Whether you’re a local looking for something new to do or visiting for the first time, there’s no shortage of options, from beloved seasonal events like Cheekwood in Bloom to casual afternoons spent day drinking or exploring local neighborhoods.

If you’re wondering what to do in Nashville in March, April, or May, this guide covers the best things to do in Nashville in spring, including events, activities, and a few of my favorite go-to spots.

Nashville Spring Events You Can’t Miss (2026)

• March 28 – ​Two Rivers Mansion: Whiskey & Wags dog-friendly whiskey festival with mansion tour in Donelson
• April 9 – Bridgestone Arena: Predators Wine Festival Downtown
• April 9-19 – Nashville Comedy Festival at venues all over the city (lots of really big names!)
• April 11 – Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival Downtown (free!)
• April 11 – East Nashville Beer Festival
• April 18 – Williamson Family Farm: Butterfly Festival with Fireworks in Murfreesboro
• April 18 – Steeplechase Grandstand: Bourbon & Bubbles Festival in Belle Meade
• April 19 – Bringle’s Smoking Oasis: Crawfish Festival with Modern South in the Nations
• April 24-26 – Music City Food & Wine Festival
• April 25 – The Nations: Neighborhood Yard Sale throughout the Nations
• April 28 – Schermerhorn: Symphony Fashion Show Featuring Lainey Wilson Downtown
• May 9 – Steeplechase, Nashville’s derby, in Belle Meade
• May 14 – OneC1ty: Battle of the Burger with Nashville Lifestyles in West Nashville
• May 16 – Nashville Rosé Festival: Festival Benefitting Tennessee Breast Cancer Coalition in East
• May 16 – Walk Bike Nashville: Tour De Nash Bike Ride for All Levels
• May 28-30 – Bridgestone Arena: Music City Rodeo with Miranda Lambert, Charley Crockett and Jon Pardi Downtown

Outdoor Things to Do in Nashville in Spring

• Stop and smell the tulips at Cheekwood in Belle Meade. This year’s theme is Red, White, & Bloom honoring the United States’ 250th Birthday (thru April 12).
• Explore the Tennessee State Parks (especially the ones with waterfalls!)
• Check out one of Nashville’s many farmers markets (every day of the week in season!)
• Support Shelby Park with East Nash Beer Works’ Fridays by the River in East
• Take a stroll at Centennial Park, and take a selfie at the Taylor Swift bench, of course in West End
• Cheer on the Nashville Sounds in Germantown!
• Cheer on the Nashville Soccer Club in South Nash!
• Visit Lucky Ladd Farms for the flowers, the petting zoo, activities for the kids, and so much more in Eagleville
• Take a color walk – focus on one color as you walk around one of Nashville’s great neighborhoods (I recommend 12 South, East, or Sylvan Park) as a way of practicing mindfulness!

Best Bars & Restaurants to Visit in Spring

• Taste test all the matcha flavors at Eat Bubbles in L&L in Sylvan Park
• Get into one of the hottest restaurants without a resy by sitting on the Noko patio in East
• Sip on a marg on Dos Santos’ patio (two for one on Tuesdays!) in WeHo
• Indulge in a bottomless mimosa/bloody/frose brunch at several places around town.
• For even more outdoor dining options, check out my list of the best patios in Nashville!
• Let the kids run around while everyone is a kid again at Wanna Spoon Cereal Bar in 12 South
• Enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine at the aesthetic Pont Neuf in L&L in Sylvan Park
• Check out the least touristy rooftop at Mercado in WeHo
• Enjoy a gorgeous brunch at 60 Vines Downtown
• Be inspired by the beautiful decor (and amazing patio!) and Mediterranean cuisine at Sadie’s in Edgehill
• Sip a cold beer at Living Waters: the Garden, the brewery and coffee shop’s location in the Nations
• Fries and ice cream are the ultimate warm weather treat at Fryce in 12 South
• Step into the Secret Garden downtown with Hidden Bar’s spring pop-up
• Blue Aster Mad Hatter Tea Party at the Conrad in Midtown

