The 8th Avenue/ Melrose neighborhood of Nashville is at the intersection of 12 South and Berry Hill off of 8th Avenue/ South. Undoubtedly one of the most stylish spots in Nashville, the Melrose/8th Ave South area presents a smorgasbord for food, cocktail and architecture lovers (if you’re the latter, a stroll through 12 South’s historic homes is well worth it). All of the usual hits are here: restaurants, bars and more brunch options than you can eat in a week.

Nearby Belmont and Vanderbilt Universities add to the youthful vibe of the neighborhood. The two main streets that harbor the area, 8th Ave South and 12th Avenue South are bustling with businesses and passerbys but sandwiched between them are the stately and historic bungalows and nearby Sevier Park which creates a more residential, old-school feel. It’s an area where you get to feel city living and a neighborhood vibe all in one. If you’re looking for neon lights, honky tonks and more nightlife, drive just about 2.5 miles (about 10-15 minutes by car) and you’ll be on lower Broadway in Downtown Nashville.

This neighborhood is also uniquely situated just 2.5 miles South of Downtown Nashville/ Broadway and the Gulch neighborhoods which are easily accessible since 8th Avenue South takes you BEHIND Downtown typically taking about a 10-15 minutes by car.

For those wanting to venture outside of Nashville proper, there is an I-65 highway exit/ entrance right off of 8th Avenue South. This can take you to Grand Ole Opry in about 20-30 minutes; Downtown Franklin in 25-30 minutes and Arrington Vineyards in about 45 minutes.

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Active yet relaxed vibe: 8th Avenue South is a main thoroughfare in Nashville. While there is a lot of passerby activity, the crowds are more dispersed and the tone is more subdued than being right in Downtown Nashville. The businesses in the area are mostly casual, family friendly and dog-friendly.

Walkability: Within the 8th Avenue South/ Melrose neighborhood, you can walk to grocery stores, a drugstore, restaurants, coffee shops, bars and even Nashville’s latest sports stadium, Geodis Park (home to Nashville Soccer Club).

Meander down the side streets off of 8th Avenue South and you’ll find yourself on tree-lined streets with historic homes. Go just a bit further (about a 20-25 minute walk from 8th Avenue South) and you’ll end up in the 12South neighborhood where you can enjoy Sevier Park, shopping and more restaurants and bars.

If you’re looking to escape the city vibe and take in nature, take a 15 minute drive up 8th Avenue South to find one of Nashville’s best hiking and walking trails, Radnor Lake State Park.

Food & Drink: 8th Avenue South is lined with food and drink options that accommodate a variety of tastes. Start your day with a coffee or tea or 8th & Roast – or if caffeine isn’t your thing, opt for a juice or smoothie at Urban Juicer. You can get your hot chicken fix at Hattie B’s, enjoy the best Thai in town at Smiling Elephant or relax with a burger and brew in the beer garden at M.L. Rose. At night, for a more upscale dinner and or cocktail, check out Sinema, an old cinema turned restaurant and bar. For a more casual vibe, Craft Brewed has a huge selection of craft beer and great patio to enjoy them on. Bonus: almost all of the restaurants are family friendly and most with patios are dog-friendly!

Additional Resources

• What to Do in Nashville, Southbound Stays favorites and top picks 
• From Nashville Guru
  
  • Berry Hill
  • Melrose
• From Visit Music City
  
  • Berry Hill
  • 12 South
  • 8th Avenue Melrose