Wedgewood/Houston
Just two miles south of downtown, the area sometimes called WeHo is emerging from its history as a manufacturing and warehouse district to become the home of luxury accommodations, fashionable merchants, and foodie-friendly dining.
What to do
Adjacent to WeHo stands a Civil War fortress like none other in the nation. Built primarily by a Black labor force, it stands on one of the highest hills in Nashville, intended to protect Nashville and intimidate Confederate troops.
Just down the hill from Fort Negley, this hands-on center boasts lots of activities for children as well as the really cool Sedukum Planetarium which presents programs for all ages. Pink Floyd laser show, anyone?
Opening October 5, this 4,400-capacity venue will be using its connections with co-owner Live Nation to book heavy hitters in all genres. The name comes from a quote from legendary songwriter Harlan Howard who said a country song was “three chords and the truth.”
Good local brewery with live music weekly and occasional special events. It plays host to Ten X 9, a delightful free monthly storytelling event–nine storytellers have ten minutes to relate a story on an assigned theme.
Since when is a cemetery an attraction? This is the city’s continuously operating outdoor cemetery, more than 20,000 people have been interred here since 1822 including former slaves, soldiers, founding families, and mayors. Many intriguing monuments and tombstones.
The handsome home of Nashville SC (Nashville Soccer Club), the venue also welcomes occasional concerts.
Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway
The second oldest continually operating track in the U.S., it’s a half-mile oval run which hosts primarily NASCAR events.
You never know what you’re going to find at this event which sometimes draws 300 vendors selling everything from candles to antiques. Held on the fourth weekend of the month (except December when it shifts to the third weekend).
WeHo hosts an art crawl on the first Saturday of the month but you can use this website to discover all the galleries in the area.
GEODIS Park/Eric Wyse
One of Nashville’s most famous dive bars, karaoke is king and it’s always Christmas at Santa’s Pub. Bring cash to this double-wide trailer for a merry ol’ time. The inflatable slide isn’t a permanent feature but I just had to capture this shot.
Where to eat
Recent years have seen an explosion of food options in the area, leaning toward upscale pricing. A growing number of restaurants are locating on the first floor of office and apartment buildings so take a walk and make some discoveries.
CASUAL DINING
Grab a coffee, expresso, or tea and enjoy the airy, sunlit room or take a seat on the deck. HSCS was created as a social enterprise to provide employment and job skills for disadvantaged neighborhood students.
Originally housing a service station for May Hosiery Mill employees, Dicey’s earns high marks for its Chicago tavern-style party-cut pizza complemented by sandwiches (lunch only) and salads. Gluten-free crust is an option.
Brightly lit deli and market with indoor and outdoor seating. Highly recommend the turkey on focaccia.
It’s a members-only operation but non-members are served at their coffee bar and May’s, their little eatery.
It’s a good hang at the end of a dead-end street offering bar food, billiards, darts, live music two nights a week, a covered porch, and a upstairs speakeasy.
One of Nashville’s favorite spots for no-frills eats. Only open for lunch and it’s small so try to avoid peak times. Closed Sunday.
NOT-SO-CASUAL DINING
Among the first chef-driven restaurants to plant a flag in WeHo, it’s a delightful chef-guided experience for anyone and ideal for a group experience. Only 24 seats. Want to visit on a budget? Sit at the bar and order the nachos.
Mediterranean delights in a stunning dining room.
A playful Italian experience created by co-owners chef Ryan Poli and sommelier Matthew Poli.
Established in NYC’s Meatpacking District, this French-influenced brasserie serves lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch.
A refined but relaxed café atmosphere presenting antipasto, pasta, wood-fired pizza, and beautifully plated appetizers.
Modern twists of Mexican food with roots in Colorado.
Fresh pastries and breakfast items in the morning and choices including pizza, sandwiches, and salads through the day in this combination coffee bar and cocktail lounge.
Cozy little cocktail bar with a pair of patios. Located in a former welding shop.
Locally owned spot for housemade tortillas, an oyster bar, tasty guac and queso, and wood-fired entrees in a relaxed atmosphere. Also has a rooftop bar to start or end your evening.
The name doesn’t clue you in that this is an izakaya style restaurant and natural wine bar. For those who love watching meal preparation, reserve a spot at the 14-seat chef’s counter.
A family-run combination restaurant/bakery/store, you’ll find fresh pasta, meatballs, pizza, and other Italian delights. Free two-hour parking in The Finery garage.
Aba
Where to Shop
With the notable exception of crafters’ haven Turnip Green, WeHo is transforming into an upscale residential, restaurant, and retail district.
A creative recycling outlet where pay what you want for items ranging from books, records, art supplies, and fabric to old gizmos of various sorts. There’s also a gallery displaying the works of artists using recycled materials. You never know what you’ll find.
High-end shops, galleries and more
Allow me to direct you to this map of the area with descriptions of all the merchants specializing fashion, accessories, furniture, and furnishings as well as a number of art galleries.
You can also check out Houston Station, a large historic building which house a variety of businesses.
Turnip Green Creative Reuse
