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Spacious indoor restaurant with large windows, a central crystal chandelier, leafy green trees, and people dining at tables below.

Overnight in Nashville: Free Colony House Concert, Dreamy Eats, and Aesthetic Adventures

Abigail Toy

Sometimes the best trips are the spontaneous ones, and this overnight in Nashville was pure magic from start to finish. We found a free Colony House concert at Diskin Cider (yes, you read that right-free!). But as always, the journey was just as fun as the destination. Here’s how we packed a whole lot of Nashville goodness into just over 24 hours.

Spacious indoor restaurant with large windows, a central crystal chandelier, leafy green trees, and people dining at tables below.

Starting Off in Style: RH Courtyard Restaurant at Green Hills

We kicked things off at the Mall at Green Hills, and let me tell you, our first stop set the tone for the whole trip. Iced coffees at the RH Courtyard Restaurant are basically a must if you’re anywhere nearby. The space is this dreamy, glass-and-steel atrium filled with olive trees, chandeliers, and all the natural light you could ever want. We couldn’t resist a mini photoshoot-every corner is Instagram gold. Honestly, we’re obsessed with the aesthetic here. It’s just so stunning!

A couple stands together on a staircase, posing for a mirror selfie in a warmly lit hallway with framed art and a large planter visible.
Large, illuminated crystal chandelier hanging above a stairwell with metal railings, reflecting light onto the surrounding walls and floor.
A man stands in a stylish lounge with a chandelier overhead, captured below a bright, textured ceiling feature that dominates the upper part of the image.
A young woman with long hair smiles at the camera, standing indoors by a staircase with a large, modern chandelier in the background.
Large glass-roofed indoor space with a grand chandelier, central fountain, leafy trees, and people seated at dining tables.
A man in casual clothes reclines in a modern lounge chair while talking on the phone in a contemporary living room showroom.
A man in casual clothes reclines in a modern armchair, holding a phone and sunglasses, in a contemporary living room showroom.
A man sits and smiles at a desk in a modern home office with large windows, a potted plant, and a chandelier overhead.
A man with light brown hair and a beard sits at a table with an open architecture book in front of him, looking at the camera. Large windows and a view outdoors are in the background.
A person adjusts a chandelier in a modern, sunlit living room with white armchairs, sculptures, a large plant, and a crystal centerpiece on the table.
Close-up of a modern chandelier with multiple lit glass bulbs, sunlight streaming through large windows in the background.
Close-up of green moss in sharp focus on a surface, with a bright, sunlit, blurred modern indoor space in the background.
A smiling man points upward at a large, ornate chandelier reflected in a gold-framed mirror on a staircase landing.
A modern living room with a white sectional sofa, black coffee table, gold chandelier, and mirrored shelves, opening into a similarly decorated second room in the background.
A man smiles and points at a large framed mirror, while a woman in the mirror's reflection poses and takes a selfie with a chandelier above her.
Spacious restaurant with large chandelier, glass ceiling, indoor trees, central fountain, and people dining at tables.
Large, triangular crystal chandelier hangs over a staircase, reflecting rainbow light patterns and illuminating the surrounding railings and steps.
A man and woman stand together, smiling for a mirror selfie in front of a staircase inside a modern, well-lit building.
A couple stands on a staircase, posing for a selfie reflected in a large ornate mirror. A chandelier and multiple mirror reflections are visible in the background.
A man with light brown hair and a blue shirt smiles at the camera while sitting in front of a dark wooden cabinet with labeled shelves.
A woman with long brown hair sits in a white, egg-shaped chair, smiling and holding an iced coffee. The background features dark walls and a chandelier.
Two large white books titled "Master Photographers" and "Contemporary and Modern Art" are stacked on a dark wooden shelf.
A woman sits relaxed in a modern armchair, smiling, holding a purple clutch, with bookshelves and a rug visible in the background.
A man and a woman sit smiling in large, round, white, pod-shaped chairs indoors, each holding a drink.

