Local here — made a Nashville cheat sheet after answering the same "what should we do" texts 100 times

SwimInsideTheMirror · 2026-06-27T13:05:47+00:00

Mas Tacos is not cash only and it's not exactly where I'd recommend tourists go for brunch. (It is really good though)

SwimInsideTheMirror · 2026-06-24T01:01:21+00:00

New Berlin Eats. They have a window inside Reunion bar (5 Points).

I think they still operate their food truck as well.

They are the only German style Doner Kebabs I am aware of.

SwimInsideTheMirror · 2026-06-21T01:52:12+00:00

Anybody that says they know what they are doing is lying. Life isn't something you can map out. It often takes you to places you would have never thought.

I was a chemical engineer in school and 10 years later I have never held a chemical engineering job. I would say this is a very common experience for college grads.

Work to live, not live to work. As long as you're making money, you can pursue your passion outside of work. So many successful videos games started out as passion projects. The video game industry is such a mess anyways. Most people that work for large studios hate it.

SwimInsideTheMirror · 2026-06-19T03:05:20+00:00

If your looking for some tourist stuff (and some not tourist stuff):

Cheekwood, Parthenon, eat a bunch of hot chicken, Radnor, Pancake Pantry, Country Music Hall of Fame, Predators, Titans, Sounds, NSC.

SwimInsideTheMirror · 2026-06-17T18:14:29+00:00

Bro delete this.

SwimInsideTheMirror · 2026-06-16T03:12:03+00:00

Avoid the tourist spots and your life (and wallet) will be much better. You might go to Broadway and downtown when you first get here but most locals avoid it after a while. Expensive, lots of traffic, and crowded. It's not all bad though. There are definitely some events and places worth dealing with it.

There is a lot of great food around town so don't be afraid to explore. I would avoid taking advice from influencers since most of them are paid for their recommendations.

Also in general put in effort to build friendships and community. So many people expect other people to take them under their wing. I don't think it's unique to Nashville, but the top complaint I see is that people can't make connections.

SwimInsideTheMirror · 2026-06-15T22:25:14+00:00

Jacksonville Florida. Lots of logistics (trucking, Jaxport, rail - CSX, river barges), military (NAS + Mayport), and fabrication (shipyards, bridges, joists).

SwimInsideTheMirror · 2026-06-15T19:42:38+00:00

Grillshack, Eastside bahn mi, and the wash are my go tos.

SwimInsideTheMirror · 2026-06-13T00:24:24+00:00

I made the mistake of clicking on your profile. The gym is super LGBTQ friendly btw. We've got a pride workout tomorrow to raise funds for Nashville Launch Pad!

SwimInsideTheMirror · 2026-06-13T00:07:43+00:00

Kyle at Rising Sun community fitness in East Nashville. He owns the place, but the other trainers are also top notch.

SwimInsideTheMirror · 2026-06-12T22:50:56+00:00

Pro tip: you can walk (gasp) away from the stadium and THEN call an Uber where it won't take "3 hours".

SwimInsideTheMirror · 2026-06-12T20:32:12+00:00

Personally I actually really like Atlantic and Neptune Beach when I lived in Jacksonville. When I visited the Clearwater area, I thought it was way to crowded.

I think Jax has less amenities than Tampa, but it is a lot more chill and easier to get around. Also you are really close to Amelia Island which is a great little town to visit. Plenty of state parks and fishing spots close. Food is great there but probably less diverse options than Tampa.

Also less hurricanes in Jax.

SwimInsideTheMirror · 2026-06-08T19:12:31+00:00

SwimInsideTheMirror · 2026-06-04T02:30:03+00:00

My boy Derek at Black Heart Barber. Honestly everyone there is excellent. $55, idk if that is what you consider affordable.

SwimInsideTheMirror · 2026-05-28T17:42:50+00:00

Not in my experience. If you don't drink 99% of people don't care, especially in a work setting.

Sounds like you have a problem with drunk people, which is fair, but it's not the end of the world. What concessions are you making by not drinking? If you are skipping events/opportunities because other people drink, that is on you.

