A Brit and A Southerner

10 Things to Do in South Devon That Will Amaze You

England

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Sep 24, 2018

10 Things to Do in South Devon That Will Amaze You

When you think about England, you could be forgiven for associating this beautiful, historic country with London, the idyllic rural villages around the Cotswolds or perhaps the ancient ruins at Stonehenge. However, if you have read many of our other posts associated with England, you will know that we try to focus on some of the “lesser known” destinations that we still think should be on everyone’s radar…this post is no different! Welcome to the best things to do in South Devon!

Located in the south-west corner of England just north of Cornwall, Devon is a county that is frequently left out of the limelight, primarily because it doesn’t have those high-profile attractions or cities that everyone immediately associates with the UK.

But don’t let that convince you to stay away from this area…in fact, we would argue that this should intrigue you to explore and after reading this post, we hope that you will have a few ideas as to the best spots worth experiencing in the southern part of the county.

From historic castles to spectacular waterfalls, from quaint seaside villages to delicious local cuisine, South Devon is home to pretty much everything you could wish for in a perfect vacation spot.

The iconic English Riviera is the focal point of South Devon, primarily renowned as such because of the direct comparison with the more infamous “French Riviera”. However, the collection of seaside towns featuring the likes of Torquay, Brixham, and Paignton are known locally as Torbay.

But as you will see, South Devon expands much further than just the coastal towns, so let’s take a look at some of the best attractions and experiences that you cannot afford to miss!

Torquay

Torquay is undoubtedly the heartbeat of South Devon with a vibrant seafront, gorgeous marina and a myriad of shops and restaurants that will leave you with plenty to experience during your visit.

Take a stroll up the main street to enjoy a little retail therapy while visiting Devon or perhaps you prefer to admire the collection of luxury yachts and fishing vessels that are docked in the marina.

Living Coasts is a zoo and sea life aquarium located along the seafront, offering an amazing experience with nature while admiring the spectacular views overlooking the bay. For those of you that are intrigued by the prospect of heading out to sea, there are plenty of daily excursions available, ranging from fishing trips to a cruise that takes you across the bay to the nearby coastal town of Brixham.

We highly recommend this not only because of the awesome cruise but also because Brixham is another town that we recommend visiting while experiencing South Devon. However, for the history buffs visiting Torquay, head over to Torre Abbey that dates back to 1196 when it was originally founded as a monastery. Today, it is renowned as the best preserved medieval monastery in Devon and Cornwall.

Back in the heart of Torquay, take a short stroll along the seafront before arriving at Abbey Park to test your golfing skills with a leisurely round of pitch and putt or perhaps enjoying the locals showcasing their crown green bowling skills.

Brixham

The fishing town of Brixham epitomizes the beauty throughout South Devon. If you choose to follow our above recommendation and hop on the cruise from Torquay, you will enjoy the ultimate arrival in Brixham because it’s the best way to appreciate the overall appearance of this town.

As you approach from the bay, you cannot help but admire the local residential areas scattered across the landscape, while the focal point is undoubtedly the harbor housing the local fishing vessels.

At the heart of Brixham’s fishing harbor is one of only two true replicas of the Golden Hind ship, recognized as the first ship to circumnavigate the globe courtesy of captain Sir Francis Drake.

Your adventure exploring Brixham begins the moment you step off the boat (or car if you choose to drive into town) and with a plethora of local shops and restaurants to choose from, this is the ideal spot to relax and enjoy lunch while interacting with locals who will certainly be happy to provide recommendations on the best things to do there.

Visitors to Brixham will be impressed by the selection of local Fish and Chip shops. Just like a cream tea is a staple for Devon and Cornwall, I would highly recommend sampling the local fish and chips!

There is nothing quite like finding the best local spot (again, interact with the locals and they will point you in the right direction) and enjoying the typical British meal while exploring Brixham town center.

Teignmouth

From the quaint and quirky to the family fun activities we all associate with a traditional British holiday, Teignmouth is a great spot worth visiting to experience a little bit of everything. During our recent trip to Devon, we made a quick trip to Teignmouth to experience the seafront and the River Teign estuary.

Take a walk along the beach to enjoy the gorgeous sands or try out your luck inside one of the arcades before relaxing with a game of crazy golf. All of this and much more can be experienced directly on the promenade.