Dinner at The Cheesecake Factory (Don’t Judge!)

Next up we had dinner at The Cheesecake Factory. I know, I know…it’s a tourist trap chain, but hear me out. The menu is basically a novel, so there’s something for everyone, and sometimes you just want a slice of that cheesecake. No regrets!

A plate of rice surrounded by mixed seafood and vegetables in sauce is in the foreground, with a salad and sandwich on the table in front of a person in the background.
A woman with long hair smiles at a restaurant table with a fruit and mint cocktail garnished with an orange slice in the foreground.

The Main Event: Free Colony House Concert at Diskin Cider

After dinner, we made our way to Diskin Cider for the real reason we came to Nashville: a free Colony House concert. We absolutely love Colony House!They’re an indie rock band from Franklin, Tennessee, and their sound is just next-level. The fact that we got to see them for free was wild. The vibe was amazing and we had the best time. Who knew you could stumble into a free concert like that? Nashville, you never disappoint.

A man and woman smile for a selfie in front of a stage with musical instruments and a "Colony House" sign.
A band performs on stage under a tent with "Diskin Cider" and "Colony House" signs projected above them, while an audience watches.
A band performs on stage under a tent with “Colony House” and “Diskin Cider” signs in the background. A crowd watches in the foreground.
Close-up of metal equipment with blurred colorful lights and indistinct shapes in the background.

Checking In: Kimpton Aertson Hotel

Post-concert, it was time to check in to the Kimpton Aertson. Talk about stunning! This hotel totally lives up to the hype. It’s been voted one of the best hotels in Nashville by Condé Nast Traveler and U.S. News & World Report, and it’s easy to see why. The location overlooks Vanderbilt’s campus, and the whole place has this industrial-modern, slightly eccentric vibe that I love. Did you know, the name comes from Jan Aertson, a Dutch immigrant whose descendant, Cornelius Vanderbilt, basically became a legend? Also, can we talk about the Luxury Atelier Bloom bath amenities? Heaven.

Three modern white pendant lights with different geometric shapes hang from the ceiling, illuminating a room with gray brick walls.
A smiling woman stands in a hallway with gray brick walls, wearing a purple bag and pointing towards a mirror where her reflection is visible.
A wooden sideboard with mismatched drawers and handles in various colors and styles, placed against a gray brick wall and a patterned floor.
Nighttime view of a street with cars driving by; a brightly lit sign on a building reads "The Aertson Hotel.
A white bottle of Atelier Bloem shampoo with ingredients such as ylang ylang, amber, chamomile, orange blossom, geranium, and oolong tea listed on the label.
A silver analog Westclox alarm clock on a wooden surface shows the time as 6:42:21.
A beige pillow with the word "Aertson" in blue script rests against white pillows on a neatly made bed with a wooden headboard.
A black textured folder labeled "IN-ROOM DINING" from The Artisan Hotel, Kempton, placed on a wooden surface under a hanging pendant light.
A man takes a selfie in a wall mirror; a woman stands partially out of frame. Various bags, snacks, and drinks are on a table below the mirror.
A modern bathroom sink with a gray countertop, soap, lotion, tissue box, drinking glasses, and a white jar, with a towel folded beside the faucet.
A textured white pendant light hangs in front of a round mirror with a leather strap, reflecting both the light and part of the room.
Modern bathroom vanity with a round mirror, pendant lights, a rectangular sink, tissue box, soap, and amenities on a concrete countertop. White tiled shower reflected in the mirror.
A man and woman smile for a selfie reflected in a round bathroom mirror; white tiled walls and a shower are visible in the background.
A young woman stands in a bathroom next to a glass shower, holding a yellow bottle, with a blue architectural mural in the background.
A hotel room snack tray with bottled water, chips, nuts, chocolate, Pringles, and other snacks on a wooden surface next to a white tray with a glass, papers, and a corkscrew.
A frosted glass sliding door with a black metal frame and grid pattern, set against a beige wall and marble floor indoors.
A neatly made double bed with white linens is positioned against a wooden headboard, flanked by two nightstands and wall-mounted lamps, in a modern hotel room.
A hotel room with a flat-screen TV on a wooden panel, a round table, a yellow chair, a lamp, dark curtains, and white sheer drapes by a window at night.
A hotel room with a neatly made bed, two wall lamps, framed artwork on the wall, and an open entryway with marble flooring visible.

