Morning
For almost a year, Alexandre Meunier and Philippine Maillard, owners of East Nashville’s The Authentique, have worked on a dream. Last month, they opened that dream, Maminette, to the public. Maminette is their French cafe and bakery with a menu based on Maillard’s grandmother’s recipes. It’s quickly become a neighborhood essential for crepes and sandwiches.
I’m excited they're open now, but I’ve never had a hard time finding somewhere to grab a snack in Donelson after a shopping outing. Spending a day in Donelson is a first-lunch, second-lunch kind of day.
In addition to Maminette, Caliber Coffee Co. is good for a cup to-go or if you need somewhere to sit and work. When I need to hole up with my laptop in Donelson, I usually head to Bagelshop or the Donelson Public Library, the system’s first new branch in a decade, which opened in 2024. If I forget my favorite pen or think a new notebook will cure writer’s block, I head to Paper and Ink.
Afternoon
When the weather’s warm, I love to paddle along the Stones River Greenway and then grab lunch at Phat Bites, where they don’t care if I smell like lake water and sweat.
We’re getting to the end of planting season (someone tell the weather gods that), but Donelson is home to a few good gardening shops, including JVI Secret Gardens and Jenkins Nursery, where I like to stock up. And Lawrence & Clarke Cacti Co. is the best for indoor houseplants.
I haven’t taken a break at The Pedicure Palace yet, but it’s on my list for the near future.
You already know that two of my favorite second-hand shops, TenThirtyFive and The Plus Closet, are in Donelson. I also like to swing by Ugly Duck Vintage (where else will you find Levis with Garfield on them?). Swaggie Records is a good stop for new and used vinyl.
Evening
Nectar Urban Cantina is a family-friendly alternative that, like Phat Bites, has outdoor space and live music. I’ve spent many fun hours at Strike & Spare.
I heard that Donelson’s Two Rivers Mansion might be the most haunted building in town. Life is scary enough; I’m not down for intentionally spooking myself, but let me know if you’ve experienced paranormal activity there.
