Emily Handy. Writer, editor, human.
Emily Handy is a Nashville writer and editor who doesn't use AI. No chatbot drafts, no machine polish. Cities, travel, food and business, reported and written the slow way for Livability, StyleBlueprint, Nashville Lifestyles and MarketWatch.
Selected writing
A few favorites- Livability Beyond Country: Meet the Creatives Defining Nashville’s Diverse Arts Scene The Nashville Region’s arts scene supports artists of all genres.
- Livability The Rise of the Speakeasy: Where to Find the Coolest Secret Bars The most popular bars these days are hidden in plain sight. Here’s where you’ll find a few of the nation’s best speakeasies — and, most importantly, how to get in.
- Livability The Best Socially Distanced Travel Destination in Every State From secret beaches to drive-through safaris, check out this list of our favorite destinations in every state — no plane rides or crowds required.
- Nashville Lifestyles Conny & Jonny Doughnuts One local duo's love story brings traditional pastries to Nashville.
- StyleBlueprint Opulence Awaits at This Downtown Nashville Hotel The Westin Nashville serves up luxury at every turn. Here's what to expect from a stay.
- Business Insider 7 Best Cities to Live in When You're Pregnant From quality healthcare to nutritious food and fun (non-alcoholic) things to do, these cities are great for expecting residents.
- Livability Why America’s Highest Earners Are Ditching Big City Life For wealthy people, suburbs are the new big cities.
- Crain's Nashville If I Knew Then: Maneet Chauhan The chef behind Morph Hospitality Group on risk, restaurants and Nashville.
Everything
143 pieces- Livability 9 Things to Do in Saginaw, MI, Before Graduating College The stunning Great Lakes Bay and Central Michigan region is chock full of surprises for students.
- Livability Best Bookstores and Libraries in Rutherford County, Tennessee Rutherford County is a haven for book lovers with plenty of cozy bookstores and public libraries.
- Livability Where to Score Great Taps and Tacos in Oxford, MS Get ready to sip and savor your way through these great places.
- Livability Couple Kneads a Life They Love in Green Bay, WI Meet two successful entrepreneurs who started a bakery in Green Bay.
- Livability Employees Are Getting Bigger Paychecks for Less Work in These 6 Cities Is it possible to work shorter hours and get paid more? Yes — you just have to know where to look.
- Livability The Best Family-Friendly Things to Do in Johnson City, TN Discover family-friendly things to do in Johnson City, Tennessee, from parks and museums to baseball games, mini golf and more.
- Livability Must-See Murals in Williamson County Explore the colorful works of art throughout the Williamson County region and use the free digital mural passport to visit some stunning stops.
- Livability Graffiti Pioneer :Shen: Finds Inspiration and Community in Franklin, TN Graffiti artist makes the region her canvas and has found a thriving arts scene in a supportive community.
- Livability Beyond Country: Meet the Creatives Defining Nashville’s Diverse Arts Scene The Nashville Region’s arts scene supports artists of all genres.
- Livability Discover Culture and Charm in Maury County, TN Maury County, TN, blends Southern charm with arts, history, outdoor escapes and lots of local flavor.
- Livability These Cities Are Helping Teachers Buy Houses More and more teachers can’t afford to live in their own school districts. These cities (and startups) are finding innovative ways to change that.
- Livability Explore Lafayette, LA’s, Fusion Restaurants Area eateries serve dishes full of new and traditional flavors.
- Livability 5 Things To Do in Rutherford County After Work Whether you’re into the outdoors, listening to live music or checking out a new restaurant, you’ll find plenty of things to do here.
- Livability 6 of the Coolest Arcade Bars Across the Country What happens when you combine arcade games with cocktails and craft beer? A really, really good time.
- Livability Pickin’ & Playin’: 10 Places to Hear Live Music In and Around Nashville Explore locals’ favorite places to hear live music in the greater Nashville region.
- Livability 6 Iconic Candy Shops That Take You Back in Time Trust us — reading this list will make you feel like a kid in, well, a candy store.
- Livability 8 Great Restaurants in Gainesville FL You Must Try Whatever you crave, this college town has it, from pizza and sushi to late-night bites, brunch and more.
