On Thursday I’m heading back to Nashville (read about my last trip here) with four of my best college friends without any husbands or kids for a mini reunion. Our official 10-year is happening this weekend in Los Angeles, but we all live on the east coast, and two of them have babies, so we thought why not just get together with the people we care about most somewhere closer to home? Now that we’re all married, we don’t have excuses to hang out every summer, so I’m hoping this is the beginning of a new tradition.
We rented an Airbnb and plan to just catch up, eat good food, and wander with no real plans. We are hitting up some of my Nashville favorites like Rolf & Daughters and Pinewood Social, but let me know if you have any new hotspots or health food places that I can’t miss. I’ll definitely want a green juice or two! I’ve also made the decision to not do any photo shoots while I’m there. I’ll bring my laptop to finish off Friday’s blog post, answer emails, and schedule my newsletter, but I’m trying to fully enjoy this rare time with my closest friends and not work so much. I’ll make sure they take iPhone photos for Instagram though, not to worry.
I’m a little nervous to fly now that I’m in my third trimester, only because the last two times I flew, I didn’t feel so hot. This time, I’m prepared with compression socks (super sexy) and a plan to stay even more hydrated than usual on travel days. I have a stacked travel snack bag that includes a mix of raw fruits and veggies (apples and carrots), protein (peanut butter and nuts), carbs (gluten free crackers and pretzels), and boosters (Emergen-C packets, green powder, lemon oil for water, and collagen peptides). Any other tips for third trimester travel are greatly appreciated.
Clothing
It’s going to be hot (the forecast is predicting the 80s every day we’re there), so I’m sticking to loose dresses and sandals for the most part. I have two new maternity dresses from Pink Blush in my suitcase: This floral one and this striped number. Thank you to Meagan, the amazing reader who sent me to that site, I love their dresses!
Although it’s 3/4 sleeved, I’m also packing this hot pink shift that I’ve been wearing a lot lately for dinners. A lot of you asked about it in my Instagram stories, and you can buy it here in six colors (mine is in glow). I sized up to a medium, and it fits over my belly with room to spare. I like to wear it with a long gold necklace or fun earrings.
I just ordered this flounce dress in light pink that I’m praying comes in time for the trip. I love it’s drop waist and the price.
Shoes
I’m bringing all flat and comfortable shoes. I’ve mentioned these slides before, and I’ve been living in them recently. It’s hard to bend down and tie my shoes, and I love them because they’re easy to slip on and off and they’re super cute. I also just go these criss cross sandals that I’m going to bring for brunches and lunches.
Books
I’m currently reading The Interestings (so far so good), but also have My (Not So) Perfect Life in case I finish it on the plane or while I’m there.
Scroll down to shop more loose but cute non-maternity dresses that could also be worn if you’re pregnant (or not!).
Sounds like such a fun trip! I have yet to visit Nashville, but its on my list!
Taylor | http://www.livingtaylored.com
I wear compression socks on flights and I’m not pregnant, so I feel you there! Lol. Hope you have a fun trip 🙂
Briana | youngsophisticate.com
Hahahah I love that.
I hope you have a blast! Nashville is my absolute favorite city to visit!!
I still need to get to Nashville so bad! Have fun traveling with Babygirl Bump!
x0x0 Caro http://thecarolove.com/
I also love going to Juice Bar in the Gulch for green juices & wheatgrass shots! Try Saint Anejo fro brunch too!
Great, thank you!!
Have the best time! I’m planning my 25th birthday in Nashville in July – never been, so I’m really excited!
Pink Champagne Problems
You will love it!
There’s a great new spot – Henrietta Red – in Germantown that I’ve been loving! I had dinner there a few weeks ago, and I’m trying out the brunch this weekend. Such a cute space, and the food was phenomenal! I love Franklin Juice Bar on 12 South for something healthy, and the new rooftop bar at The Thompson has beautiful views. Hope you guys have the best time! Xx
Oh yay thank you!! Will try to check out all three but we’ll see 🙂
Have fun! I went to Nashville as a child and am dying to go back as an adult!
x Diana // http://www.dianapearl.com
You have to! It’s one of my favorite places to visit. You will love it now.
Definitely check out Juice Bar and Franklin Juice company for yummy juices and acai bowls! Also there is a raw/vegan restaurant called AVO that is great with delicious avocado margs that I’m sure would be even better virgin 🙂 Also, Wild Cow has yummy vegetarian food and the Vegan Vee Bakery for treats! Other favorites include Burger Up, FIDO, and Saint Anejo!
Have so much fun! I sure miss living there!
Xo lauren
http://www.loveandlauren.com
Oh sweet, amazing thank you! I’m going to try as many as I can in three days 🙂
Have a wonderful trip and cherish every moment with those best gal friends!!!
Love the avocado toast at frothy monkey! 🙂 Enjoy your visit.
Oooh yum, thank you!!
I concur – all the breakfast meals and drinks at Frothy Monkey were delicious! Rolf + Pinewood are two of my Nashville favorites, too! Have a great time.
Try out LA Jackson! It is a new rooftop bar in The Gulch. It would be perfect for a mocktail and some gorgeous views of the Nashville skyline. Have a great time! Nashville is one of our favorite cities.
http://www.kindlykentucky.com
It seems like everyone has covered all the “healthy” spots here in the comments! We’re definitely still lacking in that regard. I’m entering my third trimester as well and the heat has been rough. Take it easy! Also, you may enjoy Las Paletas if you’re walking around 12 South and the heat is bothering you. Have a great trip!
Please do a meetup! I live in Nashville and have followed the blog for years now! Also- Saint Anjeo is the place to go! They have amazing food and also do an incredible lunch! It is in a trendy little area we have called the gulch! https://www.mstreetnashville.com/saint-anejo/
I’m not sure if anyone’s mentioned it – but Saturday morning is the marathon here! It’s generally easy to get around even when the marathon is happening but some stuff may be busier / blocked. Just wanted to give you a heads up!
Thanks for the great packing list and book recommendation. I need a new book and I forgot how easy to read Sophie Kinsella’s books are. So fun, light and entertaining. Enjoy Nashville!!