Free Things to Do in Nashville in Spring

• April 11 – Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival Downtown
• Explore the Tennessee State Parks (especially the ones with waterfalls!)
• Check out one of Nashville’s many farmers markets (every day of the week in season!)
• Take a color walk – focus on one color as you walk around one of Nashville’s great neighborhoods (I recommend 12 South, East, or Sylvan Park) as a way of practicing mindfulness!
• Check out one of Nashville’s many farmers markets (every day of the week in season!)
• Support Shelby Park with East Nash Beer Works’ Fridays by the River in East
• Take a stroll at Centennial Park, and take a selfie at the Taylor Swift bench, of course in West End
• Musician’s Corner, the free weekend music festival in Centennial Park, kicks off May 15 and runs through June 13.

Spring Date Ideas in Nashville

• Explore the Tennessee State Parks (especially the ones with waterfalls!)
• Support Shelby Park with East Nash Beer Works’ Fridays by the River in East
• Check out the least touristy rooftop at Mercado in WeHo
• Fries and ice cream are the ultimate warm weather treat at Fryce in 12 South
• Cheer on the Nashville Sounds in Germantown!
• Cheer on the Nashville Soccer Club in South Nash!
• Paddle around Old Hickory Lake with a Glow in the Dark kayak tour! (use code tipjarnash10 for 10% off your first visit).

Live Music & Seasonal Experiences

• Make a bouquet at Amelia’s in L&L and in East
• Support Shelby Park with East Nash Beer Works’ Fridays by the River in East
• Check out my guide to all of the Easter brunches, crafts, and egg hunts around town!
• Musician’s Corner, the free weekend music festival in Centennial Park, kicks off May 15 and runs through June 13.
• Get a color analysis with the Color Edit of Franklin!

If that’s not enough outdoor-ness for you, check out my lists of coffee shops with patios, as well as outdoor bars! Nashville comes alive in the spring, so enjoy!

XO,
SB

The post 25+ Things to Do in Nashville in Spring (2026 Guide to Events, Festivals, & More) first appeared on The Tip Jar.

We LOVE our bars and restaurants around here, but sometimes you want to do something that does not require consuming calories. Whether you’re local or visiting, if you’re taking a break from drinking, or just want something to do that isn’t food-related, these Nashville activities are perfect for families, solo outings, date nights, and girls’ nights out. There’s really something for everyone! Things to do in Nashville besides drinking (or eating!)

Creative & Hands-On Nashville Activities

✨ Learn a new skill at a workshop! Take advantage of all the creativity in this city by learning from some of the best. A few I’ve personally enjoyed have been ceramics with Cloudship Creative; mosaic art with 7 Fine Arts; sewing with Sew Nash; and custom perfumery with Secret Garden Botanica.

Some other great crafty options are Nashville Craft Club, Hoamsy, Smart Arts & Crafts, and Turnip Green Creative Reuse.

✨ Explore 100 Taylor Street! You’ll find a cute bookstore, a coffee shop, some gorgeous handcrafted jewelry, a ceramics store that offers classes, and so much more!

✨ Therapaint – if you’re needing a creative, therapeutic outlet, check out Therapaint where you can process your emotions by literally throwing paint.

✨ Make your own lipstick at Lip Lab – if may be intended for bachelorette parties but that doesn’t mean it can’t be a fun thing for locals, too!

Museums, History, & Cultural Experiences in Nashville

✨ Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum – Yes, this is touristy, and yes it involves going downtown. But, y’all, the CMHOF is truly a GREAT museum and a must-visit for any music, history, or pop-culture lover.

✨ National Museum of African American History – speaking of museums, Nashville also is home to the NMAAM. And if you want to save, you can pop-in when it’s free on the first Wednesday of every month!

✨ The Frist – with no permanent exhibit, there’s always something new to see at this beautiful art museum downtown. They also have special events, so give them a follow to keep up on the latest.

✨ The Hermitage: Home of Andrew Jackson, the Hermitage is a history lover’s dream, but they also host special events like runs, ghost tours, book discussions, and much more. And the grounds – and the horses – are beautiful.