- Livability 5 Breweries in Gainesville, FL, You Must Visit Discover unbeatable craft beer, food and weekly entertainment at these Gainesville FL breweries.
- Livability 12 Fun Things To Do in Gainesville, FL — Plus 5 Ways To Unwind After Work If you’re planning a visit to Gainesville FL, start your itinerary with this list of fun things to do.
- Livability Fill Your Day with Great Places to Eat in Murfreesboro and Rutherford County Whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner (or all of the above!), get ready to savor the flavors of Middle Tennessee.
- Livability Discover the Artistic Side of East Central Indiana From a brand-new music center and galleries to community outreach initiatives and public art, get ready to enjoy the arts in East Central Indiana.
- Livability 6 Places Where Weird Donuts Are on the Menu Forget glazed or powdered. These offbeat bakeries are making donuts with ingredients like bacon, sweet corn and fried chicken — we dare you to try them all.
- Livability 10 Must-Attend Events and Festivals in and Around Joplin, MO The region is always bustling with activities for residents and visitors.
- Livability Manchester, NH, is Cool – and Getting Cooler Learn about the movers and shakers and trendy places that are making Manchester the great community it is today.
- Livability Pups – and Their Owners – Love Knoxville, TN This Tennessee city has taken pet-friendly to the next level.
- Livability 6 Goodbye Summer Getaways You’ll Want to Say Hello To It’s not time to put away your swimsuits yet!
- Livability Where to Eat in Lafayette, LA: 10 Dishes You Must Try Get ready to sink your teeth into some pretty great Southern fare.
- Livability 5 Affordable Places to Live Near Nashville Want easy access to Music City without the high price? Check out these affordable alternatives.
- Livability Can’t Afford to Live in Honolulu? Live Here Instead. Living in the Aloha state doesn’t seem possible, but these affordable cities can make your dreams come true.
- Livability Why I Moved Back to Lafayette, LA — and You Should, Too Hannah Smith Mason has lived everywhere from Los Angeles to Paris, but when it came time to raise a family, she came home to Lafayette.
- Livability Lafayette Parish Bicentennial Celebrates 200 Years of History, Culture As the heart of Acadiana, Lafayette is the epicenter of the French, Spanish, African and Caribbean influences that melded together to create a rich melting pot of Cajun and Creole cultures.
- Livability 13 Reasons Lafayette, LA, Is a Great Place To Live From its year-round festivals and live music to its title as one of the country’s best food cities, discover all Lafayette has to offer.
- Livability The Rise of the Speakeasy: Where to Find the Coolest Secret Bars The most popular bars these days are hidden in plain sight. Here’s where you’ll find a few of the nation’s best speakeasies — and, most importantly, how to get in.
- Livability 5 Royal Items in the US (And Where to Find Them) From a very famous desk to the home of a Duchess, we tracked down some royal relics that you don’t need a passport to see.
- Livability 8 Reasons To Build Your Small Business in Manchester, NH Looking to build your business? Manchester, NH, provides entrepreneurs with an incubator environment.
- Livability 10 Reasons To Move to North Dakota Right Now Pack your bags and make your move to this unexpected gem of a state.
- Livability 6 Cities in North Dakota Where You Can Live Large The living is easy in the Peace Garden State.
- Livability 20 Things You Must Do Your First Year Living in North Dakota Moving to North Dakota? The toughest part is narrowing down your legendary to-do list. Let us help.
- Livability Why Bismarck, ND, is a Great Place to Live A thriving economy, amenities help make this Great Plains city one of the country’s best places to live
- Livability Why Fargo, ND is a Great Place to Live Cultural flair, an essence of adventure and an artistic spirit – these are just a few things that give Fargo, ND, its unique vibe.
- Livability Why Grand Forks, ND, is a Best Place to Live Infrastructure, housing and education are outstanding in this bustling city on the banks of the Red River of the North.
- MarketWatch 10 towns with gorgeous holiday light displays Amid all the expensive gifts, parties and festive new outfits, Christmas lights offer a (usually) free and festive way to celebrate the holidays without breaking the bank.
