Beyond the neon, the honky-tonks, and the flashy “NashVegas” strip, Nashville is a city with something quieter in reserve. Follow the Cumberland east from downtown to where the cityscape gives way to leafy blocks, porch lights, and ornate Victorian homes. The air is fragrant, carrying a hint of the river’s greenways not far off. East Nashville is characterized by this duality: part creative energy, part unhurried calm, and nowhere is that balance better captured than at Noa Nashville.
Set within private, gated grounds minutes from Five Points, Noa offers a collection of sixteen resort-style residences designed for travelers who want both immersion and retreat. Spacious interiors with thoughtfully appointed chef’s kitchens; rich and luxurious bedrooms; serene, spa-inspired ensuite bathrooms; and separate living and dining areas highlight a high-end getaway flush with thoughtful accouterments.
Outside, amenities that include a heated pool, cedar sauna, and cold plunge create a private sanctuary just minutes from the neighborhood's restaurants, galleries, and music venues. Noa Nashville is a step above traditional East Nashville hotels, built as an escape from the ordinary and a retreat from the pace of your everyday obligations.
Noa's location offers something rare in a city better known for its stages than its trailheads. Just beyond our gates, the wetlands, woodlands, and river corridors of Shelby Bottoms Nature Center & Greenway in Nashville, TN unfold along the Cumberland, offering paved paths for a leisurely ride and primitive trails for those willing to wander farther in. You’ll spot herons standing grand yet motionless in the muddy shallows while bird calls thread through the trees. Standing there, surrounded by Mother Nature’s finest, it’s easy to forget you’re still inside city limits.
The following itinerary was built for guests who want to experience both sides of Nashville: the city's electricity and its quieter, wilder edges. We’ve put together a sample weekend of things to do in East Nashville with Noa as your home base, where every outing ends with a return to comfort, peace, and perhaps a fireside nightcap.
Day 1: Friday
4:30 PM – Arrive, Unpack, and Adjust to Noa Time
After traveling to Nashville, there's no need to launch into sightseeing mode just yet. Check into your private townhome at Noa, drop your bags in your bedroom, and give yourself a little time to appreciate just how much space you have to call your own for the weekend. Noa gives you something a conventional hotel room simply can't: two floors of wall-to-wall elegance and lots of room to slow down and breathe.
7:00 PM – Dinner at The Treehouse Nashville, 1011 Clearview Ave. (~2-minute drive from Noa, $$)
For a weekend inspired by nature, there may be no more fitting first dinner than The Treehouse. Set inside a converted East Nashville home, the restaurant has the wonderfully eccentric feel of a hidden neighborhood discovery, complete with greenery, outdoor space, and its namesake treehouse.
The menu features seasonal, thoughtfully sourced ingredients, making this an easy transition into a weekend devoted to appreciating what's growing, blooming, and flourishing around our region.
9:30 PM – Bespoke Cocktails at Attaboy, 8 McFerrin Ave. (~5-minute drive from Noa, $$)
End the evening at one of East Nashville's most celebrated cocktail destinations. Attaboy has no conventional cocktail menu. Instead, tell your bartender what spirits and flavors you enjoy and let them create something specifically for you.
The bar is intimate, understated, and deliberately difficult to categorize. It's first come, first served, open until 2:00 AM, and restricted to parties of six or fewer, so you won’t be confronted by legions of bachelor party-goers.
Return to Noa, close the blackout curtains, and sink into your pillow-top bed for the sleep of a lifetime.
Day 2: Saturday
8:00 AM – Coffee and Breakfast at Frothy Monkey East Nashville, 1701 Fatherland St. (~5-minute drive from Noa, $$)
Start Saturday at Frothy Monkey, an East Nashville favorite surrounded by the leafy residential streets of Lockeland Springs and conveniently positioned for your next stop. The café opens at 7:00 AM and serves specialty coffee, baked goods, and breakfast, with outdoor patio seating available when the Nashville skies are calling your name.
9:30 AM – Walk, Bike, and Birdwatch at Shelby Bottoms Nature Center & Greenway, 1900 Davidson St. (~8-minute drive from Noa, Free)
You don't have to leave East Nashville to find wetlands, forests, open fields, river habitats, and miles of trails. Shelby Bottoms offers a surprisingly immersive encounter with nature just minutes from Noa.
The 5.5-mile paved greenway makes this an excellent place for a leisurely walk or bike ride, while wooded trails provide opportunities to venture farther into the landscape. The Nature Center offers exhibits devoted to local natural and cultural history, along with gardens and educational programs focused on the plants, wildlife, and ecosystems found throughout Shelby Bottoms.
12:00 PM – Lunch at Cafe Roze, 1115 Porter Rd. (~5-minute drive from Noa, $$)
Pop by Cafe Roze, a welcoming, airy neighborhood restaurant known for fresh, uncomplicated food and a polished but relaxed atmosphere. Owner Chef Julia Jaksic's all-day menu lends itself beautifully to the theme of your stay, with fresh bowls, vegetables, salads, and elevated American classics.