✨ Check out the Nashville Public Library. Here me out on this one…besides the obvious, NPL offers museum passes, starter seeds, BCycle passes, and tons of events for all ages.

✨ Tour Lane Motor Museum, Nashville’s unique and antique car museum with the largest European automotive collection in the US.

Outdoor Activities & Nature in Nashville

✨ Go for a hike! Literally, not figuratively. Nashville has many great parks to choose from, but Percy Warner and Radnor are faves.

✨ Cheekwood – the grounds are lovely all times of the year, but don’t miss the mansion art gallery with rotating exhibits, or the special events throughout the seasons.

✨ The Zoo – take the kids (or don’t), go for a special event or just a regular day, there’s always something fun going on at the Zoo!

✨ Try a community workout like the Capitol Steps Workout on Mondays and Thursdays, yoga in Church Street Park (in season), or one of the brewery run clubs!

✨ Get Up & Go Kayaking on Old Hickory Lake – take a clear kayak tour under the relaxing Tennessee sunshine on this adventure less than 45 minutes from Nashville! Be on the lookout for deer, beavers, turtles, cows, many different birds, and so much more! Use code tipjarnash10 for 10% off your first visit!

Shows, Music, Movies & Live Entertainment

✨ Cut a rug at the American Legion Post 82 on Thursdays and support veterans and the community (or visit on another night for songwriters rounds, bluegrass pickin’, karaoke, and more). Drinks are not required, but purchases do support the venue, so maybe pick up a Liquid Death if you don’t want to imbibe. Or visit the Nashville Palace for line dancing on Fridays and Saturdays and lessons during the week.

✨ Belcourt Theater – Catching an indie or blockbuster film at Nashville’s oldest movie theater is always a great idea (of course, personally, I have to have popcorn and soda at the movies, but you may have more restraint than me)

✨ What’s Music City without some music? While many venues will have a food or drink purchase requirement (or implicit expectation), some venues lend themselves to just enjoying the tunes: Basement East, Brooklyn Bowl, Cannery Hall – and of course, the Ryman.

✨ Take in a comedy show at Third Coast Comedy Club! While I’m sure they’d appreciate your patronizing the bar, it is not required!

Fun Indoor Activities (Rainy-Day or Anytime)

✨ McKay’s – the giant used bookstore in west Nashville could be an all day activity. From books, to records, to instruments and toys, there’s something for every hobbyist to get lost in.

✨ Visit Up/Down, No Quarter, or Game Terminal for some old school arcade fun, along with other games and activities (Game Terminal has a huge outdoor space with several corn hole lanes).

✨ While they might not be as trendy anymore, escape rooms are still a fun rainy day activity. The original Escape Game is based in Berry Hill, and they have multiple locations in Nashville that are clean and well-organized – as well as a Great Big Game Show game, where you and your friends can compete in game-show style games (I had a blast doing it).

✨ Read a book after hours at one of these great spots! Okay, so you may need to buy a coffee or a cocktail for this one, but the focus is not on food or drink. All of these places lend themselves to cozying up with a good book.

✨ While we’re on the subject, lots of great book clubs and writers meetups in town. Here are a few:

• Silent Book Club – perfect for the introverts, and they host all kinds of events all over the city
• Sugar & Spice Book Club – for the romance girlies!
• Freehand Nashville – monthly creative writing meetup
• ShutUp Writing – 2x monthly to “write in the same room”

✨ Game nights are all the rage right now! Here are a few, but follow me on Instagram for even more ideas. Mahjong Soiree, Missy Mahjong, and Nashville Backgammon Club. Or, if you want to play your own game, grab some friends and head to Bongo East/Game Point – you should buy something, but it can be minimal like coffee or tea.

Shopping, Wellness & Self-Care in Nashville

✨ Treat yourself to some self-care! There are many spas and wellness centers around town but a few that I’ve enjoyed:

• Skin by Wax (get the buccal massage if you’re a teeth clencher and thank me later!);
• Urban Sweat for your red light therapy, sauna, and cold plunge needs;
• Hudson Day Spa for luxurious pampering.
• Face Foundrie for a quick facial (Save $10 on your first visit with code Sarah-933360)
• Janya at Lash Melody is my go-to lash girlie! (Mention the Tip Jar when booking for 15% off your first visit!)