- Livability 7 Reasons Manchester, NH, Is a Great Place To Live The list of reasons to live in Manchester, NH, is long, from its charming, walkable downtown and lively brewery scene to outstanding outdoor adventures.
- Livability 10 Things You Must Do in Manchester, NH From hitting the slopes to brewery hopping or catching a Broadway show, Manchester is packed with fun things to do.
- Livability The Cost of Living Diaries: Manchester, New Hampshire Learn from a local what everyday life is like in Manchester, New Hampshire.
- Livability What’s Brewing in Manchester, New Hampshire Why you should add this New England city to your list of craft beer destinations.
- Livability The 6 Best Cities for Fall Libations Check out the perfect places to say “Cheers!” to the best season of all.
- Livability 8 Best Cities in Pennsylvania for Outdoor Lovers Whether you love the mountains, the forest, lakes and streams or even the beach, Pennsylvania has natural beauty to please everyone.
- Livability Can’t Afford to Live in Chicago? Live Here Instead. The home prices in Chicago are as sky high as the skyscrapers. Check out these less expensive cities nearby that are great places to live in their own right.
- Livability Can’t Afford to Live in Portland, OR? Live Here Instead. In Portland, the cost of living can be steep. Get more bang for your buck in these nearby cities.
- Livability The Best Hidden Bar in Every State We scoured all 50 states to pinpoint the best secret bars and speakeasies. Here’s where to find them — and how to get in.
- Livability Can’t Afford to Live in Los Angeles? Live Here Instead. These affordable alternatives to L.A. offer the same West Coast charm and amenities you know and love.
- Livability The 7 Best Las Vegas Alternatives For a Fun Weekend Trip Want to skip out on Sin City? We get it. These seven cities will give you more bang for your buck without skimping on the fun.
- Livability 9 Fortune 500 Companies Based in Surprisingly Small Cities and Towns You’ve definitely heard of these companies, but chances are you haven’t heard of the cities and towns they call home.
- Livability These Are the Best Towns in Tennessee to Celebrate the Holidays Looking to have a tender Tennessee Christmas? These six cities put the holly and jolly into the holiday season.
- MarketWatch Pumpkin chuckin', sheep herding and frozen dead guys? 7 unusual American holiday festivals Almost every town and city has a tree-lighting ceremony or a Christmas parade this time of year, but just in case you're looking for a more unique holiday…
- Livability The 10 Best Cities To Get Your Christmas Lights Fix Sparkling light displays are one of the most magical parts of the holiday season. Here’s where to find the best and brightest.
- Livability 8 Reasons To Move to St. Louis, MO Affordability and community make this big Midwestern city feel like small town USA.
- Livability 7 Weirdly Specific Holiday Festivals Around the U.S. Every town has a Christmas festival, but not every town has a Charles Dickens-themed street party or a coffin race.
- Livability 8 Things To Do in St. Louis From world championship baseball to world class beer, St. Louis quietly offers residents some of the best amenities in the U.S.
- Livability Can’t Afford to Live in D.C.? Live Here Instead. The home prices in D.C. are as steep as they get. Get more bang for your buck in these nearby cities.
- MarketWatch 6 small cities where you can work less and earn more Wouldn’t it be nice to work fewer hours and get paid more?
- MarketWatch Spend the night in a candy factory, jailhouse or newspaper building: 9 converted hotels with past lives With travel making its big comeback, cities across the country are building new hotels at a breakneck pace.
- Livability 9 Hotels That Were Something Totally Different in Their Past Lives From a jailhouse to a cruise ship to a bottling plant, these converted hotels offer visitors a totally unique experience.
- StyleBlueprint Why You Need THIS Air Purifier How a whole-home purifier sterilizes the air you breathe, with the experts at Roscoe Brown.
- Farm Flavor Arizona Gift Guide: 10 Local Products From the Grand Canyon State Unique goods from local producers and artisans across Arizona.
- Farm Flavor Washington Gift Guide: 9 Local Products From the Evergreen State Coffee, chocolate and hand-blown glass from producers across Washington.
- MarketWatch Itching to get away? Here are the best destinations in every state to keep your social distance As people start to tentatively consider traveling again, many of us are looking for regional destinations we can reach without getting on a plane, with plenty…
- Livability The Best Socially Distanced Travel Destination in Every State From secret beaches to drive-through safaris, check out this list of our favorite destinations in every state — no plane rides or crowds required.