2:00 PM – Kayak the Cumberland River With Cumberland Kayak, 2 Victory Ave. (~23-minute drive from Noa, $$)
Trade the trails for the water with a few hours at Cumberland Kayak. Paddle along the Cumberland River, taking in the riverbanks, bridges, and Nashville skyline while enjoying an afternoon that feels a world away from conventional city sightseeing.
4:30 PM – Unwind by the Pool at Noa
After a full day of walking, biking, birdwatching, and paddling, it’s time for dedicated resort relaxation.
Head back to Noa and claim your favorite spot beside the pool. Take a refreshing swim, stretch out on the chaise, pour something cold, and do absolutely nothing for a while. Complete the afternoon with a cedar sauna respite followed by a bracing cold plunge.
7:30 PM – Dinner Under the Stars at Urban Cowboy Public House, 103 N. 16th St. (~3-minute drive from Noa, $$)
Choose the outdoor seating at Urban Cowboy Public House, where the trees, fire pits, and laid-back East Nashville vibe offer the perfect juxtaposition to a blush-colored sky at dusk.
Order your preferred cocktail or mocktail and dine well into the evening. After a morning on the greenway and a languid afternoon beside the pool, why rush now?
Day 3: Sunday
8:00 AM – Breakfast at Sky Blue Cafe, 700 Fatherland St. (~5-minute drive from Noa, $$)
Fuel up for the day at Sky Blue Cafe, a cozy East Nashville neighborhood favorite known for hearty breakfasts, excellent coffee, and a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. Situated inside a charming, converted home, this is a local gem the locals love.
The menu covers all the breakfast classics from omelets and breakfast burritos to pancakes and French toast, including the cafe's famously indulgent stuffed French toast.
10:00 AM – Hike and Wildlife Watch at Radnor Lake State Park, 1160 Otter Creek Rd. (~19-minute drive from Noa, Free)
Radnor Lake State Park is a place that makes it difficult to believe you're still in a major city. The protected natural area encompasses more than 1,400 acres around an 85-acre lake, with trails winding through forests and along the water. It's particularly rewarding for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts, who’ll spot deer, turtles, and numerous bird species that inhabit the preserve.
Choose your trail according to how energetic you're feeling. Easier lakefront routes offer beautiful wildlife-viewing opportunities, while Ganier Ridge and South Cove provide more challenging terrain. Radnor is managed primarily for wildlife observation and quiet recreation; it’s not a recreational park filled with bikes, picnics, and activities.
Parking can become difficult on weekends, so an earlier start is worth considering if your group doesn't mind sacrificing a little Sunday sleep.
1:30 PM – Lunch at Naked Farmer, 217 4th Ave. N. (~8-minute drive from Noa, $$)
Naked Farmer's farm-to-table approach centers meals around seasonal fare sourced with an emphasis on freshness and responsible agriculture. After several hours exploring Radnor Lake, we think lunch at Naked Farmer will leave you comfortably replenished.
3:30 PM – Explore Nashville's Riverfront at Wasioto Park, 592 S. 1st St. (~5-minute drive from Noa, Free)
For your final outdoor stop, explore Nashville's urban riverfront. Formerly known as Cumberland Park, Wasioto Park sits on the eastern bank of the Cumberland River, combining landscaped green space with river and skyline views. Follow the Explorer Trail through meadows and plantings, head out to the lawn, or continue across the pedestrian bridge for a completely different perspective on the city.
Late afternoon is particularly appealing here. As daylight begins to soften, the Cumberland, bridges, and downtown skyline provide a reminder that Nashville is a treasure box with something for everyone.
6:30 PM – Dinner at Noko Nashville, 701 Porter Rd. (~5-minute drive from Noa, $$$)
Prepare for dinner at the critically acclaimed Noko, where 2025 James Beard semifinalist Chef Dung "Junior" Vo oversees an Asian-inspired menu built around wood-fired cooking and globally influenced flavors. The restaurant describes its approach as "affordable luxury," combining elevated food with warm, neighborhood hospitality.
Day 4: Monday
8:00 AM – One Last East Nashville Morning
There's no reason for the final morning of your getaway to become a frenetic exercise in packing and other logistics.
Enjoy a fresh cup of coffee on the patio, along with the breakfast favorites you had stocked by our staff when you booked your stay. Reflect on your time with us at Noa Nashville, an unusual urban jewel where wild and well-appointed exist side by side.
10:00 AM – Check Out of Noa
You know what they say: it’s not ‘good-bye,’ it’s ‘see you again soon.’ We hope you leave our property having experienced all the best that Nashville has to offer.
