Laura & Andrew
Things To Do
Ryman Auditorium - Backstage Tour and/or See A Show
Iconic ... "the Mother Church" ... original home of the Grand Ole Opry! Rock & Roll Landmark. The backstage tour is full of history and wonder. The venue is our favorite place to enjoy a concert or take in a show. We've seen multiple comedy shows and concerts together here. Local tip: we definitely recommend visiting the Ryman for their backstage tour over visiting the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Prince's Hot Chicken Shack South
Andrew braved Prince's Hot Chicken for his first date with Laura. There was minimal ambiance as we sat on the patio overlooking the asphalt parking lot, but thankfully the conversation was much more captivating. Laura loves Nashville Hot Chicken, and this is her favorite!
House of Cards
Andrew and Laura's first fancy date on September 28, 2023, and then where Andrew surprised Laura with his marriage proposal on February 13, 2025. This is a one-of-a-kind dinner and a show experience. A tour around the restaurant will introduce to some of their collector pieces including playing cards that date back to 1490! Then you'll be treated to a nice dinner followed by a ticket to see the magic show in their Carter the Great showroom. Scattered throughout the restaurant there will also be other opportunities to enjoy some close-up magic with renowned magicians. Such a fun and unique experience! Reservations recommended, and cocktail attire required!
Baked on 8th
Laura's favorite bakery in Nashville ... so many delicious items to choose from, but she absolutely adores their almond cake which you can buy by the slice. Even though Andrew doesn't have a sweet tooth per se, she has brought him treats from here to one of his local board game conventions.
The Lab at Zanies
Andrew and Laura love comedy, and they've been surprised by the best - yes, local legend Nate Bargatze - here at the Lab at Zanie's. Thanks to Laura's "Do More 615" ticket subscription, we've been to many shows here without having to pay for tickets. While the food isn't amazing, we can recommend the Ice Cream Cookie for a treat, and Laura recommends the Buffalo Chicken Dip. Please beware that many of the shows might feature some inappropriate content, but we wholeheartedly recommend Nateland Live, a comedy show inspired by hometown favorite Nate Bargatze and his wildly popular Nateland Podcast. Hosted by podcast favorites and featuring an all-star lineup of rising comics from across the country, this show delivers a night of laugh-out-loud entertainment with occasional surprise guests. It's always good, clean, and funny!
Centennial Park
Nashville’s Central Park, home to the iconic Nashville Parthenon, founded in 1903. Ask Andrew about his numerous training walks around this park as he prepared for a half marathon!
Triple Crown Bakery
Laura's favorite bakery in Franklin ... a warmed cinnamon roll croissant is near heavenly! They also offer a tea service if you're an Anglophile with a hankering for an afternoon snack. If tea isn't your thing, they also offer it with coffee or hot chocolate.
Biscuit Love Franklin
Breakfast & brunch restaurant in downtown Franklin where you can dine in historic rooms of a Victorian house once owned in the 1920s by one of the richest men in town. They are, of course, known for their biscuits. They also have chicken & waffles, omelettes, and shrimp & grits.
Frothy Monkey
Andrew and Laura went here for a casual dinner before enjoying some Christmas decorations and delightful shopping in Franklin. This location of a beloved local chain is found in a historic home with a big wraparound porch. It's a great place for breakfast or lunch with a variety of specialty coffees and pastries.
Merridee's Breadbasket
Andrew, Laura, & Louise enjoyed a delicious lunch here after a fun trip to a harvest festival in Franklin. Everything is still made from scratch, the old-fashioned way – you won’t find any premade mixes in this bakery – just bags of flour, whole grains and sugar, flats of eggs, and cases of real creamery butter, which transform into the pies, brownies, cookies, and breads you will find on the shelves every day. Merridee’s also features a daily variety of homemade soups, quiches, and fresh salads. Merridee’s Breadbasket has been featured in Southern Living Magazine, on the Food Network’s “Best of Baker’s Show”, and has received the Sizzle Award from Southern Exposure Magazine for being voted Best Bakery in Williamson County… three years in a row!
Five Daughters Bakery | The Factory at Franklin
Is your sweet tooth aching yet? Laura and Andrew's only connection here is when Laura brought an assortment of donuts for Louise from Five Daughters, hoping one would rival the pink donut from Dunkin' Donuts. Seven year old palettes remain fickle, but you can see what you think. Even though they're known for their 100 layer donut, Laura actually recommends their yeast raised donuts, but you should definitely try one of each to be sure. The Factory of Franklin is a fun place to shop and eat. Always nice to support a place with the mission "To enrich the lives of our communities with the love and light of Jesus" and these values: 1. Love one another - Our relationships matter more than our bottom-line 2. Honor one another 3. Use the highest quality products - Local first, organic second, always non-GMO 4. Integrity 5. Supreme Customer Service 6. Be our best - Make the best pastries & treats with the best possible ingredients in the best atmosphere - served with joy!
55 South (Franklin)
A fun casual dining restaurant located in downtown Franklin on Main Street. Don't sleep on the cheese grits (i.e. don’t underestimate the cheese grits … they’re delicious).
GRAYS on Main
While Andrew and Laura haven't visited this restaurant together, this is where Laura and her dad Howard celebrated closing on her house in Nolensville. This is a historic pharmacy turned upscale restaurant. Reservations are highly recommended as is the crispy pimento cheese on the appetizer menu!
Arrington Vineyards
Nashville's Wine Country!?! Visit for gorgeous views, great live music, and delightful wines! Fun fact ... Kix Brooks of the famous country music duo Brooks & Dunn is one of the owners. Even though Andrew and Laura have never made it here together, it's a wonderful place to find a table in the shade, listen to live music, and enjoy a frozen rose or glass of wine. They also allow you to bring in snacks and non-alcoholic beverages to complete your picnic. Check their website for when live music is available.