This is Part 1 of my #JenneAcrosstheUSA vegan road trip series: Vegan Nashville. My partner and I are taking three weeks to drive from NYC to LA, routing through the South. Follow my daily updates and travel tips on my social channels.
It still doesn’t feel real—I just moved out of New York City. After eight years in my dream city, my partner and I wanted sunnier skies, milder weather, and more time outdoors, so we’re relocating to Los Angeles. Rather than fly, we turned the move into a three-week cross-country road trip.
Because I grew up in the South and love its history and culture, we decided to head south before continuing west. We started in Philadelphia, stayed at the Sonesta in Rittenhouse Square and ate at Vedge, then continued down to Tennessee.
Although I visited Tennessee a few times growing up—Chattanooga, Pigeon Forge, and the Blue Ridge Mountains—I had never been to Nashville or Memphis. Both my partner and I love music (he’s a musician), so we were excited to experience Nashville, the country music capital.
Nashville also has great vegan dining and a vibrant wellness scene—people I admire like Tay Sweat (The Vegan Trainer) and McKel Hill (Nutrition Stripped) are based here. We made the most of our few days in town. Photos and details follow.
STAY:
SoBro Guesthouse
We stayed at the SoBro Guesthouse, located just south of Broadway. The space was perfect for vegan travelers who like to eat mostly whole foods while on the road: our rental was a full one-bedroom apartment with a well-equipped kitchen. We cooked breakfast every morning, made a meal with Tay Sweat one day, and prepared simple salads and plenty of fresh watermelon.
The apartment included a roomy living area suitable for yoga, a washer and dryer (very handy on a long trip), and a comfortable bedroom with a king bed. I appreciated the tropical bedroom wallpaper, the pleasant shower, and the oversized kitchenware.
SoBro is centrally located, making downtown easily walkable. We drove to other neighborhoods like the trendy 12 South and the scenic Shelby Bottoms. Nashville is easy to get around by taxi, rideshare, bike, or by car—there’s free parking at the guesthouse.
Tell them I sent you!
SoBro Guesthouse 310 Peabody Street Nashville, TN @sobroguesthouse
EAT:
The Southern V
For outstanding vegan soul food, go to The Southern V. It’s open only on weekends starting at 9am, and lines form early—arrive by 9:30am if you can. Order at the window, take the beeper, and your food arrives fast.
We tried vegan chicken & waffles, a hot chicken biscuit (yes, spicy Nashville-style), and a giant peach fritter. The flavors were elevated and memorable—definitely worth the trip. I’ll be back to try their dinner menu next time.
The Southern V. Open Saturday & Sunday @thesouthernv
Sunflower Cafe
Sunflower Cafe feels like home from the moment you walk in. The staff are welcoming, the atmosphere is warm, and the food is comforting. Dishes are prepared behind the counter and served buffet-style, and before ordering we enjoyed several small samples.
We had a seitan BBQ bowl with collard greens, Asian-inspired coleslaw, and rice—it was fantastic. The taco bowl was also flavorful. The cafe runs daily meal specials, discounts, and an afternoon “happy hour,” making it an affordable, delicious spot worth frequenting.
Sunflower Cafe. Open Monday–Sunday @sunflowernash
The Wild Cow
The Wild Cow came highly recommended. After a walk at Shelby Bottoms we stopped in for dinner; the wait was about 40 minutes. We tried the sweet potato black bean tacos and the reuben sandwich. Portions were smaller and prices a bit higher than other spots we visited, and personally we found the meal more ordinary than outstanding. Maybe we ordered suboptimally, or our expectations were high after other excellent meals.
One thing I noticed: the menu includes dairy cheese as an option. Given the restaurant’s animal-themed decor, that seemed inconsistent for a place many visitors expect to be fully plant-based.
The Wild Cow. Open Wednesday–Monday @thewildcow
Franklin Juice Co.
For green juices and a refreshing açai bowl, Franklin Juice is a great pick. I met McKel Hill there for a catch-up. Some granola and baked goods use local honey, but bowls can easily be made vegan by omitting honey or certain toppings. The bowls are still delicious and revitalizing.
Their branding and presentation are on point, too.
Franklin Juice Co. Open daily @franklinjuice
DO:
Walk Broadway
Broadway is the heart of Nashville’s live-music scene. In the evenings the street buzzes with neon signs and live performances spilling out of bars and clubs. During the day you can browse record shops or duck into a bar for a drink. We also explored Printer’s Alley nearby, which hosts intimate clubs playing jazz and blues.
Tour the Murals & Walls
Nashville is filled with colorful murals and painted walls—perfect for walking or biking photo hunts. You’ll find vibrant street art across neighborhoods, offering countless great backdrops.
Shelby Bottoms
Shelby Bottoms is a 960-acre park and greenway along the Cumberland River in East Nashville. It offers a five-mile paved trail lined with trees plus unpaved paths for hiking. You can often spot birds and deer. Bike rentals are available at the park for about $5 an hour—an easy way to explore the area.
Shelby Bottoms