Explore The Gulch: Visiting Nashville, TN with Kids
Nashville is known around the world for its neon lights, clubbing cowboys, and rowdy bachelorette parties. It’s easy to assume that the city itself is strictly a 21-plus destination—a place you can only go if you leave the kids at home. But Music City is more than its Honky Tonks and nightlife, and a more family-friendly destination than meets the eye. Beyond Broadway, there is fun to be had for all ages.
If you’re looking for a specific day trip, just over a mile South of Downtown, The Gulch neighborhood is a great place to take the kids. Here’s what you can do in a day, the whole family included:
Pictured: Biscuit Love Nashville
Breakfast
If you want to start the day off strong, consider grabbing breakfast or brunch at one of The Gulch’s popular spots. Whether you’re a family of early birds or night owls, no need to skip the most important meal of the day.
Biscuit Love is an iconic stop, and a locally owned family business. The Gulch is home to the original restaurant. A favorite among both locals and tourists, the restaurant is rarely not busy, especially on weekends. Be prepared for a wait, though lines are often efficient and staff moves quickly. Their biscuits, as the name suggests, are worth the wait. Biscuit Love is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily .
Two Hands is an Australian-style restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with their fresh, health-conscious menu. For the kiddos, the brunch menu includes fun, nutritious items like avocado toast and an açai bowl. Alongside some great specialty lattes and coffee selections, there are a variety of smoothies and juices to start your day off right. Hours are Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Two Hands also has a new location in The Factory at Franklin.
Snooze, an a.m. eatery, does breakfast a little differently. The menu includes creative twists on classic breakfast favorites. Snooze is nationwide, with 2 Tennessee locations: The Gulch and East Nashville. The eatery is open from 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. On warmer days, you can enjoy your brunch on the patio.
Shopping
After breakfast, you may want to take a spin around some of The Gulch’s shops. There are some great options for quirky, fun shopping that can still keep everyone entertained.
Aviator Nation is a 1970s, California lifestyle brand with high-end, vibrant clothing and accessories. Their colorful loungewear, especially, has recently gained popularity among preteens, who are eager to rock the distinct, stripy logo. Keep in mind that the products are definitely a splurge, but it may be fun to take a peek inside The Gulch’s store, with its moody, 70s vibe and star covered floor. You’ll certainly earn brownie points from any trendy teenagers in your family.
Carter Vintage Guitars is a classic Nashville destination for musicians and enthusiasts alike. The store is the number one vintage instrument consignment dealer in the world. Whether you’re in the market to buy or sell a new, old guitar or simply want to immerse yourself in the spirit of Music City, this is spot. Browse the store, pluck at some cool guitars (as Carter Vintage Guitars says, what fun would a guitar store be if you can’t play the guitars?). They also sell the coolest merch, from onesies to trucker hats. The store is open to the public 7 days a week, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends.
Jade & Clover is more than your typical shop; it’s an al-a-cart, planter building experience perfect for the whole family. Alongside apothecary items, toys, accessories, and more, you can build and customize your own terrarium at The Plant Bar. The experience starts at $20, with customers usually spending between $50-60 on one-of-a-kind creations made with houseplants, succulents, and/or cacti. Reservations are only required for parties of 6 or more, and the experience is extremely kid-friendly. If you’re just looking to shop, Jade & Clover has an abundance of novelty items that would make perfect gifts. They’re open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Pictured: Calle Taco Bandera
Lunch
If all that shopping has you hungry again, you can stay right in The Gulch for a quick bite to eat.
Calle Taco claims to be the best authentic taco spot in all of Nashville, but you can make that call for yourself. Run by a 3rd generation restauranter family, the spot carries on a tradition of culture and flavor that began on the streets of Mexico. Alongside a variety of tacos, Calle Taco serves classic favorites like street corn, quesadillas, and burritos. They also have a kids menu with chicken fingers, if you’ve got a picky eater in your midst. A popular late night spot, the restaurant is open everyday from 11 a.m. to 3 a.m.
Otaku Ramen has 2 locations in Nashville. The restaurant has mouth watering ramen alongside favorites like edamame, bao buns, and pot stickers. Otaku is also a great place to get a boba tea. They’re open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and are on a mission to serve up happiness in the shape of delicious, Japanese-inspired noodles.
Alba’s Empanadas , serving “everyone and their mama’s favorite empanadas,” is a new addition to The Gulch’s food landscape. Inspired by the creator, Jah Landis’s mother’s original empanada recipe, the menu brings a dose of Caribbean soul to Nashville. The take-out style restaurant is open from Wednesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. It’s recommended to pair empanadas with Alba’s Jah Mama sauce for an extra flavorful experience.
Pictured: Putt Shack Course
Entertainment
You don’t have to venture all the way to Broadway for some fun. The Gulch has plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained from afternoon to evening.