Further inland, enjoy gorgeous historic architecture with a myriad of Georgian inspired buildings while those looking to sample local cuisine will be faced with a destination gaining a reputation for having a great gourmet selection.

“The Taste of the Teign food trail” offers visitors and locals alike the opportunity to sample “world-renowned mussel and oyster beds” along with local berry farms and craft breweries.

Babbacombe Bay

When it comes to idyllic landscapes, there are not many spots that offer more spectacular views than those available at Babbacombe Bay. Just a few miles along the coast from Torquay, Babbacombe is the perfect place to experience if you are looking for a tranquil setting yet still offering plenty of things to do.

Renowned as the “jewel in the crown of the English Riviera,” Babbacombe perfectly represents everything there is to love about South Devon. The history of Babbacombe suggests that this has always been a sought-after beach resort and by the end of the 19th-century, it established itself as “a classy Victorian holiday destination.”

Aside from the spectacular views across the bay, Babbacombe is known for the model village full of intricate details and a fun-filled experience for all the family.

The Babbacombe Cliff Railway is another iconic attraction, particularly given its history dates back over 90 years and offers the perfect way to reach those gorgeous beaches without having to worry about hauling your beach gear up and down the steep cliffs.

When it comes to places to eat, there are several cafes in Babbacombe that offer some of the best lunch options across South Devon.

The Cliff Railway Cafe has plenty of outdoor seating, offering majestic views across the bay while Babbacombe Bay Cafe is perhaps our favorite choice, with a variety of awesome baguettes, warm meals and much more to choose from!

Totnes

The historic market town of Totnes is a place you cannot afford to miss when exploring South Devon. Totnes Castle is one of the best-preserved examples of a traditional Norman motte and bailey castle and is definitely worth experiencing when you visit this part of the county.

The main street that runs through the heart of Totnes is a shoppers paradise, with plenty of local boutique establishments and brand name stores to explore.

Be sure you schedule your visit to Totnes on market day (Fridays and Saturdays) to experience the weekly market held in the Civic Hall Square. An Elizabethan market is also held every Tuesday morning and visitors can enjoy locals wearing their period attire.

As you leave (or when you arrive) Totnes, be sure to check out the views across the River Dart. You never know what wildlife you will spot and there are plenty of boats always meandering their way through the channel.

Dartmouth

When it comes to South Devon being renowned as the English Riviera, the beautiful town of Dartmouth is surely one of the main reasons for this recognition.

Whether you arrive in Dartmouth on board a cruise from Torquay or other nearby coastal town or perhaps you hop on the car ferry for the short ride across the River Dart, the Meditteranean style appearance of the town is what immediately captures your attention.

Dartmouth has a long history with the Royal Navy, primarily because of the naval college located just outside the town center. Officers have been trained here since 1863, indicative of the history throughout this part of South Devon.

The scenic river location of Dartmouth is perhaps the primary reason why so many visitors explore this area but the moment you step off the promenade, you have the opportunity to explore art galleries, museums, local shops and much more. There certainly isn’t a shortage of things to do in this coastal town!

Canonteign Falls

Ready to experience one of England’s highest waterfalls? That’s right, South Devon is home to Canonteign Falls, a 220-feet waterfall that is located among a forested landscape and ready for adventure seekers to explore.

For a small admission fee, visitors can enjoy a short hike through the heart of the Teign Valley and Dartmouth National Park before arriving at the pièce de résistance, Canonteign Falls!

Several hiking trails are available at Canonteign Falls but the most popular leads visitors through the bluebell woods and up the 70-meter waterfall until you reach the summit and experience epic views across South Devon.

The magical Victorian fern garden can be found around halfway through the hike and offers a unique collection of ferns that create a relaxing ambiance for visitors to enjoy before continuing on the adventure through the wooded area.

An abundance of flora and fauna can be enjoyed throughout your visit to Canonteign Falls and you can spend a few minutes inside the gift shop following your visit to find something that will remind you of your experience.

For us, the memories are the perfect tonic to remind us that a return visit is in order!

Cockington

Idyllic, quaint, picturesque and in many ways, perfection! This is really the best way to describe the charming village of Cockington just a few miles from Torquay.

