If you’re looking for a walkable, easy, and genuinely fun way to spend a spring day in Nashville, 12 South is always a good idea. It’s one of those spots where you can park once and just wander.
Here’s how to spend the perfect day exploring one of Nashville’s most loved neighborhoods.
Stop in for a lunch or a sweet treat at Fryce Cream
This is not your typical ice cream stop—and that’s exactly why it’s so fun. Fryce Cream serves two of my favorites- ice cream and fries, and it was the perfect girls lunch for us!
Here’s how it works:
- Choose your soft serve ice cream flavor (They have vegan and seasonal options also)
- Dust your fries from a giant selection of seasonings. I got dill pickle dust and it was everything I dreamed of
- Pick your dip- everything from pickle dip, honey mustard, and even their “magic sauce”. I had to pair my pickle dusted fries with the pickle dip and it was everything. I have also tried the black garlic sauce and it was dreamy.
- Add toppings like butterscotch, sprinkles, brown sugar pretzel crunch and more to complete this magnificent dish.
- Choose your beverage. They have a selection of draft beer that hits just right, but they also have sparkling soda, regular soda and water. When I asked for a diet coke they said “We don’t do diet here”, which made me laugh.
The best part, all of this (with the exception of toppings) is just $11! It’s the kind of place kids think is the coolest thing ever, but adults secretly love just as much. The seating options are. When it comes to seating there are several options- they have a cozy and comfy indoor space, an outdoor bar out front in the middle of the action, or a walk up window to just stop by, and grab it to go then continue strolling!
Walk/Run It Off at Sevier Park
Just a short walk from the main strip, Sevier Park is the perfect place to slow things down.
There’s a great playground, plenty of open space, and walking paths if you want to stretch your legs. In the spring, it’s especially nice with everything starting to bloom.
It’s also a great reset point—grab a coffee, sit for a bit, and let the kids run around before heading back out. My kids loved running and rolling down the giant hill, and getting in the creek- basically everything that would make sure their clothes were good and ruined- if you know, you know.
It checks all the boxes—room to roam, spots to sit, and enough space that you’re not hovering every second. The mix of playground, open fields, and even a little creek makes it feel like an easy “yes” stop where kids can explore and you can actually relax for a minute.
Stroll + Shop the Cutest Boutiques
Our first stop was Serendipity, which was super crowded, but for good reason. It is packed with cute and reasonably priced women’s clothing, bags, and all the extras—think phone accessories, plushies, keychains, and jewelry. Of course, we grabbed a Labubu for my kiddo.
Next, we popped into Made in TN, which is your go-to for Nashville merch that doesn’t feel cheesy. I finally found a NASH hat I’ve been wanting, and they had such a good selection of non-cheesy tees, hats, and even a full table dedicated to Dolly-inspired finds. They also had a wall full of snacks and treats locally made in TN.
We also stopped into Stoney Clover, where you can design your own custom bags by choosing patches and creating something totally unique. Bags start around $50 plus patches. The store itself is an experience—bright pink, over-the-top feminine, with a giant chandelier, glittery bandstand, and a mural that makes you want to take it all in twice. It’s color, fun, and a little bit of chaos in the best way.
From there, we headed into Buck Mason, which felt like a complete shift in vibe—in the best way. Sleek, modern, and monochrome, with oversized but simple design elements. There’s even a fully operational coffee shop right in the middle of the store and a classic car that somehow fits perfectly. It’s known for its masculine apparel, and the whole space just feels cool without trying too hard.
We also passed by LoveShackFancy (and it’s worth mentioning). The storefront and mural alone are beautiful—super feminine and inviting. The pieces are stunning, just definitely more of a splurge stop.
You don’t need a strict plan for 12 South. You can pop in and out of shops, grab a snack here, sit a while there, and just enjoy the pace of it. It’s easy, it’s local, and it’s one of those days that feels like a little getaway without ever leaving Nashville.