Putt Shack is 9-hole mini golf with a techno twist. The golf balls keep track of points, hazards, and strokes, so you can spend more time enjoying the game. This is an added bonus if someone you love is prone to being a bit sneaky with their score card (and a great way to keep arguing to a minimum). The energetic environment is complete with colorful lights and an awesome course. If you skipped lunch, Putt Shack also serves food and drink. They’re open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays. Game reservations are recommended.
Photo Walk Nashville can level-up your family photos! The top-rated photo experience in Nashville gives you and yours the opportunity to tour The Gulch and have your picture taken by a professional photographer in fun, iconic spots in the neighborhood. The Nashville Insider Photoshoot is 1 hour long and costs $75 per person. The Gulch is decorated with beautiful, recognizable murals, and Photo Walk is the perfect way to experience the artwork while posing for some family portraits of your own.
Station Inn has been a Nashville staple for over 45 years. Open 7 nights a week, the listening room is a hot spot for bluegrass, country, and Americana music. The intimate venue has been particularly significant in the bluegrass community since its opening in 1974. Shows usually have a $20 cover; however, every Sunday the venue hosts a free bluegrass jam at 7 p.m. This event is very popular; early attendance is recommended. The bar starts serving food and drink when doors open for each show. Children are more than welcome at the venue, as long as they’re accompanied by an adult.
Pictured: Cheeseburger from Burger Republic
Dinner
Round out the day with a nice, family-style dinner at one of The Gulch’s fun, casual spots that can host the whole family.
Burger Republic is a great place to grab a burger or a milkshake, with the added bonus of spiked shakes for the adults in your family. With classic burger joint appetizers and sandwiches, it is the perfect place for everyone to find something they like. All burgers come with fries, tater tots, or the house chips. Burger Republic has locations in Nashville and Chattanooga. The Gulch location is open all week from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Peg Leg Porker is the spot for real Tennessee Barbeque. The restaurant is family-owned and has been around since 2013. They are proud to serve meat that is smoked fresh daily alongside a healthy dose of Southern hospitality. Peg Leg Porker’s BBQ is award winning and quintessentially Nashville. Ranked among the best in the South, the restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.
The Pub Nashville brings the lively environment of a British pub right to the heart of The Gulch. Alongside your typical pub food, you can find some classics from across the pond, from scotch eggs to shepherd’s pie. The Pub also claims to have the best fish and chips combo in the United States. The large dining room is a fun, friendly, and novel environment perfect for the whole family. They’re open from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekdays, and 10 a.m. to 12 a.m. on weekends.
Pictured: Five Daughters Bakery Nashville
Sweet Treats
If your day isn’t complete without a little something sweet, you’re in luck.
Five Daughters Bakery is a must-visit, locally-owned spot with wildly popular croissant-style, 100 layer donuts and assorted pastries. Stop by for monthly flavors or tried-and-true staples like the “purist” glazed or maple glazed donuts. The Nashville bakery is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and weekends from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., or until they sell out.
Nashville Sundae Club is a dessert and coffee shop that serves ice cream sundaes, milkshakes, ice cream sandwiches, coffee, breakfast sandwiches, cocktails, and more. Although some of their claim to fame is boozy milkshakes and frozen drinks, they proudly serve Chocolate Shoppe ice cream complete with an amazing assortment of toppings. Hours are Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Pictured: Noble Park in The Gulch
Parking & Public Spaces
When planning a family outing, we know that parking and transportation can be half the battle. The Gulch offers one hour free parking in select garages and lots throughout the neighborhood. Additionally, they offer an online map of parking locations and rates, to make sure you find the most affordable place to park.
The Gulch was also the first LEED ND (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design – Neighborhood Development) neighborhood in the South, meaning that the area has good connectivity, walkability, and public transportation, should you choose to leave your car at home. The Gulch’s pedestrian stairs, city bike share kiosks, close proximity, and access to bus stops contribute to this accessibility. In addition to this, The Gulch is very Uber and Lyft friendly. LEED neighborhood’s are not just convenient; they also contribute to the positive environmental impact and sustainability of the area.
Public spaces in The Gulch include Noble Park, Nashville’s First urban pocket park, Gulch Dog Park, and Grace’s Alley, a previously underutilized breezeway that now hosts seasonal pop-up collaborations with local artisans. Seasonal events, such as the Gulch Night Market, are often hosted between Noble Park and Grace’s Alley.
Franklin is a great place for the kids, but exploring neighboring areas can also be fun and beneficial for the whole family! If you’ve been wanting to take a trip over to Music City, but are unsure where to start, The Gulch is a great place to ease into the fun. Although Nashville is often painted as a party destination for young adults to break in their cowboy boots, there is much more to the city than the bar scene.
In The Gulch, you are just as free to experience the energy and charm of Nashville (and break in your western wear) in a more laid-back, family-friendly space!
