A Guide to Nashville, TN (Taylor’s Version) — Places & Restaurants

In 2003, 13-year-old Taylor Swift moved from Reading, Pennsylvania to Nashville, Tennessee to pursue a career in country music. When she arrived in Music City, Taylor would go to record labels, hand out her demos to the front-desk staff and say: “Hi. I’m Taylor, I’m 11. I want a record deal. Call me.”

Taylor’s dad, a stockbroker, relocated his business to Nashville to support the dreams of her daughter. The Swift family settled in Hendersonville, an affluent suburb 20 minutes outside Nashville. 

When we hear the name Taylor Swift, we think of global success: never ending Grammy wins, multiple number-one singles on the Billboard charts, and massive stadiums with fans singing along to her lyrics. Her Eras Tour has earned over $1 billion, becoming the highest-grossing tour of all time. Last week, Taylor made history at the MTV Video Music Awards by becoming the most awarded artist in VMA history.

But, how were her beginnings in Nashville? What was her life like when she lived there full-time? Where did she like to go? What is it about Nashville that she likes so much?

Last month, I visited Nashville for the first time. I was blown away by the amazingly talented bands playing in the honky-tonks on Broadway. If you’ve never been to Nashville, imagine a street where live music is blasting from every bar. As you walk down the street, all these working musicians are pouring out their hearts and souls into the audience with the hopes of being signed to a record label. I thought it was mind-blowing that being as talented as they are, people get to see them for free. If there’s a band you enjoy, don’t forget to tip them!

During my trip, Taylor’s presence was ubiquitous. Whether it was at CVS, upscale boutiques, or the airport, you could find shirts, cups, books and other Taylor mementos. There’s no doubt that Nashville is very proud of her!

If you Google Taylor Swift’s spots in Nashville, you’ll come across the same three places she has mentioned in the past: Pancake Pantry, Bluebird Cafe and Fido. Nonetheless, I was able to dig up a few interviews with more recommendations by Taylor herself!! I’m surprised these interviews haven’t resurfaced because she gives great recommendations to Nashville’s first-time visitors!

Taylor’s impressive real estate includes homes in NYC, Bel-Air and Rhode Island. In 2009, Taylor purchased a penthouse in Midtown Nashville. Although she no longer lives in Nashville full-time, she still owns the penthouse. 

These interviews are pre-2014, a time when she could freely walk on the streets with the occasional fan stopping her for a picture. Today, everywhere she goes draws a huge mob of fans. However, Nashvillians are known for being respectful of celebrities when they’re out and about. 

In this post, you’ll read all the Taylor-related places in Nashville, with my own experience on some of them. Enjoy! 🫶❤️

Nashville Lifestyle (2012): How does it feel to have your own place in Midtown Nashville?

Taylor: I love living in Midtown. In 10 minutes, I can walk to Hillsboro Village through the Vanderbilt campus, past the old stone buildings and churches. I love being so close to Green Hills, The Gulch and Broadway. Everything is two minutes away.

Bluebird Cafe

On November 4, 2004, fourteen-year-old Taylor performed at the Bluebird Cafe. That night, Scott Borschetta, who had recently left Universal Music Nashville, was captivated by Taylor’s stage presence and offered to sign her at his soon-to-be-opened record label: Big Machine Records. 

If you Google Taylor Swift and Bluebird Cafe, most online publications will say that this was the place where Taylor was “discovered”. However, it’s known that Scott Borschetta was already aware of her. That night was the first time Taylor and Borschetta met, and he happened to be impressed by her talent and charisma.

Tickets must be purchased a week in advance. When I went on the website the week before, I was shocked to see that the tickets for the show I wanted to see were already sold out!! The manager said in an interview that usually tickets are sold out in three minutes. It’s a very small and intimate venue. If you can’t get a reservation, you can show up but entry is not guaranteed.