✨ Get mani/pedis! I highly recommend Junny at Serenity Nail Spa in Cool Springs. She’s the best!

✨ Go shopping! Nashville has so many great boutiques, it would be impossible to fully cover them here. But, here are a few cause-based businesses to start you off, so you can feel good about the money you’re spending!

Nashville Festivals & Community Events

✨ Festivals/Art Crawls – there’s some sort of festival, art crawl, vendor mart, etc. happening nearly every weekend! Be sure to follow @thetipjarnash to keep updated on all the upcoming fun, and check out my weekly events roundup here!

For even more ideas, check out my guide to meeting people and making friends in Nashville. Lots of those options don’t require food/drink either, and there are so many!

No matter what you’re into, there’s are plenty of things to do in Nashville besides drinking (or eating!). But, if you do want a really good meal, these are the best restaurants in Nashville right now!

XO,
SB

P.S. Did you know I send out a weekly events guide newsletter? It includes all the Xennial-approved events for the upcoming week (typically 40-50 events!), as well as any future events that have been announced so you can plan ahead. You can sign up here and have it sent directly to your inbox every Monday morning!

The post Things to do in Nashville besides drinking (or eating!) first appeared on The Tip Jar.

But if the idea of celebrating with nearly 250K of your closest friends gives you some anxiety (as does the traffic afterwards…), here are some other great ways to celebrate our nation’s birth!

Celebrate at home by placing an All-American catering order with Park Cafe – orders due by noon on July 1!

July 3

Freedom Festival

If you don’t mind a short drive out to the burbs, Hendersonville offers food trucks and vendors, live music, activities for the kids (including princess photo ops!!), and a fireworks show! The fun kicks off at 5 pm and fireworks are scheduled around 9.

Half Batch Brewing

While you’re in Hendersonville, check out the backyard party with music, vendors, and more – plus a view of the city fireworks!

Rosemary & Beauty Queen

Beach Bash with tattoos, specialty drinks, music, and more – beachwear encouraged! In East.

NightLight 615: Top Gun Maverick

Everyone’s favorite outdoor movie night is back with a special patriotic edition in Germantown.

Nashville Shores

Fireworks at the waterpark in Hermitage.

Nashville Sounds

Baseball – as American as apple pie. Maybe even more American as far as folklore goes, but either way, it’s one of my favorite Independence Day past times. The weather is shaping up to be a great night, and the game ends with a very good fireworks show!

A little extra: If you want to see the fireworks (and the game), but enjoy a more adult atmosphere, Tailgate Brewery and Third and Home have great outdoor patios with views of the field.

July 4

Nashville

Music City 5K

Burn off some of the beer you’re going to drink later with this run/walk through downtown!

Music City Hot Chicken Festival

This annual free festival brings the heat – literally and figuratively. If you’ve ever wanted to try all of the best hot chicken Nashville has to offer, this is your chance! It’s also the only place in Nashville proper to find a parade on the 4th – so get there early!

White Limozeen

Putt-putt and pool party on the Graduate rooftop (noon-4 pm) in Midtown

Stateside Kitchen

Start the party early with patriotic vibes and bottomless mimosas. (FYI, this is a DJ brunch…it will not be chill.)

East Nashville Beer Works

Daytime hot dog cookout at both the East Nashville and Lebanon locations – bring the kids!

Urban Dog Bar

A party for the pups with vendors, food and drink specials, and more – ending in plenty of time before the fireworks start! In the Nations

Fat Bottom

All Day family-friendly party in the Nations.

No Quarter and Hubba Hubba Tiki Tonk

Parking lot pool party with music, hot dog eating contest, and more in East.

Red, White, and BOOM

With plenty of activities for the kids (including laser shows!), a great view of the downtown fireworks, and easy parking (!!), the Adventure Science Center’s Red, White, and BOOM event is well worth the price of admission! Go early to take advantage of both the museum entry and the special activities.

