Our Stay at the Kimpton Aertson Hotel in Nashville
Review of Midtown Nashville boutique hotel.
Annie Lindberg's "Redberry"
Nashville has changed so much recently, y'all. When we lived in the Music City a decade ago, it still had a small-town feel. These days, there's so much new construction and a big city energy, but it's still as charming and Southern as ever. A couple of weeks ago, when Bob and I had some appointments in Nashville, we chose a new hotel in Midtown, one of the areas that's changed the most over the past couple of years. The Kimpton Aertson did not disappoint! It was elegant, comfortable, and provided the perfect night's sleep!
The Aertson, a boutique hotel named for an ancestor of Cornelius Vanderbilt, is adjacent to the north end of Vanderbilt University's campus and an easy walking distance from Hattie B's Hot Chicken and The Patterson House. The location is great for experiencing Nashville in so many ways -- from traditional Music Row-and-Hot Chicken tourism to visiting college campuses at Belmont, Vandy, and Lipscomb to taking in the sites of 12 South, including Draper James. It made a perfect home base as we ran errands, took appointments, ate, and shopped in the area!
The hotel itself is simply lovely! Artistic nods included artist Annie Lindberg's mixed media installation "Redberry", a web of pink and orange threads, wallpapered bedroom ceilings that resemble frescos, and a huge, elegant bathroom with glass doors and white subway tile. A wallpapered wall in the bathroom mimicked the blueprints for the nearby Tennessee Capitol building, providing a nice nod to the hotel's Nashville locale without overindulging in the prevalent Music City Kitch prevalent in so many nearby hotels.
The exercise room was roomy and well-equipped, allowing Bob and me to both log in a good workout. The treadmills and ellipticals were excellent, as were the thick exercise mats and the plentiful free weights. The real star of the hotel, though, was our actual bedroom. The bed was a perfect firmness, and the down comforter and pillows were so luxurious. Every detail was so thoughtful and convenient, from the USB charging ports on both nightstands to the Jawbone Mini Jambox speaker for smartphone pairing. Our 6th floor room overlooked Broadway, providing a fun view of traffic and campus.
Delightful special touches included a dog-friendly policy (Max and Sophie want to tag along next time!), hyper-local Frothy Monkey coffee in the lobby at morning, and a cocktail hour there in the evening, and a text-for-valet service. I hope to take in the Woodhouse Spa, the Henley Restaurant, and the rooftop bar and pool on future visits!
As I enjoyed the hour "gained" by visiting the Central Time Zone, I read a line from Nashville native author Ann Patchett in her collection of essays, This is the Story of a Happy Marriage: "My memory can only separate hotels int three categories: those that are disgusting, those that are very nice, and those that may have been Hyatts." Thanks so much to the Kimpton Aertson for staying in the price range of a hotel that may have been a Hyatt while providing a stay that placed it firmly in the very nice hotel category!
The HerKentucky Guide to Holiday Shopping in Nashville
We all love to shop locally whenever possible, but there's something so fun about taking a trip to a different city to find unique sources for holiday gifts. Last week, my beau and I made a quick trip to Nashville. He had a conference to attend, and I had some Christmas shopping to tackle. My shopping expedition had two rules: find some unique presents, and stay far, far away from the tourist mayhem at Opryland. With those rules in mind, I've created the HerKentucky Guide to Holiday Shopping in Nashville.
For the Prepster:
Vineyard Vines is always a fun place to start! The bright, preppy prints draw you in, and you're likely to hear an upbeat Jimmy Buffett Christmas Carol playing in the background! (Hill Center Green Hills 4015 Hillsboro Pike, Suite 105 Nashville, Tennessee 37215)
For the College Student:
Every time I walk in Bink's Outfitters, I'm equally jealous and relieved that this store didn't exist during my sorority girl days. With their amazing selection of Hunter boots, Yeti Coolers, The North Face, and all the other things that you "really really need" for barn dances and field parties, I'd have spent all my time and money there. Hopefully, you can show more restraint whilst shopping for the college kid or outdoorsy person on your list. (Hill Center Green Hills 4017 Hillsboro Pike Suite 304, Nashville, TN 37215)
For the Southern Belle:
Draper James is, of course, Reese Witherspoon's new lifestyle brand. The flagship store in Reese's hometown of Nashville is simply adorable, featuring clothing, accessories, and small gifts with a sassy, feminine flair. The sales associates are so friendly and helpful, and they offer you a cup of sweet tea when you enter the store! (2608 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204)
For the Hipster:
Just down the street from Draper James are two simply enchanting local stores that will fulfill your favorite hipster's requirements for simple, well-made, unique, and thought-provoking items. White's Mercantile, owned by Hank Williams Jr's daughter Holly, is a fabulous, dog-friendly general store chock-full of amazing, quirky dry goods. (2908 12th Ave South
Nashville, TN 37204)
Imogene and Willie is known for high-end denim, but also features unique clothing, gifts, and more. Founded by Henderson, KY natives Carrie and Matt Eddmenson in an old filling station, Imogene + Willie offers unique, hip presents for the coolest people on your shopping list.(2908 12th Ave South, Nashville, TN 37204)
For Just About Everyone:
If you have to go to the mall for holiday shopping, you might as well go to a really, really good mall. The Mall at Green Hills features a fabulous mix of mall standards like Macy's and Williams-Sonoma and luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and David Yurman. Nordstrom alone is worth the trip.
Happy Shopping, y'all! Where do you shop for your holiday gifts?