You're Asking Yourself, "Is This South Nashville?" A Hilariously Unofficial Guide
Ah, Nashville. Music City, bachelorette party capital of the world, and a place where the lines between north, south, east, and west get blurrier than a line at a free hot chicken pop-up shop. But fear not, intrepid adventurer, for we're here to tackle the age-old question: what in tarnation is considered South Nashville?
The Short Answer (For Folks Who Like Their Geography Like Their Sweet Tea: Cold and Fast)
South Nashville is generally south of downtown Nashville, duh. Shocking, we know. But seriously, it stretches from the Cumberland River on the west to the Donelson/Airport/Antioch areas on the east, and southwards for a good bit. Think lower Broadway said "peace out" and headed for greener pastures (with maybe a touch less honky-tonk).
The Long Answer (For Folks Who Like Their Exploration with a Side of Quirky Neighborhoods)
Tip: Jot down one takeaway from this post.
South Nashville is a tapestry woven from threads of charming historic districts (think Wedgewood-Houston with its trendy art galleries), established family neighborhoods (like Crieve Hall with its sprawling yards perfect for backyard barbecues), and up-and-coming areas (looking at you, Woodbine, with your cute bungalows and hipster coffee shops).
Here's the thing: South Nashville defies easy definition. It's a hodgepodge of vibes that somehow works. You might stumble upon a Civil War battlefield remnant one minute and a craft brewery serving avocado toast the next. It's a beautiful mess, y'all.
So, How Do You Know You're in South Nashville?
Tip: Take notes for easier recall later.
- You see a lovingly restored Victorian house with a "Keep Austin Weird" bumper sticker on a beat-up pickup truck parked out front.
- You hear live music spilling out of a random building that might be a bar, a restaurant, or someone's particularly enthusiastic grandma's house.
- You find yourself surrounded by rolling hills that make you question if you accidentally wandered onto the set of "The Sound of Music." (Spoiler alert: you probably haven't, but hey, stranger things have happened in Nashville.)
What is Considered South Nashville |
Bonus Points for South Nashville
- You witness a heated debate about whether Gus's or Prince's has the superior hot chicken.
- You see a guy riding a lawnmower down the street with a guitar strapped to his back.
- You hear someone yell "Y'all come back now, ya hear?" after a perfectly pleasant interaction with a stranger at the grocery store.
Tip: Reading in chunks improves focus.
How To South Nashville
Alright, alright, so we know this whole "South Nashville" thing can be confusing. Here's a crash course to help you navigate like a true Nashvillian (or at least pretend convincingly):
How to Find South Nashville: Head south from downtown. Seriously, that's it.
QuickTip: Skim the ending to preview key takeaways.
How to Talk Like a South Nashvillian: Learn how to say "y'all" without sounding like you're from California. Bonus points for mastering the art of the Southern drawl.
How to Dress for South Nashville: It's a free-for-all. You might see someone in a cowboy hat and boots next to a person rocking the latest athleisure trend. Just don't forget your cowboy boots for two-stepping at that random bar with live music (see above).
How to Eat Like a South Nashvillian: Hot chicken. The answer is always hot chicken. But also barbecue, meat and three, and maybe some pecan pie for dessert.
How to Survive South Nashville: Be friendly, embrace the weird, and don't take yourself too seriously. This ain't New York City, folks. We like to smile and wave down here (unless you cut us off in traffic, then all bets are off).