You know I had to squeeze in one more trip before 2024 ended! Snagging $40 plane tickets to Nashville, I couldn’t pass up the chance to explore Music City before ringing in the New Year. Read below to see how ChatGPT helped me plan my first fully solo adventure and how I maximized the weekend!

Friday Night Flight

After all this time, I still had four hours of remaining PTO left that wouldn’t roll over after December. I figured it was the perfect excuse to plan one last trip for the road after seeing Frontier had dirt cheap tickets to Nashville. I booked a 5 PM flight after a half-day at work to give myself enough time to get to PHL without stressing about arriving on time. With nothing but a JanSport backpack I was on my way to Nashville for my first solo adventure! I’ve never traveled completely solo before, but I wanted to end 2024 by stepping out of my comfort zone and putting everything I’ve learned on my self-growth journey over the past five years to the test.

I’ve only flown with Frontier a handful of times and all were for traveling weekend-long trips. While it’s not the most luxurious flight experience or my favorite airline by any means, I love flying Frontier for weekend trips because 1) it prevents me from overpacking and 2) it gets me where I need to be for a usually convincing price. That being said, I’ve had times where it was cheaper to fly other airlines, but overall I have found Frontier to be a convenient means of transportation for short adventures and I personally haven’t had any horror story moments (at least so far… lol)

When the plane landed I peered out the window and saw the city lights scattered like stars over the water, flickering softly against the darkness. I had this “Oh shit” moment where the realization hit that nobody was coming to pick me up nor meeting up with me. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little nervous, but experiencing something alone and scared is more favorable than not at all. This was my journey, and for the first time, the pen was fully in my hands to write the story.

Nashville’s airport had their logistics down to a science, it only took me an hour from landing to reach my hotel. My mom picked out a hotel for me called The Capitol Hotel Downtown, Ascend Hotel Collection. I’m not particularly picky about hotels since it’s only a place for me to sleep, but I thought it was worth paying a little extra for the centralized location. Downtown Nashville is divided by the Cumberland River, with two main bridges connecting the western and eastern sides. While those bridges are manageable during the day. I wasn’t sure I’d feel entirely safe crossing them alone at night. This hotel was in an excellent location and I was able to walk everywhere in twenty minutes or less.

I wasn’t expecting my first night to be anywhere near as eventful as it was. Nashville is an hour behind Philadelphia time, and I’m glad it gave me some extra leeway to relax before going out. The weather was in the 50s throughout the weekend and a nice change from the colder weather I was used to. Broadway is the “Bourbon Street” or “Bangla Road” of Nashville, a lively, neon-lit strip filled with bars, music, and the kind of chaos you’d expect from that type of a nightlife hub. I’d heard the buzz about Luke Combs’ new bar on Broadway Category 10, and it ultimately led to being the main derivative of choosing to visit Nashville!

Now, I wouldn’t say I’d recommend walking Broadway alone as a woman, but I never felt unsafe as plenty of people were around. As long as you share your location with family or friends and are cautious, you’ll be fine. Countless neon lights flooded the streets as muddled sounds of live bands clashed together through the indecipherable murmurs of visitors. Aromas of tasty barbeque, flashing lights, and the sounds of lingering guitars playing in every direction blended together into a palpably beautiful kind of chaos. The street was much shorter than I anticipated. You could easily walk down the entire length of Broadway in less than ten minutes, and the excitement made that short walk feel like an adventure. Even if drinking isn’t your thing, you could absolutely still enjoy this part of the city, but I’d recommend going during the day when it’s less crowded.

Category 10 is named after Luke Combs’ album, “This One’s for You,” and it’s clear that the his influence is blanketed all over. The bar itself is sleek and modern, with rustic touches that tie in Nashville’s iconic vibe. There were multiple floors, including a sports bar and “The Still,” a more intimate lounge area. On the first floor there was a live band playing requests. The energy in the room was infectious. A massive wooden floor in front of the stage centered the two bars, where people were getting into the music and dancing the night away. Above it all, a huge, colorful chandelier resided on the ceiling, casting unique light shows that added to the electric atmosphere.

