Food & Mural Tour in 12South Nashville

Nashville gets a fresh perspective with the Food & Mural Tour in 12South, a lively, three-hour journey through one of the city’s most Instagrammable neighborhoods. This tour offers a blend of culinary delights, vibrant street art, and local stories, making it a perfect way to experience Nashville beyond the usual tourist spots. Led by passionate guides, it promises a taste of local favorites, scenic mural spotting, and insider tidbits that even some locals might not know.

One of the things we particularly love about this experience is how it combines delicious food with cultural exploration. The stops are thoughtfully curated, showcasing Nashville’s evolving culinary scene along with its creative murals. However, it’s worth considering that the tour doesn’t accommodate vegans or vegetarians, which could be a limiting factor for some dietary preferences. This tour suits travelers who enjoy a mix of food, art, and storytelling, especially those eager to see Nashville through the eyes of locals.

Key Points

Authentic Nashville flavors through five diverse tastings in a neighborhood known for its charm.
Photo opportunities abound with stunning murals, boutiques, and vibrant street art.
Local insights provided by guides with backgrounds in journalism, culinary arts, and hospitality.
Great value for the price, with portions that often substitute for a full meal.
Accessible for most travelers, with considerations for allergies and dietary restrictions.
Flexible, small-group experience with personalized attention and rich storytelling.

An In-Depth Look at the Food & Mural Tour in 12South Nashville

The Tour Experience: An Introduction

This tour is a well-rounded way to get a taste of Nashville’s distinctive culinary identity while exploring a highly photogenic neighborhood. For $145 per person, you get about three hours of guided walking through the lively 12South area, which is famous for its murals, boutiques, and locally loved eateries. The tour is run by Walk Eat Nashville, a company dedicated to showcasing local food scenes with knowledgeable guides who are passionate about their city.

What makes this experience stand out is its focus on local, family-owned restaurants and the chance to see street murals that have become iconic in Nashville’s social media feeds. It’s an excellent pick for first-time visitors wanting an authentic taste of Nashville’s emerging culinary scene combined with an artsy, scenic walk. The only caveat? The tour doesn’t include alcohol, so if you’re craving a Nashville whiskey or cocktail, you’ll need to plan for that separately.

Why We Like This Tour

The blend of food and art makes it more than just a tasting experience; it’s a chance to understand Nashville’s culture, creativity, and community spirit. The guides, including a food journalist and hospitality professionals, are eager to share stories and secrets about the area’s history and its favorite spots. Plus, with most tastings being generous enough to serve as a replacement for lunch, it’s a good deal for the value-conscious traveler.

What Could Be a Drawback

A potential downside is that the tour does not accommodate vegans or vegetarians. If your diet is plant-based, this may limit your options significantly. Plus, while the tour is friendly for most travelers, those with food allergies should notify the organizers in advance, as they take allergies seriously and aim to accommodate them when possible.

The Itinerary: What to Expect at Each Stop

Starting Point: 12 South Farmers Market

The tour kicks off at the 12 South Farmers Market, a lively hub that sets the tone for the neighborhood’s relaxed, friendly vibe. From here, guides introduce themselves and give a brief overview of what you’ll experience. Expect to walk through a vibrant area dotted with murals, boutique shops, and locally owned restaurants.

Stop 1: Local Eateries & Murals

The first tasting spot is a local favorite, where you’ll sample a dish that’s representative of Nashville’s Southern comfort food. Guides share the story of how this spot became a community staple. We loved how the portions here are large enough to serve as a meal, which means you’ll leave feeling satisfied rather than hungry.

Scenic Murals & Instagram Moments

Throughout the walk, your guides will point out murals by popular artists and hidden gems perfect for photos. Some murals are well-known, like the colorful “Nashville” sign, while others are lesser-known works with interesting backstories. Guests have mentioned that guides are eager to share the stories behind each mural, making photo ops both fun and meaningful.

Stops 2-5: Diverse Tasting Experiences

The tour includes four savory stops and one dessert, showcasing a blend of Southern favorites, international influences, and seasonal ingredients. Each tasting is thoughtfully curated to highlight Nashville’s culinary evolution. The portions are generous; one reviewer noted that “the tastings could easily replace a meal,” so planning a very light breakfast would be wise.

