Maybe you thought you were paying a visit to Urban Outfitters for some (un)reasonably priced metal studded leggings and accidentally happened upon a YoPro event without a business card to your name. Maybe you thought you were going to get some family friendly barbecue and you sat next to a table full of musicians speaking in the foreign language that includes a lot of words like “in-ears”, “volume pedal”, and “vibey”. With such a wonderfully diverse city (that’s what we love about Nashville), it can be just a little bit of a (fun) challenge to find your place. So here it is, Nashville, your Wannado guide to the best Nashville ‘hoods to:

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Pretend You’re In Some Band’s Photoshoot (Because You Probably Are)

12 South

WHO YOU’LL SEE:

A twenty-something girl named either Chelsea, Emily, or Ashley. But don’t let her popular-in-the-1980s/90s name fool you – this girl is as unique as her personalized Moleskine journal. Her love for others is as rich as her Turtle Latte from Frothy Monkey. If she doesn’t stop 10 times before she gets from Jeni’s to Mafiaoza’s to say hi to someone from her hometown, a guy from her freshman year “Beauty In Russian Literature” class, and/or her Etsy store contributor, you should be a bit concerned. You can also find a gaggle of dude musicians. Memorize just one fact about a guitar amp, and you’re in. Both Chelsea and the dude-group are young, carefree, and lovable. Say hi – they’ll say hi back, and then they will tell you to try the dark roast coffee, because it has a really primitive, smoky aftertaste today. Also on the roster are the painfully adorable young families. They will be wearing scarves no matter the weather, and their child may or may not have hipster-approved shades on to shield his eyes from that Nashville sun when his stroller ain’t doin’ the job. The kid’s name will be either Jayden, Aiden, or Caden.

IF YOU LIKE:

Faded jeans, writing down your thoughts while Coldplay plays in the background, show posters, taking killer Instagram pictures in front of murals, and seeing famous musicians take their kids on walks.

WHAT TO DO THERE:

To EAT: If you’re really hungry, go Edley’s (get the barbecue nachos) or Mafiaoza’s (try the bruschetta as an appetizer). If you’re kinda hungry, go 12 South Taproom (get the gouda mac & cheese on the side & order a Duck-Rabbit Milk Stout) or Taqueria Del Sol (get the enchilada with lemon cream sauce). Epice has your eclectic menu, and Josephine has a deliciously upscale brunch. (more here)

To SHOP: Savant Vintage for some quality retro pieces with character. Imogene + Willie for that laidback-cool, Wayfarers & boots vibe (don’t forget to check out their selection of Warby Parkers). White’s Mercantile for everything that is cute.

To DRINK/SPLURGE: Coffee from Frothy Monkey (also check out their breakfast menu). Portland Brew for a well-executed cup of joe. Jeni’s for decadent, unique ice cream and Las Paletas for some delicious popsicles (try the avocado – seriously).

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Prep That Suit & Tie:

The Gulch

WHO YOU’LL SEE:

Don’t act like your not impressed. The inhabitants/frequent visitors of The Gulch look like extras from “American Psycho” (but let’s be fair, Christian Bale was the only psycho and everyone else was just attractive people in pantsuits that were totally normal). Gulch-ers are the type to strike up a conversation about the pros and cons of startup businesses over an appletini or cosmopolitan, and don’t worry – they’ve got the first round. While they peruse the sidewalks and restaurant/bar-hop, they will follow every traffic pattern and absolutely refuse to jaywalk. They didn’t become junior assistant developing manager in eight months by breaking the rules, y’all. If your waitress forgot to bring you a pen to sign your check, that Gulch-er has you covered; they ALWAYS have a sharp, branded, ballpoint pen in their pocket. And of course they’ll let you borrow it – they are all about supporting the robust Nashville community. What would you do without them?

IF YOU LIKE:

Glossy tabletops, drinks that Carrie would order on Sex & The City, networking in your down time, the catalogs from Men’s Wearhouse, a smart pantsuit, binge-watching Entourage and/or Lie To Me on Netflix.

WHAT TO DO THERE:

To EAT: Grab the tableside guac from Cantina Laredo, or get fancy at Adele’s, and down some hot chicken at Party Fowl. Check out The Pub for British fare (the shepherds pie is to die for), and eat some gourmet bites in an old shipping container at The 404 Kitchen. Nearby, we have quirky pastas at Moto, classic TN fare at Whiskey Kitchen, and trendy deliciousness at Prima. (more here)

To SHOP: For the bohemian, check out Two Old Hippies. For the slightly hipster with a retail chain store heart: Urban Outfitters. For the hyper-girlie fashionista, try Blush Boutique.

To DRINK/LISTEN: Don’t miss the shows at Station Inn – legendary performers, local flavor; they’ve got it all! Grab pre-show drinks & small plates at Bar Louie. Also, if you love COFFEE – Barista Parlor: Golden Sound is a magical, magical place.

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Drop Some Knowledge Over A Quaint Breakfast

Hillsboro Village

WHO YOU’LL SEE:.

Harrison and Haley Hillsboro don’t just hang out together on a Saturday morning…they “do life” together. You can find them chatting over a plain cup of coffee (there is value in living simply) about the pros and cons of changing their life direction, what effect their childhood is having on their adult decisions, where to have their birthday party, etc. They have never gone anywhere without a dog at their feet, drinking out of a minimalist metal bowl (because we are all stewards of the earth and the creatures in it). If there isn’t a cute baby somewhere nearby getting its picture taken in a really cute beanie, Hillsboro Village will explode. If you’re on the sidewalk, make sure you and the Vandy bros/Belmont kids next to you don’t get stuck behind H & H Hillsboro; they’ll stop every couple of seconds to window-shop and muse over the high quality fabrics used to upholster that burlap chair. Also seen in Hillsboro Village: the precious unity of Nashville sports fans and out-of-town sports fans making nice over the big game in Sam’s Sports Grill.