A Fourth of July Celebration at the Pool Club

If you’d still like the rooftop fireworks-viewing experience but not the masses and traffic, this might be the event for you. Right on Music Row, the Pool Club at the Virgin Hotel should be pretty easy to escape without getting too stuck in everyone else leaving downtown.

Hampton Inn Capitol View

If the Hampton Inn isn’t your first thought for a party, maybe it should be! Tickets include pool access, live music, and a rooftop view of the fireworks!

Pinewood Social

Patio celebration with AYCE backyard cookout, fireworks views, cocktails, movies, and more. (Fair warning, traffic getting out of here will likely be tough.)

Barrique Brewing

I’ve gone to this party two or three times now – chill vibes, great views of the fireworks, beer – and it’s free! Easy parking, but there is a little traffic to get out.

Tall Tales at Waymore’s

The newest rooftop in East has a fireworks view with bar bites, cocktails, music, and no cover!

Hubba Hubba Tiki Tonk

A parking lot pool party is about as nostalgic American as it gets!

Hoppin’ River North

Enjoy the fireworks right from the Cumberland, but on the opposite side of traffic (there will be some when leaving, but it won’t be as bad!). Easy parking that’s free for the first two hours! In East, near Top Golf.

Pontoon Saloon

Offering their first ever 4th of July cruise, view the fireworks from the Cumberland and park at the marina, which is well out of the traffic fray!

The Listening Room

Daytime patio party and writer’s round ending just in time for the downtown fireworks (you will get stuck in traffic here, just FYI)

New Heights Brewery

Family friendly fireworks viewing on the opposite side of downtown from the chaos – with a bounce house for the kids! In WeHo. Street parking, but it does fill up, so come early.

Nashville Black Market

Special 90s market featuring the 69 Boyz in Germantown

If for some reason you do REALLY want to go downtown…Nashville Guru has all the best downtown options. I personally love seeing the Symphony accompany the fireworks from Ascend Amphitheater – but you will not be spared the traffic.

And, if you’re heading down anyway, Skydeck is throwing a party featuring my beloved Rubiks Groove, with all of your favorite 80s-00s hits!

The Burbs

Fourth of July Jazz

For a much more chill 4th, head south to Arrington Vineyards. There you’ll fine great wine, beautiful scenery, and some jazz – an American-born genre of music.

Franklin on the Fourth

Festivities by day downtown (including pets and children’s parades) and fireworks. (Fair warning, this sounds like a fun day, but I expect it will also be quite crowded and have a lot of traffic).

Hop Springs

Punk Rock cookout in Murfreesboro

July 5

Nashville SC

Americana Night at Geodis, with fireworks after the game!

BrewHop

Use code HAPPY4TH for $25 tickets on Saturday and Sunday!

Holiday Specials

In addition to all the events listed above, lots of places around town offer holiday specials. Here are the ones announced so far…

• Von Elrod’s: free hotdogs with beer purchase!
• ML Rose: free slider with every craft beer purchase (They haven’t announced it yet, but they tend to do it every year, so posting just in case…keep your eyes peeled!)

Did I miss any? Which event are you most excited about? And if you attend any, please drop some tips for next year below or via email! Happy 4th, y’all! Nashville 4th of July: Things to Do, Fireworks, Concerts & More

XO,
SB

P.S. Did you know I send out a weekly events guide newsletter? In addition to holiday activities, it includes all the Xennial-approved events for the upcoming week (typically 40-50 events!), as well as any future events that have been announced so you can plan ahead. You can sign up here and have it sent directly to your inbox every Monday morning!

P.P.S. Visiting Nashville for the first time? Be sure to check out my packing list for all of your Nashville essentials!

The post Nashville 4th of July: Things to Do, Fireworks, Concerts & More first appeared on The Tip Jar.

I recognize that a significant proportion of my followers are women, which I think is probably true of most city-centric platforms.