More Nashville Favorites for Nature Lovers
From peaceful wetlands and wildlife preserves to botanical gardens, river adventures, sprawling urban parks, and restaurants that bring the outdoors in, this is your definitive Nashville map for nature lovers (many of these are mentioned above, but additional options are included as well):
Shelby Bottoms Nature Center & Greenway, 1900 Davidson St. | ~8-min drive from Noa | Free | An East Nashville natural oasis encompassing wetlands, forests, open fields, and Cumberland River habitats; ideal for walking, biking, birdwatching, and wildlife spotting.
Radnor Lake State Park, 1160 Otter Creek Rd. | ~19-min drive from Noa | Free | A protected natural area centered around beautiful Radnor Lake, with forested hiking trails and abundant opportunities to spot native birds, deer, turtles, and other wildlife.
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens, 1200 Forrest Park Dr. | ~24-min drive from Noa | $$ | One of Nashville's most beautiful destinations, combining spectacular botanical gardens, seasonal displays, art, historic architecture, cafés, and a gift shop across an expansive estate.
Warner Parks, 50 Vaughn Rd. | ~25-min drive from Noa | Free | More than 3,000 acres of protected forests, fields, trails, and green space at Edwin and Percy Warner Parks; an exceptional destination for hiking, nature walks, birdwatching, and escaping the city without actually leaving Nashville.
Beaman Park, 5911 Old Hickory Blvd. | ~21-min drive from Noa | Free | A rugged natural area offering miles of wooded hiking trails through diverse forests and along streams, with routes suitable for different experience levels.
Wasioto Park, 592 S. 1st St. | ~5-min drive from Noa | Free | Landscaped riverfront green space along the Cumberland with walking trails, sprawling lawns, native plantings, and excellent views of the river and downtown Nashville.
Brooklyn Heights Community Garden, 1833 Haynes St. | ~10-min drive from Noa | Free | A community-driven urban garden where visitors can see another side of green Nashville and the local effort to cultivate fresh food, flowers, and neighborhood connections.
Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, 600 James Robertson Pkwy. | ~29-min drive from Noa | Free | A 19-acre urban state park beneath the Tennessee State Capitol combining green space with monuments, fountains, walking paths, and features devoted to Tennessee's natural and cultural history.
Two Rivers Park, 3150 McGavock Pike | ~15-min drive from Noa | $ | A large recreational green space with walking areas, a golf course, skate park, and seasonal wave pool, offering plenty of ways to spend an active afternoon outdoors.
The Adventure Park at Nashville, 801 Percy Warner Blvd. | ~8-min drive from Noa | $$ | An aerial forest adventure for nature lovers who prefer their trees with a little adrenaline; climb, balance, swing, and zipline through treetop courses of varying difficulty.
Cumberland Kayak, 2 Victory Ave. | ~23-min drive from Noa | $$ | See Nashville from the water with a paddling adventure along the Cumberland River, combining outdoor activity with a completely different perspective on the city and its skyline.
Pontoon Saloon, 2 Victory Ave. | ~23-min drive from Noa | $$ | Take to the Cumberland River without doing the paddling yourself on a lively pontoon cruise offering open-air views of Nashville from the water.
Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery, 5025 Harding Pike | ~16-min drive from Noa | $$ | A historic estate set amid beautiful grounds where visitors can explore Nashville history, tour the property, and round out the experience with a visit to the onsite winery.
The Treehouse Nashville, 1011 Clearview Ave. | ~2-min drive from Noa | $$ | A whimsical East Nashville restaurant offering seasonal, ingredient-conscious dining in a greenery-filled setting complete with outdoor space and its namesake treehouse.
Urban Cowboy Public House, 103 N. 16th St. | ~3-min drive from Noa | $$ | A wonderfully atmospheric East Nashville gathering place with a large outdoor patio, trees, fire pits, craft cocktails, and the kind of setting that encourages dinner to stretch well into the evening.
Naked Farmer, 217 4th Ave. N. | ~8-min drive from Noa | $$ | Farm-to-table dining centered on seasonal ingredients and colorful, vegetable-forward plates; a natural fit for travelers who want their appreciation of the land reflected on the plate.
Rainforest Cafe, 353 Opry Mills Dr. | ~15-min drive from Noa | $$ | An immersive rainforest-themed restaurant filled with lush tropical décor, simulated thunderstorms, waterfalls, and animatronic wildlife; kitschy, theatrical, and certainly unlike anywhere else you'll eat during the weekend.
Your Nashville Experience – A Getaway to Remember
Nashville is a city with layers. The wetlands and wildlife at Shelby Bottoms Nature Center, evenings on the patio at a critically acclaimed restaurant, and live music reverberating from jazz rooms, speakeasies, and rooftop bars. A weekend is rarely enough to see and experience it all.
At Noa, the gates are open, and we’re ready to welcome you and your travel group of friends, family, or nature enthusiasts. Eschew the Nashville East hotels for something more elevated and personalized. Whether it's a long weekend getaway or a week-long celebration, we'll be here, and we look forward to seeing you.
Discover Noa Nashville and book your escape today.
