Hillsboro Village

Conveniently located near Vanderbilt and Belmont Universities, Hillsboro Village is a collection of shops, boutiques and restaurants perfect for a day’s stroll. A four-block radius with all the makings of its own village, this quaint Nashville neighborhood has rejuvenated the community and attracted young professionals for living and playing.

Cabana, a hip and versatile restaurant and bar, morphs into an upscale hot spot with live music and DJs in the evening. Have the ultimate dining experience and reserve a cabana, which is a semi-private booth with curtains, TV, and an iPod/music player hook-up. Not far is Jackson’s Bar and Bistro, specializing in French bistro-style food as well as eclectic European fare. This neighborhood bistro encourages patrons to come as they are and be themselves.

Across the street is one of Nashville’s most famous restaurants. A Nashville breakfast tradition, the Pancake Pantry boasts a menu with 21 pancake selections. Combining some surprising ingredients with family flapjack recipes, the ending results are pancakes that melt in your mouth. (Try chocolate chip or sweet potato flavors.) Saturday and Sunday mornings are especially popular at the Pantry, and the waiting line usually wraps around the building down 21st Avenue.

For Parisian-style fare, Provence Breads & Café offers gourmet sandwiches and decadent baked goods in a relaxed, cozy atmosphere. Fido - Nashville's Hillsboro Village Neighborhood

Across the street from Provence is Fido. This funky coffeehouse is the heart and soul of Hillsboro Village. Fido draws a mix of Vandy students, Music Row execs, musicians and neighborhood locals. Coffee is the main attraction, but large sandwiches and all-day breakfasts are crowd pleasers.

Venturing down Belcourt Avenue, you will find hidden gems like Savarino’s Cucina, a family-run Italian café serving everything from espresso and biscotti to fresh-baked Italian bread sandwiches and homemade gelato. Belcourt Tapsoffers stuffed burgers and fresh-cut fries served 7 ways along with nightly live music. Stop by Lucky Belly for a quick and tasty burger, enjoy a gourmet hot dog at ,The Dog of Nashville, or famous fried chicken baskets at McDougal’s.

Hillsboro Village may seem small, but unique boutiques and specialty stores abound. Belcourt Theatre - Nashville's Hillsboro Village Neighborhood If you desire unique entertainment, look no further than the historic Belcourt Theatre. Opened in 1925 as a silent movie house and later, as the location of the venerable Grand Ole Opry, the Belcourt has since returned to its original use as a movie theatre showing classic, unique, and challenging fare not previously available in Nashville. At the moment the Belcourt Theatre is being renovated.

Pangaea, The Impeccable Pig, Tennessee Chic, and A Thousand Faces each offer their own varied selection of art, jewelry, office accessories, furniture and gifts. For unique gifts or rare finds, these stores are a must. Posh Boutique, a sister shop to the Green Hills favorite, offers a wide selection of the latest styles with prices ranging between $10 and $200, accommodating all budgets. Even glasses aren’t spared by this neighborhood’s chic style: SEE (Selective Eyewear Elements)features unique European designer eyewear.

Located inside the Hill Center Acklen Project, a residential-retail development, is Double Dogs Chow House, Jeni’s Ice Cream, and Revelator Coffee Company. Double Dogs Chow House is the perfect spot to watch the game with friends. Jeni’s Ice Crem has unbelievable ice-cream sandwiches. And Revelator Coffee Company provides you the caffeine kick you need for an all day adventure.

BELMONT AREA

Not too far from Hillsboro Village is the Belmont area, which is home to Belmont University, a historic home, shops, and some great eating. In fact, you can plan a full day of Nashville things to do just by taking a journey down the street called Belmont Blvd. While in the area, stop into The Gallery of Iconic Guitars (GIG) on Belmont’s campus. With over 100 instruments, the GIG was designed to celebrate some of the most rare, iconic guitars and stringed instruments ever known.

First stop must be Martin’s BBQ Joint. Owner Patrick Martin incorporates the art of West Tennessee whole hog BBQ at his award-winning restaurant offering you the perfect opportunity to get a taste of some Music City greatness. Some other great dining options include Chago’s Cantina, Blvd Nashville, PM, popular coffeehouse Bongo Java, and local favorite Proper Bagel.

Once you have filled up on food it’s time to do a little shopping. Local Honey provides a selection of vintage apparel that will have you looking fantastic. Or take a moment and look through the goods at Nouveau Classics, a contemporary furniture store.

Next, discover an amazing American adventure at Belmont Mansion, one of the largest house museums in Nashville. They offer a personalized docent tour of the mansion’s 10,000 square feet that explores the beautiful architecture and the life and legacy of its mistress: Adelicia Acklen.

Originally published by Visit Music City.