the nylon guide to nashville

To celebrate our annual America issue (on newsstands now!) we're putting together the ultimate guides to our favorite US cities. And who better to contribute to them than you, our readers?! We had an open call for submissions--there's still time to make your pick in other cities--and here is what our readers picked in Nashville. Now that you're briefed on the coolest Music City must-sees, you'll want to stay in the loop about events going on in Nashville by signing up for our NYLON Daily newsletter--it's totally free but filled with awesome parties, shows, sales, and more.

Best Café: Fido (1812 21st Avenue S.)

Take your pick from Fido’s extensive selection of organic and locally-made foods. Craving pancakes at 9pm? Not a problem ,thanks to Fido’s all-day menu.

Best Bakery: Provence 

Enjoy a little piece of French heaven with breads and pastries from one of Provence’s four locations.

Best Food Truck: The Grilled Cheeserie 

It doesn’t get much better than being able to indulge in gourmet grilled-cheesy goodness, straight from the truck.

Best Restaurant: The Silly Goose (1888 Eastland Avenue)

Far from your typical soup and sandwich spot, The Silly Goose is a cozy Nashville staple with tons of fresh foods to choose from. Get the couscous! (PS- We hear Taylor Swift is a regular...)

Best Weeknight Bar: The Pattersonhouse (1711 Division St.)

De-stress with a few cocktails after work at this swanky 21st century speakeasy.

Best Party Spot: The Stone Fox (712 51st Avenue N.)

Not only can you party it up in this small house-turned-pub, but you can also catch live shows from local acts...all while eating awesome food.

Best Place to see Bands: Mercy Lounge (1 Cannery Row)

Check out some of your favorite artists (like Polica and Charli XCX) at this downtown Nashville venue.

Best Destination for an Arty-Afternoon: Frist Center for the Visual Arts (919 Broadway)

Get lost here for an afternoon--and don't forget to stop by the Martin ArtQuest Gallery to get your Basquiat on with DIY paintings and sculptures.

Best Scenic Spot: Sevier Park (3000 Granny White Pike)

Relax with a good book or go for a long bike ride at this charming park.

Best Boutique: Local Honey (2009 Belmont Blvd.)

We gave Local Honey a shout out back in 2010 and 3 years later, this vintage boutique is still going strong with the locals. Pop in to find some cool one of a kind pieces.

Best Vintage Store: Fanny’s House of Music (1101 Holly St.)

Where else can you find both beautiful '50s era prom dresses AND a kick ass electric guitar?

Best Record Store: Grimey’s (1604 8th Avenue S.)

In a world where the iPod reigns supreme, it’s pretty awesome to discover a place like Grimey’s. Stop in to Grimey’s to get some of your favorite CDs and vinyl records.

Best Bookstore: Parnassus (3900 Hillsboro Pike)

Selected almost unanimously by our Nashville readers, Parnassus is home to a wide selection of seriously great reads.

Best Store to Fill Up Your Apartment: Pre to Post Modern (2110 8th Avenue S.)

Danish Modern dressers and black vinyl chairs are just some of the rare finds you’ll see at this 12 South antique store.

Best Spot No One Knows About (yet): Boheme Collectif (919 Gallatin Avenue., Space 8)

Get some inspiration, flex your artistic muscle, or check out some amazing artists at this under-the-radar art house.

If You Could Go to Only One Place in my City, Visit: Lower Broadway

No trip to Nashville is complete without visiting Honky Tonk Row. Lower Broadway is the only way to truly experience Nashville’s live music scene.