I was in the area one afternoon and stopped by. There was a private event, but I wanted to take a quick peek inside. As soon as I walked in, I instantly felt the special energy of this place. In 1982, Amy Kurland opened Bluebird as a cafe, but she also let her friends play live music. Since then, so many artists from all walks of life have gotten their start at this worldwide recognized spot: Lady Antebellum, Garth Brooks, Leann Rimes, Kelsea Ballerini and Melissa Etheridge to name a few. Bluebird Cafe is the ultimate mecca for up-and-coming songwriters in Music City. 

Nashville’s urban development is still very new. The odd mix of business and residential was very interesting to see. Bluebird Cafe is located in a very unassuming small strip mall, next to a jewelry store and a dry cleaner shop. There were high-rise luxury condos just a few feet away and a Trader Joe’s right across the street.

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Even if you don’t like country music, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will give you a different outlook on this genre. They do a great job telling the story of country music from the very beginning through videos, exhibits and impressive memorabilia, like Elvis Presley’s gold-plated Cadillac, or beautiful dresses that have been worn at the Grammys by different artists.

After my visit, I could see why Taylor was drawn to this genre and how Shania Twain and Faith Hill (country music royalty) inspired her to move to Nashville and follow in their footsteps. Country music is all about storytelling, and even if Taylor is no longer a country artist, storytelling will always be woven into the fabric of her songs. She’s never left that part behind.

There are a few exhibit displays of Taylor throughout the museum, but the ultimate Swifie destination in Nashville is the Taylor Swift Education Center. It features three classrooms, a songwriting station and exhibits with Taylor’s outfits from her early beginnings. There was a bracelet holder stacked with friendship bracelets Taylor received from fans during her still ongoing Eras Tour. Taylor no longer does meet and greets, so I wonder how they were able to send these?

Bench on Centennial Park

In her song “Invisible String” from Folklore, Taylor mentions sitting on a bench in Centennial Park.

“Green was the color of the grass/Where I used to read at Centennial Park” – “Gold was the color of the leaves/When I showed you around Centennial Park.”

Coinciding with Taylor’s Eras Tour in her hometown last year, the City of Nashville dedicated a bench to her in the park. Please note that there is no evidence that Taylor has ever sat on this bench. Centennial Park is located in the middle of the city. It was beautiful, albeit more urban.

Nashville Lifestyle (2012): What do you consider to be the best places to take out of town visitors coming to Nashville for the first time?

Taylor: If you’re dealing with foodies, take them to City House in Germantown.

Taylor: “If your guests like barbecue and a laid-back, front porch vibe, 12 South is a really cool area; places like Burger Up and then Frothy Monkey is next door for coffee. At least drive down Broadway and show them the honkytonks.”

Taylor: “Go to Pancake Pantry for breakfast. I like to drive down Music Row and show out of town guests how quaint and laid back our music industry has stayed, with major record and publishing companies in cute little houses. Also, the Belle Meade Plantation is awesome and it’s one of the first places I went when I first came here. I’m obsessed with the history of this town. I seriously park my car and read those historical marker signs when I see them.”

My experience: I was very surprised when I drove down Music Row for the first time. I loved the old buildings and charming bungalow houses converted into music studios. Of course, I couldn’t leave without taking a picture of Big Machine Records! This is where Taylor recorded her first six albums!

Prior to meeting Scott, Taylor got a development deal with RCA, where she was introduced to songwriters. However, RCA’s roster was mostly pop stars and they wouldn’t let Taylor record her own songs. One of the songwriters she met was Liz Rose, who worked for Sony/ATV. Liz has co-written many pivotal songs in Taylor’s career, like “All Too Well”, “You Belong with Me” and “Love Story”.

In early 2004, Taylor was hired by Sony/ATV as a songwriter. When Taylor declined to renew her contract with RCA for another year, she started sending promotional packages to different record labels. One of these promotional packages got in the hands of Scott Borschetta, who was on his way out from Universal Music Nashville.

Soon after meeting at the Bluebird Cafe, Taylor’s mom would drive 30 minutes from Hendersonville to Scott Borschetta’s newly opened record label to write and record songs. The rest is history.