- StyleBlueprint Don't Make These Financially Devastating Mistakes Don't let the pandemic destroy your financial well-being. Here's how to avoid the most common mistakes.
- MarketWatch Help for frazzled parents: 20 virtual field trips to keep your kids occupied (and learning) With the kids home from school and no place to go, it can begin to feel isolating quickly as we traverse these uncertain times.
- Livability 20 Virtual Field Trips for Kids Stuck at Home From zoos to museums to world wonders (and even outer space!), these virtual trips let you explore the world from your couch.
- Nashville Lifestyles Conny & Jonny Doughnuts One local duo's love story brings traditional pastries to Nashville.
- Livability 7 Best Cities for an Affordable Babymoon Taking a trip before your bundle of joy arrives? These cities offer plenty of fun at budget-friendly prices.
- MarketWatch 10 places that have tons of career opportunities Have you spruced up your resume and knocked it out of the park at several job interviews, but still haven’t gotten a job offer?
- Livability Why You Should Go on a Ghost Tour This Summer (Yes, Really) Because doesn’t a chill down your spine sound refreshing right about now?
- MarketWatch Work less and earn more in one of these 6 cities Wouldn’t it be nice to work fewer hours and get paid more?
- StyleBlueprint How to Purchase the Perfect Rug: Experts Share Their Top Tips Southern rug experts on size, material, pattern and the mistakes to skip.
- MarketWatch 5 cool coding schools and boot camps that are diversifying tech These days, knowing how to code is almost as important as knowing how to tie your shoes or brush your teeth.
- MarketWatch 5 great cities where you can afford to buy a house even on a $50k salary As home prices surge and salaries have largely stagnated, the old American dream of owning a house has been put on the back burner for many.
- StyleBlueprint What's the Difference Between Premenopause & Perimenopause? A plain-language guide to the stages nobody explains.
- Livability This Moving Service Is Changing the Way Americans Move — And They’re Coming to Your City Soon “Easy” and “affordable” are two words that aren’t usually associated with moving. Bellhop is changing that.
- StyleBlueprint The 5 Aesthetic Treatments You Need to Be Wedding Season-Ready What to book, and when, before the big day.
- StyleBlueprint Opulence Awaits at This Downtown Nashville Hotel The Westin Nashville serves up luxury at every turn. Here's what to expect from a stay.
- StyleBlueprint The One Local Art Exhibit to See This Year Inside the 21c Museum Hotel's must-see exhibition.
- Livability The 7 Most Recession-Proof Cities in the US Looking for some stability during turbulent economic times? Pack your bags and head to one of these cities.
- StyleBlueprint How the Instant Pot Will Change Your Life Pointers, recipes and a little evangelism for the countertop cult favorite.
- Nashville Lifestyles Artisan Spotlight: Ausden Inc Furniture designer and builder Ryan Surratt brings locally sourced pieces to the masses.
- Livability Looking for a Job? Here’s Where to Move. These 10 cities have an excess of amazing jobs and not enough people to fill them. In other words? They’re waiting for YOU.
- Livability 6 Unexpected Cities That Are Leading the Hyper-Local Food Movement Food trends usually gain momentum in places like Portland and NYC. But when it comes to the hyper-local food movement, these small cities are (deliciously) paving the way.
- Business Insider 7 Best Cities to Live in When You're Pregnant From quality healthcare to nutritious food and fun (non-alcoholic) things to do, these cities are great for expecting residents.
- Livability 5 Cool Cities Where You Can Afford to Buy a House on an Income of $50K or Less It’s still possible to buy a home with a salary of $50,000 or less — you just have to know where to look.
- Livability 9 Reasons to Start a Business in Cincinnati Looking for an energetic, affordable place to do business? From startups to Fortune 500 companies, Cincinnati is the place to be.
- Livability Can’t Afford to Live in NYC? Live Here Instead Living in NYC is notoriously expensive. Want easy access to the city without the high price? Check out these affordable alternatives.
- Business Insider The 6 US Cities With the Most Freebies Museums, concerts, parks and more, all for the price of nothing.