But, I really try to be inclusive of all different types of people, tastes, interests, etc – just because we are all Gen X’ers, Xennials, or Elder Millenials doesn’t mean we’re all alike.

So, this one’s for the dudes. I really appreciate y’all sticking around, despite the florals and pink drinks that so often grace my feed, and Nashville has plenty of more masculine places to hang, from meat and beer joints to live music to a more sophisticated night on the town. Here’s to guys’ night!

*Links to everything coming soon (and some photos), but I ran out of time, y’all! For now, you’ll have to google.

Food

These spots offer great bites, cold drinks, and usually something else to do while you’re hanging out.

Baja Burrito – Baja Burrito is just one of my favorite spots in Nashville. No frills, just really, really good made-to-order food (think Chipotle, but so much better).

Bringle’s – Barbecue and an outdoor space with HUGE screens and lawn games – I rest my case. They also post on their socials which games they’ll be showing on the big screens and/or with sound, so you can know going in.

Brown’s Diner – a Nashville institution, Brown’s offers good burgers, cold beer, and live music most nights. It’s in a trailer (that they recently added a patio to – swanky!), so it’s definitely giving dive.

Earnest – channel your inner Ernest Hemingway and order a rum drink at this restaurant that was originally designed with the author in mind.

Joyland – if you miss the days of grabbing a burger after the game with some buds, Joyland is the spot for you. It’s modern-old school in the best ways possible.

Martin’s Downtown – TBH, Martin’s is not my favorite bbq in town (everyone’s got their own fave, so don’t get mad!). But the space at the downtown location is tough to beat, especially for groups.

Midnight Oil – I made the mistake of ordering a Midnight Oil pizza for myself one time. Each slice was the size of my head – and it was delicious. Another no-frills spot that’s a great local hang in the Nations.

M.L. Rose – similarly to Martin’s, ML Rose is not my favorite burger. But, they are one of my favorite spots for watching a game, hanging on the patio (shout out Sylvan Park location), or grabbing a beer with some friend – they have some of the best beer specials.

Nashville Jam Co. – for a brunch worthy of even the heartiest man, check out Nashville Jam Company where the food is great, the portions are huge, and the mimosas are served in 16 oz. tumblers!

The Ridge – now this is one of my favorite bbq places in town, and it’s off the beaten path, so you never have to wait long for your food. Huge portions and lots of drink specials if you time it right.

Rock’N Dough – you know I love Rock’N Dough, but here’s why it’s great for guys night – a GIANT screen for whatever the game of the night is, tons of space, over 150 whiskeys, and craft beer brewed at their flagship location in West Tennessee. Oh, and good pizza.

Streetcar – this new spot on Charlotte Ave. has all the makings of Sylvan Park/the Nations’ new favorite neighborhood hang. Its outdoor beer garden with picnic tables is perfect for a night out with the boys.

Scoreboard – good, old fashioned bar food, reasonably priced drinks, and live music or sports (or both!) while you eat. The enclosed outdoor space has a tiki bar vibe all year round.

Twilight Tavern – one of the best places to watch sports, Twilight Tavern has a zillion TVs and its seldom overly crowded. Their bar food is some of the best in town, IMO, and they offer 2-4-1 drafts on Sundays. ON SUNDAYS!

Von Elrod’s – a beer garden with a ton of German (and other) beers on tap, as well as German-inspired bar food. Plus, their community style seating is just a fun time.

Drinks

While some of these spots might have some small snacks, they’re really more known for the beverages.

Americano Lounge – Americano Lounge is a Jazz Era vibe, and whether you’re wanting cocktails or coffee, they’ve got it covered. Pairs well with Earnest, just down the street.

Brew Hop – maybe more of a guys’ day than a guys’ night activity, Brew Hop will take you and your crew around to 7 different breweries, and you can hop on and off all day. They also offer a locals’ discount – use code “LOCAL615” for $6.15 off your ticket.

Embers Ski Lodge – Embers has great HH specials and just a fun vibe. Some good snacks, too (the coconut shrimp, omg).