In 2019, Big Machine was acquired by Ithaca Holdings, which ensued in the infamous public dispute that led Taylor to re-record her albums. At one point, Big Machine had to shut down due to threats. Because of this, Big Machine is not widely advertised on Music Row. The building looked very corporate and sterile, as opposed to the other buildings and bungalow houses that still had that classic charm.

This is what Big Machine looked like before. How different! This is how many of the biggest studios on Music Row look like, very unassuming quaint houses.

On another note, if you’re going to Frothy Monkey in 12 South on a weekend, make sure you get there as early as you can! I went there on a Saturday for coffee, but there were too many people, so I went back the following day and sat down in their lovely patio. The coffee was really good! I didn’t go to Burger Up, but I walked by and it was very busy, which is always a good sign!

Nashville Lifestyle (2014):What Nashville restaurants are you loving?

Taylor: “I stick to the things that are old favorites for me. I love ordering sushi from Virago, I love Fido and the Hillsboro Village area. I love 12 South. Everybody loves 12 South, but there’s also something good there. For me, when I’m in Nashville, I do a lot of cooking and a lot of ordering in now, because usually I just want to spend time with my mom and dad. Oh! The Silly Goose (CLOSED) is another one that I always order from.”

Note: Some of the cutest boutiques I’ve ever seen are at 12 South. Don’t forget to check out White’s Mercantile. This ultra-expensive, yet gorgeous rustic shop offers curated items that range from home décor to beauty to honey jars.

Hendersonville

“Are you ready to go back to high school with me?” – A question that Taylor Swift always asks her audience, right when she’s about to sing “You Belong with Me” on the Eras Tour.

Before being homeschooled, Taylor went to Hendersonville High School for two years. Not only was this high school a major influence for many of her early songs, but it was also where she met her longtime friend, Abigail Anderson. 

Three minutes away from the high school, there was a kid’s playground dedicated to Taylor Swift. The original playground was destroyed by the deadly floods of 2010. Due to financial problems, the renovation was delayed for a few years until Taylor chipped in $100,000. There were a few kids playing there when I went!

If you go to Hendersonville, you should drive through the residential areas. My jaw dropped to the floor as I drove through the pristine and serene grounds. What an idyllic place to grow up! Taylor’s house was located in Old Hickory Lake, an exclusive private waterfront estate with its own marina. Celebrities like Kelly Clarkson and other legendary country stars have lived there, like Johnny & June Carter Cash and Loretta Lynn.

In 2006, the “Tim McGraw” music video was filmed at the former estate of Johnny and June Cash in Old Hickory Lake. Sadly, it was completely destroyed by a fire the following year. But, I’ve just learned that the property is registered as a historical landmark! Although there is nothing there, you can look at the grounds over the fence.

If Taylor’s music career hadn’t panned out, she had a modelling career to fall back on. In 2003/2004, Taylor modelled for Abercrombie & Fitch.

There is no denying that Taylor grew up extremely privileged, but money alone does not guarantee success, let alone her level of success. This is the girl who went to all the country radio stations in Nashville to get her name out there. She was also one of the first artists to use social media (Myspace) to promote her music, and was constantly doing meet-and-greets after her radio shows. Taylor’s confessional songs about the throes of high school dating resonated with teenage girls all over the US. Veteran female country singers like Shania Twain and Faith Hill were not the talk of the town anymore. Taylor filled a void in country music back in 2005. As a brand new artist, releasing a song with the title of one the biggest names in country music (Tim McGraw) was also a very clever move.

However, Taylor’s time at Big Machine Records wasn’t all rainbows and butterflies. She was only allowed to record three pop songs on Red, Scott Borschetta wanted to add a fiddle on “Shake it Off” to make it sound more country, and the label didn’t want her to record “Our Song” on Debut — but classy Taylor always held her ground.

Taylor talking about “Our Song” in 2007: “I went to my record label, and I said to the guy at the record label, ‘I really think we should put this song on the record because my friends at high school love it.’ And he was like, ‘Now, you can’t just make all of your decisions about a very serious thing like an album based on if your high school friends like it or not.’ And it ended up being our first number one at country radio, so I guess you can!”