The village is relatively small with just a few local gift shops and cafes but when it comes to inherent beauty across South Devon, there are not many spots more breathtaking than Cockington.

Many villages lay claim to being picturesque, but the delightful Devon village of Cockington is the real deal. (Englishriviera.co.uk)

Driving to Cockington could be described as a challenging experience, particularly if you are not used to the narrow roads that can be found throughout Devon.

I probably should have referenced this earlier but for folks (Heather is one of them!) that haven’t experience English country roads, they can be a little overwhelming! But trust me when I say, it’s worth the effort and can actually be a pretty exciting adventure in itself.

At the heart of the village lies the spectacular Cockington Court, a manor house dating back to medieval times and surrounded by acres of gorgeous country park.

Buckfast Abbey

The plethora of unique attractions across South Devon continues with a working Benedictine monastery in Buckfastleigh, just a few miles outside of Newton Abbot and Totnes. For those of you planning on spending a few hours in either of these aforementioned towns, take some time to visit Buckfast Abbey for a historic experience.

For the historians out there, Buckfast Abbey offers a real treat! Buckfast first became home to an abbey in 1018, while the first Benedictine abbey was followed by a Savignac abbey constructed on the site of the present day structure in 1134.

Spend some time exploring the grounds, visiting the gift shop and restaurant, before heading over to the tranquil setting of the Sensory, Physic and Lavender Gardens.

Newton Abbot

Camping in Devon is certainly one of the best ways to enjoy the very best of this county and we strongly recommend considering Ross Park Caravan Park as your preferred option. Located just outside of the market town of Newton Abbot in the small village of Ipplepen, Ross Park is perfectly located to explore everything South Devon has to offer.

For those of you that don’t want to venture too far away from the caravan site, head into Newton Abbot to enjoy this traditional market town. With plenty of indoor and outdoor markets to experience, this is definitely a great spot to find local produce and bargains. If you are visiting during horse racing season, Newton Abbot racecourse frequently hosts meetings throughout the summer months.

A number of country parks are easily accessible from Newton Abbot, including Decoy Country Park, Courtenay Park, and many others. There are plenty of shopping options available throughout the town so if you ready for the hustle and bustle of life in a small Devon market town, Newton Abbot is the place to go!

Summary

South Devon may not be the first part of the UK you think about visiting but we would argue that this richly deserves to be considered as a viable vacation spot.

Breathtaking panoramic landscapes, architecture steeped full of history and a variety of local spots that will immediately capture the imagination, are all reasons why South Devon should be on everyone’s radar.

Although we have highlighted ten of the best things to do in South Devon, this barely touches the surface. It’s a part of the UK that needs to be explored and we cannot wait to return in the near future to experience more of this.

I almost forgot to mention…South Devon is perhaps the BEST place in the UK to experience a traditional cream tea!! We can well and truly attest, it’s delicious. Devonshire Clotted Cream, Jam, and a Scone combined with either coffee or tea…are you guys sold now?? WE DEFINITELY ARE!

How to Get from Midway to O’Hare Airport with No Hassle?

Illinois

Chris Boothman

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Sep 17, 2018

18

How to Get from Midway to O’Hare Airport with No Hassle?

Have you experienced the disappointment of finding an awesome deal on a flight only to find out it is to an alternative airport to the one you were planning on flying into? Flying into Chicago frequently offers such problems as the Windy City is home to two major airports – Midway and O’Hare. If you have a connecting flight in the ‘other’ airport, it’s plausible that you will need to travel between the two which is sometimes more difficult than it should be. We want to share a few of our top tips on how to get from Midway to O’Hare in the shortest and most efficient way possible!

Travel bloggers like us are always looking to find great deals on flights and will go to extremes to book different flight legs to maximize discounts that may be available. As we planned our epic round the world trip, our starting city was Chicago, primarily because flights from there were much cheaper than out of Memphis. However, the most economical airline to fly from Memphis to Chicago is Southwest but of course, they only offer flights into Midway.

Let’s take a look at how you can easily connect between the two airports.

How to Get From Midway to O’Hare

CTA Rail

The best way to get from Midway to O’Hare is to use the CTA rail system. It’s efficient, it’s cheap and most importantly, it’s easy to navigate as long as you follow a couple of simple steps to ensure you alight at the correct stops.

