I couldn't possibly be more excited to finally share this edition of "Explore" (a project I am creating with my friends Sleepy Fox Photography & Aislerchic). We took a whirlwind trip to Nashville in the fall and I fell madly in love with the coolest coffee shop around, Barista Parlor. With a flare for hipster elegance and one foot firmly planted in the territory of craftsmanship, the entire Barista team perfectly orchestrates a cup of Joe.

Infused with Tennessee style, the transmission repair shop turned Nashville staple boasts a roster of the best roasts (Stumptown Coffee from Portland is one all-time of my favorites) and locally sourced touches. Everything from the heavy-duty Emil Erwin aprons (made entirely from leather) to the quirky art and decor hails from the heart of Music City. Presiding over everything, a large-scale mosaic installation by Nashville based design firm, Isle of Printing (responsible for Pinewood Social's wall of cans) and Bryce McCloud, lingers on the space's massive back wall. Made of 4,000 individually printed blocks, the mural reveals itself as a sinking ship only after passing through the lens of a camera (or more convenient for building an epic social media following like Barista Parlor has, an iphone).

In a land where dark roast and deer busts coexist beautifully, brew masters are knowledgeable and homemade pop tarts are never far away. Here whiskey is encouraged, coffee is king and the two marry wonderfully in the barista-invented Clover Croft. If heaven is an industrial space filled to the hull with espresso beans and the dulcet tones of Phantogram records wafting through the air, I'm excited friends!

Explore Nashville:
Barista Parlor | Pinewood Social | Imogene + Willie | White's Mercantile | Las Paletas | Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams

free people romper, vintage cuff (similar), whites mercantile bangle & hat

White's Mercantile, this week's Explore destination, was one of my favorite stops in Nashville (I know, they're all my favorite...). The expertly curated gas station turned general store looks as though it's been going for years, slowly collecting eclectic treasures and piling on the charm along the way. Instead, White's doors have been open for only twelve months, not that it's stopped the store from becoming a 12 South staple. With goods ranging from cozy wool blankets to unique baby gifts, stationery and pantry must-haves, the space has definitely achieved it's mission to become a place where you can find all of your favorite things in one stop. There is something here for everyone!

Aissa, Sleepy Fox & I had a blast exploring the sweet mercantile and chatting with the wonderful staff. Don't forget to check out each of their sites for more details!

What do dreamy decor and pastel tinged sweet cream have in common? They can both be found in this week's "Explore" location. Jeni's has been on my list of places to visit for a long time and I'm so excited that Aissa, Ginny & I were able to make it to their Nashville shop. Another frozen treat? I'm so down!

Growing up, we sampled our fair share of ice cream. Frozen treats have always been a staple in a family of serious sweet-toothers and at one point, with a sister working at an ice cream shop, my dad's family of 9 had a scoop every night.

With artisan flavors like Sweet Corn & Black Raspberries, Wildberry Lavender (my favorite scoop) and Sweet Potato with Torched Marshmallows  (are you kidding me right now?!), Jeni's is definitely a one-stop shop for splendid ice creams. Built from the ground up (literally), Jeni crafts all of her flavors from grass-grazed cows and whole ingredients like backyard mint and fresh peaches.

In need of a pint (hey, I'm not judging) and can't make it out to a Jeni's? You can even pick up your favorite flavors in locations like Whole Foods and Target in Tennessee, New York, etc. There are few things more fun than giggling over a treat with girlfriends and Jeni's is here to help you (and us) in a time of need!

p.s. Be sure to head over to Aissa's blog for her take on our trip!