It was a happy Friday from Nashville! After a whirlwind first day, we decided to indulge in a little extra sleep to recharge our batteries. A refreshing workout followed, setting the perfect tone for the adventures ahead. Dressed up and ready to explore, we made our way to The Gulch, a neighborhood brimming with charm.

Our first stop was Milk and Honey, a spot that came highly recommended. Unsurprisingly, it was bursting with energy! While we waited for our table, we strolled around the neighborhood and were drawn in by the vibrant colors and inviting vibe of Vui’s Juice Café. We couldn’t resist popping in for a quick refreshment, and I’m so glad we did! The smoothies and juices were incredibly fresh, and the service was both quick and friendly — definitely a place I’d recommend.

Lavender Honey Latte – Milk and Honey at The Gulch.

Vui’s Juice Cafe.

Once we were seated at Milk and Honey, the food did not disappoint, but I have to say, my favorite part was the lavender honey latte. It’s a unique blend that really hit the spot, and I’m pretty sure my colleagues who joined us for the event that next week would wholeheartedly agree!

After breakfast we continued our exploration of The Gulch, stopping in a few boutiques along the way. One standout was Kittenish, a cute shop by Jesse James Decker with an irresistibly girly vibe. It felt like a little treasure trove of fun finds!

Kittenish, a store by Jessie James Decker.

As the heat of the August day set in, we sought some shade at L.A. Jackson, a cool rooftop bar perched atop The Thompson Hotel. We sipped on refreshing spritzes while soaking in stunning views of Nashville’s skyline — definitely a moment to remember.

We couldn’t resist capturing a few photos at the iconic “WhatLiftsYou” wings mural; and as we wandered back toward Broadway, we noted all the intriguing places we wanted to visit. The allure of catching live music and enjoying a drink was hard to resist, but soon enough it was time to head back and prepare for our dinner reservation.

WhatLiftsYou wings mural.

This trip had been wonderfully active, and I’d never felt better while traveling! Our evening at Bourbon Steak was the perfect culmination of our day, but, trust me, that experience deserves its own dedicated post. Stay tuned for all the delicious details!

— Yasser Ogando, executive director, media