This is the transportation we have used a couple of times and one that we used recently. We will discuss this in more detail later.

Taxi

According to the TaxiFareFinder website, you can expect to spend over $72 to travel between Midway and O’Hare. The trip distance is 28 miles with an anticipated time of around 48 minutes. This may be the quickest of all transportation methods but I doubt is the most cost-effective.

If you have a large party traveling with you, perhaps this will be the best alternative as you can split the cost but if you are traveling alone or with only your partner, it can be an expensive option.

Uber

A simple alternative to a traditional taxi would be to take an Uber between the two airports. The online Uber estimatorsuggests that you will pay around $40 to travel the same distance but clearly this is a more affordable option if you are looking for a convenient option.

Car Rental

It may sound like a crazy idea but renting a car is another option to get between the two airports. For around $40, you have the flexibility of taking the short drive while perhaps contemplating paying a visit to your favorite restaurant in between. This is certainly a more viable option than I’m sure many of you would consider.

CTA Rail – The Efficient Route

$5…that’s how much it costs to get from Midway to O’Hare using the CTA Rail System. Let me repeat that, FIVE DOLLARS (when I initially wrote this post it was actually only $3 each way!!!). Forget all of the other options that you might think are convenient and keep reading to find out exactly how easy it is to get between the two Chicago airports using this method.

The directions I am going to provide are to take you from Chicago Midway to Chicago O’Hare but just follow these in the opposite direction if you are heading the other way.

Step 1 – Midway Terminal to CTA Station

Follow directions at Chicago Midway to ‘Trains to City’. You will be taken on a short walk to the CTA station and this will take about 10 minutes from pretty much any gate at Midway.

Purchase a single-ride ticket for only $5 and this is the only ticket you will need for the journey!

Take ANY train heading towards the city of Chicago.

Step 2 – Change at Clark Station (Orange Line)

The journey from Midway to Clark station will take approximately 30 minutes on the ORANGE line but be sure to keep an eye out for this station because it’s critical that you alight here to take another train.

At Clark, you will be transferring from the ORANGE to the BLUE line.

Follow the signs “to the blue line” and head down the escalator before heading to the blue line platform.

Be prepared to experience some of Chicago’s winter conditions but don’t worry, you won’t be outside in the elements for long at Clark/Lake as you will soon be boaring your next train to O’Hare Airport.

Step 3 – Clark Station to O’Hare (Blue Line)

Travel along the blue line for about 35-40 minutes until you arrive at O’Hare International Airport.

Once you arrive at the airport station, you will need to determine whether you are flying from the domestic or international terminal and take the short walk to the appropriate location.

It’s about a 10-minute walk to the domestic terminal (terminals 1, 2 or 3) and a 15-minute walk to terminal 5 for international departures.

For those leaving the country, you will be required to hop on the O’Hare Airport Transit System to take you to terminal 5 but the airport has plenty of signs to point you in the right direction.

Summary

Traveling from one side of a city to another can seem like a daunting task especially if you are visiting somewhere like Chicago for the first time. However, hopefully after following our 3 step guide on how to get from Midway to O’Hare, you will soon become resident experts in making this simple journey without a hassle.

For only $5 per person, you would be crazy to choose any alternative method though I certainly understand some people prefer the convenience and simplicity of a taxi or Uber to take you from one spot to another.

We will be sharing some other guides in the near future of other cities around the world that have multiple major airports because we really think this is something that many travelers struggle to find useful information on. This opens a gateway to many different flight options and it’s feasible that you will dramatically cut the costs of your airfares by being flexible enough to connect between multiple airports.

Have you flown into one airport and then flown out of another within the same city? Would you consider taking this approach if you knew you could save a substantial amount on your travel costs?

Street Art in Oklahoma City – How to Find the Best Murals

Oklahoma

Chris Boothman

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Sep 10, 2018

5

Street Art in Oklahoma City – How to Find the Best Murals

Street art is increasingly becoming the number one way to regenerate and transform a neighborhood and this is certainly the case in a destination like Oklahoma City. During our recent weekend getaway to OKC, we quickly decided that heading out with our friend Ashley from A Southern Gypsy to explore the best street art in Oklahoma City was an experience we couldn’t miss out on.

