Best Things to Do in 12 South Neighborhood Nashville TN

Nashville's 12 South Neighborhood

FUN THINGS TO DO IN NASHVILLE’S 12 SOUTH NEIGHBORHOOD

What do you think of when you think Nashville, Tennessee?

Country music right?

Well…I know that Nashville, Tennessee is known for the Honky Tonk’s on Broadway, The Grand Ole Opry, and music in general. But, just a few miles away from downtown is Nashville’s 12 South neighborhood.

And while there are tons of fun things to do in Nashville, 12 South should absolutely be a part of your itinerary too! Most well known for it’s walkability and the “I Believe in Nashville” mural, there are some really great things going on in 12 South.

Best Street Art in the 12 South Neighborhood Nashville

Street art is becoming more and more popular these days as an actual tourist destination. I mean, you can actually search the murals on google maps a lot of the time! Who can resist taking photos with these fun wall murals??

I sure can’t!

The most well known of the murals is probably the “I believe in Nashville” mural, but the Draper James blue and white stripes and the rainbow “Nashville” murals are pretty popular as well. There is a beautiful floral wall nearby as well that we missed on this visit. Next time!

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Best Things to Do in 12 South Neighborhood Nashville TN featured by top US affordable travel, More Than Main Street: I Believe in Nashville wall mural in Nashville's 12 south neighborhood

Where to Shop in Nashville’s 12 South Neighborhood

There are a bunch of really cute shops in 12 South: White’s Mercantile, Hero Boutique, and my favorite Draper James. Although this little boutique is a little pricey, I still thoroughly enjoyed this super southern themed store owned by Reese Witherspoon. They even offer you sweet tea when you walk in!

As southern as southern gets y’all!

(Side note- they have a lovely little sitting area for kids and husbands and were happy to provide the wifi password for bored little ones so I could peruse in peace.)

Best Things to Do in 12 South Neighborhood Nashville TN featured by top US affordable travel, More Than Main Street: Draper James Nashville 12 south

Where to Eat in the 12 South Neighborhood in Nashville

There’s a multitude of places to get a treat or bite to eat in the area!

Frothy Monkey

My husband picked up breakfast for us one morning from the Frothy Monkey and it was awesome! Obviously we aren’t the only ones who think so either. This place was busy!  But the coffee and pastries were on point (the cinnamon roll was our favorite!) They use local ingredients and are actually open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Best Things to Do in 12 South Neighborhood Nashville TN featured by top US affordable travel, More Than Main Street: Frothy Monkey Coffee Shop

Five Daughter’s Bakery

Just OMG! These doughnuts were ridiculously good. We sampled the vanilla cream, King Kong (maple and bacon), chocolate cherry, and boston crème. We all agreed that the King Kong was the best overall. (Side note- they have paleo and vegan options!)

Best Things to Do in 12 South Neighborhood Nashville TN featured by top US affordable travel, More Than Main Street: Donuts from Five Daughter's Bakery in Nashville Tennessee


Sprinkle’s Cupcakes

I know, I know…this is not just in Nashville. This was however, the first time we had visited a Sprinkles Cupcakes ATM. That’s right, if you’re like us and had not yet experienced this amazingly fun novelty…well then you must check them out and go to one ASAP!

The little store has an ATM outside that you can order from and a minute or two later, voila…your cupcakes appear in the window. If you have children, you should go! If you don’t have children and just like cupcakes or cookies, you should go!

See that smile?? It’s worth every penny!

Best Things to Do in 12 South Neighborhood Nashville TN featured by top US affordable travel, More Than Main Street: Cupcake ATM in Nashville's 12 South neighborhood


Edley’s BBQ

We thoroughly enjoyed Edley’s BBQ…my pulled pork tacos were the bomb!! But the absolute favorite was the grit casserole…who knew?!? This is a counter service type restaurant…the line was long but moved fast. Great for kids and families who don’t want to wait an hour at the more popular restaurants.