She said in one interview: “Having label executives in Nashville tell me that only 35-year-old housewives listened to country music and that there was no place for a 13-year-old on their roster, made me cry in the car on the way home.”

Castle Gwynn

Fearless was Taylor’s Shakespearean era. Who could forget the iconic “Love Story” music video? This castle was the perfect location for the enchanting, Romeo & Juliet theme of the song.

Castle Gwynn is located 30 miles south of Nashville in Arrington, TN. I went all the way there only to find out that the road that led to the castle was closed. After a quick Google search, I found out that Castle Gwynn is privately owned by Mike Freeman, who also hosts the Tennesse Rennaisance Festival in May. This is the only time of the year where he opens his castle to the public from 10 am to 3 pm. If you happen to be in Nashville in May, consider yourself lucky! In April 2024, it was announced that the castle would start hosting weddings.

When I drove back to Nashville on Interstate 840, I was able to catch a glimpse of the castle peeking through the trees! 

Grand Ole Opry

Hailed as one of the most important music venues in the US, Grand Ole Opry began as a broadcasting show in 1925 to promote bluegrass music. Since the show’s inception, Grand Ole Opry has had several venues. In 1974, the show found its permanent home in Opryland, just 20 minutes outside of Downtown Nashville.

Grand Ole Opry has helped kick-start the careers of many rising country musicians. Being invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry is one of the biggest honors anyone could achieve as a country artist. It was surprising to know that Taylor, who has performed there quite a few times, is not a member.

On September 1, 2006, almost two months before Debut was released, Taylor made her first appearance on the legendary stage.

Located within walking distance from Grand Ole Opry is the Madame Tussauds museum, where you’ll be able to take a selfie with Taylor’s wax figure!

Fido

Taylor for Lifestyle Magazine (2013): “Fido in Hillsboro Village. I like it for its atmosphere and energy. Everybody’s always hanging out there, having lattes in mugs with cute little swirl designs on top. My friends and I like it because it’s open late.”

My experience: When I walked into Fido, I could see why this was one of Taylor’s favorite spots in Nashville. Think Red: scarves, lattes, fall and cozy vibes. The community bulletin board had flyers promoting poetry lessons, book clubs and open mic nights with writers. According to FiftyGrande.com, Taylor’s favorite order was a nonfat caramel latte. 

Fido was originally a pet shop for dogs. They even kept the original signage and used the dog logo of the former shop. There were many dog references inside the coffee shop, like dog drawings and stuffed dogs, which was really funny because Taylor is a self-proclaimed cat person.

Taylor Swift was Guest Editor in the 2015 June issue of Glamour UK, where she wrote an article about her favorite restaurants around the world. Etch and the Pancake Pantry made it on the list. Read the full article here.

Etch restaurant

“Nashville is expanding fast, and this restaurant is one of the reasons why I think that’s a good thing! They have amazing entrées like cobia (spiced fish) served with a fried beignet, and their sides (truffle-roasted cauliflower, creamy chickpeas, charred broccoli) are perfect complements.” – Taylor for Glamour UK (2015)

This is Taylor’s favorite dish on Etch! It’s only available on the dinner menu.

Sweet potato beignet, cashew cream, dried cranberries, orange supremes,
orange brown butter sauce, chili crunch, black bean tofu drizzle, scallions.

Pancake Pantry 

“I love this breakfast place because it serves about a million kinds of pancakes, including my favorite, sweet potato pancakes. It’s a Nashville staple, with a line usually stretching around the block in quaint Hillsboro Village.” Taylor for Glamour UK (2015)

Taylor’s favorite pancakes: sweet potato pancakes powdered with cinnamon and sugar. She really loves sweet potatoes! Photo by kensfoodfind.com

Taylor: “Capitol Grille (CLOSED) in the Hermitage Hotel. I took my parents there for Mother’s Day this year, and it had this old school, back-in-time vibe to it. Sometimes I think every restaurant is trying to out-hip the others. This one is really classic, and my brother and I were geeking out about the history of the Hermitage Hotel” — Taylor Swift for Lifestyle Magazine (2013)

Note: In 2021, Capitol Grille was replaced by Drussie and Darr. Owned by Michelin-star chef Jean-Georges, Drussie and Darr offers a seasonal modern American menu. It’s a very upscale restaurant and reservations are required!