We have quickly fallen in love with street art examples around the world and honestly, this is one of the first areas of research we look into before visiting a new destination for the first time. Although there is still a clear divide between those that argue street art is no more than harmful graffiti and those that love this modern form of art, there is certainly no argument against the fact that street art done well can produce a creative masterpiece.

When we first started exploring street art, we specifically researched this in the context of “street art vs graffiti”. What exactly is the difference between the two and where do you draw the line? The more street art you experience, the more you will appreciate the unique differences between the two.

In my opinion, graffiti equals vandalism and no intent on urban regeneration. On the other hand, street art is about telling a story through the depiction of urban art.

Best Street Art in Oklahoma City

What street art thrives in the area? Which global artists have decided to leave their mark on the city? What style resonates with locals and visitors alike in the location? All of these are questions that everyone should ask before venturing out and exploring what is out there. This is certainly true before experiencing the best murals across Oklahoma City and it’s fair to say, this city is not short of awesome masterpieces!

As you head out to explore the diverse neighborhoods in Oklahoma City, you will quickly understand why doing a little research ahead of time is a good idea. There is A LOT of street art in OKC but with some careful planning, you can ensure that you capture the best murals during your tour of the city.

Oklahoma City epitomizes this “modern city” vibe that we have started to see across many cities, particularly in the United States. Utilizing street art as a mechanism to promote neighborhoods, drive tourism to the city, expand economic development in areas and regenerate locales that perhaps needed a little ‘TLC’ is definitely something that Oklahoma City has achieved.

Let’s take a look at some of the finest examples of street art around Oklahoma City and as with any location, it’s a constantly changing landscape and we would appreciate any comments below as you stumble across new murals across the city.

Automobile Alley

Although some of the murals around Oklahoma City can be a little tricky to find, that is certainly not the case around Automobile Alley. This neighborhood epitomizes the transformation that Oklahoma City has seen in recent decades and is at the forefront of further regeneration in the near future. Visitors can enjoy an eclectic blend of restaurants, bars, local boutique stores and of course, amazing street art!

The aptly named building “The Womb” is a vibrant display of colors with a myriad of eye-catching designs on both sides.

Take a stroll across the street and admire more spectacular designs. From the innovative artistry to the plethora of creative masterpieces, Automobile Alley isn’t short of murals waiting to be discovered.

Plaza District

The Plaza District is undoubtedly the highlight neighborhood for street art in Oklahoma City. The Plaza Walls project is the focal point of this trendy, vibrant neighborhood and is such a popular spot that even Google has sponsored this particular project.

As you stroll around the back alleys admiring the majestic artistry, you can certainly see why Google collaborated with the artists here.

The Plaza Walls are an ever-changing landscape so dependent on when you visit will likely determine exactly which “works of art” will be on display. One thing is for sure, the artists participating in this project are some of the best around Oklahoma City, so you will have an amazing experience regardless of the murals available.

Launched in September 2015, the Plaza Walls project was developed courtesy of The Oklahoma Mural Syndicate in an effort to provide a creative space for spontaneous street art. The lead curator in developing these creative masterpieces is Kristopher Kanaly and it’s thanks to his endeavors that has enabled this neighborhood to grow and thrive in recent years.

Downtown OKC

If you are an NBA fan or in particular, an Oklahoma City Thunder fan, you will immediately recognize the New Zealander portrayed on this gigantic mural located in the heart of downtown OKC!

Steven Adams’ career in Oklahoma City dates back to 2013 when this feisty character started wearing the Thunder colors. His personality on and off the basketball court quickly made Adams a fan favorite not only in Oklahoma City but across the NBA league.

Graham Hoete, an artist from New Zealand, was traveling around the United States when he visited Oklahoma City and spray painted this huge mural of Adams. Although his trip to the US was primarily focused on painting a tribute to Prince in Minneapolis, he had a personal desire to visit OKC to create this stunning masterpiece – it’s fair to say, he made quite the impression on the city!

Their whole family, bro, is huge inspirations. Role models. I thought man I gotta get to Oklahoma. Just to show some love, bro. I can’t go to the U.S. and not do one of the bro. (Graham Hoete)

This mural is one of many examples of street art in the Film Row neighborhood of Oklahoma City.