The drink I ordered was probably the most unreasonably expensive cocktail I’ve ever had, but I guess businesses can charge that much because of the name recognition of the artist behind the location. At first I felt a little out of place traveling solo in such a bustling spot. But, I quickly struck up a conversation with the bartenders who were super friendly and gregarious. I let them know I was on my own, which gave me some peace of mind to know they were aware of my situation and I could reach out if anything made me uncomfortable. One of the first observations made while traveling solo that sucked a tiny bit was not having a designated person to watch belongings. There was no coat check, but the staff graciously let me store my jacket and bag behind the bar! (bless)

I told myself I’d regret it if I didn’t throw myself into the experience, so I pushed past my nerves and decided to dive in, learning some of the dances and striking up conversations with new people. All the girls were amicably welcoming after asking if I could join their group! Most people I chatted with were from Nashville. This was surprising given how popular of a tourist spot the city was. I also met another group of girls from the area who instantly took me under their wing. Their kindness and energy were contagious, and I had an absolute blast with them.

Shortly after, the girls introduced me to another group they met who were visiting town for a business trip. I discovered they lived in the exact town I visited a few months ago out west. I think I see the world as smaller than most people, but hearing this reiterated my ideology. Having a sense of familiarity to chat about in a place I’ve never been before was enjoyable! Not having the security of others to chat with forced me to approach those around, and I ended up having a totally different experience than what I would with friends.

They invited us to a bar next door, grabbing some drinks with the business trip group. “You’re riding the bull,” they enthusiastically told me as we walked up the stairs leading to the main bar area. When I travel, I’m more inclined to try things I haven’t done before. Acknowledging the ability to have a certain experience within a specific location indicates the time I have to do something is limited. Kind of like the fallacy where we think an item is more valuable if it’s in limited stock. I paused for a second in hesitation, but then shortly countered with “Screw it, I’m comfortable with myself and even if I fail miserably, I can still laugh at myself and say I did it.” The girls were immensely supportive! Another bucket list moment to check off. It was a perfect reminder that stepping outside of your comfort zone can lead to the best memories. My fear of “looking stupid” held me back for years. I wish I let go of that mindset a long time ago. But, better late than never. The night was full of unexpected moments, and it made this solo adventure even more unforgettable! I’m thankful for those I met who made my night so memorable. Traveling alone anywhere is scary, but they reaffirmed to me that going solo was worthwhile and special.

Saturday- Museums, Brunch, & More Nightlife!

I asked ChatGPT to create my ideal trip based on my interests, as I was curious about utilizing the model as a resource for cultivating itineraries. I followed about 90% of what the results suggested, both locations and times. ChatGPT was very helpful in terms of making sure I walked the best paths for time sensitivity, hit the “must see” locations, and ensuring the weekend was lived to the fullest. The only thing I would comment about that wasn’t 100% accurate were the costs and locations, I don’t think some of them were up to date. The drinks at Category 10 were significantly more expensive than the generated results stated, and the other bar suggestion they added to visit after was the one that closed to open Luke’s location.

I started my day by visiting the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, which was about a fifteen minute walk from the hotel. Even if you’re not a fan of country music (if I could learn to, I think anybody can, but maybe that’s just from going to college in the middle of nowhere), the Country Music Hall of Fame is a must-visit. It’s not just a museum; it’s a celebration of the genre’s rich history and the legends who shaped it. As soon as you walk in, you’re greeted by iconic performance outfits, guitars, and all kinds of memorabilia from the biggest stars throughout the last 100 years, from Hank Williams to Megan Moroney. Hearing stories is one thing, but seeing these artifacts up close brought the history to life in a way that left an understanding of the music beyond surface level and the impact of the genre’s proclivity of compelling storytelling.

The Gulch is like a little hidden gem, tucked away from the chaos of Broadway. It’s full of chic boutiques, live music venues, and plenty of cute cafés. It has this relaxed, cool vibe that makes it the perfect place to wander around for a few hours, popping in and out of stores or just grabbing a coffee. If you’re not into the hustle and bustle of Broadway, this is the place to go for a quieter but still quintessential Nashville experience. It’s a nice balance of charm and creativity, without the overwhelming crowds.

One of my must-visit spots was the famous Milk and Honey restaurant. Known for its Instagram-worthy dishes and cozy atmosphere, it’s been on my list for a while. When I arrived, I felt the dread of hearing the wait was over an hour. However, it was unsurprising given its popularity and I don’t mind waiting. Here’s where the magic of solo travel came in. I noticed they had a bar seating area that operated on a first-come, first-served basis. Since most people were in groups, it only took about ten minutes for an individual solo seat to open up.

