Have you heard of Voluntourism? As we ease back into travel, it’s a great time to rethink how we spend our money and time while on vacation. We have the chance to make a big impact in a positive light without making huge changes. Our time and money is not just valuable to us, it is valuable to those on the receiving end – make it count.
Voluntourism Itinerary for Nashville is now available!
My Voluntourism Itineraries are now available for purchase! They help make your travel easier all while traveling with intention. Click on the Volunteering dropdown to see the selection.
You can email me directly at bountifulblessingstravelblog@yahoo.com to request your downloadable Voluntourism Itinerary. I accept Venmo and PayPal. This comprehensive document will describe where to stay, where to eat, where to shop, and how to volunteer. These destinations all support local, non-profits. I’ve also included locally owned restaurants that are just plain fun. When we travel intentionally, we speak with our wallets. As consumers, we can make such a positive impact on the places we visit.
The downloadable document is linked to all the businesses, making it super easy for you to look up their hours and menus. I’ve also included a Google Maps so you can plan out any extras you’d like to add to your visit. The itinerary is $20 and saves you HOURS of research, as I’ve already done the work for you.
Lodging That Gives Back
The Russell Hotel
During my recent visit to Nashville, I stayed at The Russell Hotel on the east side of the city. This AirBnB goes above and beyond on so many levels. First off, they donate back to the community in a big way. For a typical weekend stay, enough money is donated to provide 16 nights in a bed, 100 showers and 30 free meals for the homeless. The Russell supports Nashville Rescue Mission, ShowerUp, Room In the Inn, and People Loving Nashville.
The interior of this 130-year-old church has been meticulously decorated to provide an energetic vibe that brings happiness from the minute you walk up the steps. Little details such as a coffee bar, storage lockers, fun photo booths and room amenities make this a must for your next trip. I really can’t say enough positive things about The Russell. I literally could write an entire post about it!
Check in is all accomplished via email and the communication is excellent. Lockers are big enough for your luggage, so you can drop your items off and head out to explore the city. Be sure to look behind the large curtains where you’ll find a silly photo booth, a charging station and a vending machine. There is even a recording studio.
Voluntourism can be as easy as choosing a hotel that gives back to the community. For a list of additional hotels that give back to their community, head over to GoAndDoGood.
The Russell 819 Russell St. Nashville, TN 37206
Volunteer While Visiting Nashville
ShowerUp and Voluntourism
As I mentioned, ShowerUp is one of the non-profits that The Russell supports. Brooke and I signed up ahead of time for a two-hour shift. It was an amazing experience! This is a great example of voluntourism.
Two mobile shower units pull up and hook their water line to the hydrant. The homeless come by and sign up for a slot and are given a towel, washcloth, and toiletry bag. Six showers are available and they run continuously for two solid hours. The day we helped, 27 people were able to get a shower and feel refreshed.
Boxer shorts of all sizes are always needed. If you would like to donate, you can buy them here. Shower Up prefers colored boxers shorts over white ones.
ShowerUp Nashville (locations vary depending on the day)
Put Your Money Where It Matters
Humphrey Street Coffee
By purchasing your favorite coffee, and even a bar of soap, you are supporting a very important project created to employ and empower inner city kids in Nashville. Humphrey Street Coffee started out as a way to teach kids how to make soap and roast coffee beans. Providing essential job skill sets puts these kids on the right track for successful employment throughout their adult years.
100% of the proceeds goes back into the program to help mentor and educate the youth. They learn financial literacy skills, go on college tours and can apply for scholarships.
Humphreys Street Coffee 424 Humphreys St. Nashville, TN 37203
Shopping
Nashville has been known for thrifting for decades. Records and bookstores previously sprinkled the map as tourists and locals alike hunted for their personal treasures. Although the stores look a bit different now, carrying everything from cowboy boots to antique furniture, the quest to find that special something still holds strong.
You can feel good about shopping at thrift stores in general because they cut down on manufacturing and play a huge role in keeping items out of our landfills. On top of that, places like Thrift Smart, This In That and Music City Thrift donate to non-profits throughout the city. The stores have a huge selection of merchandise – especially boots!!
417 Union
A local, downtown meeting place for over 100 years, this building has housed a lot of history. The current owners of 417 Union have taken that notion and created a memorial tribute to the WWII and Civil War era. When you enter the restaurant, you’ll notice the preserved newspaper articles and the framed pictures of war veterans. While sitting, be sure to keep looking around as there are multiple shadowboxes and the like with items from WWII. Upstairs, you’ll find original letters, pictures and maps from the Civil War with an emphasis on the battles that were fought in Nashville and Franklin.
The food is absolutely delicious, and they serve a full menu for breakfast, lunch and supper. You can’t beat made from scratch cooking. Pictured below are my blueberry pancakes drizzled with fresh lemon curd. Yum!!
*Just down the street, you’ll find a statue of a man playing his guitar. There’s an empty stool beside him waiting for you go sit down and pose for a perfect Nashville picture.*
417 Union 417 Union St. Nashville, TN 37219
Just for Fun
Greenhouse Bar
When you think of a greenhouse, you most likely think of plants and a humid environment. Well, when you visit the Greenhouse Bar in Nashville, you’re in for a treat. All the beautifully potted plants you could imagine are there but without the humid temperatures. Cozy seating nooks invite you to grab a drink and food at the bar and sit and socialize. The place is so unique you just have to make this a part of your Nashville visit.
Greenhouse Bar 2211 Brandywood Dr. Nashville, TN 37215
Three Brothers Coffee
For a Nashville Instagramable spot, head over to Three Brothers Coffee and strike your best Cleopatra pose in front of the Heiroglitches Mural. Think Egyptian hieroglyphics meets new age symbols.
Three Brothers Coffee 2813 W End Ave. Nashville, TN 37203
I Dream of Weenie
Located close to The Russell, this VW van food truck serves hot dogs and all the fixin’s. There are picnic tables in the yard to eat at.
I Dream of Weenie 113 S. 11th St. Nashville, TN 37206
Make Travel Easy
Something new I’ve added is a full itinerary and Google map to help you have a more enjoyable stay in Nashville. Everything you’ll need for a Nashville Voluntourism Vacation is included in this downloadable document. You’ll have a general itinerary, booking information, volunteer information, locations, descriptions and a map delivered right to your phone for streamlined convenience.
This itinerary is offered to anyone who has signed up for the newsletter. If you haven’t signed up, do that soon so you don’t miss out on all the special features! 🙂
Do you know of a business that supports a local non-profit? Send me an email and I might just feature them on a future post!
Looking for more east coast travel ideas? Read about Kentucky, Pennsylvania and Ohio trips here.