IF YOU LIKE:

Redecorating your house, arthouse films, sweet potato pancakes, the smell of fresh flowers, personalized stationary, sports teams, collegiate enthusiasm, a practical but cute pair of flats.

WHAT TO DO THERE:

To EAT: The Pancake Pantry DOES live up to the hype. For a sweet dish, get the legendary sweet potato pancakes. For the savory, get the ground beef sandwich. Grab breakfast at Fido (or their burger, because YUM). If you’re in a soup mood, head to Provence. Jackson’s cookie dough egg rolls is the stuff of legend, and McDougals will always hit the comfort food spot. For the best All-American menu in town, check out the nachos at Sam’s while you watch the game. (more here)

To SHOP: Quality boutique pieces/shoes at Posh. Books on books at Bookman/Bookwoman. Impeccable Pig has all your fun-to-fancy day dresses, and Pangaea has a quirky array of bohemian goods.

To DO: Belcourt is one of the best spots in town for arthouse, independent films and fun midnight movie showings. Take a picture at the huge dragon mural across from the theatre, and again – catch the game at Sam’s.

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Develop An Obscure Skill And/Or Spend A Lot Of Time On A Porch

East Nashville

WHO YOU’LL SEE:

You’ll see a lot of people doing stuff, and somehow making a living off of it. Whether it’s whittling designs in soap, building a practice stage for Reba, making handbags out of the covers of rare books, or starting an app that tells you what farm your meal came from, this is the land of the freelancer. Not only that, but you better believe those East Nashvillians have neighborhood pride. And yeah, thanks for asking, their neighbor does occasionally come over and serenade them and their children with an upright bass solo as they prepare their kale dinner salad. You can find them rocking their child on the porch, inviting friends over for a living room writer’s round, or perusing their local farmers market with a child strapped to their body. They will tell you what side of Dickerson they are on, and whichever one they are just smile and say they found the best part of town. They will return your smile and invite you to try an organic beet facial from their new, locally inspired beauty line. Say yes. They know what’s up.

IF YOU LIKE:

Gardening, not washing your hair to cut down on water bills, bars that have wood floors and really good red pepper dip, non-ironic cantina lights strung from light pole to light pole, street cred, historic homes.

WHAT TO DO THERE:

To EAT: If you aren’t vegan/vegetarian, The Pharmacy has a burger that will knock your eco-friendly socks off. Rosepepper Cantina has the best margaritas in town, and some killer chips and salsa. For a light bite, try Eastland Cafe during happy hour. Mitchell’s Deli is so good we can’t even talk about it. No words. Mad Donna’s for brunch! (much more here)

To DRINK: Holland House has a brand new menu and new prices that you don’t want to miss (their Manhattan is the best we’ve ever had). 308 has the kind of drinks that they light on fire (try their whiskey sour WITH the egg, brave soul). Red Door East has double shot Tuesdays that everybody LOVES, and 3 Crow has a solid beer-on-tap selection and the best red pepper dip in town. FooBar is the bidness, and The Crying Wolf has a special place in our hearts. (more here)

To LISTEN/DANCE: Don’t miss the local countrified indie acts at Drifters. The 5 Spot shines when it comes to weekly parties – their Motown Monday party lasts till 3AM and brings out the who’s who of the ‘hood.

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Get Some Fresh Air And/Or Have A Family

Sylvan Park

WHO YOU’LL SEE:

Stroll down the street in Sylvan Park, and you will see newlyweds that truly embody the phrase “The couple that jogs together, stays together”. They will be decked out in Lulu Lemon gear from head to toe, plus the off-brand reflector vest that they purchased for their frequent night runs. After a spin class, they’ll head to the local taco stand and unabashedly sit on the same side of the bench with love in their eyes and exercise-induced endorphins in their body. The youngsters have a place in Sylvan Park too! When the Little League soccer team filters in after their practice at the local community center, they’ll get change from mom and dad for a super-cool temporary tattoo of a dragon and a round of air hockey. After the delicious local food has been consumed, the SUVs will be loaded up with the tykes and the muddy cleats put in the trunk. Sylvan Park/West End: a place your kids can play outside and not hear super close gunshots/a really loud musician practicing drums.

IF YOU LIKE:

Chacos, hot yoga classes, children, backpacking, community centers, anything that has ever been on HGTV, the wisdom of your grandparents, bagels, open air, trees and stuff

WHAT TO DO THERE: 

To EAT: Local Taco‘s lobster BLT taco is the stuff of legend! Great place for an after-practice bite. Grab coffee and breakfast with a friend at Star Bagel. Have a cozy date at Caffe Nona. Chill with your friends at Neighbors Bar, and grab an Irish pint at McCabe Pub! (more here)

To SHOP: Head to the other side of Charlotte Pike just past the Sylvan Park residential area to find all the thrift store shopping you can imagine. Southern Thrift, Unique Thrift Store – you’ll find record players, 1970s suits, and retro furniture galore.

To EXERCISE: The community center is one of the best around – cheap classes, wonderful facility, baseball fields – the whole nine yards! Climb Nashville is on Charlotte Pike and hosts tons of events like Beginner’s Indoor Climbing. Whoop!

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So there you have it, Nashville. Sometimes you just gotta find your people and go with it. Wannado always caters to your personal vibe – tune your suggestions based on your interest in the app, and we’ll show you the Nashville happenings that matter to YOU.