Nashville: 12 South Secret Walking Food Tour

Exploring Nashville’s 12 South neighborhood through a guided food tour promises a tasty journey filled with local flavor, culture, and fun. While I haven’t done this specific tour myself, I’ve gathered plenty of insider insights and honest details to help you decide if it’s right for you.

What I love about this experience is how it combines walking with sampling some of the best food Nashville has to offer—think breakfast tacos, Southern dishes, and hidden cookie gems. Plus, the tour’s focus on local influences makes it feel authentic rather than touristy.

That said, it’s a three-hour walking tour with no hotel pick-up included, so it’s best suited for those comfortable on their feet and looking for a relaxed, food-focused outing. Whether you’re a foodie eager to explore local flavors or someone who loves discovering neighborhoods on foot, this tour can be a rewarding choice.

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Key Points

Authentic Nashville flavors: Tastes from breakfast tacos to Southern classics.
Expert local guides: Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with stories and tips.
Walking and tasting: Ideal for those who enjoy both food and exploring on foot.
Hidden surprises: End with a secret spot for gourmet cookies, a true highlight.
Great value: For $105, you get multiple tastings, a guided tour, and a memorable neighborhood experience.
Limited dietary info: Contact the provider if you have special dietary needs.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Nashville: 12 South Secret Walking Food Tour

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What Makes This Tour Special?

The Nashville: 12 South Secret Walking Food Tour offers a chance to experience the lively 12 South neighborhood — known for its trendy shops, murals, and laid-back vibe — through its food. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a curated experience that ties together Nashville’s culinary influences, local culture, and community spirit.

For $105 per person, you’ll enjoy approximately three hours of walking and tasting, making it a great balance between a substantial experience and manageable pacing. The tour is led by a guide from Essor, who knows the neighborhood inside-out and shares stories that connect the food to Nashville’s identity.

Starting Point – A Flavorful Welcome

Your journey begins in front of Ladybird Taco, easily recognizable by the guide holding an orange umbrella. Here, you’ll kick off with Nashville’s renowned breakfast taco, a local favorite that’s highly praised for its flavor and authenticity. This opening bite sets the tone for the tour, giving you a taste of Nashville’s inventive approach to classic dishes.

Tasting the Heart of Nashville

The tour then moves through a variety of stops, each offering a different slice of Nashville’s culinary landscape. The first sweet note is a flaky pastry, providing a delightful contrast to the savory tacos. As you walk, your guide shares insights into how Nashville’s food scene has evolved, influenced by Southern traditions, local ingredients, and innovative chefs.

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Hearty Southern Classics

A standout stop is where you’ll indulge in a hearty club sandwich with a Southern twist, paired with crunchy fried dill pickles. These dishes exemplify Nashville’s love of comfort food elevated with local flair. The guide might also share stories of the neighborhood’s history and how these eateries have become local staples.

Later, you’ll taste Southern hot pork and a famed grits casserole — dishes that have garnered widespread acclaim for their rich flavors and comforting appeal. Samantha’s review mentions the variety of food and the guide’s local knowledge as notable highlights, making each tasting more than just a meal, but an educational experience.

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The Secret Cookie Spot

The tour wraps up at a hidden gem — a secret spot within one of Nashville’s most famous hotels — where you’ll sample gourmet cookies. This unexpected treat leaves a sweet impression and caps off the experience with a little mystery and indulgence. The secrecy adds to the allure, making it feel like an insider reward for your culinary adventure.

What’s Included and What’s Not?

Your ticket covers food and drink tastings, the guide, and the walking tour itself. No need to worry about additional costs during the tour, but note that hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so plan your transportation to the starting point at Ladybird Taco.

Practical Details

The meeting point is straightforward, and your guide will be easily identifiable with the orange umbrella. Tours run at various times—be sure to check availability beforehand—and last around three hours. Contact the provider ahead of booking if you have specific dietary needs, as they may accommodate certain restrictions.

What Do Others Think?

Reviewers consistently praise the variety of food and the local knowledge shared by guides, with Samantha mentioning guides as being “really friendly” and the experience as “really flavorful.” The inclusion of a gourmet cookie and the chance to taste Southern classics seem to be particular highlights.

Why This Tour Is Worth It

Value for money is clear when considering the number of tastings and the insider knowledge you gain. For just over $100, you enjoy a well-curated, authentic taste of Nashville’s vibrant food scene. The walking element ensures you’re exploring at a relaxed pace, making it suitable for most fitness levels.

The guide’s expertise and friendly demeanor, as noted in reviews, help create a warm, welcoming atmosphere that fosters conversation and learning. Plus, the surprises—like the secret cookie spot—add a fun twist you won’t find on every food tour.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is perfect for food lovers eager to explore Nashville beyond its music scene, neighborhood explorers looking for a taste of local life, and travelers wanting an engaging, all-in-one cultural experience. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy walking and sampling rather than long sit-down meals.

Final Thoughts

The Nashville: 12 South Secret Walking Food Tour strikes a perfect balance between culinary discovery and neighborhood exploration. It offers a proven way to savor Nashville’s distinctive flavors while gaining insights into the city’s culture and community.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local wanting to reconnect with your city’s food roots, this tour provides a fun, filling, and flavorful experience. The combination of delicious dishes, friendly guides, and a touch of mystery makes it a standout choice for anyone eager to taste Nashville’s authentic soul.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians?
You should contact the activity provider beforehand to confirm if dietary needs can be accommodated, as the tour includes hearty Southern dishes and may have limited vegetarian options.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts around three hours, including walking and tastings, making it a manageable but satisfying experience.

Do I need to prepare anything?
Just wear comfortable shoes and be ready to walk through the neighborhood. It helps to arrive hungry for all the delicious tastings.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
The information doesn’t specify accessibility details, so it’s best to check with the provider if you have mobility concerns.

Can I join if I have food allergies?
It’s recommended to contact the activity provider before booking to discuss your dietary restrictions and see if they can accommodate them.

Are there any age restrictions?
The tour is suitable for most ages, but it’s best for those comfortable on their feet and able to enjoy a walking experience.

What’s the start point?
Meet in front of Ladybird Taco, with the guide holding an orange umbrella.

Do I need to print my ticket?
Booking is done through GetYourGuide, so check their instructions, but typically, a digital ticket on your phone will suffice.

The Nashville: 12 South Secret Walking Food Tour offers a genuine, flavorful peek into one of Nashville’s most charming neighborhoods. It’s an ideal choice for foodies, neighborhood explorers, and anyone looking to enjoy a relaxed, tasty adventure. With excellent reviews, a friendly guide, and a good balance of walking and tasting, it promises a memorable addition to your Nashville itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here: