How to Have the Perfect Mama + Mini Day in Nashville

Let’s be real. Girls want to be like their mamas — they want to do all the things. From the parties to the makeup and yoga poses, they want to be right in the middle of it. But, of course, it’s not all possible to connect at the hip for everything. But as the summer zips by and they casually get ready for another school year, it’s important to curate the perfect Mama + Mini Date for the daughters and get in some quality time, because these years are fleeting and these dates are quickly going to be a thing of the past.

Here are a few ideas to jump on before the school session revs back up and summer is gone!

Pedis + Popsicles

Combining my two favorite things, yes, please. My daughter is a massive fan of getting her nails done and a coconut popsicle, and if you time your driving right, this just might take up more than half your day! Start the late morning off by jumping in the car and grabbing a coffee at your local Starbucks, then head on over to Poppy and Monroe for the perfect pedi. This gem of a nail salon is hidden in Germantown, but don’t be fooled by its address — it’s a quick zip from midtown and it’s light, bright and full of all the beautiful (and non-toxic!) colors a girl wants. Plus, if you want to grab a new pair of cute flip flops, they carry those, too. After your nails look perfectly painted, head over to 12S for a Las Paletas popsicle. My girl loves chocolate or coconut. However, to me, the avocado flavor is hands-down one of the best things to ever come out of a popsicle stand.

Blowouts + Baked Cookies

Fresh hair is the new black. It really is. And our girls concur. There’s nothing like a fresh blowout at The Dry House Nashville. My mood is elevated x’s 10 when I have fresh hair. And if you really want to be youthful, go for matching braids with your Mini (it’s currently our favorite). And what else is better than fresh-baked cookies at RH Café to top off the perfect hair? Add a tall glass of bubbly for Mom and cookies for Mini, and everyone is happy.

Shop It Like It’s Hot

I’m pretty sure this is standard for the best day ever for a Mama and her Mini, but be sure to stop by all the shops she will enjoy as much as you. Magpies is quite honestly one of the cutest little girl shopping experiences I’ve come across since living in Los Angeles. Full of everything pink and glittery, but tasteful and on-trend, your Mini will eat up this store like it’s cotton candy. Plus, there’s an ice cream shop next door for re-fuel.

Get Artsy

For the artsy sophisticate, try The Frist Museum downtown. Every second Monday of each month, there’s trilingual storytime and gallery viewing. There’s also an array of activities suitable for the young ones. Personally, this is on the top of my list, as learning and discovery in our own city is perfect evolution for our growing girl. Also, you’re downtown, so exploring by foot and taking some perfect summertime selfies in front of colorful mural walls and even a fancy lunch at The Palm will make her feel oh so special.

Makeup + Milkshakes

Not sure about you, but my 8-year-old is obsessed with learning and playing with the contents in my makeup bag. She’s a bit too young for my taste, but there’s no harm in exploring The Cosmetic Market with reckless abandon if your girl happens to be a bit older and interested. Try on eyeshadows, blush, lipgloss, even fragrance in a market full of goodies, allowing her imagination to run free. Plus, Mom can grab some dry shampoo while you’re at it. And if you’ve worked up an appetite, The Shake Shack is across the street for all of your sweet tooth needs that the Mini is surely to be excited about. Also, the fries there are well above par.

Date Night

Dinner and a movie sound about right? If you head to the adorable and charming downtown Franklin Main Street, there’s just about everything you need for the perfect Mama + Mini Date. Early dinner at the family-friendly and mouth-watering The Grilled Cheeserie, or the historic Gray’s on Main followed by some homemade fudge candy across the street, a quick stop at White’s Mercantile to peruse a new dish towel and a viewing of “The Secret Life of Pets” at the historic Franklin Theater. There’s so much to do and look at whether you shop, sip, see a film or work up an appetite for an evening ice-cream. Your girl is really just looking for some quality time, and I’m pretty sure you would have zero regrets on any of these Mama + Mini ideas. Hug her tight and tell her to get dressed!