Western Avenue

One of the hidden neighborhoods that we stumbled across that was scattered with amazing murals was Western Avenue.

Although our attention was focused on sampling some of the best coffee in Oklahoma City at spots like All About Cha and Stella Nova, we quickly realized that Western Avenue was a hotspot for artistic excellence.

We strongly recommend either planning your route along Western Avenue in search of the best murals, particularly if you are utilizing Uber or public transportation because this is a long stretch covering several miles which makes it critical that you look in the right spots.

There are so many unique examples of street art along Western Avenue, unlike anywhere else in the city which makes this one of the best neighborhoods that we highly recommend checking out, particularly if you have access to a car which makes it much easier to experience.

Bricktown

First-time visitors to Oklahoma City should certainly have the Bricktown neighborhood on their radar for many reasons. The awesome river cruise that meanders through the Bricktown district, the eclectic blend of local restaurants offering a variety of delicious menu options, the Oklahoma City Dodgers minor league baseball team and course, the street art!

Although the Bricktown area isn’t quite as blessed as some of the other spots for having an abundance of street art, there are still several examples that are worth visiting. Cruising along the river will give you the opportunity to admire some amazing work, while your tour guide may give you a detailed story on exactly how a university professor was able to craft the amazing design in such a short time.

The yellow centennial walls that run parallel to the canal offer more street art examples but just take a stroll or hop on the awesome rental bikes available from Spokies to explore the rest of the Bricktown neighborhood…you never know what hidden gem you will stumble across next because new murals are popping up all the time!

Midtown

Given the proximity to Automobile Alley, I really could have incorporated Midtown into that neighborhood but there are so many cool and unique murals that really justifies having this in its own category.

Head on over to the Bleu Garten open-air hub to enjoy a beer or two and sample some of the fine cuisine available at the food trucks.

As you are indulging, take a moment to admire the awesome murals that are on the side of the fencing around this area and then head across the street to enjoy some of OKC’s finest street art.

“Greetings from OKC” featuring Route 66 and the iconic Midtown Plaza sign is one of the best murals across the city and definitely one that you will frequently see promoting the city.

Ready for a bite to eat? Head over to Waffle Champion to sample the BEST breakfast, brunch or pretty much any meal you want but before heading inside, take some time to admire the iconic mural on the side of the building…

All you need is love and waffles

The perfect combination right…

Regardless of your desire to satisfy your sweet tooth, the Midtown neighborhood epitomizes everything that we LOVE about Oklahoma City!

Summary

The more time we spend in Oklahoma City, the more it surprises us! There are so many cool things to see and experience that you would never associate with this city.

From the amazing coffee scene to the variety of trendy, urban neighborhoods, OKC is a city you cannot afford to ignore any longer.

And then you have the street art…For those of you that love street art, this is a city you will quickly fall in love with. However, even if you have no desire to experience the concept of “street art”, we would argue that OKC is the ideal place to start with such a vibrant blend of murals that will surely entice you to explore more.

The beauty of Oklahoma City is that this is a city that offers way more than just street art if you have a fond interest in the arts and culture scene of a destination. We strongly recommend checking out this awesome post by our friends, Rob and Ann from TravelLatte, on the best places to see great art in Oklahoma City!

Do you love exploring street art? Which city would you recommend visiting to enjoy awesome street art?

Nashville Murals – Guide to the Best Street Art in Music City

Tennessee

Chris Boothman

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Sep 3, 2018

4

Nashville Murals – Guide to the Best Street Art in Music City

For anyone that still thinks that street art has a detrimental impact on the look and feel of an urban environment, it’s time to start re-thinking that philosophy. Street art is undoubtedly playing an integral role throughout the world in helping local communities display their creativity and depicting an untold story of the city that perhaps would never have been given an opportunity to be shared previously. Nashville is one of many US cities that have seen major benefits out of the thriving street art philosophy that is present throughout Music City. After reading this post, we are convinced that you will be raring to explore the best Nashville murals and your appreciation of street art will be much greater.