- Livability 7 Cities That Will Actually Pay You to Move There From relocation money to student loan payments to free land(!), moving to these cities really pays off.
- Livability Found: The US Cities With the Most Freebies Whether you’re looking for an affordable place to live or visit, these cities offer tons of fun activities — for exactly zero dollars.
- Livability 8 Reasons to Move to Boise Right Now Boise is a fast-growing city that’s teeming with culture, natural beauty and job opportunities. Here’s why you should add Boise to the top of your relocation list.
- Livability 5 California Tech Cities You’ve Probably Never Heard Of Palo Alto and San Francisco are well-known tech hubs, but these lesser-known California cities offer great quality of life — and tech jobs galore.
- Livability Can’t Afford to Live in Seattle? Live Here Instead Seattle is one of the fastest growing (and most expensive) cities in the country. These nearby cities provide easy access to Seattle for a fraction of the price.
- Livability 5 Innovative Coding Programs That Are Changing the Face of Tech With companies scrambling for tech-savvy talent, these coding programs are educating underserved populations — and bridging the gap.
- Livability Onshore Outsourcing: Why More Companies Are ‘Outsourcing’ to Small Cities Instead of moving jobs overseas, companies are drawing on talent in small cities and rural areas — and everyone is reaping the benefits.
- Livability 8 Reasons To Move to North Dakota Beautiful scenery, friendly people and great job opportunities — North Dakota has it all.
- Livability Moving to California? Here’s Everything You Need to Know California is a laid-back paradise with pristine beaches and hip, bustling cities waiting to be explored.
- Livability Moving to Alaska? Here’s Everything You Need to Know An almost untouched wilderness, Alaska offers those willing to brave harsh winters a truly unique lifestyle.
- Livability 8 Illinois Day Trips for When You Just Need to Get Away We get it. Sometimes you need a trip but all you have is a day. We’ve got you covered.
- Livability How Cost of Living Affects Talent Attraction As the cost of living in big cities skyrockets, fewer job seekers can afford to relocate, let alone put down roots.
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Crain's Nashville Rapper Turned Addiction Into Blossoming Music Career A Memphis artist's path from recovery to the stage.
- Livability These Are the 8 Most Stunning Waterfalls in Tennessee These amazing Tennessee waterfalls definitely call for a road trip.
- Livability Why Davis, CA, Is a Best Place to Live Just west of Sacramento, Davis is a tight-knit college town with a lot of heart.
- Livability Why San Luis Obispo, CA, Is a Best Place to Live California’s oldest community is now one of its most unique and well-loved.
- Livability Moving to Charleston? Here Are the Basics Charmed by Charleston? Here’s everything you need to know about making a move to the Holy City.
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Crain's Nashville Nashville's Healthcare Companies Set the Bar for Wellness Initiatives How the city's healthcare giants keep their own people well.
- Livability Retail Resurrection: 7 Abandoned Malls That Found New Life These shuttered malls were reborn in the most unexpected ways — and transformed their communities in the process.
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Crain's Nashville Clearing Cash Hurdle Could Unleash Nashville's Startup Scene The capital gap holding back Music City founders.
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Crain's Nashville How Two Nashville Breweries Continue to Pour It On Jackalope and Fat Bottom on growing without losing the neighborhood.
- Livability Why America’s Highest Earners Are Ditching Big City Life For wealthy people, suburbs are the new big cities.
- Livability Why You Need to Know that Jackson, MS is an Urban Oasis Jackson, Mississippi is an urban oasis you should be on your radar for your next move.
- Livability 7 Reasons to Move to Wilmington, NC This gorgeous historic port town has been home to Baywatch, Dawson’s Creek and many celebrities.
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Crain's Nashville If I Knew Then: Dave Ramsey The Ramsey Solutions founder on the lessons he'd give his younger self.
- Livability 8 Reasons to Move to Billings, MT Billings may be the biggest city in Montana, but it’s charm is even bigger.
- Livability Weekend in Illinois Roadtrip! Here’s Where to Eat Buckle up and wear your stretchy pants–we’re taking you on one epic food journey.
