Vanderbilt is a private university that is located in the Midtown area. Fresh high school graduates flock to Nashville each August to receive a top tier education while surrounded by a thriving city. Vandy offers undergrad, graduate, and professional degrees and is known for their well-respected teaching hospital.
Vanderbilt is a gorgeous, historic campus right in the middle of the city. You basically have unlimited options when it comes to food, shopping, and bar hopping. Even the new Whole Foods is close by! Midtown, Hillsboro, and 12 South are all very accessible for most. We have a short list of places to check out during your time in Music City!
Let’s start with one of the most poppin’ places serving tex-mex day and night, San Antonio Taco Co. We have three words for you: chili. con. queso… yum! Their delicious appetizer is award winning and best enjoyed, or devoured, on their large deck. Don’t worry, there’s heaters in the winter time so you can still hop on a patio and stay warm year round. Oh, and by the way…if you have an event coming up, they also offer catering that will impress anyone. If you prefer that chill Mexican restaurant vibe with cheap margs and overflowing queso, Las Palmas isn’t too far away, too! Next up is the always satisfying, Mellow Mushroom. You know it. You love it. You’re gonna want it often. What’s your favorite pizza topping? They offer a huge menu so anyone in your group will be in love. Flemings is also in this area. If you haven’t heard of Fleming’s yet, it’s a well-loved steakhouse with a great selection of wine. If you’re feeling a lil fancier, head over to The Catbird Seat, a gorgeous, art-filled restaurant with rotating seasonal tasting menus and a bar with a kitchen view. Make sure to make a reservation – this chef to table gem is alway busy but so worth it.
Speaking of reservations, let’s talk about Dolly Parton. White Limozeen is a new Dolly themed bar that sits on top of the Graduate Hotel and is always booked well in advance. That’s probably because it’s one of the most Insta-worthy spots in all of Nashville. Seriously, the decor is insane. You can enjoy the pink palace indoors on a cozy couch, at the bar, or at one of their adorable tables but you’re probably going to want to sit outside by what they call the “Governors Pool.” The seats by the pool are hard to come by so seriously… make a reservation and spend the day there. Wanting to work for the day? Their lobby coffee shop boasts tons of natural light, awesome seating like a decked out couch area, and totally photo-worthy decor.
Looking for a bar that’s a little less girly but still a ton of fun? Check out Hi Fi Clydes for good drinks, bar food, arcade games, and a large covered patio. If you haven’t heard of Springwater then listen up! It’s only the oldest *continuously* open bar in the great state of Tennessee. It’s a super divey supper club and lounge where you can drink a cold beer, play pool, and listen to some live music. Once you go to Hurry Back, you’re gonna want to do just that. They’re known for their beer and bites AND being right next door to the iconic Exit/In. The building was originally an old 1970s market and still holds onto a lot of its original elements!
If activities are more your thing, don’t worry, you’ll never get bored around here! Prefer to stay on campus? If so, you’ve got tons of sporting events to choose from. Football and baseball games are a popular to-do for the students. Even if you’re not a sports lover, it’s still a good time! Just grab a beer and a hotdog and start socializin’. You never know who you might meet. If you’re in need of a good grassy spot to lay on your “outdoor” blanket (come on… we all have one) and catch up on some homework, the Clock Tower is the place for you. Off campus, your options are limitless. You’re right in the heart of Midtown so you will likely be able to find live music or some sort of festival every night. Let’s face it, a good country cover band is never NOT a good time. Centennial Park is where many Nashvillians spend a lot of their down time. If a giant park with plenty of room to walk, run, or just soak up the sun. They also are home to the Parthenon, and incredible rendition of the actual Parthenon and museum during the weekdays. This is our #1 picnic spot in town – there is shade to bask in, tons of space with maintained grass, and lots of people watching.
If you’re thinking of making Vanderbilt your new home, think no more! The area is always lively and a super sought-after place to live- not just for students!