We have been fortunate to explore some of the best street art examples around the United States. Memphis street art is something that we are passionate about, simply because of the way this city has so much rich culture and history embedded into the local artistry. From the civil rights movement to thriving neighborhoods, Memphis is the perfect example of a city that has utilized street art to its benefit.

The best street art in Atlanta is another perfect example of a city that has gone through many traumatic years yet some of the best street art murals can be found in neighborhoods that were once renowned as spots visitors would never want to experience.

Given that Nashville is really a “home away from home” city for us, we felt it was time to head “off the beaten path” so to speak and start seeing how local artists envision their city and portray this through their works of art!

ethnic arts will help Nashville create a diverse and vibrant place for talent to flourish and creativity to grow. (Off the Wall Nashville)

Where to Find the Best Nashville Murals?

Whether you are an avid art critic or simply want to enjoy local creativity, there is no doubt that street art plays a dynamic role in highlighting some of the lesser known neighborhoods throughout a city. It’s fair to say that most folks visiting a city for the first time will likely head to the iconic tourist attractions. Nashville is no different! The Grand Ole Opry, Broadway, the Parthenon et al. are all examples of attractions that you cannot afford to miss.

But what about those hidden gems that are frequently forgotten? Street art is one of the best ways to lure visitors to these neighborhoods because not only will folks enjoy admiring the majestic masterpieces, they will also have the opportunity to explore other features that will likely attract their attention…they certainly did for us!

In 2016, Nashville started their “Nashville Walls Projects” where iconic street artists from across the globe landed in Music City to set about inspiring local artists to create their personalized pieces.

The Nashville Walls Project complements local resident artists’ efforts to do the following:

place Nashville on the map as a destination for large wall paintings and will provide visitors and residents access to high-quality art in a purely democratic medium. (Nashvillearts.com)

As you follow our journey around the eclectic collection of neighborhoods in Nashville, I am sure you will agree that Music City is now well and truly on the street art map!

I am going to be perfectly honest, during our recent trip to Nashville we saw a whole new side to this city and what we saw…we LOVED!! It’s actually sad to think that we fell into the trap along with many others of not actually seeing some of Nashville’s best neighborhoods.

All too often you allow yourselves to be influenced by norms and the unfortunate reality is that many of these lesser-known gems are frequently missed. We are now inspired to share these with you and “hopefully” convince you to NOT follow our initial philosophy and instead, even if you are visiting Nashville for the first time, to add these to your upcoming itinerary. You won’t regret it!

Let’s take a look at some of the best neighborhoods in Nashville to experience this eclectic blend of distinctive street art.

The Gulch

Let’s start with perhaps the most iconic example of street art around Nashville. Whether you agree with this being the most creative and unique, it’s difficult to argue that there are many others that are more popular. The “What Lifts You Wings” known locally as the “Wings Mural” is a masterpiece created by Kelsey Montague located in The Gulch neighborhood, one of Nashville’s coolest up and coming communities.

The Wings are 20-feet tall and unsurprisingly attract visitors from across the globe to form a line as they prepare to capture the perfect picture. Once a thriving industrial location, The Gulch has been transformed into a trendy hotspot of bars, restaurants and of course, street art!

But the Wings are not the only example of street art in this neighborhood. The Nashville Walls Project that I referenced earlier saw The Gulch as the perfect community to introduce global street artists with their local counterparts and create a couple of huge murals that epitomize the vibrant colors adopted throughout Nashville.

As we continue our adventure around Nashville’s street art scene, you will see that these color schemes can be found in every neighborhood.

12South

For the “foodies” out there, you may well know that Nashville’s 12South neighborhood is one of the most popular culinary scenes throughout the city. The neighborhood is named after “12th Avenue South” which is the heart and soul of this area. Although you may be tempted to allow the diverse collection of dining options to sway your attention, the street art scene is definitely not something you can afford to miss.

Why not park your vehicle in the parking lot at Sevier Park and take a leisurely stroll through this urban greenspace before exploring the best of 12South’s artistic flair? The “Make Music Not War” mural will likely be the first one that you stumble across, directly opposite a floral collection that will surely put you in a positive mood for the rest of the day.

Reese Witherspoon’s Draper James store is not only a spot for visitors to enjoy a little retail therapy as the blue and white decor is the perfect backdrop for creative photo ops.