Never Never – this is probably the coolest “dive” I’ve ever been to. The walls are painted black and it looks like a hole in the wall from the outside, yet they serve delicious cocktails (and beer, of course) and have a great outdoor space, in front and in the back.

New Heights – I probably could have put every brewery in Nashville on this list, honestly – there are a ton and they’re all good. I love New Heights, though. Warehouse-y, creative brews, and a very loyal mug club make this a great spot for a chill bro hang.

Patterson House – PH is the type of spot that makes me want to smoke a cigar – speakeasy feels and craft cocktails, it’s the essence of cool.

Urban Cowboy – this bar was the first place I ever experienced a pretentious “mixologist”. But, that’s how you know the drinks are good. The space is cool and gives Western vibes, and the outdoor firepit adds to the ambiance.

Activities

When you just want to get out and burn some energy, with or without food/drinks, these places have you covered.

The Basement East – you’ll have to wait for a show for this one, but this place is literally named the Beast. It doesn’t get much less feminine than that. They have all kinds of fun shows that appeal to a variety of genres, ages, genders, and tastes.

HQ Arcade – Nashville has several arcades, which is just so fun. HQ has historically been one of my faves because of the vibe, extensive draft list, and old school arcade and pinball games. But, No Quarter and Game Terminal are other great options.

McCabe Golf Course – another guys’ day option, book yourself a tee time at McCabe Golf Course. But almost every man I’ve ever met raves about it whenever Sylvan Park comes up. So, I take that as a good sign.

Pins Mechanical – pin bowling, giant beer pong, giant Jenga, pinball machines and more, Pins Mechanical is just a giant, fun, loud playground.

Santa’s Pub – a trailer that sells cash-only beer ($2.50 PBRs, last time I was there, although inflation may have raised the price) and offers the best karaoke in town, Santa’s Pub is a must. But, go early or on an off-day to avoid the crowds.

Tee Line – part sports bar, part curling facility, Tee Line offers sports you can play, sports you can watch, and food and drink to refuel after either/both.

Zanies – friends who laugh together, stay together. Or something like that. Zanies brings in some of the top level talent in the comedic game. And, on Mondays, you can hear new material from a variety of folks, so you never know what you’ll get!

So, there you have it! I will admit that I ran my initial list past one of my guy friends, so many of these additions are his suggestions – still vetted by me, though!

Did I/we miss any? Leave us a tip below, and cheers!

XO,
X

The post Guide to Guys’ Night! first appeared on The Tip Jar.

As much as I love a good bargain (and I do!), as I’ve gotten older, I value putting my money where it can do additional good – even if that may cost slightly more. I suspect that many Xennials feel this way (after all, Millenials are the TOMS generation!)

So, if you’d like to put your money to good use AND come away with something for yourself (really, what better bargain is there?), here are a few places around town where you can do just that.

Coffee

Crest Coffee

Although Crest Coffee is next door to a church, it is it’s own unique entity, serving Nashville by partnering with a different community organization each month. Not only does Crest Coffee give back, but their coffee is also completely donation-based, allowing everyone in the community to have the benefit of a good cup o’ joe.

Humphreys Street Coffee

Humphreys Street Coffee in Wedgewood-Houston is a social enterprise of Harvest Hands CDC and employs area youth, giving them not only jobs, but also mentoring opportunities, trainings, and skills that go beyond the workplace. 100% of their profits are reinvested into programs and scholarships that support students. “Our expectation is that the students we employ will transform and impact their own neighborhood in positive ways.”

They also happen to be one of my favorite spots for remote work, and the space itself is a beautiful, light-filled converted former church.

Land of a Thousand Hills

Land of a Thousand Hills coffee in West Nashville has a more global focus. Their Do Good Initiative not only sustainably sources coffee from Rwandan farmers, but also provides health care, schools, and other programs for those farming communities.

The Well

Another favorite spot of mine, the Well uses their profits to help fund clean water projects in the countries from which they source their coffee. But, they don’t forget about their local community either, having partnered with several initiatives to provide clean water and services to those impacted by the 2020 tornado. And, with several locations around Nashville, you’re never too far away to do a little good.

