When most people think of Nashville, their minds jump straight to Broadway, with neon lights, packed sidewalks, and wall-to-wall honky-tonks. But if you are craving a slower pace and a side of the city that feels more nostalgic (and still has alcohol), there is another way to experience Nashville that is just as memorable and far more relaxed.
This day is all about exploring Nashville’s old-school charm and local history without ever stepping foot on Broadway. We’re going to guide you to start your morning in Midtown with a classic diner breakfast, then head north to explore one of Nashville’s most unique historic buildings filled with shops, tastings, and stories from Nashville’s past.
Brunch at Elliston Place Soda Shop
Elliston Place Soda Shop is the kind of place that instantly makes you feel like you just time-jumped 40 years into the past. Tucked into Midtown, this old-school diner is known for its made-to-order breakfast, thick hand-spun milkshakes, and nostalgic charm. It has been serving locals for decades, and it shows in the best way.
Every table has its own mini jukebox, which I fell in love with! And the food was actually delicious and not overly priced like many of its local rivals nearby. It really surprised me in a good way and it’s become one of my go-to breakfast stops when visiting Nashville.
I actually stumbled upon Elliston Place Soda Shop completely by accident. I found it on Google Maps when I was desperately searching for breakfast while showing a few friends around Nashville during my bachelorette trip. We were planning to explore Midtown and places like the Parthenon, and I just needed something nearby. And this place fit so well into our schedule, it ended up being a great start to our day!
Spend the Afternoon at Marathon Motor Works
After brunch, make your way toward North Nashville and spend your afternoon at Marathon Motor Works, one of those places that somehow has something for everyone.
Housed inside a former automobile factory, Marathon Motor Works is a dream stop for days when you do not want to deal with Nashville’s heat (or cold if you’re reading this in January or February). The building itself is worth the visit. As you walk through, you will find plaques detailing the history of the Marathon Motor Company, old factory equipment, and a collection of historic cars and artifacts that make it easy to lose track of time.
I have always loved wandering through this space, reading the plaques, and taking in the history woven into the building. One of the best parts of Marathon Motor Works is spending some time shopping in the gift shops OR tasting at their distilleries and wineries.
I highly suggest starting with a wine tasting at Grinders Switch Winery, one of my favorite spots in the building. Their wines are genuinely good, but the atmosphere is what really stands out. The staff is incredibly friendly and passionate about what they do, and it shows. Tastings feel relaxed and conversational, not rushed or scripted.
(Last time I went in to visit, my friend Fawn and I easily spent over an hour in there with the two employees who sipped a few wines with us and hung out. It was so fun!)
They also offer cheese pairings to go along with your wine, which can be a lifesaver – trust me. Fawn and I definitely needed the cheese to help sober us up a bit. But that could have also been because we had the whiskey tastings before the wine. I highly suggest you start with wine before whiskey. We learned the hard way!
So with that being said, next, head over to Tennessee Legend Distillery, where you can sample a variety of whiskeys for free. Yes, FREE! Just be sure to tip your bartender. You won’t find anything like this on Broadway. The tasting setup is part of the fun: you are given small cups and a placemat featuring all the flavors, then you choose which ones you want to try by setting your cups on those spots on the placemat and work your way through them one by one.
My personal favorites are the cinnamon whiskey and the peanut butter whiskey, both dangerously good and surprisingly affordable if you decide to take a bottle home. They also have really unique flavors like Rootbeer Float or Banana Foster. They also ship, so if you are reading this right now and want to order some, it’s easy! Check it out.
For years, Marathon Motor Works was also home to one of the American Pickers locations. Sadly, it closed in 2025 just before I was able to return for another visit, and I was genuinely upset about it. I loved that show, and walking through the store felt like stepping right onto the set.
This kind of day shows a side of Nashville that often gets overlooked, which is the kind of places we love to feature on Dates in the States. From a jukebox-filled diner breakfast to exploring a historic factory with wine, whiskey, and stories, you don’t need Broadway to experience the city.
If you love exploring Nashville this way, there are more curated date ideas waiting for you. Our Nashville City Date Books help travelers discover the best spots, hidden gems, and unforgettable experiences, all mapped out in easy-to-follow itineraries. Whether you’re visiting or a local looking for fresh ideas, these books make planning simple so you can focus on taking a date with our city without overthinking the day.