In the alley by Draper James is an artistic “I Believe in Nashville” mural while just a short walk along 12th Avenue back towards Sevier Park on the opposite side offers a “Nashville at Heart” rainbow design.

East Nashville

Head across the Cumberland River to East Nashville and you could be forgiven for thinking that this is yet another neighborhood that perhaps wouldn’t be too enticing to visitors. However, this is far from the truth and there are several spots in East Nashville that will immediately attract your attention, none more so than the areas along Gallatin Avenue, Five Points and the Shoppes at Fatherland.

For Heather and I, we stumbled across a mural that immediately jumped to the very top of not only our favorites in Nashville but perhaps anywhere in the world. The depiction of Microsoft’s Bill Gates and Apple’s former CEO, Steve Jobs, is perfect for “tech lovers” but if you are not all that enamored by the sight of the original Macintosh or Windows 3.1 operating system, there are plenty of other murals that will capture your attention.

East Nashville street art is honestly best explored by car, simply because there is a large area to cover and to try and attempt all of this on foot is a pretty tall order. After crossing the Cumberland River, take your time down Main Street before taking Gallatin Avenue and you will likely stumble across some other gems that we missed.

Don’t forget to share all of your favorites in the comments below because as you know, street art is constantly changing and as soon as this post goes live, there will likely be something new out there.

Hillsboro Village

The relaxing environment of Hillsboro Village is famous for being home to Nashville’s best breakfast spot – the Pancake Pantry! Because of this iconic location, it’s an incredibly popular neighborhood and although there is an eclectic blend of restaurants, coffee shops, and local boutique establishments, it’s the street art that we were most enamored by.

The large Hillsboro Village murals are a friendly and vibrant welcome to the neighborhood. The dragon mural is another of Nashville’s finest examples of street art but it’s the friendly feel throughout this neighborhood that attracts so many visitors.

We recommend getting to Hillsboro Village early and taking advantage of the parking lot behind the Pancake Pantry, otherwise, you will be fighting with plenty of other locals and visitors alike to try and find a spot along the street which is very limited.

Germantown

Perhaps the most symbolic of all the street art throughout Nashville can be found in the Germantown neighborhood, just a short drive from iconic attractions such as the Tennessee State Capitol and Bicentennial Mall.

The “Nashville Scenes” depict the story of Nashville in a series of murals painted on the metal walls of the buildings that line Rosa Parks Boulevard.

We parked outside Werthan Lofts which is a perfect location to cross Rosa Parks Boulevard and admire the infamous scenes we associate with Music City. Don’t forget to walk around the corner along Taylor Street to see the scene of the nearby Bicentennial Mall.

Charlotte Avenue

If you are looking for an area of Nashville where there is a whole bunch of street art in a small stretch, look no further than Charlotte Avenue. Park your vehicle in the AVO restaurant parking lot (next to the fitness center) and be careful crossing Charlotte Avenue to admire the incredible street art.

The collection of murals along Charlotte Avenue was created by the “Off The Wall” project when the decision was made to take advantage of the 1000-foot concrete wall that stretches along this corridor.

Here is the mission of this project:

The project’s goal is to contribute to the responsible vitalization of the Charlotte Corridor with the creation of a world-class outdoor urban contemporary art installation and to foster the diversified spirit needed for a community to thrive through arts participation and exposure. (Off The Wall Nashville)

As you stand along Charlotte Avenue admiring the undoubted creativity of the designs, it’s difficult to resist appreciating the fact that Nashville truly has a “world-class outdoor urban contemporary art” display in a plethora of areas.

Summary

Just like many people associate music with bringing people together, I believe that art has the same effect and Nashville epitomizes the way in which this can have a positive impact on local communities.

We barely touched the surface with the myriad of murals on display throughout Nashville and we were talking with our friend Ashley from A Southern Gypsy who resides in Music City because she is looking at putting together a full list of all street art locations around the city.

As she correctly noted, it’s an incredibly daunting prospect because there are so many new murals being created every week. The reality though is that this is a good thing because it helps foster local creativity and collectively creates a better city for everyone to appreciate.

Nashville’s eclectic street art scene is one that I think everyone will appreciate. From tech lovers to country music aficionados, you can be sure that there is a mural somewhere that will immediately capture your imagination.

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