Adele’s 

When Taylor Swift dated Tom Hiddleston in the summer of 2016, they were photographed leaving Adele’s. Known for its fresh and seasonal flavors, Adele’s has been featured multiple times in Nashville’s best restaurant lists. In August 2024, Adele’s was voted one of Nashville’s best brunch restaurants.

Edley’s BBQ

Taylor was spotted at the 12 South location in 2012 with Connor Kennedy.

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse

Taylor was photographed with Tom Hiddleston in 2016.

Nashville Lifestyle (2012): Do you have any favorite shops in or around Nashville? If so, any tips for great finds?

Taylor: “I have so many favorite shops here. I love Gilchrist and Gilchrist (CLOSED), this family owned shop in Berry Hill. I bought a lot of cute decorations and furniture for my apartment there. For the girls who like shabby chic, go there. I really like the Hill Center area with Anthropologie and H.Audrey.

Fire Finch (CLOSED) and Pangaea (CLOSED) in Hillsboro Village are so cute too. Tokyo in Green Hills (CLOSED)—This place has a deck to sit outside and hibachi tables inside. The waiters and waitresses are so sweet and friendly.”

Taylor: “Fanny’s House of Music in East Nashville has instruments, lessons, sweet ladies who work there and awesome vintage clothes, shoes, and accessories. Across the street is Pied Piper (CLOSED), get some ice cream there.”

My experience: Even though most of the shops she mentions are closed, these neighborhoods are a must-see in Nashville! The Mall at Green Hills is another nice place to go window shopping! I went to Fanny’s House of Music, and Taylor was right. When I walked in, there was a sweet lady who greeted me and told me to make myself feel at home. 😭😭 They have an impressive repertoire of guitars. In one of the rooms, there was a dedicated autographed poster from Taylor’s 2009 Rolling Stone issue. If you’re a Swiftie and you’re in Nashville, you can’t miss this place!

Nashville Lifestyle (2013): If you had a day to be anonymous in Music City, what would you do and where would you go?

Taylor: “I’d just probably do the same things I usually do. It would be so depressing to think I couldn’t go certain places because people know who I am now. I love going to the shops in Franklin and walking around the adorable areas in East Nashville (my fiddle player Caitlin’s neighborhood) and walking to Starbucks in the morning. I love concerts at the Ryman, I like going to Target. These are all places where there are always lots of people around, but that’s just kind of where I like going. It’s not that big of a deal, really.”

In 2021, Taylor teamed up with Starbucks for the release of Red (Taylor’s Version). Fans could order Taylor’s favorite drink, a Grande Caramel Nonfat Latte in a red cup. The drink was on the menu as “Taylor’s Latte”.

My experience: Located about 30 minutes away from Nashville lies Franklin, a beautiful charming town with rich history, gorgeous architecture and lovely boutiques. It’s also very walkable! 

The Ryman Auditorium, also known as the “Mother Church of Country Music” is yet another historical music venue in Nashville. Originally a church, the Ryman is where the Grand Ole Opry radio show was hosted from 1943 to 1974. The venue has still kept the original wooden pews, and if you go during the day, you’ll be able to see the magical sunlight through the famous stained glass windows. 

Radnor Lake State Park

Nashville has breathtaking parks and hiking trails, but Radnor Lake was my favorite! During my six-day trip, I went to Radnor Lake twice. It’s one of the most peaceful places in Nashville. During the 2.6-mile loop, I loved listening to the nature sounds and watching deer and cranes. The trails are impeccably maintained. I loved it so much that I was sad when I ended the loop. Here’s a picture I took.

After my trip, I read Taylor’s interview for Time magazine in 2014 and guess what? Radnor Lake is also one of her favorite places in Nashville! 

Another park Taylor has been seen at is Percy Warner Park. 