End of the Tour: Near Beechwood Avenue

The tour concludes within a short walk from the final mural and boutique stops. The ending point varies by day but remains within a block of the initial meeting point, making it easy to find your way back or continue exploring Nashville’s 12South neighborhood.

The Food & Art: Why It Matters

The combination of food, art, and storytelling creates a multi-sensory experience that appeals to more than just your appetite. The stops are carefully selected to showcase local cuisine and neighborhood charm, giving you a genuine taste of Nashville’s community-centric spirit. Guests have appreciated the opportunity to discover new restaurants and murals, often leaving with a better understanding of the city’s cultural fabric.

The Food Quality & Variety

Expect large, flavorful tasting portions that often serve as a meal replacement. The dishes tend to be comfort foods with a local twist, often made with seasonal ingredients. The dessert stop is notable for adding a sweet finale to the tour, which can be a brownie, a local pastry, or another treat.

The Guide and Atmosphere

Guests have praised guides for their enthusiasm and storytelling. One review mentioned that guides are “foodies and local experts,” eager to share insights and hidden secrets. The small-group size (maximum 12 travelers) ensures a personalized experience, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and engage.

Accessibility & Considerations

While most travelers can participate comfortably, those with food allergies should communicate their needs in advance. The owner takes allergies seriously and strives to accommodate them. However, the tour doesn’t cater to vegans or vegetarians, which might be limiting for some.

The Practical Details

Duration & Meeting Points

The tour lasts approximately three hours, starting at 1:30 pm from the 12 South Farmers Market. The ending point is close to the starting location, making it convenient for those staying nearby or planning to continue exploring afterward.

Price & Value

At $145 per person, the tour offers significant value, especially given the portion sizes and the depth of local insights. Since most tastings replace a meal, many guests find this to be a budget-friendly way to experience Nashville’s culinary and artistic scenes in one go.

Group Size & Atmosphere

With a maximum of 12 travelers, the experience maintains intimacy and interaction. Many reviews highlight the personal attention and friendly atmosphere, making it feel more like a local outing than a typical tourist trap.

Weather & Cancellations

Since the tour is outdoors, it’s weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, a different date or a full refund is offered. Cancellations made 24 hours in advance receive a full refund, adding flexibility for travelers.

Final Thoughts

This Food & Mural Tour in 12South Nashville offers a compelling way to explore the city’s culinary scene and vibrant street art in just a few hours. If you’re someone who loves discovering authentic local eats, appreciates creative murals, and enjoys storytelling, this tour ticks all those boxes. The large portions, engaging guides, and scenic neighborhood make it a worthwhile investment for anyone eager to see Nashville from a fresh perspective.

Better suited for those comfortable with walking and eating (and eager to take plenty of photos), this experience may not be ideal for vegans or strict vegetarians. But if you’re open to seasonal comfort foods and lively artistic surroundings, it’s a fantastic way to spend an afternoon.

This tour offers a balanced mix of food, culture, and community that can turn a simple walk into a memorable Nashville adventure. You’ll leave with a full belly, a camera full of murals, and stories to share long after the last tasting.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately three hours, providing enough time to enjoy five tastings, explore murals, and hear local stories.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at the 12 South Farmers Market, located at 3000 Granny White Pike in Nashville.

What’s included in the price?
The fee covers five tastings—four savory and one dessert—plus a professional local guide, all fees and taxes, and gratuities for restaurant servers.

Are there any dietary restrictions accommodated?
The tour owner takes allergies seriously and will try to accommodate food allergies if notified in advance. However, it does not cater to vegans or vegetarians.

Can I bring alcohol?
Alcoholic beverages are not included, and guests are responsible for ordering and paying for their own drinks if they choose.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but since tastings are substantial, consider the age of children and their ability to walk and eat comfortably.

What if it rains?
The experience requires good weather. If canceled due to rain, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How many people are in each tour group?
Tour groups are small, with a maximum of 12 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.

To sum it up, the Food & Mural Tour in 12South Nashville delivers a lively, tasty, and visual introduction to one of Nashville’s most beloved neighborhoods. Perfect for food lovers, art enthusiasts, and curious explorers alike, it offers authentic local flavors and vibrant murals—all in a relaxed, friendly setting. Whether you’re visiting Nashville for the first time or a local looking to rediscover your city, this tour can provide a memorable slice of Music City’s charm.