The Nashville Book of Dates

Introduction

Now that we have three of these Books of Dates under our belts, people often ask us if we are relationship experts. The answer is a resounding NO! We like to think of ourselves as fun experts. “Dates” is the loose term we’ve given to making intentional plans to have fun, whether it be with a romantic partner, a group of friends, your visiting family members, or even by yourself. We think making out is fun, so that is highly encouraged on any of these dates—obviously with romantic partners (unless you have a very fun group of friends). Hearing stories about how we’ve helped people fall in love will never cease to blow our minds. Sharing and spreading love has become a life mission for both of us in everything we do. And we do a lot!

In 2023, Eden won a Guinness World Record for producing the longest drag show in history, while Ashod was busy building a boutique perfume brand called Imaginary Authors. We thought we’d be done with this series after traversing every corner of the Pacific Northwest for The Portland Book of Dates and its follow-up, The Seattle Book of Dates. When our publisher asked us if we’d like to give another city a shot, our initial thought was, “What right do we have to write a book about a city we don’t live in?” But even at home, every good date starts with research. We scour the internet, pore through publications, read every review possible, and spend way too much time on TikTok.

From Ashod’s days of touring in rock bands, we have friends spread across the country, and if anybody knows where to grab a life-changing meal (spoiler alert: Peninsula) or catch an amazing show (shhhh: The Basement), it’s musicians. When we began to convince ourselves that we might be able to pull off something special, we checked in with our Nashville buds, asking if Plaza Mariachi was worth the drive out on Nolensville Pike or if sipping wine with your feet in the creek at Wines in the Fork was as magical as it sounded. To our utter shock and surprise, these were places that our friends had never heard of. We booked plane tickets immediately and crisscrossed the state in search of the cozy, the dazzling, and the downright kitsch.

The synchronized fireflies brought us back to Gatlinburg, a place we first visited when Ashod surprised Eden on her thirty-fifth birthday with a trip to Dollywood (complete with friends from all over popping out from around every corner). We sipped on tropical cocktails on the Cumberland at Blue Moon Waterfront Grille, late afternoon martinis at Sperry’s, and stiff late-night drinks with the regulars at Dino’s Bar & Grill. Yeah, our job is a real grind. Having written and released both of our other books during the pandemic, we know that many of the beloved haunts immortalized within will not be with us forever. But one way to help ensure these treasures thrive and survive is to show up and support all these wonderful small businesses (Refinery Fragrances), queer neighbors (The Lipstick Lounge), and minority-owned eateries (Vui’s Kitchen).

For this reason, we have no qualms about sharing our love for these spots far and wide. And one thing that is never going away is the stunning nature around Nashville and the outlying regions. There’s more than enough room for all of us to enjoy a springtime stroll through Cheekwood, a summer float on the Harpeth, a fall drive down the Natchez Trace, or a winter in the snowy Gatlinburg hills.

We wish you joy and happiness, but above all of this,
we wish you love.
—Eden & Ashod