Best Things to Do in 12 South Neighborhood Nashville TN featured by top US affordable travel, More Than Main Street: Nashville's 12 South neighborhood has so many delicious options including Edley's BBQ as featured by top travel blog More than Main Street.

A very popular spot worth a mention although we did not go (due to the fact the lines were crazy long) is Jeni’s ice cream! We’ve been in Charlotte, NC and are huge fans!

Where to Stay in 12 South Neighborhood?

We also happened to stay in the most amazing rental house within walking distance of 12 South!! It was cheaper than all the downtown hotels, we had more space than we knew what to do with and it was only a $10 Uber ride to downtown…sounds ideal right?

Best Things to Do in 12 South Neighborhood Nashville TN featured by top US affordable travel, More Than Main Street: An amazing rental house as featured by top travel blog More than Main Street.
Best Things to Do in 12 South Neighborhood Nashville TN featured by top US affordable travel, More Than Main Street: An amazing rental house as featured by top travel blog More than Main Street.
Best Things to Do in 12 South Neighborhood Nashville TN featured by top US affordable travel, More Than Main Street: An amazing rental house as featured by top travel blog More than Main Street.

Is this not the cutest house ever? We can’t say enough good things about it!

Check out current prices of this rental in 12 South!

Should You Visit Nashville, Tennessee?

That’s a big fat HECK YEAH!!

We loved every minute of our visit to Nashville, Tennessee! It’s a really fun destination for families or couples regardless if you’re a fan of country music! There’s so much more to Nashville!

Have you ever been? Let me know what y’all think!

Save & Pin this guide to 12 South Neighborhood Nashville for Later

Best Things to Do in 12 South Neighborhood Nashville TN featured by top US affordable travel, More Than Main Street: Find the rainbow mural in Nahville's 12 South neighborhood as featured by top travel blog More than Main Street.
Best Things to Do in 12 South Neighborhood Nashville TN featured by top US affordable travel, More Than Main Street: Find the "I Believe in Nashville Mural" in Nashville's 12 South Neighborhood as featured by top travel blog More than Main Street!

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37 Comments

  1. We stayed in 12South last summer and had such a great time. The homes are so beautiful and the food and shopping FANTASTIC!!! We are lucky enough to have an Edley’s open up in Lexington this year and I’m glad it is across town! Where is the Nashville mural you have pictured here. I don’t remember seeing it.

    1. We stayed in the best VRBO house while we were there!! The “I believe in Nashville mural?” Or the rainbow one? The rainbow one is just a little further past Edley’s towards White’s merchantile. ?

  2. Oh gosh, those donuts look great. And I’ve heard of the cupcake ATM; I’d love to check it out someday. I’ve only been to Nashville but I’d like to go again!

    -Lauren

    1. Nashville’s awesome!! Those cupcake ATMs are all over the states and soooo fun!!

  3. Such a cute neighborhood. So many great spots. I have never been to Nashville, so this would be a good idea for a trip.

  4. I have been to Nashville but not to these places. I live so close it can be a great weekend getaway, so I will pinned this article so I remember these great places to visit!!!

  5. So many great things to see and do. I especially love the cupcakes, we do not have ATMs for cupcakes here and it’s probably a good thing!

  6. I went to Nashville as a teen, on an organised coach tour my parents booked of the southern States. And we only visited the key tourist sites. I’d love to explore again now, and visit other places like 12 South.

    1. I’ve had similar experiences in other big cities…I tend to actually enjoy the lesser known areas more than the hugely touristy spots!

  7. Gosh, I’ve only just got up and now I am ravenously hungry! I really only associated Nashville with country music so this was a real eye opener for me.

  8. The street art, the food—this is my kind of neighborhood! I’ve never been to Nashville, but I’m dying to go. It seems like such a fun and lively city!

    1. The whole city is worth the trip even if you’re not a country music fan! So much fun!

  9. Awe! Well now you know!! ? But seriously…I think you never do some of the best things in the city you live in!

  10. We haven’t visit Nashville yet, but I certainly want to. I would love to taste that King Kong donut! YUM!