their BBQ and nobody does it quite like Corky's. Be sure to try their Apple BBQ sauce!
Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous Alley
You can smell the BBQ as soon as you step into the alley! Featured in John Grisham's novel The Firm, Rendezvous is famous for their pork ribs.
Beale Street
Stop and listen to a street band playing the blues, grab some Memphis souvenirs, or duck into Blues City Cafe for the "Best Meal on Beale."
The Peabody Memphis
If you don't mind fighting a crowd to catch a glimpse of some ducks, stop by the Peabody Hotel at 11 a.m. or 5 p.m. to see the world famous Peabody ducks make their daily march to and from the lobby fountain. If ducks aren't your thing, you can still take in the fascinating history of the Peabody Hotel. **10/5 stars Dana Long approved**
Vintage Market Days
If you love antique markets, vintage finds, and food trucks as much as I do then you will love this annual holiday market! It's at the all new fairgrounds in Nashville. The dates are December 6-8. Except you're going to be busy on the 7th around 6pm or so. Other than that I totally recommend! Hello last minute Christmas shopping. Gate admission and parking do apply.
The Loveless Cafe
Contrary to it's name you will love, adore, crave and all the other synonyms after you taste this Nashville landmark. With their iconic neon sign and famous made from scratch biscuits it's no wonder they make 10,000 biscuits a DAY. You will not regret adding this to your to do list. While you wait or after you've ate you can walk it off by visiting their quaint shops where they sell a variety of things from homemade jams to cute kitchen gifts. ((You can thank me later))
The Pharmacy Burger Parlor
Seeing as Blake and I share a mutual love for burgers and things seemed to be getting serious I decided to take him to The Pharmacy aka best burger joint in Nashville, possibly anywhere? They also have a variety of German wurst and did I mention an old-school soda fountain? Blake was in heaven with his orange creamsicle soda. Do your tastebuds a favor and try this place out.
Las Paletas Gourmet Popsicles
Ok, so I know it's cold outside, especially for my Texas people, but if you find yourself wondering 12 South in Nashville do not, I repeat, do NOT pass up Las Paletas. They are not your ordinary popsicle shop, with an extensive variety of flavors, you can't go wrong with any of them. No, I haven't tried them all...I just KNOW. My all time favorite comes out around Christmas time, lucky you. So do me a favor, grab you and me a gingerbread popsicle. I'll take it melted or frozen, whatever is easiest for you.
Nashville's 12 South Neighborhood
So 12 South is full of yummy restaurants, shops, and kodak moments! Frothy Monkey is a local favorite coffee shop with all the hipster vibes. Five Daughters Bakery has TO DIE FOR, melt in your mouth, widely known tasty donuts along with a variety of paleo options! Bartaco if you're missing a taste of home! They also have a variety of shops including one full of vintage guitars and wait for it...a popular Nashville mural! Yay! [I can feel Blake rolling his eyes now] It's a one-stop destination to eat, shop, eat, socialize, eat, and make memories!
Cade's Cove Scenic Loop
If you decide to turn the weekend into a vacation, you can make the trip to east Tennessee and the Smokey Mountain National Park. Be sure to check out the beautiful Cade's Cove Loop. *Make sure to check the conditions before going to Cade's Cove. Harsh weather can force road closures.*
Pigeon Forge
Pigeon Forge and neaby Gatlinburg are great getaways for the whole family if you're looking to turn the weekend into a vacation. Check out the plethora of family-friendly shows, the Dollywood amusement park, and lots of great restaurants, right in the heart of the Smokey Mountains! We personally recommend renting a cabin near town, eating breakfast at Flapjack's, checking out Dollywood or Cade's Cove, and grabbing some fresh apple fritters at the Apple Barn!