🏙️ The perfect Nashville day, under $50

💸 How To Enjoy Nashville … for Under $50

It’s expensive just to walk out your front door in Nashville these days. On today’s City Cast Nashville podcast, we wanted to put our bargain hunting skills to the test by planning the perfect day in Music City while spending $50 or less. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

🗳️ There’s an Election Going On, Folks

Less than 3% of eligible Davidson County voters have cast their ballot in the Tennessee 7th Congressional District special election primary. Turnout is more evenly split between parties compared to previous years, with Republicans representing 54% of participating voters, and Democrats 46%. [The Tennessean]

• The top candidates have raised a combined $2.5 million, with three taking out six-figure loans. [Tennessee Lookout]
• Learn more about the candidates. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]
• Check to see if you can vote in this election. [TN Map]

✈️ ‘It’s Like a Ticking Time Bomb’

Nashville International Airport’s control tower is understaffed amid a nationwide shortage of air traffic controllers. Fewer controllers work in the tower today than 20 years ago, despite the surge in travel. “Sooner or later, something has to go wrong,” said recently retired controller Garld Graves. [The Tennessean]

👭🏿 The After-School Program That Feels Like a Sisterhood

The Girlz Like Me after-school program launched last year in Napier, and has already tripled in size. Program director Niechie Baker, inspired by her daughter’s memory, encourages girls to pursue their goals and find their gifts. [Nashville Banner]

• More after school programs for teens. [📰 Hey Nashville]

Hungry? Nashville has so many excellent new restaurants and bars opening every month. Here are our favorites!

Corner Bar South

The beloved Elliston Place bar, which closed in March after 20 years, has reopened in South Nashville, near GEODIS Park. The dive bar stays open until 3 a.m., and offers the same neighborhood feel as its previous location.

Ajora Ethiopian Kitchen

The husband-and-wife team behind this Ethiopian restaurant, originally located in The Arcade, was forced to close during the pandemic. They’ve reopened in a new South Nashville spot, and serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day of the week except Wednesday.

Aba

This Mediterranean restaurant with locations in Chicago and Austin has opened a new location in Wedgewood-Houston. Enjoy truffled salmon, shawarma-spiced skirt steak frites, and sticky date cake. The decor looks very green and open.

Maru Nashville

Local sushi restaurant and bar Maru’s third location is also in Wedgewood-Houston. They serve shareable plates, yakitori, wine, and sake. Their other locations are in The Nations and East Nashville.

Chapstick

The Lipstick Lounge’s sports bar is officially open! Enjoy sliders and a pint while watching the big game. This East Nashville bar’s motto is “Sportsball for All.”

Eleven11

The team behind Old Glory has opened a new Vietnamese-inspired bar in East Nashville. Expect craft cocktails, delicious bar snacks like garlic noodles, and dancing late into the night.

Stoke Haus

Shout out to follower Rachel M. for recommending this new East Nashville brewery! She says the barbecue is lit. They’ve also got great vegetarian options! I can’t wait to check it out.

Little Hats Market

This local Italian market has opened its third location in Hillsboro Village. The menu features gourmet sandwiches, soups, salads, and house-made pasta. They also have locations in Germantown and Cool Springs.

Fogo de Chão

This upscale Brazilian steakhouse chain is making its Tennessee debut at Nashville Yards, across from The Pinnacle. The menu includes shareable meals and the restaurant’s signature churrasco experience.

Mel’s Drive-In Diner

First opened in San Francisco, Mel’s Drive-In Diner has been serving up nostalgic American meals since 1947. Its first Tennessee location is in downtown Nashville. The decor includes 1950s cars, booths, and jukeboxes.

Thanks so much to Jenn Harbin of @TheHungryLoner, who has been writing wonderful new restaurant reviews with us for the past year, but will now be moving to New York City! We’ll miss you, and wish you the best of luck in this next chapter of your life 🫶