For the third year in a row, we continued our Thanksgiving tradition of taking off and exploring a different city for the holiday. The first year was Chicago, 2017 was a whirlwind trip to Disney World, and this year was – Nashville! Our best buds at 21c Museum Hotel Nashville hosted our stay, so our trip was nothing less than marvelous.

Not only was this our third Thanksgiving trip, but it was also our third stay at a 21c Museum Hotel. Bentonville and Oklahoma City were our previous visits, but I’d now like to make it my mission to explore each and every one. As for Nashville, our eight-hour drive was surprisingly easy-breezy. We arrived mid-afternoon which allowed us time to relax at the hotel before we headed out to explore. Conveniently located downtown, everywhere we went was either a short walk or quick Uber ride away. You honestly can’t get any better location-wise.

I’m a sucker for a nice hotel and with 21c Museum Hotels I always look forward to the details. From the Malin + Goetz bath amenities, to Nespresso coffee maker, and of course the crisp linens – I could live in this hotel room. And I’m pretty sure Iris would happily live here with me because of the teal penguins alone. Every 21c Museum Hotel has these ginormous penguin statues that guests are welcome to move around. When Iris found out we were staying at the hotel, her first question was what color the penguins were. And when she found out they were her absolute favorite color, she reacted as if she had won the lottery. So naturally we snuck one into our room… Oh. And Todd will also be joining us in our new abode thanks to the local craft beer always stocked in the mini fridge.

Of course with any 21c, the coolest part about the stay is 24/7 access to a museum. We love exploring the art throughout the property, so we make it a point to stop on every floor to ensure nothing is missed. In Nasvhille, much of the art was interactive which of course scores big with a seven-year-old. We spent a fair amount of time in a room that featured videos, along with twirling chairs that made you feel like you were going to fall with every spin (spoiler alert: you won’t ever fall, but it sure is fun). Iris loved that part so much I joked I was going to send down her blanket and pillow and see her in the morning. She was very disappointed to learn I was only kidding.

Another favorite was the on-site restaurant – We frequented Gray & Dudley as much as we did our hotel room! Breakfast, lunch, and Thanksgiving dinner. This is the third year we’ve had our big meal at a hotel and the third year I haven’t regretted it for a second. No cooking, no clean-up, no rushing around. Just eating, drinking, and relaxing! For the Thanksgiving dinner at Gray & Dudley, you chose your main course, then the appetizers and sides were served family-style. They even had a cute little menu for the kiddos.

Beyond the Thanksgiving meal, Gray & Dudley is a lovely spot for brunch (Iris recommends the smoothie) and the bar is a perfect spot to break from exploring the art (I recommend alllll the wine). If I lived in Nashville, this would be my place.

It’s kind of funny that our “non-traditional Thanksgiving” has turned into our own tradition, but I love it. If you are considering doing something similar this season, they have a great “Explore More” holiday offer going on right now. Stay three consecutive nights through February 28, 2019 at any 21c Museum Hotel, and save $100 on the third night. Treat yourself to an escape when you probably need it the most. Find out all the details over on their website.

THANK YOU 21c Museum Hotel Nashville for incredible service (seriously – everyone was SO hospitable) and a Thanksgiving we will always remember!