Taylor also took her longtime friend Ed Sheeran to Percy Warner Park! You can clearly see the stone steps in the background. It looks like a killer workout!

Taylor Swift for TIME Magazine in 2014

“I absolutely love the parks and trails. There’s a park called Radnor Lake that’s gorgeous on a fall day. I’ve had some of my best days walking there with my dad, talking about life. Another huge priority for me is having a good coffee place to go and hang out. Fido has such a great atmosphere, and you can wander around browsing the shops in Hillsboro Village once you’re there. I love driving past the Bluebird Cafe, because that’s where I played the acoustic show that ended up getting me a record deal. The other areas where I like to go for cute restaurants and shopping are 12 South and East Nashville. Now I have to stop because I sound like I am the president of the Nashville Tourism Board. Sorry, not sorry, I just love it here.

How has Nashville changed over the years?

“Nashville has changed so much since I moved here almost ten years ago. It’s become a popular, trendy place to live for families and young professionals. It’s become a well-known music hub for genres other than just country. There are now fantastic, highly acclaimed restaurants and top of the line hotels. New high-rise buildings have popped up every time I come home and I think it’s so awesome that Nashville is booming. The attention it’s getting is well deserved.”

“I spend as much time in Nashville as I can. The cool thing about spending time in Nashville is that no one knows when I’m there. In New York and L.A., there are photographers waiting on the street, and it seems like every errand I run is photographed and documented. You don’t see as much evidence of me spending time in Nashville, because I’m not being photographed at the grocery store. I’m just able to wander around the grocery store and make casual conversation with the girl standing next to me in the produce aisle.”

End

After not being photographed outside of public events for a few years, Taylor is now in every tabloid magazine: going to Electric Lady Studios in NY, watching her boyfriend Travis Kelce from the bleachers in Kansas City, or leaving the celebrity spot, Sushi Park in Los Angeles. Taylor is currently jet-setting all over the world for the Eras Tour until December. 

But, no matter where Taylor is, Nashville will always be home. This is the city that watched her grow from a 13-year-old musician with lofty dreams to the worldwide phenomenon she is now. 

A lot of people say that Taylor has forgotten about Nashville, but the extensive donations she makes to the city year after year, and her education center for musicians to work on their craft prove otherwise. In 2018, Taylor broke her political silence and voiced her endorsement for Tennessee’s Democratic Senate candidate Phil Bredesen. She harshly criticized Tennessee Senate candidate Marsha Blackburn, “These are not my Tennessean values”, she wrote on Instagram. 

Additionally, Taylor’s business (13 Management) and most of the people she’s been working with since the beginning of her career are based in Nashville. A few examples are her longtime makeup artist, Lorrie Turk, the band’s lead guitarist, Paul Sidoti, or her bass guitarist, Amos Heller. She’s been working with Joseph Cassell, her stylist, since Speak Now.

Taylor for TheBoot.com (2014):

“Choosing to have my management company based in Nashville just made sense because my family is there as well as my record label. I never think about moving home bases. It’s hard to describe why you consider a town your home base, except that when people ask me “Where’s home?”, I don’t even think before I say ‘Nashville.’ “

“I remember thinking it was so odd and wonderful that all of these important record labels were all on one street, most of them in small buildings and old houses. I remember being charmed by how kind people were to strangers and newcomers like us. We took more and more trips to Nashville as time went by, and when at 13, I was offered a development deal by a major record label, my parents gave in and we moved from Pennsylvania.”

Although it’s unlikely to see Taylor enjoying a latte at Fido or having sweet potato pancakes at the Pancake Pantry like she did before 2014, it was fun to experience some of these places through her lens.  

Overall, Nashville won my heart. The impeccably preserved parks, the lively energy on Broadway, the quaint neighborhoods, the amazing food and the Southern hospitality that I experienced will always be etched in my memory. I loved it so much that I’m planning another trip next year! Stay tuned for my upcoming Nashville guide. 🙂

In this video from 2019, Taylor took ABC News on a tour of the most significant places that have shaped her career in Music City.