Food/Drink

Christie Cookie Co.

A Nashville original, Christie Cookies are delicious AND they give back, locally and nationally! Check out their “For a Cause” page to see all the special edition cookies you can order to support various organizations.

A little extra: Did you know Christie Cookie Co. is the creator of the DoubleTree cookie?? If you’ve ever stayed at a DoubleTree, you know that is one of the best cookies on the planet!

The Cookery

From their website, “the Cookery is a nonprofit restaurant, cafe, caterer, and event space that trains formerly homeless men in the Culinary Arts to prepare them for employment in Nashville’s food industry.” They are open most days for breakfast and lunch and have a convenient location just beyond the busy district of 12South.

Etch

You know the roasted cauliflower at Etch is delicious. But did you also know that $1 from each order goes towards Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee? A few years ago, it was reported that Etch donated $17,000 dollars from their cauliflower proceeds! You can find Etch in SoBro – and on my guide to happy hours after 5!

Tennessee Brew Works

Every Sunday, Tennessee Brew Works donates $1 from every pint to a local charity or non-profit. Their chosen partner changes quarterly, so follow their Instagram for the latest partner. Sunday Funday and Sunday Give-Back-Day? I’m in.

The Café at Thistle Farms

For over 25 years, “Thistle Farms has lit a pathway of healing and hope for women survivors of trafficking, prostitution, and addiction.” The Cafe is one way to support this beautiful mission, as it provides employment for those Thistle Farms serves, as well as an entrepreneurial stream for the organization’s mission (including safe housing, therapy, legal services, and more).

The food is delicious, the service friendly, the space lovely and inviting. It’s a special place.

Shops

ABLE

As beautiful as any boutique in Nashville, Able’s mission is to empower women by providing living wages, ensuring on-the-job safety, and working for equality. They partner with vendors who share that mission and are seeking to bring about change in the fashion industry – at home, and around the world.

Ten Thousand Villages

Although not unique to Nashville, Ten Thousand Villages is one of the leaders in fair-trade merchandising, offering unique gifts from around the world. Their mission is to ensure makers earn a fair, living wage in safe working conditions, to invest in partnerships that empower women and communities, to celebrate diverse cultures, all while caring for the earth.

Project 615

Project 615 t-shirts and hats have become nearly ubiquitous with Nashville, and it’s easy to see why! With soft fabric, high quality printing, and catchy slogans (my personal favorite is “I climbed Mt. Juliet”), what’s not to love? Plus, since they started in 2010, Project 615 has donated nearly $1,000,000 to world-changing causes and local non-profits. They live our their most well-known t-shirt every day and “Spread Love. It’s the Nashville Way.”

Thistle Farms

You can read about the mission above, but the shop is just as worth a visit as the café! Gorgeous hand made accessories, deliciously scented soaps and candles, and a full line of natural bath products, Thistle Farms is the best place to treat yourself or find some gifts – while also supporting their incredible programs.

Other

The Listening Room

At least monthly, The Listening Room hosts Sound Good, Do Good – donating the cover charges from the events to non-profits or people in need. Check their calendar or socials for the next opportunity to give back while hearing some of the best music in town!

The Russell and the Gallatin Hotel

The Russell and its sister hotel, the Gallatin, both offer unique, boutique stays in East Nashville. The Russell is in a beautiful, reclaimed church with gorgeous stained glass windows. The Gallatin is also a reclaimed church, but it has a more eclectic feel with a different color scheme per floor (that carries down to the room refrigerators!). But, even better, much of their proceeds support local homeless ministries, with the Russell’s website estimating that the average stay provides 16 beds and meals at local shelters. So, whether you are on a staycation or have friends coming to visit, be sure to put the Russell and the Gallatin at the top of the list of places to stay!

Nashville is such a giving community, I feel almost certain that I missed something on this list. Did I? Please send me an email or drop us a tip below if so! And leave a comment to let us know your favorite way to shop and give back!

XO,
SB

The post Guide to Cause-Based Businesses first appeared on The Tip Jar.