After spending time with Mom’s extended family in Lobelville, we couldn’t pass up the chance to show my parents a different side of Nashville. They’d only ever seen Opry Mills, so Rich and I were beyond excited to give them a glimpse of what downtown has to offer, even if just for a few hours.
Fifth + Broadway: Nashville’s Urban Gem
You wouldn’t believe the transformation of downtown Nashville unless you saw it yourself. Fifth + Broadway is seriously impressive. Imagine a massive complex where you can literally spend an entire day exploring. From the Apple Store to Hattie B’s Hot Chicken, and everything in between, this place is packed with over 60 retailers and restaurants. What really gets me excited is how they keep adding new spots. Every time we visit, there’s something different to check out.
Assembly Food Hall Experience
The food hall was perfect for our quick stop. With everyone having different cravings, it was the ideal spot to grab lunch. What really made me smile was seeing Mom and Dad’s reaction to the whole scene. They said it reminded them of their San Francisco days, which is pretty much the highest praise they could give. They used to love visiting the Bay Area back in the day.
The Mall at Green Hills Detour
After downtown, we headed to Green Hills for a change of pace. While Fifth + Broadway gives you that energetic city vibe, The Mall at Green Hills offers a more relaxed shopping experience (not the parking lot though). We wrapped up our mini-adventure with coffee at Nordstrom’s EBar. One of those small moments that make family time special.
Even though our Nashville stop was super quick, it was exactly what I hoped for. Watching my parents experience this side of Nashville for the first time was priceless. They got to see that Music City is way more than just country music and tourist spots (though we love those too!). Every time I visit Fifth + Broadway, We discover something new, and I’m already looking forward to exploring more spots I haven’t tried yet.
It’s funny how some of the best memories come from these impromptu stops. While we barely scratched the surface of what Nashville has to offer, seeing my parents connect this modern urban experience to their fond memories of San Francisco made the brief detour absolutely worth it. Sometimes the best parts of a journey aren’t the destination but these little unexpected moments along the way. As we wandered through the vibrant streets, sampling local cuisine and soaking in the lively music scene, I couldn’t help but jot down some Nashville travel tips and highlights for our next visit. Each corner held a story, and the laughter we shared over discovering quirky shops and hidden murals made the day feel special. Ultimately, it’s these serendipitous experiences that create lasting bonds and memories, reminding us that travel is as much about the journey as it is about the places we visit.