The interior of Milk and Honey had a cozy, modern vibe with just the right touch of rustic charm. Their merchandise was adorable and tempting to purchase. Placed on wooden shelves cornering the entrance were cute little milk bottles and tee shirts with a cow wearing wings printed on their backs. I ordered their honey lavender latte, which was rich, smooth, and perfectly sweet with a subtle floral finish. To go with it, I got their signature rose waffles. (Why can’t I find the fancy e on this keyboard?) The perfect cure to slight hangovers: light, fluffy waffles with a hint of rose flavor, topped with a delicate drizzle of syrup. It was every bit as delicious as I’d hoped. Many groups ordered their colorful mimosa flight, which was also very tempting. If you ever visit Nashville, this is a must do!

Finishing my food took longer than planned, but for all the right reasons. Before sipping the comedically ginormous cup of coffee, I opened the NYT app to play the daily Connections puzzle. My morning ritual. As I stared at the screen, trying to make sense of the increasingly tricky categories, the person sitting next to me noticed and expressed his own struggles with the game lately. That small moment of shared frustration opened the door to hours of chatting.

He explained he was eating by himself since his friends were too hungover to wake up for food, I respected that mindset of pushing through to have your own little experience. It turns out we were the same age, had both recently completed our master’s degrees, and shared a love for traveling. It was one of those organic, serendipitous moments that reminds me why I love meeting new people while seeing new places!

There’s something special about hearing someone’s story, finding unexpected similarities, and realizing how all the little twists of life can bring two strangers to the same cafe at the same time. I’m from Philly and he grew up in Alaska, but moments like those make the world seem a little smaller and a lot more connected. I asked if there were orca whales (I absolutely love them) in his hometown, and he explained they mostly stick to more commercialized parts of the state, the places where cruise ships dock and the lions share of tourists flock. He suggested I should explore the inland areas instead if I ever visited Alaska. I glanced down and noticed the orca whale printed across the front of my green sweatshirt, like the universe had set me up perfectly for this moment. It was damp from when I’d knocked over my water earlier from laughing.

Every summer, my Instagram feed is flooded with photos of the famous murals in Nashville, so I was excited to finally see them in person. I didn’t realize the iconic “wings” mural was just a block away from the restaurant. My fellow Connections player cordially offered to take my picture in front of it and showed me a few different spots nearby! In line, I also saw some fellow Birds fans, it was a little piece of home away from “home.”

Torrential downpour followed upon my walk back to the hotel. I tried to wait the rain out for almost two hours, but I eventually felt as if time was being wasted and I walked back down to Broadway for dinner at Rippy’s. BBQ is my ish, and I loved my time there! My mouth dropped as soon as I saw how much food was in one serving. The silver tray held enough food for three people. The live band performing was super talented and entertaining! I also may have had the best margarita that has ever touched my lips – it was a type of ghost pepper spicy concoction (pure bliss).

I’m a part of a “Gals who Travel” group on Facebook, where female travelers from all around the world chat about advice for their future trips, as well as inquiring about meeting up with locals. I met up with a girl who lived in the area and her friend to visit two bars, one called “Plays Dance Bar” and “Night We Met.” I did take an Uber to these bars, as it was raining and you did have to cross a busy bridge to get to the location. These two spots were recommended by the girls, and I think that was the only place I went to that wasn’t mentioned by ChatGPT. I understand why, I don’t think this place was as “touristy.” We originally planned on just dancing at Play’s, but we shortly realized they only had Drag Shows that night (which were AMAZING), but all of us wanted to go out dancing.

A “book moment” happened as we crossed the bridge in the pouring rain without jackets. I jokingly told them they were about to witness “Natural Hair Holly,” something some people who have known me for years have never seen. We laughed and shivered all the way to the bar, our shoes splashing with each step. I tried using my purse to shield my head from the rain, but after a while, I gave up and let nature do its thing. By the time we got to the entrance of Night We Met, all three of us were all drenched, but I laughed and told them it would make for a good story. Night We Met is a modern multi-room nightclub and cocktail lounge in Nashville, featuring top-tier sound and a focus on dance music. With a mix of local and international DJs, it’s helping shape Nashville’s nightlife into more than just a stereotypical one genre destination.