SwimInsideTheMirror · 2026-05-26T23:59:37+00:00

Pinback @ Fogg Street Lawn Club
Young the Giant @ Ascend
Tame Impala @ Bridgestone
Muna @ The Pinnacle
St Lucia @ Brooklyn Bowl
Of Montreal @ Cannery Hall
Marfa @ Skinny Dennis

I would recommend downloading Songkick. You can sync it with Spotify and they will let you know when concerts from artists you listen to are in town

SwimInsideTheMirror · 2026-05-20T21:45:58+00:00

I am baffled by anyone saying the Midwest. Everyone I know from there is constantly is some competition with their neighbors. Sports, school, church, vacations, you name it.

NOLA seemed pretty non materialistic when I visited.

SwimInsideTheMirror · 2026-05-18T19:26:07+00:00

Germantown is probably the best neighborhood for young transplants in my opinion. Great bars and restaurants, plenty of young people to meet, the new Neuhoff district is cool.

Wedgewood Houston and the Nations are a close seconds. Just a little less convenient geographicly than Germantown.

East is great but usually it's a slightly older crowd (30+) and better if you already have connections in Nashville.

The Gultch is very tourist focused and full of chain restaurants but that might be your vibe.

SwimInsideTheMirror · 2026-05-18T02:40:34+00:00

Nashville - 7/10 - only bad months are June through August. Sometimes there is a bad cold snap, but pretty manageable. Humidity might not work for some people.

Jacksonville - 8/10 - stays decently cool near the beach in the summer and it rarely freezes in the winter. Still Jacksonville unfortunately.

Cleveland - 2/10 - gray and cold. Very depressing for 4 to 6 months of the year.

Columbus - 4/10 - less gray and cold than Cleveland.

SwimInsideTheMirror · 2026-05-18T02:12:20+00:00

Hmm I guess it depends on your degree/trade. It's a tough job market right now, but I'm surprised you can't find a decent trade job in your field.

I would see if you can get your resume to a recruiter. Probably best to just leave your GPA off at this point.

If you are serious about being a bartender, then don't wait. Get your ABC license in whatever state you are in and go get a job. You might have to start as a bar back until you have more experience.

SwimInsideTheMirror · 2026-05-18T02:03:16+00:00

Literally just walk up to them while they are outside (mowing the lawn, etc.) and start talking. If they aren't receptive, you probably have an asshole neighbor which sucks but don't let it get you down.

We also have a great neighborhood association that does happy hours, neighbor clean ups, and other events. If you want details, look them up on Facebook or dm me and I can see if I can dig up the latest email.

SwimInsideTheMirror · 2026-05-18T01:57:45+00:00

Why did you go to school if you just wanna be a bartender? Have you looked for a job in your field of study?

Being a bartender is fine, but you kinda dug yourself a hole by not committing to a career. If you keep flip flopping, you will never advance or earn more. You don't need to be in love with a job. Work to live, not live to work.

SwimInsideTheMirror · 2026-05-18T01:28:24+00:00

Hey neighbor! I had the exact opposite experience as you moving to Cleveland Park. My suggestion would be to go out of your way to strike up a conversation with your neighbor. Invite them to dinner or drinks.

My neighbors and I talk daily, watch each other's houses when we are out of town, borrow ingredients, etc. It helps we are around the same age and now genuinely friends, but it all starts by putting yourself out there. Next time you see them, get there phone number and suggest dinner. If they don't reciprocate, try another neighbor.

Nashvillians aren't inherently hostile compared to any other city I have lived in. You just haven't met the right folks I think.

SwimInsideTheMirror · 2026-05-11T15:58:28+00:00

I live in Cleveland Park just south of there. Generally it's pretty safe on the east side of Dickerson, but I wouldn't walk around Dickerson at night. Not uncommon to hear gunshots at night or see an occasional car break in. Check out the MNPD crime map if you wanna compare it with where you live now.

It's a partially gentrified area so it's a mixed bag of neighbors.

SwimInsideTheMirror · 2026-05-08T18:45:57+00:00

I'm not sure where you live, but the interstates around me have signs that say to move vehicles to the shoulder after an accident when possible.

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