Breakfast at Caviar & Bananas (RIP)

The next morning, we had breakfast at Caviar & Bananas, and I’m still dreaming about those farm-to-table breakfast sandwiches. So fresh, so delicious. I’m honestly heartbroken that they’re no longer in business. Nashville, please, please bring them back.

Sign for "Caviar & Bananas" hangs on a beige building above an outdoor dining area with tables, chairs, and umbrellas; trees and other buildings are visible nearby.
Two breakfast sandwiches on paper plates sit on a wooden table by a window, showing a view of buildings and trees outside.
A breakfast sandwich with egg and cheese on a toasted croissant, served on a white paper plate.
A breakfast sandwich with bacon, egg, and cheddar cheese on an everything bagel sits on a white paper plate near a window overlooking a parking lot.

Exploring Hill Center Green Hills

After breakfast, we wandered over to Whole Foods Market at Hill Center Green Hills. Is it weird to love exploring grocery stores in other cities? Because we do. Then we popped into West Elm for a little home decor inspiration. I could honestly spend hours in there, just soaking up all the design ideas.

A man and woman smiling together outdoors, sitting closely with a brick building, hedge, and tree in the background.
A Whole Foods gluten-free apple pie is displayed on a store shelf, wrapped in plastic with a purple label. Price is marked at $14.99.
Packaged "Dolci di Maria" gluten free, dairy free brownies displayed on a store shelf, with clear labeling on the front of each package.
A hand holds a packaged gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan vanilla dessert labeled "Dolci di Maria Very Vanilla" on a store shelf.
A box of Better Bites Chocolate Chip Do Bites, featuring chocolate-enrobed cookie dough on the front and allergy-friendly, vegan, and Non-GMO labels.
Bags of Stay Golden Coffee Co. coffee and Bongo coffee displayed on a grocery store shelf with price tags and sale labels.
A green potted plant sits inside a round blue planter with a metal stand on a wooden floor next to a woven rug.

Last Bites: Shake Shack & Five Daughters Donuts

Before heading out of town, we grabbed dinner at Shake Shack. Sometimes you just need a classic burger and fries, you know? And of course, we couldn’t leave Nashville without a sweet treat. We picked up Five Daughters Bakery donuts to take home and enjoy for breakfast the next morning. If you haven’t tried their 100-layer donuts, you’re missing out.

A modern interior wall with diagonal wooden paneling, dark blue and white sections, and exposed beams; two people are partially visible at the bottom.
A close-up of a cheeseburger with crispy toppings, crinkle-cut fries, and two cups with Shake Shack logos in the background on a tray.
Two cronut-style pastries in a clear plastic container, one with yellow icing and the other topped with white and orange frosting.

Until Next Time, Nashville

This trip was short but oh-so-sweet. From dreamy coffees and aesthetic adventures to incredible live music and hotel luxury, Nashville served up all the good vibes. Can’t wait to come back for more-until next time, Music City!

Tips for Your Own Nashville Overnight:

  • Don’t sleep on chain restaurants if you’re craving comfort food.
  • Always check for free concerts (via Google) You never know who you’ll see!
  • Treat yourself to a night at a luxury hotel. The right vibe makes all the difference.
  • Never leave without a donut (or three) from Five Daughters.

Nashville, you have our hearts.

A woman and a man are smiling at the camera inside a modern, well-lit restaurant with other people seated in the background.

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