I’ve never had such an expensive cover fee (I think it was around $27), but the DJ was really good, and only played what I thought was original music. This nightclub was exactly what I pictured clubbing to look like when I was younger, all covered in colorful, celestial, and crystal-like décor. For once in my life, I felt underdressed, but I didn’t have much room in my bag for any “just in case” outfits. As we were dancing, my friend from the group casually mentioned she felt like that one character from Madagascar, and I told her I’d love to go there one day. She looked at me sideways with a grin and said, “Let’s go.” It was said in that totally tongue-in-cheek kind of way, but I thought, I need to know more people like that. LOL

Sunday

The morning of my last day in Nashville was my only day truly alone, and I wanted to make the most of it. I had a few hours to kill before my flight, so I decided to take a leisurely stroll around the city and revisit a few spots. I started with coffee at Elixr. The barista there recommended their signature Strawberry Oatmilk Latte, a vibrant blend of strawberry milk and beetroot, topped with either single-origin espresso or matcha. Intrigued by the unique combination, I opted for the espresso version. It had this creamy, slightly tangy sweetness that paired perfectly with the rich espresso. Pastel pink decor covered the small shop, which contrasted perfectly to their signature drink. I sat outside near the shopping areas next to Broadway, enjoying my latte while taking in the festive atmosphere. Christmas trees adorned the streets, and holiday tunes floated through the air, giving everything this magical, almost nostalgic feel.

Elegy was the kind of coffee shop I’d want to set up camp in for hours, laptop open, sipping away as I worked. It had that inviting, “come stay awhile” feel. Elixr, on the other hand, was a little more occupied, packed because of its prime location. But at Elegy, the barista noticed it was my first time in Nashville and promised to make me something special. What he crafted was hands-down one of the best cups of coffee I’ve ever had. I couldn’t even tell you what was in it, but it felt like a warm hug in drink form. It was the perfect balance of rich and comforting, and I could taste the love he put into it. Elegy is known for their honey lattes, so I’m inclined to believe it had some type of honey steamed into the milk? The space itself was quiet, spacious, and decorated with lush botanicals that made you feel like you were drinking coffee in a little indoor holiday garden. One of the best parts of traveling for me is discovering new coffee shops, and Nashville? You’ve got my full approval.

I made my way to the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge. Originally closed to automobile traffic in 1998, the bridge was later restored for pedestrian use, offering incredible views of the river, Titan’s Stadium, and the downtown skyline. The scene was beautiful in the daylight, but I couldn’t help but imagine how magical it would’ve been to visit at night, with the city lights shimmering on the water. Just before the bridge is the Johnny Cash Museum, which I think would be a perfect stop if you’re just starting or wrapping up your day in Nashville. It’s the kind of place where you can soak in some of the city’s culture before hitting the super busy parts of Broadway.

Reflecting on my first solo trip, I can confidently say it was extraordinary and I’m so happy I pushed through my initial nerves in pursuit of personal growth. I didn’t doubt that I was capable of doing it, but it’s still a bit nerve wracking when you haven’t done so before. Upon arriving at my hotel the first night, I gave myself a little pep talk, reminding myself that I was allowed to experience life on my own terms, without waiting for others. I could enjoy my own company and meet incredible people along the way. As a little girl, I was terrified of doing anything alone, and I think that younger version of me would be ecstatic!

I feel like I discovered new layers of myself, proving to myself that I am secure in my own company, while also being open to new friendships. While I wouldn’t call this a “soul-searching” trip, I proved to myself I could dive into a new city, with no one to rely on but myself, and still have an amazing time. It was a solid introduction to embracing the unknown alone and prepared me for my upcoming solo trips to Thailand and Egypt in 2025!

Grateful would be an understatement towards the people I met and the warmth they offered, even if our interactions were brief. Those memories will always be a part of who I am and wherever the wind takes me. Nashville is a perfect city to visit if you need a weekend getaway, I wouldn’t say you need more than a few days to hit all the main attractions. It was eye-opening to realize I didn’t need to use an entire week of vacation to explore a new place. It’s the art of maximizing your time that makes those moments worthwhile. You can do a lot more in a weekend than you realize, it just takes a little bit of planning!

I learned more about myself, tried new things, and saw places my eyes had never been before. My biggest takeaway alluded to the idea that it’s far better to be a little scared doing something solo than to never do it at all 🙂 Don’t ever let anyone stop you from living your life! You might surprise yourself with your bravery and make memories you might never have otherwise!