- Livability 10 Minnesota Festivals You Can’t Miss Minnesota may be the Land of 10,000 Lakes, but it’s land-locked festivals bring year-round fun.
- Livability Moving to Illinois? Here are the Basics Illinois is a state known for its skyscrapers, but it’s also home to some of the most charming towns.
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Crain's Nashville Virtual Reality Is the Next Big Thing for Nashville Businesses Local companies betting on immersive tech.
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Crain's Nashville If I Knew Then: Maneet Chauhan The chef behind Morph Hospitality Group on risk, restaurants and Nashville.
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Crain's Nashville Fashion City? How Nashville Can Compete With N.Y. and L.A. The Nashville Fashion Alliance's case for a third fashion capital.
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Crain's Nashville From Poms to Cars: Titans Cheerleader Driven to Nissan Management An unlikely route from the sidelines to the C-suite track.
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Crain's Nashville 'Nashvillian of the Year' Leads The Belcourt Into the Future Stephanie Silverman and the reinvention of a historic theater.
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Crain's Nashville 'CNN Hero' From Nashville Takes On Global Human Trafficking Thistle Farms' Becca Stevens on scaling a movement.
- Livability 8 Reasons to Move to Maryland Maryland is the one place where it’s OK to get a little crabby.
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Crain's Nashville If I Knew Then: Sean Henry The Nashville Predators CEO on building a hockey town.
- Livability 8 Things Only Locals Know About St. Louis Experience The Gateway City like a true local.
- Livability 8 Reasons to Move to Charlottesville, VA Full of history, breweries and good hangover food. What more could you want?
- Livability 8 Reasons to Move to Provo, UT Don’t underestimate this awesome city as you’re planning your next move.
- Livability The 8 Most Stunning Waterfalls in North Carolina Lace up your hiking boots, and maybe your swim trunks, for these NC beauties
- Livability How Pokémon Go Helps You Explore the Best Places to Live Besides helping you catch ’em all, Pokémon Go is inadvertently connecting you to your city.
- Livability The 8 Most Stunning Waterfalls in Colorado Adventure in the Centennial State goes far beyond the mountains
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Crain's Nashville If I Knew Then: Chris Gero Yamaha Entertainment Group's founder on music, business and timing.
- Livability The 8 Most Stunning Waterfalls in Oregon Get your feet wet at one (or all!) of Oregon’s most breathtaking waterfalls.
- Livability The World’s 7 Natural Wonders Are Actually in Texas From Big Bend National Park to El Capitan in west Texas: Everything’s bigger in the Lone Star State, even natural formations.
- Livability These Are the 8 Most Stunning Waterfalls in Georgia You may know Georgia for all things peachy, but it’s actually home to some of the most killer waterfalls.
- Livability 10 Best Cities for Viewing Meteor Showers Grab some popcorn and a blanket: It’s showtime.
Livability
Crain's Nashville
MarketWatch
StyleBlueprint
Farm Flavor
Nashville Lifestyles
Business Insider
About
Emily Handy is a freelance writer, editor and content creator based in Nashville. She spent two years as Regional Freelance Editor of Crain's Nashville, building the publication's local presence from launch, curating the daily business newsletter and interviewing the founders and executives behind the city's growth for its "If I Knew Then" column.
Since then she has written well over a hundred pieces for Livability, along with StyleBlueprint, Nashville Lifestyles and Farm Flavor, with work syndicated to MarketWatch and Business Insider. Her favorite beat is cities: what makes them tick, where to eat, and why people love the places they live.
None of it is written by AI. City guides, roundups and service pieces are exactly the kind of content that looks easy to automate, and exactly the kind readers can tell was automated. Emily's pieces come from phone calls, visits, follow-up questions and actual opinions about which doughnut shop is worth the drive. No AI tools touch her research, her drafts or her edits.
She writes about a lot of towns. Nashville, her hometown, still has her heart.
- Based inNashville, Tennessee
- BeatsCities, travel, food, business
- FormerlyRegional Freelance Editor, Crain's Nashville
- Available forFeatures, profiles, guides, editing
Want it written by a person?
Emily is available for freelance writing, editing and content work. All of it by hand, none of it by prompt. Say hello.
hello@emilyhandy.com