East Nashville Summer Bucket List + Free Printable PDF
Last updated 10/15/23
Summer is a great time to be more adventurous and try out new things. It’s a time for big trips and vacations, but it’s also nice to do a little more exploring locally, especially when you live in a cool area like East Nashville. Here’s a summer East Nashville bucket list to help you do just that!
Whether you live in Nashville or you’re here to visit, summer is the perfect time to explore East Nashville. If you know that you want to have fun summer plans, but aren’t quite sure what to do, then it’s time to make a bucket list. Today, I’m sharing some of my favorite things to do in East Nashville during the summer as well as a few new things I want to try.
Keep reading to the bottom for a free PDF printable with the entire East Nashville summer bucket list.
Meet for Happy Hour at The Treehouse
What would summer even be without a treehouse? Located in 5 Points, The Treehouse would be worth visiting for the atmosphere alone. The menu changes regularly and ingredients are locally sourced, which we always love. Happy Hour is from 5 pm-6 pm Tuesday through Saturday. Enjoy $5 draft beers or glasses of house wine. It’s the perfect start to a cozy summer night.
Eat Dinner at Lockeland Table
Imagine going over to your neighbor’s for dinner except that the food is 100x better (unless your neighbor happens to be a professional chef). That’s the vibe of Lockeland Table – upscale food with a community atmosphere. If you stop by during Community Hour, part of the proceeds go to support PTOs of local schools. Good food, good people, good times.
Try the Lunch Special at 5 Points Pizza
Summer fun shouldn’t have to wait until the weekends or the evenings. If you can take the time during lunch, head to 5 Points Pizza for their $9 lunch specials. My personal favorite is the Two Slice Special with the prosciutto and basil slice and the veggie slice of the day. It’s the perfect size for lunch with generous leftovers. Text a friend and meet at 5 Points Pizza for a weekday lunch.
Go to Dinner at Folk
Honestly, any night is a good night to go to Folk. The menu changes seasonally, so there’s always a reason to keep coming back. While this is supposedly a pizza place, the seafood and veggie options will completely blow you away. (The pizza will too, but you expect that going in.)
Get a Milkshake from Hugh Baby’s
Hugh Baby’s is what fast food tastes like in your dreams. The burgers are absolutely delicious, but you have to try a milkshake. The vanilla milkshake is summer in a cup. Hugh Baby’s East Nashville location in Hunter Station has a convenient walk-up window outside where you can pick up orders without even having to go inside so you can get to your next summer activity even quicker.
Have Drinks on the Patio at Pearl Diver
Can’t make it to the island this summer? Pearl Diver has you covered with their exotic tropical restaurant and bar. Pearl Diver has all the classic cocktails that you expect along with a selection of signature choices. You’ll feel like you’re on island time without the expense of a flight. Parking is limited so consider getting an Uber or Lyft. You probably won’t want to drive home anyway.
Hang Out Poolside at The Dive Motel
Travel back to the age of disco while enjoying the pool at The Dive Motel. Day passes are available for those who want to use the pool without booking a stay. We haven’t been there yet, but I keep thinking about it every time that we pass by the sign. It looks like a fun time!
Get a Book from The Bookshop
In need of a summer read? Stop by The Bookshop, an independent, female-owned store located on Eastland Avenue. The Bookshop is cozy and perfect. The shop is small, but the selection is well-curated. You’ll find yourself leaving with a good book or five.
📖 Love books? See my guide to all the best bookstores in Nashville.
Go Hike at Shelby Bottoms
One of the best parts of Nashville is that you get to live in a city without feeling like you are in a city all the time. The greenway systems all over Nashville are perfect for outdoorsy days.
The 4-mile trail at Shelby Bottoms Greenway offers views of the Cumberland River and is shaded in many spots, which is important in the summer heat. You don’t have to go the entire way. Even a short walk through the hardwood forest will leave you feeling relaxed and peaceful.
Browse the East Nashville Farmers’ Market
Even if you think that you don’t need to pick up any locally-grown fruits and veggies, it’s still worth going to the East Nashville Farmers’ Market on Tuesdays during the summer. Located at 511 Woodland Street, the East Nashville Farmers’ Market has the atmosphere of a street festival. It’s a great afternoon outing or casual dinner date. Once you stop by for the first time, you’ll keep going back.
Get your PDF East Nashville Summer Bucket List here.
