Bark Like a Local: Nashville, Tennessee

City Spotlight: Nashville, TN

Dog Friendly Ideas | Today marks the very first segment of our newest blog series, “Bark Like a Local”. If your pup has more frequently flier miles than most consultants, or if you find yourself moving to a new city every lunar cycle, the question you have inevitably encountered is, “Where can I take my dog in this city?” Having faced this conundrum more times than we can count, we have decided to ask our dog loving friends from around the country to provide us with a few of their favorite hometown, dog friendly, hangouts! Today’s post takes us to one of our favorite cities, Nashville, TN!



Meet Today’s Guides
We are Abby Law and Dan Smyers, and we live in the badass and creative city that is Nashville, TN. I (Abby) am originally from Kansas City, and Dan is originally from Pittsburgh, but Nashville has felt like home for both of us since day one. Now time for the important part..our dogs Chief (black and white), and Joy (brown)! We rescued Chief and Joy from a local rescue organization, Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue (a Grounds & Hounds parter), that has since become a huge part of our lives. We advocate animal rescue locally by volunteering and fostering for them, and Dan’s band, Dan + Shay, recently released a music video featuring adoptable pups from Proverbs 12:10! With that said, it’s now time to take you on a tour of our favorite pet friendly spots in our favorite southern city, Nashville, Tennessee. #adopdontshop

Free Activity: Shelby Dog Park
We absolutely love the Shelby Dog Park in East Nashville, not only because its location is extremely convenient for us, but also it is truly a great, well maintained, dog park full of responsible dog owners. This isn’t the park to visit if you are looking for a secluded place for your dog, because it is just one large, fenced in park (all dogs, all sizes). Your small dog will have no problem finding a similar-sized companion (just ask Chief). Your dog will also have no problem finding a tennis ball, as they are littered throughout the park. This is Chief and Joy’s FAVORITE part about the dog park. There are benches throughout the park for human needs, but the only water fountain belongs to those of the canine variety, so be sure to bring yourself a water (or tumbler filled with your favorite coffee) if you are venturing out.

GPS Address:
2001 Boscobel St
Nashville, TN 37206

                                                       Photo via Thrillist

Dog Friendly Lunch Break: 12 South Taproom
12 South Taproom is, as the name would suggest, located in the 12 South neighborhood of Nashville. It’s a unique spot with great food, great craft beers and an awesome, pet-friendly patio. This place is no Nashville secret so plan your visits accordingly. They have dog bowls ready for your special friend and an outdoor fountain so you can refill the bowl as needed. We love the Southwest Cobb Salad on their menu. A side of Gouda Macaroni & Cheese is a must, and for you Siracha fans out there, the Chicken Special Quesadilla will make you smile. Grab a local beer from Yazoo or Jackalope, but if those don’t tickle your fancy, the beer list is endless and you will definitely find something to taste.

GPS Address:
2318 12th Ave S
Nashville, TN 37204

Wind down the day: Drifters BBQ
Now, to be upfront with you all, when Dan and I like a place, we LIKE a place and we tend to exhaust it, BUT despite eating at Drifters close to one million times, we still love it. Drifters is a great bbq joint in East Nashville. As Dan said…when we were there last night…Drifters is the perfect combination of dive bar and place you actually want to hang out. The staff is cordial, the food is fantastic, and the spacious patio makes it a great hangout for you and your pooch. Did I mention Drifters is great? There are ample dog bowls by the front entrance for your convenience, and for the music loving pup, they often have (good) live bands on the patio. The food is delicious and they have a lot of tasty vegetarian options as well. Don’t forget to hit the BBQ sauce bar!

GPS Address:
1008-B Woodland St
Nashville, TN 372064

Grab a drink: Two Bits
Two Bits is on Demonbreun Street, very close to downtown Nashville. Full disclosure here, this strip of bars and restaurants isn’t totally our vibe, but Two Bits is a great spot on this street for a drink. The patio is not big but it is pet friendly and the bar extends onto the patio. They have House Cocktails, like the Ranger Smith with Bulleit Bourbon, peach liquor, mint syrup and lemon, Classic Cocktails like an old fashioned or margarita, and a Nashville staple, the Bushwacker, which is basically an alcoholic milkshake. You’re welcome. They also have an enormous Jenga game on the patio so you can enjoy that with your furry friend. 

Photo via Bizjournals.com

GPS Address:
1520 Demonbreun St
Nashville, TN 37203 

Spoil your pup: Spot’s Pet Supply & Dog Wash
We absolutely love The Dog Spot for doggy daycare and boarding! They have tons of great dog food and treat options. Chief and Joy absolutely LOVE antlers and inevitably we leave with at least two every time we stop in because the owner of Spot’s Pet Supply is smart and leaves the buckets on the floor. It’s brilliant, and I’m not even mad about it. They also have a variety of vitamins for your pups, stimulating dog toys, and a ton of collars and leashes. Lastly, the building is spotted like a Dalmatian, so you can’t miss it!

GPS Address:
1013 Gallatin Ave
Nashville, TN 37206

Just Visiting: The Hutton Hotel

The Hutton Hotel is not only a beautiful boutique hotel with a great restaurant, but it is also the ultimate pet-friendly hotel. They offer a Happy Tails Pet Program that includes an in-room dining menu with healthy, organic pet snacks. They also provide bedding, food and water bowls, and a complimentary treat at check-in.

GPS Address:
1808 W End Ave
Nashville, TN 37203

To learn more about Grounds & Hounds Coffee Co., please visit groundsandhoundscoffee.com. If you would like to support Dan and Abby’s favorite animal rescue, be sure to use the code “Proverbs2017” for 15% off of your Grounds & Hounds coffee purchase through January 31st! 20% of all proceeds are directed towards this amazing organization and their efforts to support the pups of Nashville, TN!

Want to share your favorite dog friendly spots in town? Feel free to let us know at Info@groundsandhoundscoffee.com

*Photos via Rob Norris www.forrobnorris.com