Name? Jordana Nicholson

Occupation? Content Creator, Social Media Strategist & Lifestyle Videographer.

Preoccupation? My mother instilled in me a love for cooking and serving, so that’s one of my biggest passions. I’m happiest in the kitchen, and nothing brings me more joy than cooking weekly dinners with friends.

Place you live? I live south of downtown Nashville in a quaint little old neighborhood that’s about 10-15 minutes from everything. It’s just the best!

How long have you lived there? I’ve lived here 7 years.

Can you sum up Nashville? Nashville has been known for country music and southern food for the longest time, but something has shifted here over the past few years. Nashville is growing rapidly and, if you live here, it’s not hard to see why many are declaring it to be one of the hottest cities in America right now. Nashville is vibrant and eclectic with so much to do from James Beard Award-winning restaurants to great coffee and shopping. Yet, it remains wholesome and warm, and the people are some of the kindest souls you’ll ever meet!

What is the best thing about Nashville? The culinary scene is unreal and with new restaurants opening monthly it’s definitely becoming a foodie destination. And, as always, the live music scene is amazing. You can always find a good show to go to.

What does a perfect day entail in Nashville? I start by waking up early and going for a hike at Radnor Lake. It’s the most peaceful way to start the morning. Then I head to Cafe Roze for breakfast, ordering a matcha latte and Egg Bowl. After breakfast, I hop over to 8th Avenue Antiques to poke through my favorite booths. A trip to Sevier Park is never a bad idea, and if Kokos Ice Cream popup, is parked across the street, I’ll grab a scoop and hang out at the park with friends and their kiddos. For supper, City House cannot be beaten. I sip a glass of wine and enjoy one of their pizzas (which are the best in Nashville, in my opinion) and then end the evening at Attaboy in East Nashville with a fun cocktail.

What are the people like in Nashville? I know it sounds like a cliché but the people here are so kind and warm. I’m also constantly inspired by the number of people I’ve met who are here to chase their dream and pursue what they truly love.

If Nashville was a person who would it be? Nashville would be Mrs. Dolly Parton. She’s kind, sweet-spirited, classic country, charming, spunky, sexy, eclectic, and just a down-home southern gal.

Tell us about your positive experience at Hilton Downtown Nashville: We had such a wonderful time at the Hilton Downtown Nashville! We had never stayed in the heart of Nashville before, so it was a treat to be in the middle of the hustle & bustle of downtown city life. The hotel has a gorgeous lobby with tall ceilings and a classic, timeless design. Our warm welcome included an incredibly talented pianist who filled the lobby with music.

We enjoyed a cheese & meat appetizer and sipped great drinks made by the friendliest bartender ever one late evening at the popular Trattoria Il Mulino, an Italian restaurant located in the hotel. It was a great way to end a busy day of city exploring and there’s nothing better than being a few steps away from your hotel room.

The hotel team members made us feel so welcome in our own city, and the service is incredible. I’d definitely recommend the Hilton Downtown Nashville to anyone visiting from out of town or seeking a romantic weekend. We left feeling well rested and loving our city.

What is special about Hilton Downtown Nashville? Location, location, location. The hotel is smack in the heart of Nashville. It is a few steps away from the popular Broadway Strip and minutes from some of the city’s best neighborhoods, incredible bars & restaurants. If you like exploring cities by foot, then this is the perfect spot.

If a friend was visiting Nashville what would you suggest they do? I would encourage people to begin by enjoying all that Hilton Downtown Nashville has to offer. Sleep in and order a hot coffee and delicious breakfast in bed because how often does one get to do that?

I’d suggest they then take a short 5-10 minute walk over to the Nashville Public Library. It’s a dreamy old building with beautiful architecture, old books and a great patio where you can sit out and relax.

For lunch, head over to Mas Tacos. This place is a hot spot for both tourists and locals, and with good reason. Order 1 or 2 of the best tacos you will ever have in your life, some elote and their famous chicken tortilla soup. It could be 100 degrees outside and I’d still order that soup. But have cash or check handy as that’s all they take!

After lunch, take a quick drive or Uber over to the 12South neighborhood. Stop into Las Paletas for a popsicle and walk up the 12^th Avenue strip. There are great little shops like Ceri Hoover, Imogene & Willie, Amelia’s Flower Truck, Emerson Grace and White’s Mercantile. If lunch wasn’t enough to fill your belly, stop by Franklin Juice Co. for a Hawaiian style açaí bowl or refreshing cold pressed juice.

For dinner, Martin’s BBQ is a MUST. The BBQ cannot be beaten, but also try the burger as it never disappoints! If you’re a night owl and don’t feel like heading back to the hotel, walk across the street to Broadway and pop into Robert’s for some cheap beer and live honkey tonk tunes. It’s just 5 minutes from the Hilton Downtown Nashville and if a Nashville local were to go anywhere on Broadway, this would be the spot!